Fire with a Hatchet and a Mylar Blanket

I haven't used a hatchet much since I was a kid, so I thought it would be fun to play around with this little bitty Gerber hatchet and see if I could get a fire going in the snow.
The tree was a little dead standing alder which was used for the hearth, spindle, coal catcher, tinder bundle, kindling, and fuel. I used a piece of punky fatwood for the bearing block, and a strip of the mylar blanket for the cordage.
Credit to my buddy wa_medic for the idea of using the space blanket.

[@willstewart5080]

That was beautiful. I loved the pink wood coal extension, and I would never have thought of using the mylar for cordage. Fantastic.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Will! 🙂

[@rx7yam]

Best survival Bushcraft channel. Period. Liked. Subscribed. Notified. And binge watching. Keep em coming. Wet PNW is tough on fire and I'm learning a lot. Thank you.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks! :)

[@markloechner884]

Great video, and I must add those were the best feather sticks I have ever seen or done. Thanks again for sharing

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Mark!

[@samstewart4444]

Thank you for providing proof that it is not the bushcraft tool, but the bushcrafter.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks for getting it Sam. 🙂

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Glad you showed you do not need a 100 to 200 hatchet to do this. Great job.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks AWF!

[@petro45acp69]

That was the best bowdrill video ever. The anchored hatchet used like a chef's mandolin to make kindling then two massive nests was super efficient. Favorite was the close-up of dust and coal generation with the shadow of the bow action in the background. Bravo!

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂 Thanks Peter!

[@williamthebossedwards6515]

Excellent use of the small Axe

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks William!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

It's not just your superior fire making ability that makes this video important . It is your use of knives & hatchets in the most efficient way possible to manufacture what you need . Great video as usual NWP .

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks MT!

[@bashpop]

The best thing about this video is that there was no talking over it. Fantastic video!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks bashpop!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Another great video. Your videography sure puts my videos to shame. Your firecraft skills continue to be among the best out there.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Lonnie!

[@waytodude486]

Come on Lonnie get off the couch you haven't made a video in a few weeks. I learn from your skills also.

[@davidharvey5672]

Your videos are just fine Lonnie, not better or worse just a different style.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

waytodude I have not been on the couch.......much. well. okay maybe a little. But here is my excuse. Connie and I have been out to our remote cabin for 15 days and I was unable to upload new content during that time. The fact that I sat on the couch a lot while at the cabin should not be counted against me. lol Actually Connie and I recorded 4 videos while we were there so be looking forward to seeing some new content being uploaded later this week.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

David Harvey Thanks my friend for the kind words.

[@bilakos1987]

The mother of all feathersticks!
And that mylar blanket cordage was excellent. Congratulations and thank you.

[@csh6220]

"We are not worthy" LOL Very impressive. The feathersticks looked like they should be on the cover of a bushcraft magazine. Thanks for a great video!

[@nwprimate6416]

😀 Thanks csh 62!

[@blaineweber5047]

The way you made the feather stick was outstanding! , Definitely going to add that technique to my skill set , thanks for the lesson , much appreciated !

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Blaine. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but I think you'll get the hang of it pretty quick

[@loboloco866]

More videos like this should be as regular tv education, excellent, expert in the field, thanks so much There's always something new to learn, we need more people like you, instead of destroying things, creative things are great.

[@nwprimate6416]

What a great compliment Lobo Loco. I appreciate you watching. 🙂

[@britinmadrid]

I have never seen a more impressive feather stick! Excellent vid!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks britinmadrid!

[@bombproofbushcraft]

i'm watching your videos in amazement. Your skills are off the charts and your editing and videography are uncanny. I am totally jealous. When looking at your subscriber button I can't believe you don't have 2 million subscribers. Keep up the great work, I am definitely going to school when watching your videos.

[@nwprimate6416]

I really appreciate that BB!

[@outdoorlegion9939]

Man I didnt think wet friction fire was viable but just made my first wet wood fire. Used calories to dry the wood out brilliant. Thanks for the direction.

