I carry mini Bics and ferro rods of various sizes. For tinder, I carry cotton balls, petroleum jelly, Burt's Bees lip balm, bike inner tube, and magnesium rods. I always have at least one candle in my car, and I carry a candle on me sometimes. If you pause to think about the benefits candle, carrying a candle is well worth the trouble.

I plan for my fire starter kit to start a fire in a freezing, wet environment. I need the tool itself to be able to get wet and still work. The ferro rods have passed this test. The mini Bics work again after they dry off. I don't carry matches of any kind because I don't trust them for my needs.

Regarding the rule of three, I don't view that rule as meaning three different types of methods. I view the rule as meaning 3 independent fire starters. I'd prefer 2 Bics and 1 ferro rod, rather than 1 Bic, 1 ferro rod, and 1 match set. I don't want matches at all. I know there are some famous outdoors men who carry matches, and that's good for them.