Personally, IMHO, there is no substitute for flint & steel. I am NOT claiming to be even a "sometimes practicioner", in fact, I've never been able to start a fire with flint and steel. I do know that it is possible. With practice, it is even pretty quick to do, and I know that when all else fails, I will get the darn thing to spark, so I can have a fire!!!!!

That said, I admit that my "preferred cheating method" of starting a fire with damp or wet wood is to pile a great deal
of twigs on top of a Triox tablet and touch the tablet with a lighted match. Then I pile on bigger sticks and so on, and I have a glorious fire very quickly.

I know, I should be ashamed of myself,and I am!!!!!!

Additional note: I also carry magnesium firestarter as well because, when I want a fire, I want the fire now!