You have no idea... I took one of his classes and everything out of his mouth was deliberate, precise and he’s so patient. He’s the best instructor I’ve ever had, hands down!
And so normal. What happened to that? Normal adult conversation? The only blemish is that “what’s up guys” at the beginning which I am sick of hearing, but other than that the guy just... speaks. You’d think it would be a simple thing, but in this day and age it is nothing short of a miracle! Not shouting, not “joking” every other sentence, not using trendy baby talk. He speaks. Incredible.
That was the best explanation of making shavings and feather sticks !! Thank you so much Dan for putting more tools in my toolbox !! Plus I really like that knife but those guns were showing too . Haha . Take care and stay safe my friend !!
I used to wander into the woods near my grandparent's when I was four to six. The older kids always had to come find me. I haven't camped since I was a teenager. My dad & other mom had us out at this wooded pond property practically every weekend we went up to visit. Best memories ever. I long for being back in the woods. Love your videos. Making feather sticks looks like the most soothing survival skill.
I almost fast forward maybe 10 times. I stopped myself each time because even though you were long winded you kept getting to the point. I understand why you were doing it. This is a very detailed and specific demonstration and I appreciate that no matter how impatient I was. About your feathers I'm sure you don't need to hear this but I thought they were premium samples. I can tell that given time and a relaxed environment you can probably churn out feathers to impress anyone. Thank you for your video I am saving this one for future study!
Outstanding video. I have always used the quartering (baton) method brcause, in addition to providing (nominally) twelve edges (peaks), it exposes the center of the wood. This is particularly advantageous when using resinous woods (pine, fir, cedar, etc.) as it exposes that resin for processing, not only for feathering, but also as kindling.
Appreciate it man! I’m new to bushcraft but I’ve tried this with my son and I kept making my feather sticks wider and fatter and I didn’t know why until now. I was making a flat spot because I wasn’t rotating. Thx so much for this!!!
Nice vid! It's one thing to know what you're doing - and you obviosly do - but knowing how to effectively communicate/teach what you know is taking it to the next level. You know how to do that, too. Value that. A lot of people who really know their stuff are no good at teaching it. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
I used your method of keeping the knife immobile today (instead of keeping the stick immobile and moving the knife) and I had much more success. Thank you!
I found this to be extremely helpful, easy to understand and 5 minutes later had a pile of shavings ready to ignite, well done my friend and thankyou, just subscribed, I see a ton of really practical videos you have done, so glad I stumbled onto this channel!!!!😁😁☺😁😁
6:10 has to be the worst frog drawing I've seen. Honestly, thank you for this video! I've attempted feather sticks a few times with no luck and this explained everything I was doing wrong.
Wow! What a brilliant explanation! I've been doing it for so long with a random success from time to time, but without a real understanding of the mechanic of it 😅 Thanks a lot Dan for all those fantastic life skills you share! What an awesome teacher you are!
I'm the guy who spent a lotta time in the woods & sux at feathersticking. Your method is simple & sensible. Shoulda figured it out on my own but what can I say? I'm slow at some things. I'm about to be the expert at camp now.
Absolutely outstanding video Dan!!! Feather sticks and shavings have skunked me still. Vaseline and cotton balls, and even the Smiths shaving thing that acts like a cheese grater. Now, I know I can do this. Running the knife across the wood without cutting is brilliant. I’m back in the woods this weekend and can’t wait to try this. Thanks Dan!!
a blend of Lemon and Eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier of cheap vodka or witch hazel extract is a great organic insect repellent plus smell much better. Give it a try before you knock it.
Love this channel man! Your like the older yet younger brother I didn't have growing up in the woods. My bushcraft skills have accelerated thanks to you! Jesus bless you brother.
Dan, I teach basic firemaking and I am a big fan of the featherstick. I teach a lot of kids, sometimes pretty young ones, so I generally pound the tip of the knife blade into a stump to help them keep a consistent angle (and prevent cutting themselves!), but putting the knife hand on the knee is a technique I haven't tried before. So smart! And your explanation of the process is so spot on. You are an excellent teacher, and I will be pointing my students to your channel (and website) for further instruction. Thanks very much and keep up the good work!
