How to Strike a Match

Man has likely wielded fire for thousands of years. Even so, without modern conveniences, it is notoriously difficult to create. One of the most ubiquitous and easy-to-use fire starting elements is the match. From wooden and cardboard to waterproof and easy-strike, matches are produced in a variety of forms. Striking a match is a straightforward concept, but should you be down to your last match, you must take great care to do it properly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up your match and grasp it between your thumb and forefinger.

    • 2

      Hold the match toward the middle or support the upper part with one of your other fingers to prevent it from breaking as you strike it.

    • 3

      Locate a coarse, solid surface. The ideal surface is a low coarseness sandpaper, but a close facsimile should suffice.

    • 4

      Slide the head of the match briskly across the surface, but without enough pressure to snap it.

    • 5

      Hold the match with the head down as it ignites and shield it from wind to give the flame a chance to build before using it.