I agree to disagree :o) The flint rod, metal match or whatever you want to call them are the best thing since tender. If all you have is a book of paper matches, even several books in the same place, you might find yourself without fire. I've ruined many, many books of matches from heat condensation while hiking or working. You should carry more than one form of igniter and tender anyways. That way if one fails, you have another. Typically, I carry at least 3 methods of firestarting with me, but not all in the same location. That way if I lose or damage one, I have another to fall back on. Same with signal capabilities, water carry and purification, as well as knives. When I combine my kits I also have more than one type of shelter with me. It pays to back up your most needed items. You just never know what will happen to your primaries when the chips are down.