Hobbies And Interests
White Phosphorous
Some of the first matches were made from white phosphorous. White phosphorous is poisonous and many workers in the match factories got ill from handling it. The use of these matches in the United States ended in 1910 when a safer alternative was created. A new law prevented the shipping of white phosphorus matches between states.
Matchbook
The typical matchbook is the way that most people get matches. Bowls in bars, gas station counters and hotel rooms are full of branded matchbooks given away for free. A small community of passionate collectors of matchbooks even exists.
Safety
Safety matches only light when struck on the intended striking surface. This includes the strip on the back of a matchbook or the side of a match box. They work by dividing the two active ingredients in a standard match. The potassium chlorate is restricted to the match itself while the red phosphorous is placed on the striking surface.
Strike Anywhere
Strike anywhere matches are the opposite of safety matches. Both of the required ingredients are combined on the head of the match, so any rough surface can be used to ignite one.
Long
Some matches are made much longer than others. The advantage of a long match is that it allows you to safely reach in and light things that are difficult to reach otherwise. Commonly, these are used to light fireplaces. People also use them to light outdoor fires or barbecues.
Waterproof
Some matches are coated with a special wax or covering to make sure that if they get wet they still light. While not strictly "waterproof" most are very resistant to the damage that moisture plays on regular matches. Waterproof matches are an essential item in any survival kit, and should be stored in a waterproof container to further reduce the likelihood of damage to the matches.