That was the best explanation ,of anything, that I’ve seen in a while. I had attempted feathering a stick, a while back, and failed. I’ll use your tips and try again tomorrow. Thank you Dan.
Thanks Dan; I've been trying to make wide, flat feathers off the flat side of a piece wood for such a long time with mixed success. This makes so much sense and I'm about to head outside with my knife to make some better feathers.
living outdoors in coastal range of oregon through a very long lasting wet, dark spring, nice summer and chilly fall, drank lots of cowboy coffee made by a maniac. this guy endangered all with his own unique process. cowboy coffee and lots of weed was a good morning. the smell of the coffee brewing is what got us to crawl out the warmth or our sleeping sack. that and having to pee. have you tried crushing the beans inside the sack it comes in? they are fairly sturdy and should hold up to soft crunching with the blunt end of an axe. what do you think?
Thanks man. That was actually really helpful. I tried for first time yesterday and wasn’t workin. Gonna look for a better piece of wood today and make a good cut so I have my peaks. Then position and lock in and work on finding that angle.
Great information. Sadly not watched you for ages. Hope you still chuck out the odd nugget of your humour. Always loved that in your delivery. Not knocking though mate cos we're all here for the info and lessons just as much
Wow. Excellent instructional video. I've been making feather sticks for 50+ years and you have increased my understanding 10 fold. I guess I'm going to have to start practicing with my newfound knowledge. Thanks a million. Well done.
Oh, man! I couldn't wait, I just had to try this out right now! And it works!! Finally I can make the perfect shavings, feathersticks! You are a great teacher, thank you so much!
Dude, this is excellent content. Really, man. I remember reading about feather sticks in my old boy scouts manual and trying to follow the instructions and the pictures, but it never worked for me. This, however, tells me what I was doing wrong and how to go about practicing to do it right!
Gray Bearded Green Beret has a bunch of videos on that topic. Also has a more in depth explanation of it on a paid member source. I’ve not viewed those but his RUclips videos on the topic are pretty in depth for many of the situations we may encounter in the woods and in general day to day stuff. 👍✌️
I'm horrible at this! Or should I say, until now I was horrible! Thank you so so much! {I'm using cotton balls with Vaseline}! Now I'm practicing and it works so much better!
8:29 - Hmm... great info for the most part, but I don't think that this method is very safe for your thumb the way it is sticking in front of the blade, especially if you're angling the blade backwards like this. The slightest touch will cut you as you pull back unless you're very careful with your thumb joints. It takes a lot of concentration and control to prevent it. For this reason, I've always pushed my blade down along the stick (tip to heal) while bracing it against a hard surface, and I've always keep my hand behind the blade at all times. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but that's how accidents happen so I don't risk it. My number one safety rule when working with a knife or any cutting tool is "never put any body part in front of the cutting edge", and I think it's a very good one.
Great video! I've never had to make shavings or feather sticks and would have assumed it to be really easy and not require that much thought, but this was very enlightening! I'm proud to say though that I actually did have the image of creating peaks like you said, to create smaller bits to help create the fire!
Love your videos man. Just got about 30 acres in western NC and gonna try and take it into a homestead. Gonna take lots of your tips with me to make it go a lot easier!
Dude is a solid teacher, 10/10 for this tutorial man thank you!
You have no idea... I took one of his classes and everything out of his mouth was deliberate, precise and he’s so patient. He’s the best instructor I’ve ever had, hands down!
Yea excellent teacher for sure. And what a great personality as well!
And so normal. What happened to that? Normal adult conversation? The only blemish is that “what’s up guys” at the beginning which I am sick of hearing, but other than that the guy just... speaks. You’d think it would be a simple thing, but in this day and age it is nothing short of a miracle! Not shouting, not “joking” every other sentence, not using trendy baby talk. He speaks. Incredible.
indeed
My wife walked past me whilst you were drawing on the whiteboard and asked me "why are watching a video on how to draw Kermit the Frog" LOL!
14 years of bushcrafting and I swear this video improved my feathers at least 50% 😱👍
This was the best teaching tutorial I've ever seen. The simplicity and visuals and explanations were perfect!
