Watching the"Masters of Survival", it was interesting to hear each of Les, Dave, Cody, Bear and the Hawkes give accolades to the bic. "Just carry a ding dang lighter!" sayeth Mike.

I EDC a bic but they don't like the cold so I don't depend on it.

Micro size and ultra lightweight are not concerns of mine. I'm really only a dayhiker these days and I don't mind a few extra ounces if that gives me a significant survival edge. I am not one of those "you can split a match into four useable pieces" kind of guy. You're more likely to find me carrying multiple match safes choke full of tons of matches. And a BIC. And a firesteel. And a small fresnal lens. I want that "survival edge" and having all these things might just supply that edge.

These are not heavy items. I hadn't thought about the fire paste though. That sounds like it might be a good addition.

Very true, but 5 min in the armpit and they fire up just fine.

The one thing I can see with the fire paste is that it comes in a pretty hefty tube and isn't easily divided down. Otherwise it would be an excellent assurance of fire.