[@nwprimate6416]

Awesome! That is great to hear, and I love your perspective on using calories. I hadn't looked at it that way, but you're absolutely right.

[@stephenstanley79]

I would have never thought that was posible with a mylar blanket, thanks for sharing.

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂

[@MichiganHiker]

Excellent use of alternative materials on hand, using the mylar blanket. I also really like the way you made your feather sticks I will have to try that

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks MH!

[@chiefkirk]

Amazing. I never figured that the Mylar would hold up. All I can say is wow ! Amazing from start to flames.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks chiefkirk! It tears easily, but has a surprising amount of strength and abrasion resistance when you twist it.

[@UnknownHazard95]

I'm a young guy in the PNW who has limited outdoors experience, but I've become so interested in bushcraft lately that I've taken to the woods to finally test the things that I've learned. The PNW seems to be a rather difficult place to learn as a beginner, but once you get it down you could survive anywhere. The first few camping trips I was incapable of even starting a fire, and it brought me down and left me wondering if this was right for me. Now that I've found your videos, I've payed more attention to the details and look forward to making progress in all the skills that you show. Thank you for what you do!

[@UnknownHazard95]

I guess I should also say that the troubles I've had as a beginner is differentiating between western hemlock, douglas fir, or other trees when it comes to gathering the right materials, utilizing tools correctly and having the proper techniques, and just general experience through constant practice. I've come to the conclusion that while it's very tough at first, it will become only more satisfying with each attempt and subsequent failure and learning through those failures until finally succeeding.

[@MichaelQuigley-fy5rc]

Working on the fallen tree is such a great idea, you're up off that wet ground and saving your back at the same time. I think it was 5:27 where you showed all the resources you created is just mind blowing.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Michael!

[@treygrubbs2550]

I would have been money that the mylar would be too slick to turn the spindle. But I would never bet against you getting the fire going somehow. You're a wizard NW.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Rayford! 🙂

[@geek211]

just great work. showing real skills the right way. Very well done. A masterful job. Making things look simple and eazy when it can be a real challenge is the sign of a master.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Marcos ☺️

[@melvinhowell5469]

Another outstanding video, Sir! You give new meaning to the phrase, "Never say die!" All the best!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Kees!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Now that is a mylar use I wouldnt have thought of and excellent use of the hatchet!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks TWP!

[@robbabcock_]

And BTW, I have never seen anything like that before! Mad props, man! Danged sharp axe, too. At a point it's easy to imagine that you've learned everything there is to know about fire but stuff this shows I'm wrong!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks again Rob. There's always more to learn. :)

[@TACHILL]

I love your skillset bro! Never thought of mylar as cordage but as soon as you started cutting it, it clicked in my head. Epic bow dril!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy!

[@davidf5603]

Your videos are superb and refreshingly creative. Thank you!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks David!

[@huejanus5505]

Good video. I like the way you bring 'outside the box' thinking to the art of fire making.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Hue! 🙂

[@UT-CLANS]

Your method is a totally new approach . Thanks for sharing and ATB .

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks RP! I can't take credit for the space blanket... I learned that from my buddy wa_medic over on the Bushcraft USA forums. I think he used the whole blanket rather than cutting off a strip, but he was definitely the inspiration.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Thanks for sending Cosmo . Very cool .

[@UT-CLANS]

Lefty - Very welcome to the only guy I ever saw who used a shot glass to make a bow drill fire . Tried using the 2 stick hearth with debatable results . Maybe made the sticks too short and too close together ! LOL

[@alexxela3950]

@RP Hah!!!! I remember at Twin Falls ! Shot glass and copper thimble on the mini set . 5X5 ! and later .

[@marvinzammit4889]

Amazing NW. Simply amazing. I love the atmosphere you create in you videos and you fire techniques amaze me all the time. Good Job keep it up looking forward for your next video

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Marvin!

[@wobblyotteroutdoors]

I really enjoyed this video. Skill and a little bit of artistry make an awesome combination.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Wobbly Otter!

