matches

[270man]

Most outdoorsmen I know now depend upon BIC lighters or other fire starters as opposed to the lowly kitchen match. However, I still find them useful although I don't depend on them exclusively (I usually carry 3 or 4 types of fire starters when out in the wilds).

Here's my question: Have matches been changed in their chemical makeup or in some other way? My trailer is always stocked with a couple of boxes of the Diamond brand "strike anywhere" matches. In days gone by I could strike these matches on my jeans (under the upper leg when stretched tight), on a metal zipper, on a rock, etc. Some brave souls could even strike them on a tooth or with a fingernail! The current crop of matches will barely light when raked across the striker on the side of the box. Sometimes, I have to use 5-10 matches to light my camping lantern.

Many years ago, OSHA proposed to force match makers to treat their matches with a chemical retardant which would extinguish the flame in 15 seconds. This was to prevent us poor, incompetent yokels from burning ourselves. The plan was supposedly squelched, but sometimes I wonder.

Yes, I know that the solution is to buy the specialty camping matches advertisted as both windproof and waterproof. However, I wonder if any others have fought this same problem with the old standard kitchen match?

270man