BCB Lifeboat source?

[Kav]

Reminder!- I’m in California.
1973 Kodiak Alaska. I’m issued
Arctic gear including two vials of NATO Survival matches/ British Lifeboats. Two became twenty as people couldn’t figure out the NEVER MENTIONED method of lighting the things. Shipmates tossed them for ‘ trusted’ Zippo lighters.’
I fell in love with them, still have a few vials of BCBs from a UK EBAY
Seller.
Ready sources have vanished. US retailers want $9.50 USD for ONE vial AND shipping!
Any UK dealers who ship overseas?

 

[kard133]

The Bath Bushcraft Shop sell them and state they ship to the US, the owner is great to deal with and I am sure he would be able to help you.

 

[billycoen]

Don't know if this is any good to you,but UCO do the same sort of thing.Lots on Amazon.

 

[Tengu]

Ive got some `Survival Aids` Dont know about BCBs.

Do you want any?

 

[Jared]

5col over there have them for $5.99 plus whatever they charge for shipping.

Lifeboat Survival Matches No 4 Mk3 | BCB International | 5col Supply

BCB's No 4 Mk 3 Survival Matches are a windproof, waterproof fire starter designed specifically for emergency use. Originally used in life raft survival kits, these stormproof matches are NATO approved: NSN-9920-99-665-4243.

5col.com

 

[Kav]

Thankyou all! I know Andy at 5col and his prices doubled. UCO is a very popular knockoff AND made in the PRC. Thankyou for the offer T. But shipping and payment would be a issue. I’m also battling a PAYPAL nightmare.
I will contact the UK dealer.
The stubborn criteria is; After a half century using BCBs it would be like changing my single malt, shaving with a electric razor or tying a Windsor knot. I am also one of the few who have used a lifeboat match on a lifeboat!

 

[Tengu]

Prudent.

But they are really only for emergencies or impressing pyromaniac kids.

If its wet I use my waterproof matches.

Ive never used a lifeboat match in anger.

 

[Kav]

Ahhhh. But fun is encountering a new Bushcrafter all of 18 years.
He knows Mors Kochanski, has a paracord bracelet, burnished brass and leather survival belt and wool Anorak.
Oh, and it’s summer under the Hollywood Sign and he can’t see the mountain lion crouched in the khaki colored grass.
I then have to look on as he shows the pathetic heirs of the Sierra Club
The manly art of a ferro rod.
It is SO much evilly delicious fun handing a lifeboat and striker to him,

 

[Jared]

UCO matches are made in India, by the Hind Matches Private Limited company.

 

[Kav]

I probably thought of another knock off. Bottom line? In Southern California we are blessed with a ‘moveable feast’ of food, music, holidays and stunning women. And
Sadly a bit of reverse discrimination
To ‘tired old white guys’ personally responsible for the worlds ills.
I get weary of telling a recent immigrante a ancestors name is on
The San Patricio memorial in revolutionary square. It’s fun to use
a hand dipped BCB to light a hand dipped beeswax candle and imagine who made both,

 

[Erbswurst]

Where are these BCB matches hand dipped?

 

[Kav]

I meant varnished. Such controversy buying British and helping YOUr economy and not another’s.
I should have dropped over to the 7-11 convenience store, grabbed a mess of BIC lighters along with a
Vanilla Coke, frozen beef and bean burrito ( microwave on hand) and a
Milky Way candy bar.

 

[Erbswurst]

If you buy a Bic lighter you help the French economy, and they need that for sure. Yours should be rather US made though.

 

[Kav]

According to Medvedeadhead France and the UK will go to war next.
I’m not sure I want to finance any special military operations to liberate Normandy with anti Longbow air defense systems
Mounted on Citroen 2CVs

 

[BigMonster]

UCO is much better.

 

[Kav]

Matt! Hello, I still refer people to your Polish Palatka tutorial as the Bible.
I’m stubborn and after a lifetime
Prefer my old Lifeboats.
I had a friend, riding instructor. I went to his home and saw a Polish Lance with guideon hung behind the couch.
Frederick!? You were there? YES,
We charged and then saw the Panzers. We were just trying to get the hell out of there. I rode to my family home and hid everything in the attic. - and avoid the katyn forest as an officer. He got to England , returned to communism and emigrated here.
So yes, my lance is a BCB and not a panzer!