I like to use a firesteel. The shower of sparks is impressive and then you have the moment of expectation to see if your tinder is a about to ignite or not.
What a great variety of skill and interesting approaches. I either missed it or no one has mentioned the short circuiting of a 12 or 9v battery in wire wool. I've tried or used most methods including bow drill and fire plough but not fire piston. I especially like my flint and steel and Swedish steel.
I generally process my own natural tinders from a variety of materials and have developed ways to light fires in some of the worst conditions that the UK weather can offer.
After I started learning bushcraft i never used matchess or lighter, firesteel or flint and steel works for me. I do start with flint and steel, but faaar not all attempts are success, but then I allways have some cotton with me and firesteel allways does the job. Allthough I'm lucky that I never had to start a fire in a proper rain, that would be a different story.
Great post!
i use a firesteel thats fitted into a wooden handle which has been wiped over with floor oil.......i think this has two advantages ...it helps preserve the wood and if im ever stuck for tinder i could always shave a bit off the handle