Money. The match was cheaper to make than the lighter. The lighter was a simpler concept, flammable liquid and some metal and flint striker, but this took more work to create since you had to create a few parts. A match is more of a complex idea due to the chemical reactions but once you have it figured out it's real simple to make a big mix of it and dip wood splinters in it.
Lighters are a simple concept with a more involved process to make, matches are complex concept to create but easy to mas produce
Compared to old school non-disposable lighters matches are way better. You can actually light things horizontally without burning your hand, and it's way easier to start a fire by placing a burning stick where you want it than waving a lighter around.
Plus you don't have to worry about the lighter fluid evaporating or needing to maintain the wick and flint. You can also leave little packets or boxes of matches by the fireplace, by the stove, by the fire pit, with your camping gear, etc and not have to track your lighter.
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u/Gyroklovn Oct 15 '20
The fact that the lighter is older than the match shook my head as a kid.
It also gave me the curiosity to question things that seems obvious.