That is an excellent idea. I never take a bic lighter that has ever been used. I strike it once just to make sure that it does work and in the pack it goes, "BRAND NEW" without exception. As far as the fire striker or a ferocium rod, I would never go into the back country with out one. All things can fail but the odds of that failing are a million to one. I have used fire strikers for many many years and have never had one fail. As far as the kitchen matches changing I would not know because I have never carried matches with me into the back country. I carry a new Bic lighter (if not more than one) and a fire striker and then I also carry several fire starters all of which are put into my pack "new" before leaving the house. Fire can be a serious issue and I never leave home without the confidence that I can, without fail, start a fire. It could save yours or someone's life in a pinch...sabre11004...

P.S. take fire seriously because it is a serious thing