Man, what you are showing us, is that nothing is easy when you are out in the woods. But, with some know how you can survive, really, your demonstration was very good. Wow, that crooked stick idea was good, I never heard of it till now.
David, that dryer lint wasn't cheating, that is just another tool in a very small toolkit. You're a Boss for making fire like that! Great Video, Thanks Much!
+James White Thanks James , I'm glad you liked the video. I brought the dryer lint because I wanted it to as trouble free as possible. I knew ahead of time it was gonna be a pain. LOL. Thanks for watching
Thank you for your expert opinion. You should have read in the description box that I clearly state this is a last ditch effort method of making fire. It is the worst possible way of making fire. This is for a hobby only and when no other options are available. Im pretty sure I know what a bowdrill is and how to use one. Thank you for wasting your time to watch the video.
I really enjoyed this video and I'm glad that you kept the section where the ember didn't take. It showed me that a fire doesn't start perfectly every time. Keep up the great work. I am learning a lot of useful techniques from you.
After this was uploaded, I had two "experts" tell me I couldnt do it because I edited out the 20 mins of cranking. That alone made me so mad that I filmed a follow up video called "Follow up to the crooked stick fire" I layed a hearthboard on the ground, cranked the spindle until I got a coal. I filmed all 14 mins of cranking just to prove the point. Hate to say but, thats why I dont do the really weird fires anymore. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Hello from Israel!! ! Your video is great. The method is creative and Smart, and the added value is how you keep cool, even though the tinder failed the first time. It is a great lesson-Never lose your head. Thanks for working so hard to post this video. Much appreciated. Be safe, brother.
This is a very little known method. Not a great one because its way way too much work but it can be done. I hate doing it but I wanted to get it on video at least once so it would be out there. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.
@Mr420rush This was one of them videos that I really felt the need to show this little known process. I hate all the work involved but, it is a cool way of fire making to just see if you can. I was glad when I finished this video and it was done and over with, ha ha. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Well, it is sort of like a bush knife due to its length but Ontario sells it as a survival machete so I just call it by what folks will buy it as. Yep, with out the ole bow string theres always the crooked stick fire. The hardest method of them all! lol. I hate doing this method but I wanted to make a video showing it was possible. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.
If you can do that and balance it just right, it would be perfect. This method works off pressure, not speed so that would make it easier. Thanks for watching my friend.
LOL, no one is too young, old or stupid to have to rely on this fire. Its pretty much the worst way of making a fire and a last resort but, it is a fire method so I wanted to get it on video at least once to show it. It is tough but a cool hobby. Thanks for watching my friend.
@Horselord1 I hate to show stuff like that but, this is real life. I fail all the time with the hand drill, Ha Ha. Im glad youre learning stuff from me, that makes it all worth it. Thanks for watching my friend!
For someone who is not especially known as a friction fire expert, you never cease to amaze! (For your reference, I definitely see you as an outdoors custom-made shelter, stove, oven and cooking expert.)
I use the editing software that came with my Kodak camera. Its called Mediaimpressions by Arcsoft. Its a cheap and very simple program. I'd like to have better but, this works and Im cheap so I'll stick with it,lol. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks! Im glad you liked it, I love it when friends say they learn stuff from me and I figure its always better to try and make it interesting. Thanks for watching my friend.
Hey Dave, I am always trying to add new tricks and methods to my outdoor/survival knowledge. Thanks to you Sir I now have one more tool to use. Thank you for sharing and thank you for persevering!
+John Archer Thats cool John. Well this is definitely a new trick to add! I have only stuck with oak on this. A person could experiment with differing wood types and maybe make it easier. Thanks for watching my friend.
I'm glad you like the videos. I gotta say, you taught me something on that long grain rice notation. I have never thought that was edible. I may have to check into or try that. Thanks for sharing that! Thanks for watching my friend.
Yep, I agree 100%. If you combine the ole forked stick with a standard bow drill, then you have a pretty good way of starting fire. Its also a good thing to know for in case you have one hand or arm injured. All you have to do is have the forked stick kinda balanced in your armpit and apply body weight. Ive tried it that way and it is pretty easy. Thanks for watching my friend.
I don't know about "the crooked stick fire", I think, if I tried that, it would be "the crooked man fire"! Note to self: Be sure to carry whatever it takes to avoid EVER having to resort to that. 10 boxes of matches, 12 ferro rod kits, a pile of fire lighters, four bags of drier lint, two emergency fire kits, pay a surgeon to implant a ferro rod and striker into my skin, carry a phosphorous grenade and a gallon of petrol. Anything but that!
Your videos never cease to amaze me...I know that this is an old one, but it seems like the more of your videos I dig through, the more I learn...You are awesome.
@ohangie66 I hate the work involved in this one but I feel like I had to show it because I have alot of respect for the man that taught me how to do it. I was mad enough to cuss when I lost that first coal but, I try to do all my cursing off camera. Ha Ha! Thanks for watching my friend.
@michaelallsup1 Absolutley, This is a very hard way to make fire, much easier ways, I just wanted to show something that doesnt get shown very often. ( And theres a good reason its not shown, too much dang work) Ha Ha, Thanks for watching Bro.
I like the way you keep it honest & real. This stuff won't work every time & people should know that, their lives could even depend on realizing that you just have to make adjustments & keep trying. A little hearing prayer can help too.
@BushcraftOnFire Yes, a very hard way, but still an option under the right conditions. Thats why I never hardly ever use this method. Thanks for watching Dave!
