Charred punk wood has become my preferred "next fire" material. Saw you do it and gave it a try. What a spark catcher!! Seems to get hotter that char cloth and, depending on the size of the wood, gives you a "super coal" that makes lighting your tinder much easier. Thanks tons Dave!!!!
Best thing about charring: If you're in a survival situation and don't have a metal container you can always burry your charring material underneath or next to the fire in the ground, just a few centimeters and it will charr just as well.
I always teach people that the most important fires are the first one and the next one. That is why I have two fire kits: A sure fire kit which helps me get a fire in 5 mins under any conditions (for when I simply have to have a fire ASAP) and a traditional/natural/sustainable fire kit for ll future fires. Great video, as always, Dave!
Hi David ...I've been watching alot of your content ,excellent job your doing .I've got my boys watching you now also who are also bush crafters ,your knowledge is used by us all and tou have a rocking channel ....cheers to you and your wife for putting out great content ,we live in canada in the Southern Cariboo surrounded by nature .Can't wait too see more awesome videos ....thanks again for all do are both doing 😃😃😃
Simplified, practical, common sense approach to survival. Thanks for the explanation and approach on what one can use to make char and the importance of having it within ones survival kit. Thank you Dave.
Dave you are always so right on the money, i always learn so much when i watch your video's. i wish we had this when I was younger. I wish i had someone like you as a scout master when i was a kid. i'm trying to teach my grand kids about the outdoors and survival. You make it easier with all pf the stuff you put out there. i take your class but i'm 70 now and becoming a bit of a candy ass. Lmao.
Hey Mr. Dave, Another fine fire starter material that is free and works great is dryer lint. One spark and it goes up in flame. If you keep a can by dryer and just stuff it in can every time you clean dryer lint, its free fire starter. You can soak it in patrolium jelly if you like also. Thanks for all your tips I am very much enjoying all your videos. Lots of good information. Keep up the good work, and God bless you.
Thanks for the video. A useful item that has multiple uses is a can of nevr-dull. It can polish a piece of metal for use as a signaling device, it is combustible, and the metal container works for making char cloth. Now obviously the smell from the wadding burning is not ideal but, in a pinch it works.
At 2:20, I hope when you took that break to transition, you paused to love on your pup, there. Saw how s/he came running up from the background. Always wanting love. As much as I appreciate all the information I've gained from your channel, one of my favorite things is how in many videos you have your dog out there with you. It's great to see.
Charcoal is handy enough that I like making it in larger amounts. Tomato juice tin full of wood, with a canned tomato tin over the open end, in the wood heater. For safety, in case of being a bit impatient cooling off, putting the fresh charcoal in a pickle jar with a air tight lid works well. If you ever find it vacuum sealed, you just avoided an unintended fire.
As always some great info presented in a smart, intelligible and professional manner . You are the standard by which all others strive .....whether they admit it or not.
Using a fire steel or a ferro rod is really fun and a great skill to have... and I have both!!! But I have to agree, Bic lighters are pretty great for the money lol. Seriously; I've never bought a brand name Bic lighter that didn't work perfectly. I think they deserve a lot of credit for quality control.
Wow all summer long I have been making char material every time I BBQ on my gas stove.I smoke a lot of my meat and in the smoking box I'm left with char wood .I never though of saving those up and keeping in a container to use with my fire rod when out doors. I learned a big lesson watching your video thanks very much.
Just a small thing about the word sløjd (in Danish at least, not 100% if the same in Swedish but it most likely is) we very often use it with a material in front of it to specify what we are talking about, that could be træ-sløjd or metal-sløjd (those being wood and metal handcraft) Just a random thing about a word. Thought I would share it so there it is. On the video, good video. About the last video, I was not confused at all about what you did or why you did it in the last one. keep the videos coming they are a great aid especially as I am now starting to teach my kid some of the skills to my son (He loves bush craft, and in part you are to thank for that)
There is so many ways to build fires. Cotton, steel wool, grapevine skins, pine needles, crushed up dry leaves. The source. Bic lighter, matches, ferro rod, magnifying glass, batteries. Bow drills, and on and on.
