Ok, just added a Ultimate Survival Technologies Blast Match. Comments to follow the pictures.


Boxed


Contents


Closed position


Opened position


Striker's drag length across the steel


Close up of striker's drag length


About .25" of the steel appears to be not used.


On the inside - don't do this unless you are prepared to glue the housing pieces back together. smile Looks like the steel can be replaced if you're willing to tinker with it.


What I like.
The Blast Match Steel for me measures 7/16" in diameter which I think is a nice beefy steel and should last a very long time. It produces a good amount of sparks and can be operated with one hand. Does not feel very heavy. (sorry I don't have a scale) The steel can be rotated to distribute wear around the steel.

What I dislike.
I think opening it with one hand is a bit awkward as your fingers need to be a bit agile to fumble the cover around. The steel has a lot of play relative to the housing when it is extended. About .25" of the steel appears not to be used when striking.

Overall not too shabby but I prefer UST's Sparkie model if I had to choose.