View Full Version : Match cases
So now I’ve bought the strike anywhere matches, I need a match case!
I’ve searched the threads and the best ones (small production runs) don’t seem to be available at the moment.
Anyone got any advice where I could buy a good ‘en and get it delivered to the UK?
Ta chaps
AJB
British Red
16-06-2006, 10:50
AJB,
There have been some for sale on BB called (I think) K&M or similar - machined from solid metal (brass and alu) and O ring sealed - they look the business. I think Hoodoo could give you a link - I've seen something similar in his pictures (often with a small compass in the lid)
Red
edit to add
Here they are
http://kmmatchcase.safeshopper.com/
Thanks Red, I can always rely on you! And Hoodoo always comes up trumps!
British Red
16-06-2006, 10:54
Found em mate - see edit above!
British Red
16-06-2006, 11:00
You are a bad man - having found the website I just ordered one <sigh> I am so weak
Red, please could you post the link mate? EDIT - Oops – sorry – I looked above and saw nothing – me must have our browser set up differently as the link is below on mine! Sorry, should have known you wouldn’t let me down.
Which one did you get?
AJB
British Red
16-06-2006, 15:21
Theres only one for a man like me - the extra long :) For an extra $2 I thought it was worth it (I can put short matches in a long box but not long in a short box). Postage was only $5 too
David Moulds
16-06-2006, 15:41
Why not try an old film canister costs nothing 100% water proof and if you drop it in water it will float.
Davy :rolleyes:
yes i have put matches in film canisters they are great and they also float like david moulds said
Red - I think you missed an opportunity to talk me into another group buy there! ;) :D
I've been eying these up too....is there a multiple deal on postage to be had??
ps. Film canisters don't fit super-duper-Penley matches :nana:
scruff you'll like the K&M cases they are a great bit of kit (I have six of them:o )
I'd really like one in that eye popping yellow though :(
When you get a chance drop Schwert a line, he is the guy that set up Keith Lunders website (K&M Matchcases), he has also arranged group buys for forums before, if you speak to him he may be able to let you know what the availability of the yellow powdercoat cases are.
Ah thanks for that Leon-01, I'll drop him a PM next week :beerchug:
Labrador
16-06-2006, 17:21
The K&M case is brilliant. I bought one from Cabelas in the States years ago & it hasn't ever let me down. the only downside is that the compass may get a bubble in it if it is airfreighted but you can put in a standard button compass with a little filing work on the compass (not the mathcase). At least that's what I did!
The KM match cases are fantastic I ordered two earlier this year one brass one red - I recommend contacting Schwert for further info on ordering.
Thanks guys. The cases are really superb and I think will end up being passed down to your children. Thanks for posting up the website link too.
The orange and yellow powdercoated cases are long gone and likely to never be available again due to increased production difficulties.
Keith can ship up to 5 cases in the global mailers for $5. The next size mailer is $9 and fits about 10-12 cases.
For a long history of K&M Industries do not miss reading Keith's writeup in the "Company" tab on the website. I am quite proud to have been one of Keith's early customers and never imagined I would end up helping him get these cases out.
monkey_pork
16-06-2006, 18:22
The cases are really superb and I think will end up being passed down to your children.
Having had mine for a good while now, I'd have no doubt that this will turn out to be quite true. They are great cases, no question.
2blackcat
16-06-2006, 21:45
Got to agree with everyone else here who has bought one
They are a rock solid bit of kit
Just remember you don't have to only store matches in them
From what I remember there were some interesting kits that were made up to fit in them
Schwert did a great job with that group buy
Amen to that.
I have a few pieces of outdoor kit that I take on every trip. The K and M matchcase is one. When canoeing I keep it in my buoyancy aid.
It is reliably waterproof.
It holds a lot of matches.
You can strike them on the knurled body.
The compass is reliable and useable.
The aluminium version is very light.
I reckon the K and M matchcase is the best of its kind and I'm grateful to Schwert for sourcing them for us. I have no connection except as a satisfied customer.
The brass one makes a nice gift/heirloom, but, IMHO, is too heavy for the backpacker.
Schwert - Thanks for getting back to me on that one. No doubt I'll have to stop putting off the inevitable and get myself ordering.
I thought it may have been the case that the powder coated ones had been difficult to fabricate. Nevermind....its an excellent range anyway.
Now where did I put m'wallet ;)
The long cases are really quite long aren’t they!
Any one used them as an emergency kit container, if so, what did you manage to get in it?
except for the compass, why don't you guys use filmroll cases?
Not shiny, not as pretty, not as much fun?
haha, okay. fair enough I catch your drift
except for the compass, why don't you guys use filmroll cases?
It also depends on the match that you put in them, the Penleys ones are a fair bit longer than normal Swan Vesta's that we get in this country and would not fit in a 35mm film case without being cut down.
The K&M cases also have a double O ring seal that makes them very dependable on the waterproofing side of life.
