phat
I've seen it so cold that white gas didn't want to light unless you first warmed it a bit. The BIC flame warmed it and lit it, but sparks would not.

Fire steels are fun to play with, sort of gee whiz, but you need a flame sometimes. Now if you pick up two rocks or use a rock and a knife edge to light a fire, let me know. Otherwise a fire steel is no different than any other high tech fire lighting device that you take with you.
Jim
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.