[@BeefT-Sq]

"And in a free society, no matter how hard the struggle might be, it is reason that ultimately wins."
-Ayn Rand-

[@TheWindMillMan]

Stunning to watch absolute perfection thank you for sharing you survival skills.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks TheWindMillMan! 🙂

[@Flederratte]

Extremely cool video! I enjoy watching it very much. Thanks for creating such videos.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks again! They're a lot of fun to make.

[@mrMacGoover]

I liked the ways you used your Gerber backpacker hatchet, I will try these methods with mine as well. Thank you!

[@jblaze725]

Those are some impressive skills. Pleasure to watch.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks jblaze725!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Beautiful. Awesome shot of your shadow in the snow bow drilling.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy! 🙂

[@performanceregina]

Wow that was impressive.... I never would have thought that mylar strip would be strong enough to stand up to use in a bow drill...

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jeff! It gets pretty strong if you wind it up tight enough.

[@bushcraftsurvivalslovenia5241]

Nice. and what a great way to make feather sticks really fast. I have to try this out my self, both the shavings making and the mylar blanket rope

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks B&SS! Let me know how it goes. 👍

[@brianmcwhorter2867]

Very impressive. Those feather sticks looked like shaggy dog tails.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Brian!

[@natedunn5937]

Great camera shot of the coal/ember being built. Never seen it shot like that before. Very cool.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Nathan. I think you might appreciate this one then...🙂
How to "Build" a Friction Fire Ember: Step by Step with Up Close Footageth-cam.com/video/S5h5tSAYPcw/w-d-xo.html

[@davidharvey5672]

Enjoyed the video. Amazing material with so many useful properties.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks David!

[@Griffin1959]

Amazing... A master at work. Thank you for sharing.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Gary!

[@LGSkywalker82]

Brilliant! Awesome show of skill. Those feather sticks were a true craft of art! Liked and subbed

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks AGS! 🙂

[@HaggardOutdoors]

Great channel and the photo and video are excellent. Keep up the great work.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Haggard Outdoors! 🙂

[@dixy2k]

Nicely done.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks D. Alex Oprea!

[@notoiletpaperinthewoods]

Very cool featherstick bundle! Awesome video!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks NTPITW!

[@notoiletpaperinthewoods]

You inspired me to make my own video, thank you for sharing your knowledge, it really helped me out a ton!

[@nwprimate6416]

Great job NTPITW!

[@fradee2830]

very nice, another use for a space blanket

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Fra Dee!

[@wyomingdrifter115]

Thank you for another great video. You made my night, when I saw you posted this video! Awesome!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks WD!

[@MBwelding]

Mad axe skills I love it hands down best feather sticks I ever seen and good use of the mylar sheet in a pinch good to think macgyver style

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks brambo4791!

[@gus1911]

Well done sir! Good to have you back.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Gus! 🙂

[@elliottdmann]

Pretty amazing. Well done! Those were some incredible feather sticks.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Elliot!

[@mlladd9486]

Great videos anything under 20 minutes and a limited amount of dialog is perfect 👌

[@kidrockfan69]

Great video!Look forward to more

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks NM!

[@the_finest_tradition]

That was a pleasure to watch. Outstanding skill!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks William!

[@TheBeardedBurton]

Haha just awesome, would’ve never thought of that man. Thanks for sharing

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂👍

[@fearlessbackpacker9220]

This is really dope... Your skills are unparalleled... 👍

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks FB! 🙂

[@davemaximillion5501]

Very nice work, great accomplishment.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks again Dave! 🙂

[@gonagain]

Pretty doggone good!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Gonagain!

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

While I was expecting a different way to make fire by possible chemical reaction or maybe a friction between the Mylar and the hatchet...
But no am presently surprised to see a new approach to the Bow Drill Fire. Well Done.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks William!

[@kullcraven]

I just subbed, a mylar blanket used as a bow string, very cool idea, thanks for this video and well done.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks man! 🙂 I'm a fan of your channel, so it's great to have you watching!

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

Outstanding firecrafting with the Mylar blanket! Keep it hot brother

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Justin and Jana!