I guess the same technique would work for a magnesium fire starter as the ferro rod, in terms of removing the ripple with the back of a knife. As usual, another great and informative video, Dave! I really need to work on plant identification and that will help with fire starting.
If you have flint with you, then it does an excellent job of smoothing a ferrocerium rod. The uneven but sharp edge of the flint will put your ferrocerium in order in two or three blows.
Thanks Dave very good advice i like your philosophy and understand that these techniques are alternatives...It happen to me i carried a cheap Bic imitation and it melted and the striker popped ,had to walk 2 miles to get Real Bic cause i was unprepared(no alternative) and lacking knowledge...But that not going to happen anymore i learned my lesson the hard way...So no cheap lighters and a little knowledge goes a long way... Thanks for your precious advice
Great video. If you do not have a container . You can use the Cole from the fire . Just brake it off of the log that didn't burn up all the way. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
Hey Dave, though a few may have misunderstood your intentions in the previous video, I'd guess they're in the minority. It seemed pretty clear to me that you were demonstrating a near worst case scenario. You were showing us that it was possible to get a fire going even in those conditions with the most basic fire making implements. Thanks for taking the time man!
Char is dang near a must have have for solar ignition. Charred punk wood or horse hoof fungus is always my go to coal extender for friction fire, too. Lay some on the coal and then you got a way better chance to get flame if your tinder bundle is damp. And, when it looks like it aint gonna work, throw in some more for another chance.
***** Indeed. I carry a small, cheap glass in my fire kit. One of the small reader glasses from the drug store. I've lit dry grass with it but it takes a lot of patience. Lights char in a few seconds, though.
duxdawg Yeah man, thanks. I played around with coal extenders extensively a few years ago when I was on my friction fire journey after watching some of Ghost Honda's videos. It really makes a difference. Lots of folks concentrate on just getting a coal, but anyone who does it a few hundred times knows that isn't the only challenging part. I hardly ever make a friction fire on the fly without a coal extender of some sort, anymore.
Totally agree. I line up a coal extender every time I go for flame from ember no matter the ignition source. Have taught many people how to achieve an ember by many means then watched them let it go out because they didn't know how to take it from ember to sustainable fire. Major letdown! Now I start from the fire lay and work our way back one step at a time.
Just found this video. Excellent as always. I think the key to next fire thoughts is do it while you are strong. I have a winter project I am going to work on... useful for extended time whether in woods or at home. In re Fire protection. Not seeing much on it anywhere but I think it would have many uses.
Char cloth always work for me and I trust it a lot especially living in a tropical island. BIC, fire rod and magnifying glass are part of my fire kit so I'm in the right tract. Great teaching video Sir Canterbury. When the DC6 knife would be available? Adios y muchas gracias
Dave, have you tried using dryer lint as a part of a birdsnest in your fire starting kit? I have begun saving my dryer lint for starting leaf burning in our yard, and find that it seriously lights up quickly and well. Much like purchased cotton balls... Perhaps Miss Iris doesn't use a dryer (I wouldn't if we didn't live in such a tree-filled area), but if she does, try the lint and see if you like it. It would add zero weight to your pack. I have not tried charring it yet, but hope to in the future. Good video
I like that tin can you use for char material. It would make a great piece of kit for your store, if you were to produce an efficient cost version. obviously not a dollar, if it were possible to shelf a 3-5- dollar tin, maybe with a piece of flint included, it would be a decent seller.
Common sense is often the least common sense of all. I've seen so many people trying to skip the char step in fire ignition... and paying dearly in time and effort because it's missing. Good, straight forward common sense fire mentality show here. Good job!
Great info Dave. That looks like one of the Tentsmiths Pathfinder Scout Tarps behind you. What about doing some videos on the different set ups you have come up with for it. I have one and it is great, would really like to see the different set ups you have come up with.
