Hemp wick is usually made for smoking 'various substances' out of a 'water pipe.' Many prefer hemp wick because it burns at a lower temperature, and the smoke tastes similar to some 'various substances.' Essentially, the thought process is "the cooler the flame, the cooler the smoke." It works pretty well, actually; but most of us are smoking tobacco, which doesn't need to be re-lit constantly.
You can purchase a spool of ital hempwick for around $20 and it should last you a very long time. I wouldn't use it for my pipe, but it's definitely better than using some cheap lighter. I would say if you have a problem with matches, go get hempwick; if they're fine, don't bother.