Ive done the egg carton/sawdust/wax thing too, and ive found that fine wood shavings, such as what comes off a chain saw work much better than fine sawdust.
Pine cones dipped in wax and rolled in shavings work well too.
AND another good starter is smokeless powder mixed with finger nail polish remover, mix small quantities adding a little nail polish remover at a time until you have a doughy paste, roll it into a nickle sized ball and let harden. they actually burn with an exposed but controlled flame for a couple of minutes, and quite hot. enough to get most tinders started easily.
I also carry several of the individually packaged alcohol wipes in my pocket, they can serve many perposes from cleaning a small injury, to a much needed firestarter.