Sorry Dave I disagree with the bic lighter I choose to substitute for a Zippo, flint,wick,and a small can of fuel. This setup takes care of the wind issues.
How about trying to char driftwood up. It's readily available on many river banks. This "pre-digested" wood is quite porous once it's dry and I bet it would char up good! I'll try this as soon as the ice/snow disappear. Greetings from Northern Quebec brother!
One thing I try to do is strike my fero rods near the tip, with short tough strikes. That way they don't get thin in middle and break, plus they last a lot longer.
Dave Great video. What is the difference between chared wood and the chared wood left over from a previous fire ? Thanks for your time doing these videos and answering our questions.
I understand why and how you can make a fire with the charred material now and will collect material to make the charred material with. Thanks for showing us how to do it.
Hello Dave I have to say I have learn a great bit from watching your videos. Dave can to give me your opinion on a Mora allaround 749? Is it a good full tang knife? I'm planning on purchasing two Mora knives one will be the Mora Black and the other I would like a larger knife like the Pathfinder or the 749. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you George
Hey everyone. I'm 24 and I just bought a pack. My friend is going to show me some of Southern and Northern California. Besides these videos, do you have any sources you recommend? I'm a reader so book recs would be great. Thanks!
Dave, when are we going to get a Bushcraft Hair Care video? Us woods boys with above average dew scenarios going on may benefit from some pointers...What do you use?
Looks like you got your ink touched up dave looks good. Now question what is the biggest thing I'm looking when choosing what to char as far as in natural materials?
Dave, thanx for another great video. Had a quick question. For the magnifying glass has anyone ever tried the little geology magnifying glasses, they're a lot more compact and you can get a 30x power for little money, haven't ever seen anyone use one or have on in their kit.
I have found that the larger (wider) the lens, the better it works. I'd take a credit card sized 4x fresnel over a tiny 30x lens any day. Think about it like this: concentrating sunlight is like carrying water. Would you rather use a five gallon bucket or a tea cup? The 30x lens is the tea cup.
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
Failure to Prepare is Preparing to Fail.......... Outstanding Job
Charred punk wood has become my preferred "next fire" material. Saw you do it and gave it a try. What a spark catcher!! Seems to get hotter that char cloth and, depending on the size of the wood, gives you a "super coal" that makes lighting your tinder much easier. Thanks tons Dave!!!!
Best thing about charring: If you're in a survival situation and don't have a metal container you can always burry your charring material underneath or next to the fire in the ground, just a few centimeters and it will charr just as well.
I always teach people that the most important fires are the first one and the next one. That is why I have two fire kits: A sure fire kit which helps me get a fire in 5 mins under any conditions (for when I simply have to have a fire ASAP) and a traditional/natural/sustainable fire kit for ll future fires. Great video, as always, Dave!
another great video Dave. It amazes me on how much of this I learned in boy scouts 45 plus years ago and forgot. I really miss being in the woods.
Hi David ...I've been watching alot of your content ,excellent job your doing .I've got my boys watching you now also who are also bush crafters ,your knowledge is used by us all and tou have a rocking channel ....cheers to you and your wife for putting out great content ,we live in canada in the Southern Cariboo surrounded by nature .Can't wait too see more awesome videos ....thanks again for all do are both doing 😃😃😃
This Is The "BEST" Channel On RUclips. Thanks For Another "GREAT" Video Dave..
Simplified, practical, common sense approach to survival. Thanks for the explanation and approach on what one can use to make char and the importance of having it within ones survival kit. Thank you Dave.
Dave you are always so right on the money, i always learn so much when i watch your video's. i wish we had this when I was younger. I wish i had someone like you as a scout master when i was a kid. i'm trying to teach my grand kids about the outdoors and survival. You make it easier with all pf the stuff you put out there. i take your class but i'm 70 now and becoming a bit of a candy ass. Lmao.