Speechless. Man.... what perseverance. The dryer lint was not cheating. You know if time allowed you could have rounded up a lot of very fine material....processed cedar bark, thistle, or my favorite very finely ground punk wood dust, plant pith or many other things. You were at the point of just wanting to get this thing done.:) I don't blame you. I really admire your dedication to the craft. Fantastic job David. Thanks.
Maybe a worst way for making a friction fire but an effective one if you don't have cordage.I never would have thought that your crooked stick can be a way of making a fire, thanks David for this solution.
+Martin bushcraft It is the absolute worst and hardest way to make fire. But, its good to know it can be done if needed. The whole idea is, a bowdrill works off speed and pressure. The crooked stick method works off pressure only. Thats why such hard oak is used. Take care man and Thanks for watching
Difficult but a good way for someone who may only have one good hand and can't get a grip on a spindle but can still use their body weight to apply pressure. Great video Dave.
Thats a very good idea. Part of what really stinks when doing it this way is it really tears up a glove. I have kinda carved the handhold smooth tho. I almost always have an old milk jug carton cut out in my canteen pouch so I need to try that. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching my friend.
I was scrolling down saw this video..you so learned this method from a southern elder..I haven't seen this style built since I was 8 and my papa took me camping at rock eagle & the swamps of okefenokee..love it thanks for the memory..but what a pain in the a**
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. A lot of folks think theres only hand drill and fire plow that use no cordage but this is a great third method. Its a lot of work but with testing different woods, this may just become easier. Thanks for watching.
Those small shovels are great to have, especially the older ones like you have. You got a good one. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Cool! Im glad you liked it. Yes, it is a good way if you only have one hand. The beauty of this method is it works by pressure not speed. That means even if youre wore out, you can spin slowly for 10 or 15 minutes and use your body weight to bare down on it. No skill involved. Thanks for watching my friend.
Or better yet, never go out without a ferro rod! ha ha, This crooked stick fire is pretty much a last resort because its just about the hardest way of making a fire that I know of. Very good for a hobby and thats all. I hadnt seen this method shown anywhere so I wanted to get it on video whether it killed me or not, lol. Thanks for watching Ralf.
Ha Ha, Ok Im calm bro. I just hate it when ever I show something new and some folks just want to state that the normal way is always best. Some folks dont understand that the different way of doing things is fun and makes videos that are very different to watch. Cool that youre gonna do some wild camping. I have plenty of other weird ideas you can try on your trip.Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend.
@Mrmodernsurvival These videos really take alot of time and effort to produce and it makes it all worth it when people say they enjoy them. Its what keeps me going. Thanks for watching Brother.
Hey Mr. Pearson, it's me again. LOL. This is my second time through the bent stick fire. Good Job per usual. You apologized for using the dryer lint after the first attempt. What the hell for? Hey if I have learned anything from watching your videos is that ya just gotta do what ya gotta do. If you had it in your gear, it's all open game. If I may say again I so much enjoy your videos and never learn to learn something. Thank you again.
+Forrest Nettleton Thanks man, I'm glad you liked it again! I got greif in a few other vids for the dryer lint on friction fire. I needed all the help I could get with this method! Thanks for watching.
LOL! The way you tossed those 2 sticks aside when you finally got an ember...You tossed them like you never wanted to see the likes of them again! I love your videos. I hope you had Tylenol in your pack that day. 😀😀
+Stella P. LOL, youre about right Stella! I knew I wanted to get this on video at least once then be done with it. Twice wore me out! Im happy you like the vids, Thanks for watching
Hmm, thats a good idea. If no bungee cords you might could lay a log on top to hold it down. Im think that even if you had an injured hand or arm maybe you could still lodge the Y branch in your arm pit to put some down pressure on it. This method never works in wet or humid weather tho. Only works good when its dry. Ive watched alot of youtube videos and the one you mention I think Ive seen before. I cant recall who made it. Thanks for watching my friend.
@ib516 This one was a ton of work to do. I always wanted to show it but, Im glad I got this one filmed and out of the way, Ha Ha! Take care my friend and thanks for watching.
Yesterday, I watched your video on the Hoiozonal Paracord Fire and heard you mention the crooked stick method several times. After watching what you went through with this method, I fully appreciate your frustration!
I agree man. I used to think the SP8 was my favorite until I got my SP53. Man, theres just no other blade out there like it. Im glad you like yours Bro. Thanks for watching my friend.
I'll give you 10 out of 10 for for keeping it up,most would have given up and used another method but i'm glad you showed us this way of starting your fire. Thanks.
I've never seen this method of starting a fire demonstrated. It does look like hard work, but it's good to know as many methods as possible. Thanks for posting it.
@GWHcraig1088 Thanks man. This may be a almost unknown method of fire making but, it is actually a very old method. I think its little known because its too much work, Ha Ha. I just wanted to show it because no one else had. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Ive heard that before , sometimes I carry punkwood or find pine sap but theres hardly any tinder fungus to be found. I usually just have dry grass on hand. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Well, I have been working at this ever since I watched it being done 20 or 25 years ago. I absolutely havent mastered it yet, I dont have the stamina to get a coal everytime. I have learned two things tho. The best time to do this, is the very hot very dry summer time. Winter ,cold or humidity makes it almost impossible. They other thing I learned , unlike the bowdrill where you need speed, then pressure, This is all about pressure. I hated to have to do it twice. Thanks for watching my friend.
Cool! doesnt sound lazy to me, sounds like youre prepared! Good idea with the paper roll. I'll have to make up a few of them to stow away. Thanks for watching my friend.
Great entertainment you are a natural. Whenever I am tasked with an arduous process like a friction fire, I find that a little Jack or some shine really pulls me through. Thanks for the video.
