So, obviously there are a few alternatives to lighters like matches and firesteel, but I'm someone who likes to have backups for the backups... and a lighter is something I feel I need in my home base/bug-out location.

So, that being said, which is better - having a metric crap ton of cheap Bic lighters, a bunch of butane, flints, and a couple flip tops, or a small torch? These are mainly for personal fire-start in moderate wind.

And yes, I do have fire-steel, as well as tinder nubs (dryer lint and a little high proof liquor)... but I want to save those for when shit gets awful.

Also, as a sort of aside - does anyone have opinions on bow-stick fire start techniques? One loop around the stick, two, three? What works best for you?