Could you light a match with a rough surface?

how would one strike a match otherwise?

Nearly all matches nowadays are safety matches. That means that it will only light because the phosphorus in the matchbox striking surface helps start the reaction. Any other rough surface would just wear away the match head without generating enough heat from the friction to ignite the match.

Many years ago match heads used to have a different composition (already containing the phosphorus) and would light on any rough surface. They were very unsafe because they could light up just by shaking the matchbox too roughly, especially on a hot day. Later some safer versions of strike-anywhere matches were made, and apparently they are still made today, but they are hard to find.

Here in Holland, we have strike-anywhere matches made out of wax. They have a blue 'head'.

You can even strike them om a very uneven brick.

We used to fold the wax around the head and then it's like a little miniature smoke-bomb.

Usually they are available at the 'Kermis', I believe it's called 'Carnaval' in the UK and US.

quote:

Originally posted by Marinus84:
Usually they are available at the 'Kermis', I believe it's called 'Carnaval' in the UK and US.

You mean a 'Funfair' or 'Fairground'.
That is the only place I've ever seen them (and that was 20 years ago). They are just sold as toys rather than practical matches.

quote:

Originally posted by jaap:

quote:

Originally posted by Marinus84:
Usually they are available at the 'Kermis', I believe it's called 'Carnaval' in the UK and US.

You mean a 'Funfair' or 'Fairground'.
That is the only place I've ever seen them (and that was 20 years ago). They are just sold as toys rather than practical matches.

Yep, the fairground, but they're still widely available here.