I knew I couldnt give up. The last thing I wanted to do was start over or try to film this again, ha ha. I mentioned this one in an earlier video and folks kept asking to see it. Its such an oddball way of doing it, I figured it needed to be show. With the right wood choices, and a very dry time of year, this is actually not too hard to do. The guy that taught me knew his pressure and speed. He got an ember in under 5 minutes. Impressive for this process. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks! I like to show it all no matter how long it takes, ha ha. Cute? Thanks too, Ive been called alot of things in my videos before but never cute. That opens up a whole new door to me, ha ha. I wish the TV producers thought that way. More videos on the way when ever I can get away to film.Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend.
Love it! Not only is the crooked stick method good if you don't have any cordage, but also if you have an injury to an arm or hand where you can't bear down of a bow drill bearing and a hand drill is right out.
@raysteer Thats a very good idea and something to remember. The forked stick would be perfect for someone who has an arm injured or broken. Thanks for watching my friend!
@MrBushLife Ha Ha, you are correct! This little know method is for the young or those with stamina. I hate the work involved but, I wanted to film it at least once. Ive always been fascinated with the ice reflection fire. Havent tried it yet tho, but I will someday. Thanks for the comments and thank you for watching my friend.
Thank you! I love hearing that, Now a little info. I have failed at this process many many times. It only works when its super hot and when humidity is low. Rare for Georgia aint it? Anyway, Some folks thought I should just whip out a video showing it in 3 mins. I only wanted to attempt to film this once so I showed wood selection and the whole prep process in case someone wanted to try this. This is an almost unknown process so I knew I had to show it.
Your tenacity deserves a standing ovation Paul. Thanks for sharing another way of stating a fire. I think I will leave that and stick to my firesteel PEACE :-)
Thanks Rob! Yep, this is a ton of work and I'll be the first to admit its the worst way of making fire but a good one to know. It kills me to make it this way but I knew I wanted to get it on video no matter how tough it was gonna be. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks bro. This was a very tough one and a very hard method but I wanted to show it at least once just to get it out there. I have rubbed a lot of materials together to make broken down tinder bundles and honestly, I have gotten very lazy with the tinder prep. I really need to get back to taking the time to make em right. I guess I have had such good luck with dry materials that I dont prep em like I should. Thanks for watching my friend.
Im glad you liked it. That machete is an Ontario SP8. Its 1/4 thick and totally awesome. I love that machete and have only good things to say about it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Im glad you liked the videos. Thanks for the tip. I would really love to have the picture in a picture type of editing for my videos. I'll go look now. thanks for watching my friend.
@briargoatkilla Thanks man, I felt like it was important to show all the prep because its like a bow drill set up and its also not like it. One main example is on the bow drill, you need a thinner hearth board, on this you need a double thick one to take the extreme pressure. Thats cool that youve heard of this, the guy that created this did so in the 70s and he was from the south. Thanks for watching Bro!
I bet this one would be a great set up for a stone drill. You can put a ton of pressure on it. I only use the flimsy folding shovels for light duty jobs. Ive seen the Spetsnaz shovel before but didnt buy one. I made my own half axe half shovel thats tough enough for any chore I have. I filmed myself making it, Check it out if you have time. Its called "Making The Shovaxe BushTool" Thanks for watching my friend.
@AWCcamper74 Ha Ha, Nick drank more water than me but I did drink alittle between shots of cutting and carving the stuff up. I had been trying so hard to film this one that I didnt want to give up. I just wanted to finish so I can move on to more crazy stuff, Ha Ha, Thanks for watching Alan my friend!
That's a new way( to me ) of using friction for starting a fire. As you say it takes much longer than a bow drill to start a fire, but if you don't have any cordage than it could be an option for starting a fire without matches. I like your crooked stick idea. Using a crooked stick instead of a bearing block is a much better way for friction fire starting. I have combined the crooked stick with a bow drill and I fine it a lot better for me now. It's way more stable than a bearing block, and you can save your energy by using your body wieght. Thanks Dave,...your a bundle of knowledge for the outdoor enthusiast. Machinist Rock !!!
Im glad you liked it man, yes, that forked stick for the bearing block is much better than a free standing block. The crooked stick is a tough way to make fire but neat to be able to do it as a back up plan. I try and just do it as a hobby because its so tough to do.
Thanks Bro! I gotta say, this is one video that I HAD to finish and get behind me. I wanted to show this method but didnt want a redo. I hate the work involved in this method, LOL. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
My friend, great video as always! You are truly the outdoorsman. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I've learned so much from you and I truly appreciate you taking the time to bring us along as you venture out. Keep'em coming. ATB Preston
Preston Gainer Thanks Preston! Im glad you liked it. Im more than happy to share this kinda stuff. All this outdoor experience has made my life nothing but fun. More on the way.
@RichTheRidgeHunter Youre 100% correct Rich. This is alot of energy and a really hard way to make a fire. I was taught that if you have no cordage, then no bow drill. If your not good at the hand drill, well then thats out. Anyone with enough stamina that can spin the stick for about 10 mins straight can make an ember this way. I do not recomend this method but, It is something to put in your bag of tricks. Thanks for watching man.
@n9hxv1986 That is a coleman Backpacker shovel. They make two. One is a folding shovel that bends easily. The one I use has a two piece handle that screws together and is pretty darn nice. Thanks for watching my friend.
@busycando And I will admit, if the camera wasnt there filming, I would have gave up after the first try. This is very different and I have been wanting to film it for awhile now. thanks for watching Bro.
