I'm surprised he got enough current from a AA alkaline cell, but it is only char cloth.

You can do this with many batteries and different wires. The more current that the battery can source, the better. Nicads, NiMH and other rechargables can supply a lot more current than alkalines.

The wire is critical. Copper, aluminum, and other good conductors don't have enough resistance to heat up well. Steel is good. Thinner wire is better than thicker. Staples, wire ties (bread and cables), steel wool, guitar strings, picture frame wire, etc. are all sources for fine steel wire.