strip very fine wire, is there a trick?

I've had a lot of luck with sort of sideways pulling on traditional strippers, too. I admit it's challenging, and you always need extra because the piece you're trying to use has a high rate of being rejected from it going wrong. Melting seems legit but gross. Solder pot?
 
I use a lighter and heat the coating then pull it off with my fingernail. I don't think it is the best method but it does work. I also strip it back and then trim the bare wire to length. I find it's easier to take a 1/2 inch of insulation off than an 1/8 or whatever you need bare. Good luck.