Hey Mr. Dave, Another fine fire starter material that is free and works great is dryer lint. One spark and it goes up in flame. If you keep a can by dryer and just stuff it in can every time you clean dryer lint, its free fire starter. You can soak it in patrolium jelly if you like also. Thanks for all your tips I am very much enjoying all your videos. Lots of good information. Keep up the good work, and God bless you.
Always a pleasure Dave.
11:29 it is important. thanks you for pointing out the importance of using each fire to ensure your next fire !!
Great tip on removing those speed bumps! I'll have to fix up my almost unusable one
Thanks for the video. A useful item that has multiple uses is a can of nevr-dull. It can polish a piece of metal for use as a signaling device, it is combustible, and the metal container works for making char cloth. Now obviously the smell from the wadding burning is not ideal but, in a pinch it works.
You can use your empty BIC lighter to start fires as the ignition on a BIC is similar to a small ferro rod!
Look at old Rufus running 🐕 to Dave. Rest in peace, Rufus. ❤️
Awesome as always, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for all u guys do as well Sir
At 2:20, I hope when you took that break to transition, you paused to love on your pup, there. Saw how s/he came running up from the background. Always wanting love. As much as I appreciate all the information I've gained from your channel, one of my favorite things is how in many videos you have your dog out there with you. It's great to see.
Charcoal is handy enough that I like making it in larger amounts. Tomato juice tin full of wood, with a canned tomato tin over the open end, in the wood heater. For safety, in case of being a bit impatient cooling off, putting the fresh charcoal in a pickle jar with a air tight lid works well. If you ever find it vacuum sealed, you just avoided an unintended fire.
Thanks Dave. I never get tired of basic fundamentals. They help keep my mind sharp on the subject. Thanks again. Stephen, Ohio
As always some great info presented in a smart, intelligible and professional manner . You are the standard by which all others strive .....whether they admit it or not.
Go Dave Go i am so glad i have you on my subscription list. The material you cover in your videos is INCREDIBLE!!
Using a fire steel or a ferro rod is really fun and a great skill to have... and I have both!!!
But I have to agree, Bic lighters are pretty great for the money lol. Seriously; I've never bought a brand name Bic lighter that didn't work perfectly. I think they deserve a lot of credit for quality control.
Hello Mr. Dave, I was wondering about the tent behind you, could you let me know what brand and motle name is for it?
thanks for your time
Wow all summer long I have been making char material every time I BBQ on my gas stove.I smoke a lot of my meat and in the smoking box I'm left with char wood .I never though of saving those up and keeping in a container to use with my fire rod when out doors. I learned a big lesson watching your video thanks very much.
Just a small thing about the word sløjd (in Danish at least, not 100% if the same in Swedish but it most likely is) we very often use it with a material in front of it to specify what we are talking about, that could be træ-sløjd or metal-sløjd (those being wood and metal handcraft)
Just a random thing about a word. Thought I would share it so there it is.
On the video, good video. About the last video, I was not confused at all about what you did or why you did it in the last one. keep the videos coming they are a great aid especially as I am now starting to teach my kid some of the skills to my son (He loves bush craft, and in part you are to thank for that)
Char can also be made by burying punk wood under your fire if you don't have a can. Good video,Thanks
Another great one Dave!
That's a beautiful dog you have sir!
These fire videos are awesome, really enjoyable just watching a fire come together.
Happy St. Valentines day to you and Iris, Dave, and thank you for the amazing content.
As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom
Another great video Dave. Thanks for the info.
Good explanation, Dave. Thanks for the vid.
Great video on the subject. I learn new things from each video. Thanks for making and sharing these with all of us.
There is so many ways to build fires. Cotton, steel wool, grapevine skins, pine needles, crushed up dry leaves. The source. Bic lighter, matches, ferro rod, magnifying glass, batteries. Bow drills, and on and on.
I guess the same technique would work for a magnesium fire starter as the ferro rod, in terms of removing the ripple with the back of a knife. As usual, another great and informative video, Dave! I really need to work on plant identification and that will help with fire starting.
