The most dependable is the striker from a common road flare. Lifeboat matches are rather finicky. Have you reviewed Doug's comment on the striking angle? They also have a disheartening habit of snapping. A strike anywhere match has an ignition head and the wood is the tinder. NATO types area all about the head. I can manage to light one with the pebbled striker from strike anywheres and a hard surface. I also sacrificed two boxes to learn to !