Small/cheap equipment

[grenfell]

. However,now that both stoves are being lit,we are using the safety matches - 2 per day!

You wasterel 2 matches . Surely only one to light the first stove then a paper twill to light the second...
Honestly disappointed

[Frnc]

On the topic, for lighting my cooker, I disabled the electric lighter, I use a battery one that charges by a USB. Charge lasts a few months, or at least a few weeks. Is flameless, just creates a spark. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123937087472. Works for gas. I think it would work on meths. I believe it would even light paper/tinder. But I've only used it on gas.

[jansman]

. However,now that both stoves are being lit,we are using the safety matches - 2 per day!

You wasterel 2 matches . Surely only one to light the first stove then a paper twill to light the second...
Honestly disappointed

I’m a lot more well - off grenfell

[jennyjj01]

Zippos are nice although meant for constant use and constant refilling as unused the fuel evaporates. On a similar vein I have read about some of the cheaper disposables suffering from gas loss in storage.
Just a thought , when I was younger on camping trips we'd dip standard red headed matches in candle wax to protect the head from moisture. Jansman mentions safety matches , can those be dipped in wax? My inclination is probably not but I've never tried it. We have a supply of safety matches that are frankly a bit on the poor side. They came in a car boot job lot we brought so not really sure how old they were. Fiddly little boxes and a fairly high number that failed to light or the head fell off.

Thanks. I'll have to check my stash of lighters. Put away in the loft 3 years ago, they may all be empty now. That would be a bugger!
Matches: I managed to buy 1000 'strike anywhere' matches before they got banned*. Must check that they haven't degraded. My box of safety matches, kept in the garage have become useless with just the tiniest bit of dampness.

One shop wouldn't let me buy more than one box because of the law!

[Nurseandy]

As others have said just buy disposable lighters in bulk and spread them around the house/shed in case of dampness etc. Even if empty they still spark so other than for the fun of it they even make ferro rods redundant.
I suggest a ratio of 1 lighter per rechargeable battery

[GillyBee]

If I really want to set fire to something I'll get the Rothenburger out. But it would be rather too much for a few candles.

[Yorkshire Andy]

If I really want to set fire to something I'll get the Rothenburger out. But it would be rather too much for a few candles.

I love the smell of Mapp gas in the morning

[Yorkshire Andy]

Lidl have dab / FM radios in battery / usb powered £25 ok might sound a lot but cheaper than many

The usb input means a good run time off a power bank etc

I've got a earlier model it works fine it's even survived getting wet on the allotment

[rik_uk3]

Always have at least one of these

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133763626165 ... BMyrK_oYhh

[jennyjj01]

Always have at least one of these

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133763626165 ... BMyrK_oYhh

I've never really considered a fire steel.
Please can someone estimate how many fires one can start before it's worn out.

Would a bit of tissue be suitable to get a fire started, or do you need a bit of magnesium powder or something?