I've lit one with just a ferro rod, but it took a couple attempts. If you have a magnesium bar attached to the ferro rod then that will certainly light it.

You can get a case(36 bars) for less than $5 at Brigade Quatermasters, or 108 bars for $13. I don't use them regularly but I don't remember them smelling particularly bad. At this price I think it's definitely worth keeping some boxes in your car and a case or several in your house.