Cool! When I saw this one, I was really shocked that it worked, it is a very little known method but I was told its been around for along time. I think its little known because its so hard to do. Very fun as a hobby tho. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend.
@joe2trees I personally own 3 axes and 7 machetes. The SP8 is THE cutting tool of choice for me. I love it. I read all the reviews too till I had to have one and Im very happy with it. Thanks for watching Joe!
What was really good about this was the "real world" aspect of building a fire - failure, frustration, exhaustion and all, even for an experienced outdoorsman. One can't underestimate the difficultly of making a fire if you haven't done it a lot and when you don't have expert tools to do it. Good stuff. However, I didn't understand the reason for getting the "green" stem and leafy material into the firehole.
+flyzone100 Well, theres better ways of making a fire, I just wanted to show this method as a hobby way of looking at it. As far as the green leafy part, the bottom needs the friction to create the ember. The green leafy material provides the oils to make it a little more lubbed or anti friction. Thanks for watching
+Reallybigmonkey1 I certainly wasn't being critical. I know how difficult this is. I can see how this might be more useful to someone who doesn't do it much since a bow string takes a bit more expertise even if it is much better (I can't do it). However, so what part actually what makes the ember? - the friction and wood on the lubed sides? Or, is it the point of the stick (which you blunted a bit) that needs to sit on the base of the wood block?
thanks man, Im a mess but a nappy one, ha ha. Im glad you learned some stuff from me, I try to pack as much as I can in the vids. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Ha Ha, oh yes, you guessed it, a few said it was too calorie intensive . This is a little known fire making process shown to me by my two old mentors. Its a neat thing to try and works when the wood is very very dry. I absolutely do not recommend this in a true survival situation. It is just something neat for the bushcrafter to play around with. With just the right wood tho, its not that hard to do. thanks for the comments and thank you for watching my friend.
@Woodenarrows Thanks Jim, I first saw this done around 1988 or 1989 by the guy that actually diccovered how to do it. He Liked it because it worked pretty good when all you had was a knife or a machete and the woods. This method will make you really, really want to carry matches or a cigerette lighter.Ha Ha, Take care and thanks for watching Jim.
Cool, I always love hearing that. It takes me forever to make videos but at least Ive got 72 uploaded for now. More on the way. Thanks for watching my friend.
@WORRO01 Thanks John. I gotta tell ya this. This extra tool works 50 percent of the time. When it doesnt work, it's almost always due to the wood not being dry enough of just not having the right make up for a friction fire. When it does work, sometimes you get a coal in 15 mins, sometimes 3. I'm glad it took awhile on this one because I would not want someone see me get a coal too quick and them take a long time then give up. Takes practice. Thanks for watching my friend.
@pcjsleader Thats the number one reason, I'm really bad allergic to poison ivy and i dont want that to keep me out of the woods. Long sleeves also help protect from mosquitos and thorns and stuff. I know it may sound disgusting but, In the summertime it holds sweat against your body longer causing sweat to not evaporate as quick. Thanks for watching my friend.
@teb0atoz I only understood part of what you typed but, I understood the hardwood part. Yes, I use hardwood for this because it holds up better. This friction fire process uses more pressure than speed. A softer wood would not hold up under such pressure. Alway use a softer wood for the Bow Drill. Ya got plenty of speed on that process. Thanks for watching man.
You gave me an idea, David. If ever injured and down to one arm, that forked stick bearing block would work with a bow drill I'm thinking. Gotta experiment some. Great demo!
Survival Sherpa Oh absolutely brother! Its extra work to find a big forked stick but yes, it honestly gives the bowdrill and easier stance. Give it a try sometime. That would make a good video. Take care brother and Thanks for watching.
For me, I have almost always wore military or tactical pants because they are so tough on thorns and thick brush. I rarely go on trails so the expensive backpacker pants get tore up on me. I will say that if its 100 degrees outside I prefer my REI 100% Nylon backpacker pants any day. They just dont do well on snags. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Man, what you are showing us, is that nothing is easy when you are out in the woods. But, with some know how you can survive, really, your demonstration was very good. Wow, that crooked stick idea was good, I never heard of it till now.
David, that dryer lint wasn't cheating, that is just another tool in a very small toolkit. You're a Boss for making fire like that! Great Video, Thanks Much!
+James White Thanks James , I'm glad you liked the video. I brought the dryer lint because I wanted it to as trouble free as possible. I knew ahead of time it was gonna be a pain. LOL. Thanks for watching
Thank you for your expert opinion. You should have read in the description box that I clearly state this is a last ditch effort method of making fire. It is the worst possible way of making fire. This is for a hobby only and when no other options are available. Im pretty sure I know what a bowdrill is and how to use one. Thank you for wasting your time to watch the video.
I really enjoyed this video and I'm glad that you kept the section where the ember didn't take. It showed me that a fire doesn't start perfectly every time. Keep up the great work. I am learning a lot of useful techniques from you.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Lots more videos similar to it on my channel now if you have time to watch. Thanks for watching my friend.
After this was uploaded, I had two "experts" tell me I couldnt do it because I edited out the 20 mins of cranking. That alone made me so mad that I filmed a follow up video called "Follow up to the crooked stick fire" I layed a hearthboard on the ground, cranked the spindle until I got a coal. I filmed all 14 mins of cranking just to prove the point. Hate to say but, thats why I dont do the really weird fires anymore. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Hello from Israel!! ! Your video is great. The method is creative and Smart, and the added value is how you keep cool, even though the tinder failed the first time. It is a great lesson-Never lose your head.
Thanks for working so hard to post this video. Much appreciated. Be safe, brother.
This is a very little known method. Not a great one because its way way too much work but it can be done. I hate doing it but I wanted to get it on video at least once so it would be out there. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Determination pays off in the end.
Thanks again for more fun in the woods,
All the best to both of you Dave and Nick.
Absolutely! Some things just aren't easy. Thanks for watching my friend
@Mr420rush This was one of them videos that I really felt the need to show this little known process. I hate all the work involved but, it is a cool way of fire making to just see if you can. I was glad when I finished this video and it was done and over with, ha ha. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Well, it is sort of like a bush knife due to its length but Ontario sells it as a survival machete so I just call it by what folks will buy it as. Yep, with out the ole bow string theres always the crooked stick fire. The hardest method of them all! lol. I hate doing this method but I wanted to make a video showing it was possible. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.
If you can do that and balance it just right, it would be perfect. This method works off pressure, not speed so that would make it easier. Thanks for watching my friend.
I have been kicking this idea around in my head for ages but never thought of a practical way to implement it. Thank you so much for posting this.
LOL, no one is too young, old or stupid to have to rely on this fire. Its pretty much the worst way of making a fire and a last resort but, it is a fire method so I wanted to get it on video at least once to show it. It is tough but a cool hobby. Thanks for watching my friend.
@Horselord1 I hate to show stuff like that but, this is real life. I fail all the time with the hand drill, Ha Ha. Im glad youre learning stuff from me, that makes it all worth it. Thanks for watching my friend!
For someone who is not especially known as a friction fire expert, you never cease to amaze! (For your reference, I definitely see you as an outdoors custom-made shelter, stove, oven and cooking expert.)
Thanks! Ive done a few friction fire videos but I try not to do too many for fear of it getting boring over and over again
@@Reallybigmonkey1 I'll give you that, repetition becomes boring over time, but you seem to know some stuff no one else ever mentions.
I use the editing software that came with my Kodak camera. Its called Mediaimpressions by Arcsoft. Its a cheap and very simple program. I'd like to have better but, this works and Im cheap so I'll stick with it,lol. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks! Im glad you liked it, I love it when friends say they learn stuff from me and I figure its always better to try and make it interesting. Thanks for watching my friend.
Hey Dave,
I am always trying to add new tricks and methods to my outdoor/survival knowledge. Thanks to you Sir I now have one more tool to use. Thank you for sharing and thank you for persevering!
+John Archer Thats cool John. Well this is definitely a new trick to add! I have only stuck with oak on this. A person could experiment with differing wood types and maybe make it easier. Thanks for watching my friend.
I'm glad you like the videos. I gotta say, you taught me something on that long grain rice notation. I have never thought that was edible. I may have to check into or try that. Thanks for sharing that! Thanks for watching my friend.
@Waldhandwerk The credit for the idea goes to my old mentor Herman Belmont aka known as "Mr Mac" Thanks for watching Sepp my friend!
Yep, I agree 100%. If you combine the ole forked stick with a standard bow drill, then you have a pretty good way of starting fire. Its also a good thing to know for in case you have one hand or arm injured. All you have to do is have the forked stick kinda balanced in your armpit and apply body weight. Ive tried it that way and it is pretty easy. Thanks for watching my friend.
I don't know about "the crooked stick fire", I think, if I tried that, it would be "the crooked man fire"!
Note to self: Be sure to carry whatever it takes to avoid EVER having to resort to that. 10 boxes of matches, 12 ferro rod kits, a pile of fire lighters, four bags of drier lint, two emergency fire kits, pay a surgeon to implant a ferro rod and striker into my skin, carry a phosphorous grenade and a gallon of petrol. Anything but that!
Lol! Oh believe me, this is just for a hobby. I always carry a lighter
Your videos never cease to amaze me...I know that this is an old one, but it seems like the more of your videos I dig through, the more I learn...You are awesome.
@ohangie66 I hate the work involved in this one but I feel like I had to show it because I have alot of respect for the man that taught me how to do it. I was mad enough to cuss when I lost that first coal but, I try to do all my cursing off camera. Ha Ha! Thanks for watching my friend.
@michaelallsup1 Absolutley, This is a very hard way to make fire, much easier ways, I just wanted to show something that doesnt get shown very often. ( And theres a good reason its not shown, too much dang work) Ha Ha, Thanks for watching Bro.
I like the way you keep it honest & real. This stuff won't work every time & people should know that, their lives could even depend on realizing that you just have to make adjustments & keep trying. A little hearing prayer can help too.
@BushcraftOnFire Yes, a very hard way, but still an option under the right conditions. Thats why I never hardly ever use this method. Thanks for watching Dave!
God bless you for giving us all your strength on this teaching . Thank you... Bobby G.
Robert Grossman Thank you for watching Brother Robert.
Thanks man! I'll take that as a compliment. Hes a pretty tough looking guy in most of his survival adventures. Thanks for watching.
Speechless. Man.... what perseverance. The dryer lint was not cheating. You know if time allowed you could have rounded up a lot of very fine material....processed cedar bark, thistle, or my favorite very finely ground punk wood dust, plant pith or many other things. You were at the point of just wanting to get this thing done.:) I don't blame you. I really admire your dedication to the craft. Fantastic job David. Thanks.
Thanks Wayne! Yep this is all about perseverance. I just wanted to get this done and over with and on film! Lol.
Maybe a worst way for making a friction fire but an effective one if you don't have cordage.I never would have thought that your crooked stick can be a way of making a fire, thanks David for this solution.
