Bow Drill, What The Experts Hide (Read Description)

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  • čas přidán 2. 10. 2017
  • Bow Drill Magic… or is it? Our beloved experts often make it seem as if they’re pulling off the impossible! They find materials fresh from nature, seemingly never before seen… But let’s be real, they’ve likely scouted these materials in advance. They’re aware of their location, dryness, the presence of dead standing, tinder, cordage material, and rocks for cutting tools. They’re in tune with the state of decay, the time since the last rainfall, and the day’s humidity. Is it fair to give the impression that one can simply stroll into any UNKNOWN forest, locate the perfect tools and materials, and effortlessly create a friction fire? In this video, I delve into the importance of transparency. Imagine how disheartening it can be for a novice when friction fire is portrayed as far simpler than it truly is. Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE at the end of the video. Thank you! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE VIDEOS:
    The Bundled Spindle Technique... Using 4 Old Horseweed Spindles
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    Using a Paperback Book for a Bow Drill Fire Board
    • Using a Paperback Book...

Komentáře • 388

  • @michaelkarloff8117
    @michaelkarloff8117 Před rokem +15

    You are so honest about the technique. I'd like to know where in the woods you found the bearing you used in your left hand.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před rokem +15

      That's exactly what I'm talking about! Would you have known about the metal bearing in my bearing block if I had edited out all those scenes? Would you have known if I sprayed the tip of the spindle and bearing block divot with WD-40? How would you know if I predried the materials then placed them back in the spot where I "discovered" them on camera? Many "experts" are deceiving us in a dozen different ways.

    • @mikeyeska7056
      @mikeyeska7056 Před rokem +5

      I like your channel but I disagree. A big part of the journey is to start easy and make it harder on yourself as you get better. Learn to identify trees and which ones work and don’t work. Which ones you can cut green in the morning and dry in the sun by night. Learn where to find dry wood and tinder after rain. I have made 1000’s of friction fires in all conditions. The only way to really learn is by doing it yourself.

  • @billcrockett695
    @billcrockett695 Před 6 lety +41

    You are very correct. That's one of the many reasons I tell my students not to get a false sense of security from survival t.v. shows. Another thing that gets neglected is the sheer amount of time it can take to gather all the items for you fire kit and tinder bundle (especially if you are in a strange environment). Then you have to make the kit on top of that. I like your honesty. Thank you.

  • @aphasia101
    @aphasia101 Před 6 lety +53

    I've taught the bow drill I tell my students that in real life carry a lighter because in the wild friction fire is never a sure thing no matter how good you are.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety +26

      i EDC a wallet fresnel lens, keychain ferro rod, and BIC. Friction fire's completely unreliable.

    • @paulwilson5600
      @paulwilson5600 Před 4 lety +4

      I'm glad u said that, i learned the bow drill about a month ago and have had success w different woods I carved out in the wild, cedar, poplar, sycamore, maple, sourwood etc. And 80% of the time id have success, not always on the first try however, the first time I had success w poplar, I spent almost a hr bf I finally got a ember, other times I got it the first try no problem but I usually have much more success if I let the set I just carved dry out a few days even though its from a standing dead piece

    • @paulwilson5600
      @paulwilson5600 Před 4 lety +5

      Ive watched a lot of these videos and ive been disappointed in myself bc I dont always have success when carving out a set from scratch and trying it right than. And in these videos its like they just go out into the woods, pick the perfect woods and get it the first try every time. I realize now that's just not realistic

    • @StarDarkAshes
      @StarDarkAshes Před 2 lety +3

      I always think that I’d like to kind of make a funny comment whenever I see people with their big fire kits. They’ll have a kit with a flint and steel, as well as a ferro rod along with a lighter and two or three other ways to get a fire going such as a magnifying glass or even glycerin and potassium permanganate. And when you think of the sheer volume of stuff and how much you can fit in a pouch or kit I often think it might just be better to have 15 or 20 Bic lighters. I bet you could light more fires with 20 lighters and then you never have to worry about the primitive stuff. It’s kind of fun to put a kit together with all kinds of ways to make fire anyway so I’m not knocking it but you could get thousands of fires going and possibly even more with lighters than you would with primitive means.

