Frequently Asked Questions

Fatwood is the resin-saturated heartwood of naturally aged pine trees. Over decades the wood becomes dense with natural resin — a highly flammable, all-natural substance that makes fatwood one of the most reliable fire starting materials in existence. Monster Matches are made from Songmingzi wood — a rare, resin-rich wood derived from centuries-old Korean pines found in Heilongjiang Province, China. It is one of the most resin-dense fatwood varieties in the world.

Most fatwood on the market comes in small chips or thin sticks designed to be used as tinder under a larger fire. Monster Matches use a two-stick system: a match stick with a standard safety match head, and a separate blank fatwood stick that becomes your tinder and kindling. Shave the blank stick into a small pile of curls (or split it into kindling pieces), then strike the match stick against the included strike pad — one firm stroke lights it. Lay the lit match into your shaving pile and build your kindling over the flame. No lighter fluid. No ferro rod. Just two sticks and a strike.

Each Monster Match burns for approximately 8-10 minutes — more than enough time to get your fire established even in challenging conditions.

Monster Matches are water-resistant. The natural resin in fatwood repels moisture effectively, allowing them to perform in wet and damp conditions. We recommend storing them in a dry place and avoiding prolonged submersion in water.

No — Monster Matches are designed for outdoor use only. They produce an open flame and should never be used indoors, in enclosed spaces, or near flammable materials. Always follow basic fire safety practices.

Each 1 lbs pack contains approximately 13-15 Monster Matches & 13-15 blank fatwood sticks depending on the natural variation in wood density. Every stick is 4 inches long and ready to use straight out of the package.

Absolutely — and we encourage it. Use a knife to shave curls off the body of your Monster Match to create highly flammable tinder shavings. You can also score the surface to help the flame catch faster. One Monster Match gives you both an ignition source and your tinder in a single stick.

Indefinite. The natural resin in Songmingzi fatwood does not degrade over time — in fact older fatwood often burns better as the resin concentrates further. Store your Monster Matches in a cool dry place and they will be ready whenever you need them.

Monster Matches are currently manufactured in the Hubei Province of China using Songmingzi wood — a rare resin-rich fatwood sourced from naturally aged Korean pines in Heilongjiang Province. Our long-term vision is to bring production to the United States as we grow. Every order is personally fulfilled by our team in Sarasota, Florida.

Strike the thick end of your Monster Match against the rectangular strike pad included with your order. Once ignited hold the match at a 45-degree angle and allow the flame to climb up the wood. Once the fatwood itself is burning you can place it on the ground and begin building your fire around it. The natural resin burns hot and steady — giving you a reliable flame to work with.

Orders are processed within 2-3 business days. Standard shipping takes 5-8 business days within the continental United States. From order to delivery please allow 7-10 business days total. Free shipping is available on all orders over $60.

Burma Research is a small business based in Sarasota, Florida. Every order is personally handled and packed with care. We appreciate your patience and your support of an independent brand.

We stand behind every order with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason contact us at support@burmaresearch.com within 30 days of delivery. Returns are accepted for unopened, unused product only.

Email us at support@burmaresearch.com. You're talking directly to Peter — founder of Burma Research. We typically respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday.