kitchen matches won't ignite

[debodun]

I found a box of "strike on box" kitchen matches, but I tried a few and none would light. I don't know how old they are, but if they're something my mom acquired, they are at least 10 hears old. I wanted to know if matches have a shelf life.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Some old matches can be affected by the humidity and not light properly after so many years.

 

[Timetrvlr]

They are probably "safety matches" designed not to catch fire.

 

[debodun]

I tried another box with a striking patch on it, more like sandpaper, and a match ignited. Must be a bad striker on the older box.