They obviously have the advantage of being a lot more robust than a 35mm film case and can be attached to a button hole (or suitable attachment point) using the little lanyard that comes with it.
These are a few of the benefits to them and I hope that it goes towards answering your question in part at least.:)
longshot
26-06-2006, 19:35
just a thought, but you can get large pill bottles here in Canada at the pharmacy, chemist in the UK i believe, you can get a lot of matches and or kit into one of them, not as pretty as a proper match case or as robust but more accessable for those starting out and or on a budget.
dean
I received my K&M match case today – it’s really nice.
I didn’t realise that the cap was a push fit; I had assumed that it screwed on, but it seems quite secure, has anyone had any problems with this. Also do people use the plastic end cap to protect the compass or do you risk it?
AJB
Must say I'm quite surprised to here the cases aren't threaded. I thought from the images on the site they we're :confused: It doesn't seem, from what I've read, to be a problem though.
Well I'd be interested to know how you get on with it, once its been tried and tested. BTW which model did you opt for? Is there plenty of room for the Penley's?
Must say I'm quite surprised to here the cases aren't threaded. I thought from the images on the site they we're :confused: It doesn't seem, from what I've read, to be a problem though.
Well I'd be interested to know how you get on with it, once its been tried and tested. BTW which model did you opt for? Is there plenty of room for the Penley's?
Hi Scruff,
Ditto – I supposed I just assumed, probably because most water proof things screw down onto a gasket. I’m not saying I don’t like them; it’s just not what I expected. The end seems fairly secure, but they do advise the use of an elaborate bit of string wrapping to keep them on!
I went for the brass version of standard length and the Penleys fit perfectly and strike very well on the outside. It will fit about twenty matches loosely, but I’ve packed them all in the same orientation, if you filled it randomly you would probably get more in. it will also fit the micro firesteels I’ve just ordered – I like the idea of having a back up firesteel in there too.
I’m a bit concerned that the compass is a bit vulnerable, but I’m not keen on the plastic cap they supply – does anyone know if you can buy replacement compasses to fit?
Anyone used one of these for any length of time?
AJB
Graham_S
27-06-2006, 23:12
i've been using one for a while now. it's a great bit of kit (i have the aluminium version in my belt pouch).
if used correctly the push fit is better than a screw thread. with the soft metals used for the case there is a risk of cross threading (especially when you have cold hands) and if that happens your case is no longer waterproof. twisting the lid with the lanyard attached provides a secure fit every time and is more resistant to rough handling.
the protective compass cover while not to everyones taste, is quite effective for protecting the compass from knocks. and in the event that it does get damaged, it's a standard sunnto button compass and should be easy to replace.
Hi Graham, thanks for the info.
AJB
it will also fit the micro firesteels I’ve just ordered
I've given up on the company I ordered these from - anyone know a supplier of these microfiresteels (except - http://www.campingsurvival.com/flintbar18x2.html - see resources section - 'what customer service!')
Ta
AJB
retrohiker
30-06-2006, 20:28
Anybody know of a flat style match case that fits in a trouser pocket better than a big, heavy round lump??? Kephart mentions that style in his book but I've never seen anything other than the round cylinder type.
Keith_Beef
01-07-2006, 03:31
Anybody know of a flat style match case that fits in a trouser pocket better than a big, heavy round lump??? Kephart mentions that style in his book but I've never seen anything other than the round cylinder type.
I imagine it's harder to get a good waterproof seal on a rectangular box than on a round box.
If you're willing to spend time preparing your matches by dripping molten candle wax over them to waterproof them, I suppose a Fisherman's Friend tin would do the job.
K.
I've got a K&M case and it's a great piece of kit.
However, in the past I've used a short length of plastic plumbing pipe and a couple of push-fit stop ends:
http://www.casupply.co.uk/acatalog/Speedfit_Plastic_Plumbing.html
Most branches of B&Q and Wickes etc sell them.
The stop ends have O-ring seals inside them and make a completely waterproof unit (they grip the pipe with internal stainless steel teeth, so make sure you get the ones which have a little collet which you pull back to release the fitting. In the past, I've removed the collet and teeth from one of the stop ends so it just becomes a friction fit).
Not as elegant as the K&M cases, but you can pick your case length and have a choice of two diameters :)
best
Matt
Anybody know of a flat style match case that fits in a trouser pocket better than a big, heavy round lump??? Kephart mentions that style in his book but I've never seen anything other than the round cylinder type.
The flat style are a more traditional match case. they used to be made in silver. You can still find them in antique fairs and the like - I occasionally get given them as heirlooms/ handed down items.
Sort of like this
http://i19.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/24/34/2f_1_b.JPG
I don't know if they still make them. probably I would guess.
:)
Spikey DaPikey
03-07-2006, 12:20
Quite a few of them on evilbay ;)
I've given up on the company I ordered these from - anyone know a supplier of these microfiresteels (except - http://www.campingsurvival.com/flintbar18x2.html - see resources section - 'what customer service!')