  • @billywills4391
    @billywills4391 Před 3 lety +20

    It's very educational, even eye-opening, to see the difficulty actually involved in some bushcraft skills.
    Thanks for being real and genuine!
    The value of this video and especially your perspective is huge!

  • @billburket4842
    @billburket4842 Před 6 lety +17

    “I could have stopped at 40 but I thought I’d go to 80 strokes…just to make sure.” That’s what I have been doing wrong!

  • @ClayTallStories
    @ClayTallStories Před rokem +1

    I don't think any of my favorite survivalist CZcamsrs that I follow have made it look easy? I have always struggled to make fire on my primitive challenges and have shown my own shortcomings. That's part of the challenge. These are great videos David. Please keep them coming.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před rokem

      I agree. I guess I was talking about 10 years ago when people would go into the woods with nothing find and use chert for blades, natural fibers for cordage and bird's nests, etc. They always allowed us to think they were in unfamiliar woods and were just happening to run up on everything they needed to make bow drill kit and fire. Hard to explain without writing a few paragraphs.

  • @mindfulicious
    @mindfulicious Před 2 lety +4

    Thanks for your honesty and helping us new to all of this!

  • @backwoodstrails
    @backwoodstrails Před 6 lety +30

    Another school of thought - When I teach friction fire, I use the easiest materials for my students for two reasons - First, I want them to perfect their technique (body position and such), Second, I want them to be successful as I feel they will be more encouraged to go forward with more challenging woods/ conditions if they know they can actually do it. I am very clear that most conditions will be more challenging than the beginning combination of wood they are starting with. I supply then with more difficult sets as they progress. I have seen people that get so discouraged, using a tough set at first, and not getting an ember that they have no desire to go on. --- I have not tried your "drying cycle" technique but am now encouraged to give it a try. Great videos - Thanks for making them!

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety +5

      backwoodstrails You'te very kind. Drying cycles are repeated burn ins till you get black dust. Thank You.

  • @chrisegnoto
    @chrisegnoto Před 5 lety +8

    I agree, David. When I teach this stuff, I always tell my students that it took me a long time to get it right and I would get so upset with myself and feel so defeated but I never gave up. In fact, I started a journal and I used it to better my skills. I have seen special forces soldiers get so angry with it and that actually made me feel better - lol. They are elite at what they do, so it was nice to know I had struggled along with them, too - lol. Good video!

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 5 lety +2

      It discourages a lot of beginners, many just quit trying, because so many experts make it look like you should be able to just walk through any woods, gather all the natural materials, and make fire. Most of these experts are deceiving people because THEY NEVER ADMIT TO, what they've secretly done to overcome moisture... as I talk about in the description.

  • @kaylamarie8309
    @kaylamarie8309 Před 4 lety +5

    I love your honesty..you are without a doubt the fire whisperer. I have never heard of privot wood but I'm going to find out a little more about it now.

  • @Auraborialus
    @Auraborialus Před 4 lety +7

    in ancient times people would have an EDC, an everyday carry. inluding fire starter. if you had bow drill kit you would carry it with you or flint along with material for catching fire.

  • @ericletts4072
    @ericletts4072 Před 5 lety +1

    I want to Thank You so much, I have watched those experts and I have tried it off and on for two years now and never got anything very little smoke, and a lot of getting mad at myself, but never any ember, or fire, I have learned a lot here. Thank You again. You are very honest.

  • @oldschoolwithamoderntwist6074

    ,,, thank you David ,,i like a person that will tell the truth, its not as easy as we are lead to believe,, thanks for sharing the truth,

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety +3

      Thanks James.

    • @davidrratelljr6978
      @davidrratelljr6978 Před 5 lety +4

      Hello David I did make a bow drill set up all was very dry 2 hours to get an ember as I got one cool thing is I tried again twenty minutes went by an ember! Thanks for your help.

