OK, so I have been monkeying with my matches and matchcases. I have the standard K&M matchsafes as well as the long ones specifically made for the REI Stormproof matches. The difference is:

Standard = 4.00 inches (~10.10 cm) with protective cap on the compass end

Long = 4.50 inches (~11.20 cm) with protective cap on the compass end

I gotta say that even if I were not using REI stormproofs, I would get the larger size. You can always stuff it with more cotton or tinder of your choice. I alo bought the brass ones. The colored aluminum...no matter how tough, will eventually wear the color off. But the brass cases are not for you ultralight folks. When I get back to my lab next week I'll try to get weights.

In each K&M matchcase I can get 14 REI Stormproof matches and a striker wrapped in plastic. Four of the 14 need to go in oriented opposite from the others.

If you use Stormproofs in the standard cases, you'll need to trim about a CM off of the end of each match and a wee bit off of the striker.

I still dig the cases. It's nice to know I'll never wear something out for a change!

I'll try to post pics tonight.

I just recently got one of the KM matchcases myself, for my necklace stuff. I love it! I picked up an aluminum long case, and am very impressed with it so far. I like the QUALITY compass in the lid...a very nice touch!

I was fortunate enough to have picked up a few of the old aluminumn cannisters that used to hold diabetic test strips at a yard sale last year. At first I thought they were old film cannisters, but the seller informed me otherwise. They are long enough to at least hold standard wooden matches without trimming them. They might possibly be deep enough to hold waterproof matches or lifeboat matches. The caps are the plastic non-screw-off type. You just pop it off with your thumb. Some of the other modern diabetic strip cannisters are long enough too. The caps on those may have the moisture removal stuff built into the inside of the lid. YMMV. The seals on many of these lids is sturdier than the plastic film cannisters.

Tim