The best teacher of bushcraft on RUclipsrs. Maybe the best teacher ever. 🙏
Love this intro. makes me want to tear through the wood blazing a path.😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
That was the best explanation of making shavings and feather sticks !! Thank you so much Dan for putting more tools in my toolbox !! Plus I really like that knife but those guns were showing too . Haha . Take care and stay safe my friend !!
Some channels you just thumbs up before you even watch the video. This is one of those. Great job👍
Beat feather stick demo ever! Thanks
All good tips.
Really like that cabin.
I used to wander into the woods near my grandparent's when I was four to six. The older kids always had to come find me. I haven't camped since I was a teenager. My dad & other mom had us out at this wooded pond property practically every weekend we went up to visit. Best memories ever. I long for being back in the woods. Love your videos. Making feather sticks looks like the most soothing survival skill.
Never seen a better instruction to make feathers/shavings.. Great video, thank you!
This is by far the best, most informative video I've seen on feathersticks, thanks for making it. 👍🏼
This is fantastic, I've seen so many videos about firesticks but this is the first one that gives such a good tutorial on it
Thanks for this. Been building woods fires for decades but could never get good fuzz sticks. Gonna work on it.
I almost fast forward maybe 10 times. I stopped myself each time because even though you were long winded you kept getting to the point. I understand why you were doing it. This is a very detailed and specific demonstration and I appreciate that no matter how impatient I was. About your feathers I'm sure you don't need to hear this but I thought they were premium samples. I can tell that given time and a relaxed environment you can probably churn out feathers to impress anyone. Thank you for your video I am saving this one for future study!
This was a really great explanation. You have a natural teaching skill.
Outstanding video. I have always used the quartering (baton) method brcause, in addition to providing (nominally) twelve edges (peaks), it exposes the center of the wood. This is particularly advantageous when using resinous woods (pine, fir, cedar, etc.) as it exposes that resin for processing, not only for feathering, but also as kindling.
And for FATWOOD
Appreciate it man! I’m new to bushcraft but I’ve tried this with my son and I kept making my feather sticks wider and fatter and I didn’t know why until now. I was making a flat spot because I wasn’t rotating. Thx so much for this!!!
This is an amazing video. I've been trying to craft the perfect feather sticks, but nothing has helped until this video.
Nice vid! It's one thing to know what you're doing - and you obviosly do - but knowing how to effectively communicate/teach what you know is taking it to the next level. You know how to do that, too. Value that. A lot of people who really know their stuff are no good at teaching it. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
Excellent detailed instruction.
I used your method of keeping the knife immobile today (instead of keeping the stick immobile and moving the knife) and I had much more success. Thank you!
Got yourself a new subscriber off this tutorial alone. Outstanding! I've been doing it so wrong...
I knew some of this but knowing to keep the knife in one place and turn the wood makes sense, thanks for this
I found this to be extremely helpful, easy to understand and 5 minutes later had a pile of shavings ready to ignite, well done my friend and thankyou, just subscribed, I see a ton of really practical videos you have done, so glad I stumbled onto this channel!!!!😁😁☺😁😁
You are an Excellent Teacher. Best tutorial on this Ever. Thank You
Awesome feathers! The best instructional video I’ve seen on this subject. Thanks!
6:10 has to be the worst frog drawing I've seen.
Honestly, thank you for this video! I've attempted feather sticks a few times with no luck and this explained everything I was doing wrong.
😂😂
Great. Almost made me choke on my soda.
🐸
Every time I think I have the basics down pat, I watch one of your videos and learn something new! Thanks for all the great info.
That was the best feathers/shavings tutorial I've ever seen, thank you brother I can't wait to try those tricks this weekend.
I was wondering why I couldn't manage to carve a feather stick and you just adressed so many mistakes I was making, thank you very much!
Wow! What a brilliant explanation! I've been doing it for so long with a random success from time to time, but without a real understanding of the mechanic of it 😅 Thanks a lot Dan for all those fantastic life skills you share! What an awesome teacher you are!
I'm the guy who spent a lotta time in the woods & sux at feathersticking. Your method is simple & sensible. Shoulda figured it out on my own but what can I say? I'm slow at some things. I'm about to be the expert at camp now.
