Originally Posted By: Deathwind
I must admit I've never understood the fascination with jute as tinder. I've never had any success with it, and it seems too much trouble. I'd simply use a cotton ball given the choice. JMHO.


I've had success with both.

Cotton ball with vaseline takes about 30 seconds to plump up to readily take a spark. Just make the fibers nice and fluffy and you are good to go.

Jute takes much more processing. For me, jute works well after taking a length of jute, cut into short segments, separate out each fiber individually and then scrunch it over and over until a softball size (or larger) tinder bundle is present with the finest fluff placed in the center. I would guesstimate this takes 10 minutes or so.

Jute definitely takes more effort.