If you have flint with you, then it does an excellent job of smoothing a ferrocerium rod. The uneven but sharp edge of the flint will put your ferrocerium in order in two or three blows.
dave thank you so much for what you do.. I look forward to taking your classes.. Ryan
Thanks Dave very good advice i like your philosophy and understand that these techniques are alternatives...It happen to me i carried a cheap Bic imitation and it melted and the striker popped ,had to walk 2 miles to get Real Bic cause i was unprepared(no alternative) and lacking knowledge...But that not going to happen anymore i learned my lesson the hard way...So no cheap lighters and a little knowledge goes a long way...
Thanks for your precious advice
And if something is important enough to do, it is important enough to carry a backup for! Lol.
I charred some wild cherry inner bark once that worked really well. Thanks for another great video
Looks like you got your scorpions darkened
Great video. If you do not have a container . You can use the Cole from the fire . Just brake it off of the log that didn't burn up all the way. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
Tanks for your videos!
Always educating!
Your dog is amazing, bet is a good friend!
Compliments from Portugal
Hey Dave, though a few may have misunderstood your intentions in the previous video, I'd guess they're in the minority. It seemed pretty clear to me that you were demonstrating a near worst case scenario. You were showing us that it was possible to get a fire going even in those conditions with the most basic fire making implements. Thanks for taking the time man!
Thanks Dave, That answers my question. Great video
Char is dang near a must have have for solar ignition. Charred punk wood or horse hoof fungus is always my go to coal extender for friction fire, too. Lay some on the coal and then you got a way better chance to get flame if your tinder bundle is damp. And, when it looks like it aint gonna work, throw in some more for another chance.
***** Indeed. I carry a small, cheap glass in my fire kit. One of the small reader glasses from the drug store. I've lit dry grass with it but it takes a lot of patience. Lights char in a few seconds, though.
duxdawg Yeah man, thanks. I played around with coal extenders extensively a few years ago when I was on my friction fire journey after watching some of Ghost Honda's videos. It really makes a difference. Lots of folks concentrate on just getting a coal, but anyone who does it a few hundred times knows that isn't the only challenging part. I hardly ever make a friction fire on the fly without a coal extender of some sort, anymore.
Totally agree. I line up a coal extender every time I go for flame from ember no matter the ignition source. Have taught many people how to achieve an ember by many means then watched them let it go out because they didn't know how to take it from ember to sustainable fire. Major letdown! Now I start from the fire lay and work our way back one step at a time.
AS ALWAYS OUTSTANDING BROTHER YOU ARE ON POINT EVERY TIME
Just found this video. Excellent as always. I think the key to next fire thoughts is do it while you are strong. I have a winter project I am going to work on... useful for extended time whether in woods or at home. In re Fire protection. Not seeing much on it anywhere but I think it would have many uses.
Again thanks Dave... Learnt something new again :-) ... Cheers!
Char cloth always work for me and I trust it a lot especially living in a tropical island. BIC, fire rod and magnifying glass are part of my fire kit so I'm in the right tract. Great teaching video Sir Canterbury. When the DC6 knife would be available? Adios y muchas gracias
Great video
Great video!
Dave, have you tried using dryer lint as a part of a birdsnest in your fire starting kit? I have begun saving my dryer lint for starting leaf burning in our yard, and find that it seriously lights up quickly and well. Much like purchased cotton balls... Perhaps Miss Iris doesn't use a dryer (I wouldn't if we didn't live in such a tree-filled area), but if she does, try the lint and see if you like it. It would add zero weight to your pack. I have not tried charring it yet, but hope to in the future. Good video
I like that tin can you use for char material. It would make a great piece of kit for your store, if you were to produce an efficient cost version. obviously not a dollar, if it were possible to shelf a 3-5- dollar tin, maybe with a piece of flint included, it would be a decent seller.
This is great information (as always), thank you for sharing!
Common sense is often the least common sense of all. I've seen so many people trying to skip the char step in fire ignition... and paying dearly in time and effort because it's missing. Good, straight forward common sense fire mentality show here. Good job!