    • @paulwilson5600
      @paulwilson5600 Před 4 lety

      I agree, sometimes it is, other times you'll wear your arm out trying to get it and have no success. Usually I keep trying till I get it though

    • @johannlangner289
      @johannlangner289 Před 3 lety

      I agree, Thank you David! .... Now I'm gonna try it too and tonight, hopefully we eating a cooked meal, for the first time ever, lol

  • @troysco
    @troysco Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for helping me out with this! This cleared up a lot of mud for me!

  • @rtonce
    @rtonce Před 5 lety

    Thank you for the details that encourage me to try to work through the complete process myself, some lazy, dry summer day.

  • @idahomountainelk
    @idahomountainelk Před 6 lety +7

    I agree. I made my first bow drill fire with old cedar fence posts in the backyard. Making one in the woods was a lot harder. It was tough to fine a straight piece for the drill. The wind has also caused me grief, blowing my ember across the patio and forest floor. I still want to experiment with different combos of woods like sage, aspen and cottonwood.

  • @paullanier8280
    @paullanier8280 Před 6 lety +1

    Hi Mr. West. The scout troop we belong to, 478, made expo on primitive fire making techniques. One percent can do this. It takes patience. It was at centennial event of BSA north America at Avondale site. Seven of our scouts and leaders had ton of fun teaching and the expression on the faces of the successful scouts made our day!!

  • @lars-eriksahlstrand3287

    Your honestsy is refreshing and you learn me new skills . Best Wishes from Lars-Erik from Stockholm Sweden.

  • @brettfoster6786
    @brettfoster6786 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks David. It was my only New Years resolutions in 2020 . I failed. 2021 is the year 👍 . Weekend warriors!

  • @NatesOutdoors
    @NatesOutdoors Před 6 lety +3

    Awesome man,ur right u don't know how many times I was quite discouraged over the hand drill,I watch videos where ppl could get an ember in like a few seconds so that's what I expected,until I watched ur videos,they helped me a lot now all I do is experiment with different types cause I know what to expect,if it wasn't for the help of u and Lonnie I would have given up,thanks again and ur awesome

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety +4

      Nathanial's Adventures Me too... I would have given up without ever making a single ember but Gundog5 saw my fails video, encouraged me to continue, and ended up mentoring me for years.

  • @Hotsauce-cj7kj
    @Hotsauce-cj7kj Před rokem +3

    EVERY ONE of my favorite CZcams survivalists exuded tremendous difficulty in pretty much all fires they created. NONE of them made it look easy.

  • @MaffTUK
    @MaffTUK Před 6 lety +2

    Well done for being straight up, nice to see :-)

  • @robertfleming387
    @robertfleming387 Před 2 lety +1

    Thnx Dave...I always felt most teachers of these skills want others to feel they are particularly gifted..skills + experience = proficiency.. 👍

  • @Shaolin9424
    @Shaolin9424 Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks David. Great video.

  • @usualsuspect5173
    @usualsuspect5173 Před 5 lety

    Good job...now I want to try it

  • @CliffManis
    @CliffManis Před 4 lety +2

    Well done, well said and thanks...

  • @mattywollaston3996
    @mattywollaston3996 Před 5 lety

    Fantastic job as usual David, thanks mate for all the great tips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @danielbarr4630
    @danielbarr4630 Před 6 lety

    Spreading knowledge. Good on you!

  • @TheRevoltingMan
    @TheRevoltingMan Před 6 lety

    Great video! Thank you.

  • @Metal2Bach
    @Metal2Bach Před 6 lety +1

    Good video, good skills and great point. I've seen firsthand the dangerous, hands-off mindset that "experts" create in people when those people sit at home and watch "survival shows" on TV, but never actually practice the skills or try it themselves.
    I was practicing hand drill the other day when my in-laws came by and started watching me. After I had tweaked my hearthboard and spindle for several minutes, produced a coal, and blew it into a flame using prepared cattail down and dry grasses/branches around me, my mother-in-law said something that made me both laugh to myself and shake my head at her mindset. Without asking anything about what materials I used, how to practice, what is good vs. bad technique, etc, she said "thanks for showing us! Now we know how, in case we ever have to make a fire like that."
    It totally took my off-guard how confident she was that she was fully capable of producing a flame using fire by friction in a less-than-ideal survival situation, even though she's never even tried it. I just thought it was funny that I was out there sweating and practicing to do it and still struggling sometimes, and she figured she could just knock it out on her first try. :D Hopefully she'll never have to.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety

      People make the exact same comments here. I don't even bother to burst their bubble.

