I have heard a rumor (don't remember where) that they changed the formula to reduce the chance of ignition caused by impact. I guess that this might cause a gap in availability.

Many of the places that used to carry the StrikeAnywhere matches ceased to do so because the cost doubled due to them becoming labeled 'hazardous material'.

Track down the manager of the grocery store you usually patronize, and ask if they could get some. Point out that hunters, fishermen, boaters, etc, don't usually carry around a large cardboard box of matches with them. Also point out that no one else around seems to carry them. Maybe they will change their ordering habit if they think there might be enough profit in them.

K-Mart, the higher-priced grocery stores, and some of the outdoor-type stores may carry them in your area, too.

Sue

I've found the Penley brand strike-anywheres in Albertson's grocery stores near the BBQ and picnic supplies.

I always load my matchcases with head up/head down matches. I have never had any issues doing this at all. About the only thing I ever consider is how long the match sticks are. I have a couple of boxes of Strike Anywhere matches with long sticks that do not fit my cases. A quick 2mm trim and these are set to go, but if I did not look first it would not be a fun time putting the lid on the case.

I use Shellac to coat my matches, this works very well for waterproofing. I have found wax eventually caused them to degrade.

I would recommend anyone who sees Strike Anywhere matches to buy them. They do seem harder to find and impossible in some states.

Here are some of my cases...



With shellaced matches...

What kind of match cases are those?

They appear to be K&M Matchcases. Another link. Another.

Although, they look very similar to the Silva matchcase.

-john

Yup, those are K&M matchcases. K&M used to make the Silva cases too, but not that current screw top version which is made in Taiwan.

Those K&M matchcases sure are sweet. But knowing how well prepared you are, Schwert, I'm almost afraid to ask...do you EDC all of them at the same time? I'm chuckling as I type this, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if you said, "Yes". <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Well I will admit to having quite a few scattered about, but no I do not carry all of them at once.

I do have one in my vest and one in each vehicle, one in my camera backpack, and one.....

well you get the idea <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I do think they are about the best case around....but am a bit hesitant to toot that horn as I do help the maker, Keith Lunders, retail them.

I fully believe in the Chris K philosophy that matches should always be part of a kit for their familiarity alone....your skills with alternative methods are great but mean nothing while you are incapacitated.

I carried strike anywhere matches up and down the Appalachian Tail in the 70's in a cheap plastic combination whistle/compass/matchcase without incident. I recently found that old matchcase in going through some of my old gear and the matches inside (from the 80's) still worked fine. It's been stored in cardboard boxes in sheds, attics, and garages and never opened until September of this year. When the matchcase was in my pack in the 70's it got dropped off of one cliff, floated in several rivers, and generally well used without regard for the matches inside. I loaded matches one up and one down (just to fit in a couple of extra) and used them almost daily without incident for years.