[@palehorsesurvivalandtactic9771]

Awesome video brother, love the Mylar cordage idea.
Bill

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy! I have to give credit to wa_medic on the Bushcraft USA forums for inspiring this one. Are you a member over there? I know the guys would love learning from you.

[@palehorsesurvivalandtactic9771]

@@nwprimate6416
I haven't been there yet,I'll ha e to check it out,thanks
Bill

[@higgsfieldinthefield9916]

stunning feather sticks mate.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks HitF!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

good axe, good wood, good technique, good air, good job and good day

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂

[@nawias]

amazing skill both in firemaking and video editing. thank you for those 10 minutes that felt like 2 :)

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks nawias! This was my longest video so far, so it's nice to hear that it didn't drag on for you.

[@bcwoodsman876]

Great job on that. Very clever!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Tramp Trade!

[@WildTuscanyBushcraft]

Great video ! I never that use for a Mylar blanket thanks for sharing the idea !
Cheers
Mattia

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Mattia!

[@20p65s]

Pretty creative Primate. That little chopper works better than it looks.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks 20p65s . Alder is not a very hard wood, so it was a good fit for this odd little tool.

[@georgehopper7310]

This is great! Most of the fire drills I see are made with east coast or Alaska woods. This is a real nice change and I can actually put one together and use it. I am over on the west sound and I have more than sufficient Red Alder along with Big Leaf Maple, Cedar, Hemlock and Douglas Fir to play with. I have just subscribed and plan on binge watching to see what else I can learn from you. Thank you very much for posting this

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks George! It's always nice to hear that other PNW guys are watching. A lot of the techniques are universal, but the materials in our area are pretty unique. I enjoy using all of the species you mentioned, so you'll find plenty of examples when you go looking through the videos. Keep in touch!

[@Oldman-eu1ir]

Great demo of making tinder bundles and fire bow but wasted Mylar blanket use a boot string and save the blanket for wrapping up

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Robert. I've done that quite a few times too, but it's fun to see what else you can get away with.

[@grantberry7575]

At first I thought the mylar was for a solar method. Good job!!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Grant. That would be awesome if it worked.

[@michaeltellurian825]

Very impressive and phenomenal camera work!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Michael!

[@frankhusel5033]

Interesting use of the mylar blanket and good to know about its properties, but one might have called that also 'Making fire with a hatchet and a piece of wire /and a willow twig /and a piece of paracord.' Finally, it was the traditional method.

[@mr.mickles]

Skillfully done. Inspiring video.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Mr. Mickles!

[@SWheatleyOutdoors]

Excellent video, as usual!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Sinjin!

[@Lehrgak59]

Mesmerizing. I've learned something new. Thanks.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Lehrgak59!

[@YankeesOutdoorAdventures]

Awesome video my friend and I love the way you put it together👍

[@nwprimate6416]

I appreciate it YOA!

[@j-philippepepin8971]

Génial pour les techniques...
Rien qu'avec une hache, et une couverture de survie.
Félicitations pour cette vidéo.

[@nwprimate6416]

Merci à J-Philippe Pepin. 🙂

[@NatesOutdoors]

Nice man,never thought of using a mylar blanket for that,I have used it for solar and after about a hour I had success lol thanks for sharing

[@nwprimate6416]

Cool! Are you saying that you've gotten solar ignition using only a mylar blanket? That's awesome! Some other people were asking about that, but it sounded like a long shot.

[@NatesOutdoors]

NW Primate yeah,it took awhile but it worked,I might try to do a video of it in a few days,but it's been raining here like crazy

[@danhold1]

Great video, Great Hatchet work

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks DH!

[@MuskratJim]

Awsome feathersticks!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jim!

[@wanderwikinger5657]

one of the best vids ive evrer seen for bow Drilling

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Glimm!

[@FrankChristopherOutdoors]

I love your videos man. You got some skills that’s for sure

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks for watching buddy.

[@Ddabig40mac]

How did the mylar cordage fare after spinning your coal? I thought it looked like small pieces were shedding off.