+Martin bushcraft It is the absolute worst and hardest way to make fire. But, its good to know it can be done if needed. The whole idea is, a bowdrill works off speed and pressure. The crooked stick method works off pressure only. Thats why such hard oak is used. Take care man and Thanks for watching
Difficult but a good way for someone who may only have one good hand and can't get a grip on a spindle but can still use their body weight to apply pressure. Great video Dave.
Very difficult but effective if you need it! Thanks for watching Jack
Thats a very good idea. Part of what really stinks when doing it this way is it really tears up a glove. I have kinda carved the handhold smooth tho. I almost always have an old milk jug carton cut out in my canteen pouch so I need to try that. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching my friend.
I was scrolling down saw this video..you so learned this method from a southern elder..I haven't seen this style built since I was 8 and my papa took me camping at rock eagle & the swamps of okefenokee..love it thanks for the memory..but what a pain in the a**
Thats so cool youve seen this in the past! It is a pain to do. Lol. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Pretty sure this can be perfected. Easiest fire skill I have seen. Thank you for the knowledge.
Thanks Henry! Oh yes, I bet with the right wood, this could be made easier.
Ingenious method, very impressive. I have been thinking a lot about primitive fire without cordage. This is a great video. Thanks man.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. A lot of folks think theres only hand drill and fire plow that use no cordage but this is a great third method. Its a lot of work but with testing different woods, this may just become easier. Thanks for watching.
Those small shovels are great to have, especially the older ones like you have. You got a good one. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Cool! Im glad you liked it. Yes, it is a good way if you only have one hand. The beauty of this method is it works by pressure not speed. That means even if youre wore out, you can spin slowly for 10 or 15 minutes and use your body weight to bare down on it. No skill involved. Thanks for watching my friend.
Or better yet, never go out without a ferro rod! ha ha, This crooked stick fire is pretty much a last resort because its just about the hardest way of making a fire that I know of. Very good for a hobby and thats all. I hadnt seen this method shown anywhere so I wanted to get it on video whether it killed me or not, lol. Thanks for watching Ralf.
A for effort. Dave is the essence of bush crafting and fun in the woods.
Thank you Sean!
Man, I worked too hard to sweat into it and ruin it. That would have been my first on air cuss words. Thanks for watching my friend.
Ha Ha, Ok Im calm bro. I just hate it when ever I show something new and some folks just want to state that the normal way is always best. Some folks dont understand that the different way of doing things is fun and makes videos that are very different to watch. Cool that youre gonna do some wild camping. I have plenty of other weird ideas you can try on your trip.Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend.
@Mrmodernsurvival These videos really take alot of time and effort to produce and it makes it all worth it when people say they enjoy them. Its what keeps me going. Thanks for watching Brother.
Hey Mr. Pearson, it's me again. LOL. This is my second time through the bent stick fire. Good Job per usual. You apologized for using the dryer lint after the first attempt. What the hell for? Hey if I have learned anything from watching your videos is that ya just gotta do what ya gotta do. If you had it in your gear, it's all open game. If I may say again I so much enjoy your videos and never learn to learn something. Thank you again.
+Forrest Nettleton Thanks man, I'm glad you liked it again! I got greif in a few other vids for the dryer lint on friction fire. I needed all the help I could get with this method! Thanks for watching.
Brilliant, back to the neolithic days...great production. Keep on!
David Andrews Thank you David, I'm glad you liked it. This is about as Neolithic as fire comes, LOL.
LOL! The way you tossed those 2 sticks aside when you finally got an ember...You tossed them like you never wanted to see the likes of them again! I love your videos. I hope you had Tylenol in your pack that day. 😀😀
+Stella P. LOL, youre about right Stella! I knew I wanted to get this on video at least once then be done with it. Twice wore me out! Im happy you like the vids, Thanks for watching
Hmm, thats a good idea. If no bungee cords you might could lay a log on top to hold it down. Im think that even if you had an injured hand or arm maybe you could still lodge the Y branch in your arm pit to put some down pressure on it. This method never works in wet or humid weather tho. Only works good when its dry. Ive watched alot of youtube videos and the one you mention I think Ive seen before. I cant recall who made it. Thanks for watching my friend.
@Vankoconut Its just another neat challenge for a hobby and a little something for the ole mental toolbox. Thanks for watching my friend.
@ib516 This one was a ton of work to do. I always wanted to show it but, Im glad I got this one filmed and out of the way, Ha Ha! Take care my friend and thanks for watching.
Yesterday, I watched your video on the Hoiozonal Paracord Fire and heard you mention the crooked stick method several times. After watching what you went through with this method, I fully appreciate your frustration!
I agree man. I used to think the SP8 was my favorite until I got my SP53. Man, theres just no other blade out there like it. Im glad you like yours Bro. Thanks for watching my friend.
I'll give you 10 out of 10 for for keeping it up,most would have given up and used another method but i'm glad you showed us this way of starting your fire. Thanks.
I've never seen this method of starting a fire demonstrated. It does look like hard work, but it's good to know as many methods as possible. Thanks for posting it.
@GWHcraig1088 Thanks man. This may be a almost unknown method of fire making but, it is actually a very old method. I think its little known because its too much work, Ha Ha. I just wanted to show it because no one else had. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Ive heard that before , sometimes I carry punkwood or find pine sap but theres hardly any tinder fungus to be found. I usually just have dry grass on hand. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Well, I have been working at this ever since I watched it being done 20 or 25 years ago. I absolutely havent mastered it yet, I dont have the stamina to get a coal everytime. I have learned two things tho. The best time to do this, is the very hot very dry summer time. Winter ,cold or humidity makes it almost impossible. They other thing I learned , unlike the bowdrill where you need speed, then pressure, This is all about pressure. I hated to have to do it twice. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I'm just about as southern as the south gets! Thanks for watching my friend.
