Abstract: An igniter for combustible material includes a support, an element of a material capable of being ignited by friction, a movable friction-strip having a surface portion treated to produce ignition of the element by friction, and a plate secured to the support for holding and guiding the friction-strip is provided with an opening in front of the element. In operation, the friction-strip is pulled through the igniter, which brings the surface portion into frictional contact with the ignitable element and then uncovers the latter when ignited; the flame therefrom is available through the opening in the plate. Because the ignitable element is enclosed in a space between the support and the friction-strip, it is protected against destruction by mechanical impact or by humidity, as well as against accidental ignition due to friction with another body.