My Thoughts on the BlastMatch I got from Cheaper Than Dirt

[BlackBagResources]

Great video! I've used the BlastMatch for years and never tried using my index finger to push the rod. That's a much more controlled way to light your fire. Thanks! Subscribed to your channel.

[adrianbethke]

The BlastMatch is a great tool, I just posted a review of mine. Great video!

[phrankus2009]

I own Blast-Match and Strike-Force and Sweedish Scout ... all great.

My main objection, to the Blast-Match *was* that it seemed to require a stable/solid surface and would likely disturb the "micro-tinder" at the center of a traditional "tinder-nest" ... Of course, it DOES allow one-handed (gloved) operation and you CAN use it with a traditional striker or ... as you just pointed out ... The Blast CAN be used without a bracing surface (but not with the same spark-volume).

GREAT JOB !!!

[4x4rangerdanger]

just put a piece of reflective tape on it. that way if you drop it your flashlight will shine it

[1840218403]

does it really take 8 minutes to strike that

[Kevinthewiseone]

I just got my Blast match to try out and overall its a good product and i can see myself using this during the winter when i have gloves on but i will stick to a regular fire steel during the rest of the year...I usually prefer a simple firesteel rod with a striker made out of either the tungsten which can be found in the "super scrapers" that several sites sell or a blade from a childs scissors or the squared off back of a Mora knife, but the best one i found to date was a CarbideKnifesharpner

[FireSteels]

My feeling is why rely upon a spring - a simple rod with a knife or scraper works great as it is :-)

[cobalt120]

It should be noted that there are many blastmatch clones out there that require you to lift the tab instead of the thumb flick.

Make certain that you get a certified USG original blastmatch.

[hiramcook]

Funny you should say that. I bought a clone on eBay for a couple of bucks and boy what a piece of crap. I've been thinking of doing a video comparing the clone to the real thing.

[cobalt120]

@hiramcook

Look on my channel. I've already done a quick review on the clones.

As far as clone quality is concerned. The main problem is the striker that is made of a smooth ceramic and is on a 45+ deg angle. Not the rough tungsten carbide of an original blast match.

[cobalt120]

@hiramcook

Also on the clones you should run some 80 or 120 grit sand paper along the length of the rod to roughen them up a little. Makes a large difference in spark quality, and gets rid of the seeped in oil from the kind of cheap paint they used to coat the rod to begin with.

[bestSVMS]

@hiramcook I would love to see that

[natofyelsew]

also, not many people know this but if you have the Sparkie, the mini version of this, you can pop out the old rod when it wears down and you can get replacements online. the size is 1/4" by 1 9/16" only thing is that you can only get them in i think 4 and 5 inch, so you would have to cut them to size with a hacksaw

[labrat7357]

Thanks for the clip, always informative. I noticed the difference in volume of sparks when using the in built in striker Vs your striker. Is there somthing special about the inbuilt one that creats so much sparking? Is the edge straight or curved? Could be a good project to make a home made version, just for the fun of it.

[cobalt120]

@labrat7357

The original blastmatch internal striker is a rough tungsten carbide. It's a flat squared off bar.

You can get as good of sparks (manually) if you use a proper striker such as a saws-all blade.

[spartan2527]

lovin the marine corps sticker!!!!

[MajesticChicken]

You have got some hocks for hands friend! ha ha! Great review, but I have to wonder, does it seem kind of cheap at all? Like maybe a drop on a rock could bust it apart? Maybe break the cap off? thanks.

[brawin01]

Hello Hiram,

CAn you twist the rod so you don't wear just one side down?

[hiramcook]

The rod twists on it's own already.

[hiramcook]

The rod twists on it's own already.

[BrokenAeroVT]

I'd put some orange tape on it rather than paint, that way if you change your mind later you won't regret it.

[NCHiker1970]

Ok this is a great toy that I must have LOL! My wife has issues with the other fire starting rods, but I bet this would be easier and less frustrating for her. Great video Hiram!

[nj4x4fever2]

I heard that in emergency situations the spark is very bright and you could use it as a signalling device too. I love my blast match and Wet Fire Tinder. I never go camping without them.

Thanks for the video.

5/5

[jons4real]

Hey hiramcook, I thought about buying one of these untill I spoke to a friend of mine. He works at a sporting good store and told me that they get tons of these returned due to spring failure. So based on that info I skipped on it. What do you think? Is it a sound product? If the spring did break or slide off the flint could you still use it?

[hiramcook]

I do think it's a sound product but let me look into that spring thing. I've had several people comment about a spring problem they heard about. I'll get right back to you.

[chrissept21]

@hiramcook if the spring goes its no big deal just pull the rod out and then push the button and then place on the tinder and push

[megasimon999]

Great review Hiram! you can also turn the rod around if one side gets worn down.

In combination with wetfire or cotton wool and vaseline its a great method!

[bushcraftbartons]

Good review Hiram...5/5

Mike

[DAV19800]

hiram i think you could definitely use this with frost bite(minor), to both hands. good review.

[hiramcook]

If I was able to use it left-handed I think you are right.

[TheBeebopper]

Can you not attatch a flourescent cord to it?

[LukeLikesToHike]

That thing looks pretty sweet. What's the weight on it?

[hiramcook]

I knew I forgot to cover something. 78 grams or about 2 3/4oz.

[seka1986]

Nice!