Cool! doesnt sound lazy to me, sounds like youre prepared! Good idea with the paper roll. I'll have to make up a few of them to stow away. Thanks for watching my friend.
Great entertainment you are a natural. Whenever I am tasked with an arduous process like a friction fire, I find that a little Jack or some shine really pulls me through. Thanks for the video.
Another great video and we all learn. You have a way of teaching woodcraft skills that makes it fun and interesting. Thanks
I knew I couldnt give up. The last thing I wanted to do was start over or try to film this again, ha ha. I mentioned this one in an earlier video and folks kept asking to see it. Its such an oddball way of doing it, I figured it needed to be show. With the right wood choices, and a very dry time of year, this is actually not too hard to do. The guy that taught me knew his pressure and speed. He got an ember in under 5 minutes. Impressive for this process. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks! I like to show it all no matter how long it takes, ha ha. Cute? Thanks too, Ive been called alot of things in my videos before but never cute. That opens up a whole new door to me, ha ha. I wish the TV producers thought that way. More videos on the way when ever I can get away to film.Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend.
Love it! Not only is the crooked stick method good if you don't have any cordage, but also if you have an injury to an arm or hand where you can't bear down of a bow drill bearing and a hand drill is right out.
@raysteer Thats a very good idea and something to remember. The forked stick would be perfect for someone who has an arm injured or broken. Thanks for watching my friend!
@MrBushLife Ha Ha, you are correct! This little know method is for the young or those with stamina. I hate the work involved but, I wanted to film it at least once. Ive always been fascinated with the ice reflection fire. Havent tried it yet tho, but I will someday. Thanks for the comments and thank you for watching my friend.
A great demonstration of perseverance and determination. Another great video.
Oh man it is! Its still one of my favorite blades. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thank you! I love hearing that, Now a little info. I have failed at this process many many times. It only works when its super hot and when humidity is low. Rare for Georgia aint it? Anyway, Some folks thought I should just whip out a video showing it in 3 mins. I only wanted to attempt to film this once so I showed wood selection and the whole prep process in case someone wanted to try this. This is an almost unknown process so I knew I had to show it.
Your tenacity deserves a standing ovation Paul. Thanks for sharing another way of stating a fire. I think I will leave that and stick to my firesteel PEACE :-)
Paul?
Sorry "Dave", just been talkin to a pal called Paul Oops PEACE :-)
+Capt'n Aidy I'm constantly doing shit like that, ffs I would forget my balls if they weren't in a sack! Peace bro :)
Ditto LoL PEACE :-)
Thanks Rob! Yep, this is a ton of work and I'll be the first to admit its the worst way of making fire but a good one to know. It kills me to make it this way but I knew I wanted to get it on video no matter how tough it was gonna be. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks bro. This was a very tough one and a very hard method but I wanted to show it at least once just to get it out there. I have rubbed a lot of materials together to make broken down tinder bundles and honestly, I have gotten very lazy with the tinder prep. I really need to get back to taking the time to make em right. I guess I have had such good luck with dry materials that I dont prep em like I should. Thanks for watching my friend.
Im glad you liked it. That machete is an Ontario SP8. Its 1/4 thick and totally awesome. I love that machete and have only good things to say about it. Thanks for watching my friend.
Thanks for another great video and another gem to store in the emergency knowledge bank. All the best from the UK
Thanks Dave, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Im glad you liked the videos. Thanks for the tip. I would really love to have the picture in a picture type of editing for my videos. I'll go look now. thanks for watching my friend.
This episode is classic Dave, thanks for sharing! 😊
Thanks for watching brother!
Thanks! I try to keep it as real and as funny as I can. Im glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching my friend.
@briargoatkilla Thanks man, I felt like it was important to show all the prep because its like a bow drill set up and its also not like it. One main example is on the bow drill, you need a thinner hearth board, on this you need a double thick one to take the extreme pressure. Thats cool that youve heard of this, the guy that created this did so in the 70s and he was from the south. Thanks for watching Bro!
I bet this one would be a great set up for a stone drill. You can put a ton of pressure on it. I only use the flimsy folding shovels for light duty jobs. Ive seen the Spetsnaz shovel before but didnt buy one. I made my own half axe half shovel thats tough enough for any chore I have. I filmed myself making it, Check it out if you have time. Its called "Making The Shovaxe BushTool" Thanks for watching my friend.
@AWCcamper74 Ha Ha, Nick drank more water than me but I did drink alittle between shots of cutting and carving the stuff up. I had been trying so hard to film this one that I didnt want to give up. I just wanted to finish so I can move on to more crazy stuff, Ha Ha, Thanks for watching Alan my friend!
That's a new way( to me ) of using friction for starting a fire. As you say it takes much longer than a bow drill to start a fire, but if you don't have any cordage than it could be an option for starting a fire without matches. I like your crooked stick idea. Using a crooked stick instead of a bearing block is a much better way for friction fire starting. I have combined the crooked stick with a bow drill and I fine it a lot better for me now. It's way more stable than a bearing block, and you can save your energy by using your body wieght. Thanks Dave,...your a bundle of knowledge for the outdoor enthusiast. Machinist Rock !!!
Im glad you liked it man, yes, that forked stick for the bearing block is much better than a free standing block. The crooked stick is a tough way to make fire but neat to be able to do it as a back up plan. I try and just do it as a hobby because its so tough to do.