This is the absolute best video on making feather sticks that I’ve found!
Thanks bro!
Thanks Dan, best explanation of creating a feather stick i have seen so far, gonna give it a try tomorrow
Very useful video, thank you! :)
Best feathersticking tutorial I've seen so far.
I don’t know, but I feel like this is the best instructional video I’ve ever seen. Great shtuff, Dan’l.
Excellent demonstration and visuals on feather sticking/shavings, always enjoy your videos and good humor.
Thanks Dan! I always enjoy watching your videos....and I'm learning. Mabuhay ka!
Thank you for posting this video Dan, much appreciated!
Great video. I started teaching my 8 year old son how to start a fire. Next step is how to shave. Keep rocking it.
SF
Intelligent presentation of a simple but often misapplied technique. Thanks. I was successful before but NOW - more so! 😎
A true feather stick has different grades of curls for a more effective fire .God bless you and your family and happy camping 🏕 🙏 😊. Lee
The Art and Science of Feathering. Well done.
man I don't even go camping but your videos made me order a Ferro rod and try to learn these. thank you LOL
Wow really clears up the proper technique for me. Thanks Dan
Absolutely outstanding video Dan!!! Feather sticks and shavings have skunked me still. Vaseline and cotton balls, and even the Smiths shaving thing that acts like a cheese grater. Now, I know I can do this. Running the knife across the wood without cutting is brilliant. I’m back in the woods this weekend and can’t wait to try this. Thanks Dan!!
Insect repellent .... its that time a year ... would make a good video ... just a thought :) love the videos keep them coming
@H K there's always a special boy in each comment section.
@H K It's the RUclips comment section.... he's not writing a thesis... Also... his suggestion was.. solid.. Pound sand.... Sally...
@@corbindallas1954 🤣🤣
The Bug Dope video from a few years ago covers this.
a blend of Lemon and Eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier of cheap vodka or witch hazel extract is a great organic insect repellent plus smell much better. Give it a try before you knock it.
Again best video, It's a skill on how you (Coalcracker Bushcraft) teach.
Thanks
Have to say that’s most in depth advice I’ve seen on making feather sticks.
Love this channel man! Your like the older yet younger brother I didn't have growing up in the woods. My bushcraft skills have accelerated thanks to you! Jesus bless you brother.
Dan, I teach basic firemaking and I am a big fan of the featherstick. I teach a lot of kids, sometimes pretty young ones, so I generally pound the tip of the knife blade into a stump to help them keep a consistent angle (and prevent cutting themselves!), but putting the knife hand on the knee is a technique I haven't tried before. So smart! And your explanation of the process is so spot on. You are an excellent teacher, and I will be pointing my students to your channel (and website) for further instruction. Thanks very much and keep up the good work!
Excellent explanation as usual! Now I’ll try to apply your technique and do real good feather sticks!
Yeap.. I was wondering why my shaving were fat and unlightable XD
Thanks for the video mate!
That was the best explanation ,of anything, that I’ve seen in a while. I had attempted feathering a stick, a while back, and failed. I’ll use your tips and try again tomorrow. Thank you Dan.
Tried it. Works great! Top tips and great feathers.
Thanks Dan; I've been trying to make wide, flat feathers off the flat side of a piece wood for such a long time with mixed success. This makes so much sense and I'm about to head outside with my knife to make some better feathers.
Best instructional on RUclips
living outdoors in coastal range of oregon through a very long lasting wet, dark spring, nice summer and chilly fall, drank lots of cowboy coffee made by a maniac. this guy endangered all with his own unique process. cowboy coffee and lots of weed was a good morning. the smell of the coffee brewing is what got us to crawl out the warmth or our sleeping sack. that and having to pee.
have you tried crushing the beans inside the sack it comes in? they are fairly sturdy and should hold up to soft crunching with the blunt end of an axe. what do you think?
Best featherstick video I've seen! I finally understand what I've been doing wrong. Thank you!
Really excellent. Can’t wait to utilize this new teaching.
Thanks man. That was actually really helpful. I tried for first time yesterday and wasn’t workin. Gonna look for a better piece of wood today and make a good cut so I have my peaks. Then position and lock in and work on finding that angle.