Ta
AJB
Have you tried Hoods Woods? (http://survival.instantestore.net/pd_mini.cfm)
The firesteels are smaller than the ones on the square magnesium bars. Great for slipping into matchsafes and I carry one in my wallet. They also sell them in packages of 5.
This might make a great group buy. Just to warn ya, one is never enough. You will not have trouble squirreling away 5 or 10 of them. :D
Hi Hoodoo
Those are the very ones, thank you very much.
AJB
AJB,
Just a few comments about my K&M cases (I am an interested party remember.... :) )
I have been carrying and using some of my K&M cases for over 15 years. I have never had one fail to keep my matches dry. Early versions had compass problems though. I generally do keep my plastic cap over the compass but none of my early versions came with this cover and for the most part these are doing fine except for some bubbles.
Silva markets a screwtop version using much of the same format as the K&M but only has one o-ring. Keith found that brass and aluminum are too prone to galling with a screwtop seal so decided on the press-fit stopper with tension cord as the best all around method.
If you lube the o-rings too much the stopper can pop out if you do not use the tension cords to hold it in place. I am so used to twisting these open and closed that I find I do it without any thought at all.
The compass Keith currently is using is the standard Suunto compass found in the wrist watch attachment version Suunto sells. I cannot remember exactly what they call this but that little button compass can be removed from the housing and used in the cases if you ever have a reason to do so.
My oldest matchcase is a chrome plated EverDry that one belonged to my Grandfather. It has a twist seal top and is a bugger to open....I still like it though as it reminds me of some of the things we used to do together.
atraildreamer
28-08-2006, 21:00
I don't know if they sell them In England, but in the states you can buy M&M minis candy in plastic tubes. There are 2 sizes available and the smaller size makes an excellent matchcase--various colors, waterproof, and will float! :)
(And you get to eat the candy! :D )
I use a shotgun cartridge match box. Get 2 freshly shot cartridges, preferably from a .12 gauge, take the brass bottom of one, by heating it with a candle and it should fit quite snug onto the top of the other cartridge. A little wax on the end helps give it a watertight seal.
crazydave
29-08-2006, 01:32
old american army match safes are good and even have a flint on the base - normally I sling the box in a snap seal bag and tuck away in the back trouser pocket till needed.
the white film cans are better than the black ones as they done pop open so easy
I just made mine out of a couple of used shotgun cartridges, never had a problem
Bushwacker
30-08-2006, 09:05
I always use a urine specimine tube, 70p from the local chemist. If it will hold p**s without leaking in your pocket, I figured it would keep my matches and striker dry. :D
being old I have a old 35mm film container it is made of aluminium has a screw top with waterproof seal. I have glued a piece of sandpaper on the base. It cost me nothing. If you can find the cans in junk shops they are very usefull
seamonkey
30-08-2006, 15:21
interesting thread, being a tight arsed scotsman i use an 35mm film container with strikers superglued on the outside and one internally turned upside down in the lid(if that make sense)
..for some reason i really want one of those brass ones however.. group buy perhaps??
hmmmm.
I have two of the K & M match cases, one brass and one black aluminium one.
I now fancy one of the red one's.
atraildreamer
02-09-2006, 12:10
with strikers superglued on the outside and one internally turned upside down in the lid(if that make sense)
That is a great idea! :You_Rock_ I never really trusted the striker on the outside type of matchcase. Too much of a chance of the striker falling off, getting dirty or wet. I'll be glueing strikers (sandpaper) on both the outside and inside of a tube of M&M minis, as soon as I empty the container (Yum!) :)
Ah, trouble is though, there beautiful match cases, but can you get them without the compasses? They always go duff those little button compasses - I use a good old Silva one.
British Red
02-09-2006, 16:58
These ar Suntos mate - not cheap rubbish -as good as Silva (who do a fair range of button compasses BTW)
Red
I've just got a K&M in brass, well made, nice kit and super service from across the pond. I'm using a small Nokia phone case, £1 from the market, to carry it in; fits well and you can clip it on your belt or use the belt loop
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/KM1.jpg
That's a lot bigger then I thought it would be if it fits in a case for a mobile phone!! Any chance of a photo with the top off showing how many matches can be crammed in there?
The match case is 4" X 3/4", the phone case is for a very small phone, it says c55 inside. With the case its 4" X 1 1/2 " At the moment I have about 30 standard England's Glory, 6 windproof and a strip of lighting pad in the tube. Hope that helps Spamel
seamonkey
03-09-2006, 06:26
That is a great idea! :You_Rock_ I never really trusted the striker on the outside tyupe of matchcase. Too much of a chance of the striker falling off, getting dirty or wet. I'll be glueing strikers (sandpaper) on both the outside and inside of a tube of M&M minis, as soon as I empty the container (Yum!) :)
glad to be of service ;)