I am in the vaseline/cottonball camp. When my boys and I messed around with various methods...this one worked the best.
Must add that I have not tried any commercial stuff like trioxane, flares, etc.
I carry a lighter(either a bic, or zippo), small pill bottle with the vaseline/cottonballs, ferro rods, and waterproof matches.
Have never needed to make a fire in an emergency, but have done some for cooking/comfort/ambiance a few times out hunting.