Great job, thanks
Cracking vid as allways. Love the "next fire mentality" easy to remember and a good 1 to learn/teach
Great info Dave. That looks like one of the Tentsmiths Pathfinder Scout Tarps behind you. What about doing some videos on the different set ups you have come up with for it. I have one and it is great, would really like to see the different set ups you have come up with.
Thanks for the tips.
great demo!
Excellent
I've made char material with a used paint can. Just drill a small hole on top and it works great.
Sorry Dave I disagree with the bic lighter I choose to substitute for a Zippo, flint,wick,and a small can of fuel. This setup takes care of the wind issues.
Awesome vid dave
Wonderful straightforward to the point advice. Thank you again!
How about trying to char driftwood up. It's readily available on many river banks. This "pre-digested" wood is quite porous once it's dry and I bet it would char up good! I'll try this as soon as the ice/snow disappear. Greetings from Northern Quebec brother!
Outstanding
One thing I try to do is strike my fero rods near the tip, with short tough strikes. That way they don't get thin in middle and break, plus they last a lot longer.
Dave Great video. What is the difference between chared wood and the chared wood left over from a previous fire ? Thanks for your time doing these videos and answering our questions.
Oxygen. Char is made with little to no oxygen. Charcoal from an open fire obviously has all the oxygen it wants.
I understand why and how you can make a fire with the charred material now and will collect material to make the charred material with. Thanks for showing us how to do it.
good lessons - thank you
Hello Dave I have to say I have learn a great bit from watching your videos. Dave can to give me your opinion on a Mora allaround 749? Is it a good full tang knife? I'm planning on purchasing two Mora knives one will be the Mora Black and the other I would like a larger knife like the Pathfinder or the 749. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you George
Hey everyone. I'm 24 and I just bought a pack. My friend is going to show me some of Southern and Northern California. Besides these videos, do you have any sources you recommend? I'm a reader so book recs would be great. Thanks!
Found this knife you use, and purchased it. Hope I like it.
Awesome video Dave! Did you by any chance gets your tattoos darkened? They look a little brighter than normal. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate the videos mate
Dave, when are we going to get a Bushcraft Hair Care video? Us woods boys with above average dew scenarios going on may benefit from some pointers...What do you use?
I just recently went to one of you stores and I loved it it want a place for great deals and great items
Nice Dave. Thx for the Upload :)
Thanks
Yet another great vid
Great Video Dave. What have you found to be the very best material for char?
Hey Dave looks like you got them scorpions touched up ? looks good Bro
great video and hair!
As a Swede I'm glad to see you use a swedish made knife. Do you prefer swedish made knives?
Amazon, "dual lid tea tin," you're welcome.
Winter: So appropriate for Firecraft videos.
Folks who practice it now will have an easier time as the weather gets better.
Dave, did you configure the larger logs with the intention of them being radiators or self feeding fuel?
Thats a lovely dog
Very helpful!
Is that jacket wool? Please tell me what kind of jacket that is and where you got it. Thanks in advance.
What is the shelter you have behind you? Is it some sort of Pancho that doubles as a shelter?
Looks like you got your ink touched up dave looks good. Now question what is the biggest thing I'm looking when choosing what to char as far as in natural materials?
Dave, thanx for another great video. Had a quick question. For the magnifying glass has anyone ever tried the little geology magnifying glasses, they're a lot more compact and you can get a 30x power for little money, haven't ever seen anyone use one or have on in their kit.
I have found that the larger (wider) the lens, the better it works. I'd take a credit card sized 4x fresnel over a tiny 30x lens any day.
Think about it like this: concentrating sunlight is like carrying water. Would you rather use a five gallon bucket or a tea cup? The 30x lens is the tea cup.
hi! where do you bougth your axe? Cool!
Got a dumb question, did you dump the ignited char back into the container with the rest or was I just seeing things?
i wish Jeff White knifes where available in the Uk!!
thanks for another great vid...RnMT