Reallybigmonkey1 Great ideas Dave. Your a bundle of knowledge for the outdoor woodsmen. "Keep your fun in the woods comin." Take care and rock on.
Great job on the crooked stick fire. Just another way in field survival. Thanks !
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. It always pays to know several ways to do things.
Thanks Bro! I gotta say, this is one video that I HAD to finish and get behind me. I wanted to show this method but didnt want a redo. I hate the work involved in this method, LOL. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
My friend, great video as always! You are truly the outdoorsman. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I've learned so much from you and I truly appreciate you taking the time to bring us along as you venture out. Keep'em coming. ATB
Preston
Preston Gainer Thanks Preston! Im glad you liked it. Im more than happy to share this kinda stuff. All this outdoor experience has made my life nothing but fun. More on the way.
@RichTheRidgeHunter Youre 100% correct Rich. This is alot of energy and a really hard way to make a fire. I was taught that if you have no cordage, then no bow drill. If your not good at the hand drill, well then thats out. Anyone with enough stamina that can spin the stick for about 10 mins straight can make an ember this way. I do not recomend this method but, It is something to put in your bag of tricks. Thanks for watching man.
@n9hxv1986 That is a coleman Backpacker shovel. They make two. One is a folding shovel that bends easily. The one I use has a two piece handle that screws together and is pretty darn nice. Thanks for watching my friend.
@busycando And I will admit, if the camera wasnt there filming, I would have gave up after the first try. This is very different and I have been wanting to film it for awhile now. thanks for watching Bro.
Cool! When I saw this one, I was really shocked that it worked, it is a very little known method but I was told its been around for along time. I think its little known because its so hard to do. Very fun as a hobby tho. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend.
@joe2trees I personally own 3 axes and 7 machetes. The SP8 is THE cutting tool of choice for me. I love it. I read all the reviews too till I had to have one and Im very happy with it. Thanks for watching Joe!
What was really good about this was the "real world" aspect of building a fire - failure, frustration, exhaustion and all, even for an experienced outdoorsman. One can't underestimate the difficultly of making a fire if you haven't done it a lot and when you don't have expert tools to do it. Good stuff. However, I didn't understand the reason for getting the "green" stem and leafy material into the firehole.
+flyzone100 Well, theres better ways of making a fire, I just wanted to show this method as a hobby way of looking at it. As far as the green leafy part, the bottom needs the friction to create the ember. The green leafy material provides the oils to make it a little more lubbed or anti friction. Thanks for watching
+Reallybigmonkey1 I certainly wasn't being critical. I know how difficult this is. I can see how this might be more useful to someone who doesn't do it much since a bow string takes a bit more expertise even if it is much better (I can't do it). However, so what part actually what makes the ember? - the friction and wood on the lubed sides? Or, is it the point of the stick (which you blunted a bit) that needs to sit on the base of the wood block?
thanks man, Im a mess but a nappy one, ha ha. Im glad you learned some stuff from me, I try to pack as much as I can in the vids. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.
Ha Ha, oh yes, you guessed it, a few said it was too calorie intensive . This is a little known fire making process shown to me by my two old mentors. Its a neat thing to try and works when the wood is very very dry. I absolutely do not recommend this in a true survival situation. It is just something neat for the bushcrafter to play around with. With just the right wood tho, its not that hard to do. thanks for the comments and thank you for watching my friend.
@Woodenarrows Thanks Jim, I first saw this done around 1988 or 1989 by the guy that actually diccovered how to do it. He Liked it because it worked pretty good when all you had was a knife or a machete and the woods. This method will make you really, really want to carry matches or a cigerette lighter.Ha Ha, Take care and thanks for watching Jim.
Cool, I always love hearing that. It takes me forever to make videos but at least Ive got 72 uploaded for now. More on the way. Thanks for watching my friend.
I tried this....once. That's all I'm saying. David, you're the man!
@WORRO01 Thanks John. I gotta tell ya this. This extra tool works 50 percent of the time. When it doesnt work, it's almost always due to the wood not being dry enough of just not having the right make up for a friction fire. When it does work, sometimes you get a coal in 15 mins, sometimes 3. I'm glad it took awhile on this one because I would not want someone see me get a coal too quick and them take a long time then give up. Takes practice. Thanks for watching my friend.
@pcjsleader Thats the number one reason, I'm really bad allergic to poison ivy and i dont want that to keep me out of the woods. Long sleeves also help protect from mosquitos and thorns and stuff. I know it may sound disgusting but, In the summertime it holds sweat against your body longer causing sweat to not evaporate as quick. Thanks for watching my friend.
@teb0atoz I only understood part of what you typed but, I understood the hardwood part. Yes, I use hardwood for this because it holds up better. This friction fire process uses more pressure than speed. A softer wood would not hold up under such pressure. Alway use a softer wood for the Bow Drill. Ya got plenty of speed on that process. Thanks for watching man.
You gave me an idea, David. If ever injured and down to one arm, that forked stick bearing block would work with a bow drill I'm thinking. Gotta experiment some.
Great demo!
Survival Sherpa Oh absolutely brother! Its extra work to find a big forked stick but yes, it honestly gives the bowdrill and easier stance. Give it a try sometime. That would make a good video. Take care brother and Thanks for watching.
Reallybigmonkey1 That's my plan Tuesday.
For me, I have almost always wore military or tactical pants because they are so tough on thorns and thick brush. I rarely go on trails so the expensive backpacker pants get tore up on me. I will say that if its 100 degrees outside I prefer my REI 100% Nylon backpacker pants any day. They just dont do well on snags. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.