  • @bobbywashington1975
    @bobbywashington1975 Před rokem

    This is fantastic I've never seen a detailed video on this.

  • @kentbarnard5110
    @kentbarnard5110 Před 6 lety

    Great info David! Thanks.

  • @kevinpride6543
    @kevinpride6543 Před 6 lety

    Excellent information and demonstration! Thank you sir!

  • @andysmith5989
    @andysmith5989 Před 6 lety

    finally an honest bow fire vid awesom stuff sir

  • @matbryan9047
    @matbryan9047 Před 2 lety +1

    Well said David.
    I'm in Australia and have tried many combinations of timbers here, an failed more times than succeded.
    My go too is grasstree flower spike and palm frond.
    Thanks for being you.

  • @williamnelson4066
    @williamnelson4066 Před 4 lety +2

    Btw I loved your down to earth approach and the good vid you made

  • @OutdoorAcademyAustralia

    Thanks for sharing. Primitive man cared for and carried their fire kits. They didn't rely on luck or good weather. People who don't carry multiple items in their fire kits haven't relied on fire to live.

  • @peteweimer2546
    @peteweimer2546 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you Mr. West for the great video of interest and information. I have never experienced the Bow Drill activity but I think I will give it a try or two, three or whatever it takes. I am a retired carpenter and know if you don't try you never will know-

  • @Sdroalaun
    @Sdroalaun Před 6 lety

    Thanks David, was a pleasure to watch, and very informative.

  • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
    @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 5 lety +13

    Hand Drill, Bow Drill... It's dishonest for some of our favorite experts to let us think that they are JUST THAT GOOD! That they are really finding "on the spot"/ "freshly found materials "/ "straight from nature" that they've never seen before... No, I think they already know where all the materials that they're going to use are at and how dry they are...They know where all the dead standing is located, and where all the tinder, cordage material, and rocks that they're going to use are at beforehand. They also know their state of decay, how long it's been since it has rained, and how favorable the humidity is supposed to be that particular day.
    Is it right to make people think you can just walk out into any woods in any weather conditions and be able to just whip up a friction fire?
    In today's video, I explain how forthcoming we all should be. Think of how discouraging it must be for a beginner!
    Please SUBSCRIBE at the end of the video. Thanks!
    OTHER VIDEOS YOU WILL ENJOY:
    The Bundled Spindle Technique... Using 4 Old Horseweed Spindles
    czcams.com/video/0aRSlLVWAkc/video.html
    Using a Paperback Book for a Bow Drill Fire Board
    czcams.com/video/SMWVJvLQnjs/video.html

    • @TheGrayManOG
      @TheGrayManOG Před 5 lety

      That's about as honest as it gets. I have never started a fire from the hand drill on the first try. It takes me awhile sometimes and other times conditions make it impossible. Great video on it.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 5 lety +1

      @@TheGrayManOG Seems like some years I have great materials and great humidity levels... other years? not so much.

    • @leoricardo5743
      @leoricardo5743 Před 3 lety

      Aborignal people in Britain used to take their climatis vine boards around with them. Ray Mears suggested doing the same. A few of these boards have been found with dozens of holes. They were used in the kit for years as they moved around!

  • @ingotdearth
    @ingotdearth Před 2 lety

    Awesome, thanks for the tips!

  • @iftiali
    @iftiali Před 7 měsíci

    Appreciate your honesty and wisdom.

