I just received 2 of these aluminum match cases from K&M and they are worth way more than the $20/each that I paid for them. Not only that, they are an Idaho company, made here in the USA. You and yours need at least one each. I had ordered the aluminum ones for my twin grandsons that are graduating high school, but I am ordering a couple of brass ones for me and the wifer. Maybe even a couple more for Christmas/birthday presents.
Pap

http://www.kmmatchcase.com/

OK Mike,
I am interested in a couple of dozen for the RKCC. Can you find out how much they would cost with the club logo etched/engraved on them?
Thanks, Capt. Chris
PS: I know I could call...but you're my "go to" guy out there. You hooked me up with the patch people...CCS

I agree, Mike. Fantastic product at a very reasonable price. I own four. Keith and Marge (K&M) are good folk.

I will check with them. Can I assume you would want the long brass model or short? I have the short aluminum but just ordered 4 brass in both sizes. Please advise.

Pap

If they make a black (or other color) anodized I could have them laser-etched over here on the Cape. It looks great...I've already paid for all set up charges and conditions...and would be more cost conscious for the club, verses engraving. I know you'll bird dog it Mike.
Let me know. Thanks, Capt. Chris

I was thinking more on the brass since Keith told me it ages real nice and he cuts them himself. The aluminum ones get sent off to be anodized. No big deal either way, but the lazer engraving might show up better on the brass. I have 4 more brass ones coming, so I can offer an opinion then. There was also a question if we wanted to serial number say 50 on a one time deal. Any thoughts?

Pap

Brass will not laser etch and show up well. Same story with aluminum, unless there is a finish (hence, my anodizing question) applied. The thin skin of the anodizing allows the laser to burn through, showing the detail on the raw aluminum. Let's see what these things will run first. I spent $2600.00 yesterday, picking items up for the Blade show.
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: The $2600 was all spent on "club-related" items, including the third issue of "KNIFE KNEWS". Photos and more later on...(in another thread)...CCS

For what it's worth, I have both brass and aluminum. Brass model is much heavier and more attractive. Aluminum model is very lightweight, which makes it better for backpacking.

Here are photos of each...

Question,
Do you have to use "strike anywhere" matches, or is there a striker surface somewhere?
Tony

Hi Tony,

There is a "striking surface" on the bottom of the cap (opposite the compass), which is just roughed up brass or aluminum depending on the model. It is meant to be used with strike anywhere matches, but doesn't work very well because it isn't very rough and it's small. The "striking surface" will not work with regular matches, REI Stormproof Matches, or NATO Survival Matches. You would need to carry a separate strike pad inside the matchcase, which is what I do.

Hi!

I,ve got one of those about a month ago, brass standard length(short?) and it is a nifty and very well done little package.

Just some friendly advice here: Store the matches "heads down" in the case, that way you don't risk the buissnes end of the matches coming in to contact with your wet hands when you really need them to work.

And yes, they do put some wear on the fabric of your pocket if you keep it there.

Thanks Tom!

Another tip I learned years ago; include a birthday candle or two inside the match safe. In a survival situation, or when conditions are 'precipitous' they will pay huge dividends.

Strike one match, light the candle and a better guarantee of successful fire lighting. Saves matches.
[Also advisable to include one or two birthday candles inside the handle of a Model 18.]

Cool match safes! I would like to acquire one.

One more thing to mention - the original "short" matchcase will no longer accept Diamond Brand Strike Anywhere matches unless the matches are trimmed. For some reason, about four years ago, Diamond Brand decided to lengthen their matches about 3/16". The "long" matchcase is long enough to accept the new Diamond matches and the REI Stormproof matches.

All of my matchcases are the short version, because I would rather trim matches than carry the extra weight and bulk of the long version.

Don't know why but I missed this till today. Are you still looking at getting some club cases? I like the idea. If so I'll take a couple of them.

We're still working on them. Keith had an open heart operation a couple of weeks ago so he is still on the mend. I haven't bugged him about it but I will email him in a couple more weeks. Stay tuned.

Pap

Yes
I saw on the site that he had heart surgery. Hope he is doing well. Anyway I would like to get some with the club logo.