Hunting matches: a reliable source of fire in the rain and wind

We know the ancient ways of kindling the fire, mainly from the history and descriptions of travelers who observed them in the camps of the so-called backward tribes. They themselves used to use matches long ago. It should be noted that in recent years lighters and auto-ignition on gas stoves have been added to them. However, matches to this day have not lost their relevance. But how much do we know about them? Do people often look at such familiar everyday things?

Matches can be different

Even the simplest, "home" matches are conceived sly enough. The main secret in their heads, which satisfy two almost opposite requirements: the tip of the match should not fall off the stick in case of fire, it should crumble when stored, and the wand will almost instantly go out when it burns a little.

Even more difficult are the tasks that hunting matches must perform. They are charged with the duty to burn much longer, they must give a big and hot flame, and it is necessary to light them both in the wind and in the rain. As a result, hunting matches below the head are coated with an additional composition and can burn from 10 to 20 seconds - what you need when you light a fire in "non-flying" conditions. Covering the head with a special film prevents it from getting wet. So it's possible to ignite a quality product even in the rain.

Even more "weather-resistant" storm matches: in the composition of their coating are also naphthalene with starch, so that even the wind of scores of 12 is not an obstacle for their ignition.

For those who rarely use such incendiary chopsticks, we note: it is undesirable to apply them in an apartment (house) - they have too much flame, and they smoke with a pungent and unpleasant smell.

The most well-known method

Hunting matches can be bought at any specialized store for fishermen and hunters. However, if there is not such a person near your house, and you can look for laziness, you can manage it yourself. Most often hunting matches with their own hands are made from conventional with additional substances: silver, nitrolac and ammonium nitrate. Serebryanka is mixed with saltpeter in equal quantities, lacquer is added to them. Everything is kneaded like a dough, until it begins to resemble it. The resulting "plasticine" is thinly rolled (preferably a glass bottle, which after it is not a pity to throw out). The pancake is cut into the most narrow stripes, not wider than a couple of millimeters, but better - even more. These ribbons are wound on the match spirally, from the head to the middle of the stick. Almost ready hunting matches are left for drying, after which the wound strips are painted with varnish. Do not lacquer the head - no sulfur match will not light up. Of course, the work is laborious, almost jewelry, but in the country, on a hike or fishing you will not remain without fire.

Can do otherwise

Less well known is another way of how to make a hunting match. Instead of the above components, cotton threads and paraffin wax suit. Threads are tightly wound on household matches, preferably not in one layer. The head, of course, remains open. The paraffin is melted, and blanks are dipped in it. It's easier to just throw matches into it, and then catch it; But in order not to wait for the draining of excess "wax", it is better to take each pair of tweezers and dip into the melt.

But whatever method you make hunting matches, do not forget to attend to dry "scraping" (or "chirkalka" - call it whatever you want). Without it, the most waterproof matches will not light up. The most simple method is to keep it in a tightly tied condom.

Will be useful on holidays!

Folk craftsmen believe that such a hunting device is appropriate not only in marching conditions. If a few fine iron filings are introduced into the composition processed by matches in the first variant of manufacture, then during the burning one can observe a beautiful spark firework similar to that of Bengal lights. In bad weather, I do not want to cancel the holiday, and not every factory product will "agree" to work in damp. So children can please and safe home-made things.