Just received my new spyderco zoomer tonight and really excited to make feather sticks. :) thx for the info.
Excellent job explaining how to do this! Thank you
There was no new information there; however, that was the best instructional video I've seen on the subject. Well done, sir!
Great information. Sadly not watched you for ages. Hope you still chuck out the odd nugget of your humour. Always loved that in your delivery. Not knocking though mate cos we're all here for the info and lessons just as much
Wow. Excellent instructional video. I've been making feather sticks for 50+ years and you have increased my understanding 10 fold. I guess I'm going to have to start practicing with my newfound knowledge. Thanks a million. Well done.
Oh, man! I couldn't wait, I just had to try this out right now! And it works!! Finally I can make the perfect shavings, feathersticks! You are a great teacher, thank you so much!
Excellent display of proper knife handling and taking your time to do the work properly. Thank you Dan.
Excellent explanation of the details of this technique.
Thanks for fine tuning... Something I already knew... You just made it easier and simpler..
You're an excellent teacher Dan!
One of the best demonstrations of feathering I've seen, can already see why I suck at it thanks mate
Hi Dan. Thank you for the master class - I learnt so much! Stay safe. ATB. Nigel
Thanks Dan very helpful can’t wait to try this technique 😊☮️
This is incredible! Thank you! I will be starting to practice today! :). Heading to the mountains now! :)
Best explanation EVER! Thank you.
Thanks!
Dude, this is excellent content. Really, man. I remember reading about feather sticks in my old boy scouts manual and trying to follow the instructions and the pictures, but it never worked for me. This, however, tells me what I was doing wrong and how to go about practicing to do it right!
Your videos are very good and informative. What I have not seen very much of, is first aid stuff. Scrapes and cuts to broken bones and deep cuts.
Gray Bearded Green Beret has a bunch of videos on that topic. Also has a more in depth explanation of it on a paid member source. I’ve not viewed those but his RUclips videos on the topic are pretty in depth for many of the situations we may encounter in the woods and in general day to day stuff. 👍✌️
I'm happy you made this video, because its a skill I want to build, and so far, have been terrible at.
Great tip! I wondered why I didn't seem to do this well. Can't wait to try it!
This was an excellent instructional video on feather sticking. I really enjoyed watching it and I absolutely love your video intro!
I'm horrible at this! Or should I say, until now I was horrible! Thank you so so much! {I'm using cotton balls with Vaseline}! Now I'm practicing and it works so much better!
Great lesson, visuals and examples! I have used your tips to put new tools in my toolbox!
AWESOME... as always! I'll try it tomorrow morning. Thx for sharing. Greetings from France^_^
Excellent technical demonstration
Featherstick clinic.... Thank you for this! Now I need to get out there.
Nicely taught
Thank you Dan. I’ve always had a rough time making a feather stick. Will try to find time to work on it while at W.I.T.S this weekend.
8:29 - Hmm... great info for the most part, but I don't think that this method is very safe for your thumb the way it is sticking in front of the blade, especially if you're angling the blade backwards like this. The slightest touch will cut you as you pull back unless you're very careful with your thumb joints. It takes a lot of concentration and control to prevent it. For this reason, I've always pushed my blade down along the stick (tip to heal) while bracing it against a hard surface, and I've always keep my hand behind the blade at all times. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but that's how accidents happen so I don't risk it. My number one safety rule when working with a knife or any cutting tool is "never put any body part in front of the cutting edge", and I think it's a very good one.
This video is excellent! I managed to create much better feather sticks after watching this!
Feather sticks and try sticks is a good way to pass the time. :)
Great tutorial Dan. Gonna give feather sticks another shot. Thanks!
Great video! I've never had to make shavings or feather sticks and would have assumed it to be really easy and not require that much thought, but this was very enlightening! I'm proud to say though that I actually did have the image of creating peaks like you said, to create smaller bits to help create the fire!
Very informative and educational. Thank you very much
Love your videos man. Just got about 30 acres in western NC and gonna try and take it into a homestead. Gonna take lots of your tips with me to make it go a lot easier!
That’s awesome Zach!!
great breakdown on hand and knife position.,