In a survival setting, the ability to light a fire is essential. The bulk of knowledge on this subject is immense and a range of fields, from biology to psychology, agree that an open flame that is sustainable and controlled can be the difference between life and death in many survival situations. These only offer a scientific explanation to the knowledge that humanity shares, virtually in any corner of the planet, ever since the dawn of time. From our cave ancestors to the most recent wilderness survival stories, there is a clear narrative – fire is the beacon of light that protects against the many dangers of the world.
There are numerous reasons why this is true. Fire allows anyone to remain warm and dry, even when surrounded by freezing surroundings. Flames offer a chance for food and water to be thermally prepared, which makes them safe from bacteria and other harmful agents. A single strain of flame can offer light and visibility that can be crucial to the survival of a dark or underground space like a cave. The open fire is an excellent deterrent when dealing with wild and dangerous creatures like a pack of wolves and will easily make the difference between being a prey or surviving. A smoke from a fire can allow for a person to be spotted from afar off from above by a rescue team.
Lastly, there is an important factor to a fire that regularly tips the scales to give the survivors an edge – having a fire in the early stages of a survival situation is a huge psychological and emotional boost. Experience showed that this injection of self-confidence and optimism is often so strong that those who are left without it can have their chances of survival a lot smaller. Thanks to all of this, it is clear that establishing a fire is an almost universal first move for any survival setup. To do this, there is a range of meaning that will provide, if successful, the same outcome. However, at the same time, the prepper mentality includes an approach that would take provide the person with an immediate means of starting a fire. There is a way to do the same and it is possible thanks to a really simple but very effective tool – waterproof matches.
These are one of the most important possessions a person might have with them. This can then be directly responsible for saving their lives. What is even more impressive about them is the fact that anyone can produce homemade waterproof matches. Here is an overview of why a person should have these survival aids and also employ one of these procedures and make sure they always have homemade waterproof matches at their side.
Why use Waterproof Matches
The simple reason for the use of these matches is the fact that they provide a means of attaining an instant flame in almost any environment. Even if soaked in water, these matches will still catch the light and be ready to make a fire. Unlike more complicated devices, like lighters, they can be easily stored and carried while at the same time, they offer a universal chance of success, unlike, for example, a fire piston. Lastly, by making homemade waterproof matches, a person can turn any ordinary match in this essential survival gear. Here are several ways how this can be achieved.
1. Candle or Paraffin Wax
Wax has been used for centuries to preserve things from water, thanks to its ability to completely insulate anything with a full layer of coating. To make regular matches waterproof, only paraffin or candle way is needed. Firstly, the same wax should be melted and kept at a temperature where it is liquid. Once in that container where it lies in a liquid form, a match should be dipped in head-first. Aside from the tip, the wax should cover at least another half of inch of the match. Once dipped, the match should be left to cool down and the coating to become solid. From there, the use of these homemade waterproof matches should only include gently scraping the way from the tip and then lighting it on fire. The rest of the waxed body will help the same match to burn longer and stronger.
2. Melted Crayons
Crayons can act in a manner similar to wax, but with an added difference – the waterproof matches made with this material should be usable without the need to take down the coating. To make these, a crayon should be placed above a stationary match. With a lighter, the tip of the crayon should be slowly melted away, allowing the same material to drip over the top of the crayon. Then, the match should be rotated by a 180-degree turn based on its lengths, so that the other side of the head also gets a coating. Once the crying film has dried, the same match should be ready to go as soon as the user strikes it.
3. Nail Polish or Shellac
Nail polish, as well as shellac, is water-resistant, so they make a logical tool for creating homemade waterproof matches. With both materials, the main idea is to dip once again the head of the match and a bit of its “neck” into the same solution. Once it, the match should get an even, well-spread cover that encases the entire body of the match from a certain point. The same coating should be even and without gaps, but not too thick. This way, the match will be usable with the coating. Not only that, but the coating will make sure that the starter ahead of the match remains in one piece even after a rough lightning process.
4. Turpentine
Unlike most of the previously mentioned material, turpentine might not be that common, but it still makes for great waterproof matches. Ordinary matches should be dipped whole in turpentine and left there for about five minutes. After that, they should be taken out and left to dry either naturally or using a blow dryer. As their coating becomes solid, they will be fully waterproof for up to a year. After that, the coating runs the risk of slowly degrading and allowing some water to reach the interior of the match head and ruin it.
Using one or more of these methods is a tried and tested way of making homemade waterproof matches. In a particular environment and a survival situation, these could become more than valuable allies in the process of staying alive and well.
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