Abstract: A safety matchbook comprises a cardboard blank folded so as to form a matchbook, retains a plurality of matches and has a striking surface within a chamber for igniting a match. The striking surface is concealed within a tubular chamber formed by the folds of the cardboard blank and is accessible through a hole in a side of the chamber. The match, which is bent or scored at a point immediately below its head, is ignited by inserting the end of the match opposite the head into the hole so that the opposite end extends through one end of the tubular chamber. The match is then pulled through the chamber, thereby drawing the head of the match across the striking surface, igniting the match.