[@nwprimate6416]

Good eye Darryl! The cordage actually held up great. It had a little bit of stretch to it and lots of strength. The shredded bits that you saw flying were from the portions that I didn't twist tight enough. Luckily, the damage didn't spread and the cordage looked like it could have made more embers if necessary.

[@daveagar5594]

Hey! Its Dave from Agar's Academy.. I can't tell you how impressed I am.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Dave! Great to see you here buddy! 🙂

[@jerryjbloodworth6010]

That was awe inspiring!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jerry! 🙂

[@williambriant9643]

Great video. You are definitely the fire king.

[@nwprimate6416]

😀 Thanks William!

[@jerryfife2015tacoma]

Very well done. Great video

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jerry!

[@ahorseman4ever1]

Nice video, survival sherpa told me about your channel since you are in Washington too. I really liked the way you used your axe to make a feather stick.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Blake! Always great to hear from the locals! 🙂👍

[@RichTran365]

Coolest looking feather stick ever

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Sean!

[@SpiritForest]

I am very impressed!!!! You make it look so easy. New sub here. Thanks for sharing.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Spirit Forest!

[@SwampValley]

Very impressed, that's an amazing demonstration of knowledge and skill, liked and subscribed 🤠 👍

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Swamp Valley!

[@tallcedars2310]

Inspiring video NWPrimate! After watching what wood you collect and how dead & soft it is, I'm starting to realize what I need to look for while foraging for wood. Will be trying the hatchet for making a bow drill set with the mylar cordage. Specially like how you made those XL feather sticks!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks TC! Alder is some pretty fast growing and soft stuff. It's not the best friction fire wood when it's been raining, but it's always a readily available and reliable fuel source in my area. Let me know how you do with the mylar and hatchet.

[@tallcedars2310]

No success with the soft poplar I used to replace the red alder. Mors Kochanski, in his Bushcraft book states poplar begins to rot after the tree dies and is pretty much not usable for much, I might tend to agree, but will give it a few more rounds to be sure.
Did really well with the hatchet, it's the first time I've used your method of making a spindle, awesome! It's something I'll incorporate into my routine even with the knives since it's easier on the hands for the carving.
The mylar cordage worked very well in -18 this morning. It did stretch, although not much. No slippage or tearing, but did notice a few small specks on the snow after. Am impressed with it and will use it to see how long it lasts.
Had a blast testing this out, thanks again NW Primate!

[@nwprimate6416]

Excellent! I love that you're getting out and trying this stuff. Around here we have Black Cottonwood, which is closely related to poplars. It's another material that is great when it's dry, but it is hard to find any that isn't soaking wet this time of year. It seems like these softer woods absorb more moisture. Do you have any firs in your area? Little fir saplings are one of the most reliable options for me.

[@tallcedars2310]

Must say your video's have me out in the woods more, can't thank you enough. It's great to be learning about the plants and trees here, other than what types they are. Can't believe how exciting it is to find a stump and forage for punkwood & bow drill materials:) Even the dog is getting into it grabbing branches and breaking the odd one off.
Haven't noticed any fir here but will check with the locals. Have had success with the top of a dead spruce sapling this winter, I prefer it over poplar any day.

[@nwprimate6416]

That's great to hear TC!

[@yankeemudbug3263]

Absolutely a great video and learned a ton from watching it. I subscribed to it and thumbs up

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Yankee mudbug!

[@XthermomanX]

great vid! how long did it take you for the whole process? i mean prep the shavings, different diameters of sticks and the whole effort untill your fire got lit?

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Koen. Everything takes longer when filming because of all of the stopping to set up the shots, but this took just a little under two hours.

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

That was an excellent video! Was curious as to how the mylar was going to come into play. Also glad to see someone else using an axe/hatchet to make shavings the easy way! Subscribing!!! Take care.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks BNO60!

[@waytodude486]

I'm with Lonnie on this you are amazing to watch.. Yet another method your making me go out and learn. lol. What is next no tools fire making?

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks waytodude! I've tried the no-tools fire a couple of times and haven't been successful yet, but I'm sure I'll get there.

[@waytodude486]

I'm sure you'll get it before I do. keep up the good fight.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Great job. Thanks and take care.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Quinn!