I hadn't thought about this before. You can't have nail clippers or small pocket knives, but you are allowed lighters on board?
I don't think lighters or matches should be allowed on board as carry on. It's not like you can smoke on board a plane anymore.
You can bring a lighter on board an aircraft, but just one. I found that out recently. While on a business trip, I had need to purchase a new lighter. The hotel gift shop only sold lighters in two packs. So I placed them in my briefcase and when passing through airport security, I was pulled aside and questioned. I had to give one of them up, but was allowed to continue on to the gate with just one lighter.
And yes, one can't smoke on board commercial aircraft any more, which is a good thing, IMHO. But after a 3 hour plus flight, seated next to some people, I just need a smoke during layovers!