The Amish usually use matches. But everyone can start fire without them — in case they run out.
Tinder
Most important — dry tinder. Birch bark (burns even damp — oils). Dry moss. Cattail fluff. Waxed twine. Char cloth — best tinder: ignites from a single spark.
Char Cloth
Cut cotton fabric into 5x5 cm squares. Place in metal tin with small hole in lid. Onto fire (wood stove). Smoke exits hole 5-10 min. When smoke stops — done. Black fabric, weightless, ignites from slightest spark.
Flint and Steel
Strike steel (file, knife) against flint. Sparks fall on char cloth. Blow smoldering ember, place in dry grass nest, blow into flame.
Alternatives
Magnifying glass: sun through lens onto tinder. Only on sunny days. Friction: bow drill — difficult, needs practice, but works.