I don't like the vaseline coated cotton balls. Too messy and not the easiest to remove the vaseline from your fingers when the temp is below freezing.

Carrying a few pieces of birch bark is a better alternative to cotton balls. The bark burns even when wet and can be found in much of NA which makes for an easily obtainable and eternal re-supply source.

Most times, though I carry a candle in my PSK. The candle can be cut into round slices about the width of a few quarters (coins) and the wick is easily lit for fire starting purposes. A 6" candle will make many fires and is cleaner and easier to work with then the vaseline coasted cotton balls.