  • @ianbarlowuk
    @ianbarlowuk Před 2 měsíci +1

    Hi Ian here from UK,,, with your help I have created fire via bow drill and fire roll ,,, first success was June 2022 with Ivy wood ,,, its great to know i could do this in the wild if i ever needed to 👍 I've subbed btw 👍

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 2 měsíci +1

      I know how you feel. I remember well my first success 10 years ago. Thanks for the Sub!

    • @ianbarlowuk
      @ianbarlowuk Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks so very much for taking the time to reply !!! This is the link to my fire roll 1st of 2024 😀👍 czcams.com/video/6vi41HOzJQ8/video.html

  • @jacquelynportee3875
    @jacquelynportee3875 Před rokem

    Thanks for the information. That's a neat way to start a fire without fuel or matches.

  • @isaacgamez7101
    @isaacgamez7101 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank for you hard work making these videos have learnt a lot from watching them

  • @Hootyhoo-jq9vq
    @Hootyhoo-jq9vq Před 3 lety

    Either it will or it won’t. Poetic.
    Love ur channel.

  • @lukedupont6238
    @lukedupont6238 Před 5 lety +1

    Great video! Firstly, it's great that you identified that tree which I always found and cut down as a kid: privet! It's incredibly common, but I never knew what to call it and no-one seems to talk about it. Secondly, I've tried friction fires on many occasions; all smoke, no ember! I was getting rather discouraged. I guess there's something to be said for "crawling before you walk" -- I'll try stacking the odds more in my favor until I get good at it, before thinking that I can just make do with whatever I happen to find.

  • @dann3410
    @dann3410 Před 6 lety

    Excellent instruction...thank you.

  • @northernminnesotasasquatch2532

    Awsome! I had a guy teach me this and I made it happen my first try but my arms were jello for awhile🙂 people dont comprehend how hard this is to do.

    • @johannlangner289
      @johannlangner289 Před 3 lety

      Lmao, I tried it yesterday and my arms were jello too

  • @Anvilbanger
    @Anvilbanger Před 26 dny

    Years ago I astounded my instructors at the US Air Force survival school by making fire with a bow drill. They had only seen it in training films. THAT SAID, I used a tried and true fire kit that I brought with me from home. I don't know that I could have done it using local materials (Spokane Washington area).

  • @KellyGordonUSA
    @KellyGordonUSA Před 6 lety

    Awesome! Thanks for keeping it real!

  • @MrJdsenior
    @MrJdsenior Před 6 lety +9

    Very honest and informative. Thanks for posting, could be a lifesaver in the right (wrong?) conditions. I think I will try this a couple of times just to have it in my "toolkit".

    • @caseykelso1
      @caseykelso1 Před rokem +1

      Right next to the pack of Bic lighters🎉

  • @gaetanproductions
    @gaetanproductions Před 6 lety

    Thanks great video !

  • @outofeden_bushcraft3142
    @outofeden_bushcraft3142 Před 6 lety +5

    Agree 110% . Its not easy . I make sets to dry and carry them with me (as indigenous people did) for that reason . There's a reason your sets are already made at some of these survival schools. Thank you for your honesty sir. That's why I don't subscribe to most of these "big" channels. They're only promoting themselves and the free products that they get.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety

      I don't understand why that offends so many people. As you stated primitive people had favorite species. If it didn't produce for on the spot friction fire, you know they dried it out and then kept it that way for future use.

    • @outofeden_bushcraft3142
      @outofeden_bushcraft3142 Před 6 lety

      David West Exactly ! BTW : Great job explaining and demonstrating .

  • @rokhnroll
    @rokhnroll Před 6 lety +4

    Love the pocket knife ( I got one after seeing your video on it ) it make for an excellent budget carving knife too. As for the bow drill friction fire I am going to be attempting my first this weekend and have started putting the pieces together, I am certain I will fail to begin with so I will use the library of knowledge on your channel to help me put the odds back in my favour. Kind regards.

  • @w8rok
    @w8rok Před 6 lety +6

    Great video

  • @porkcheeks
    @porkcheeks Před 5 lety +2

    These are hard earned skills and it was discouraging no matter what videos I watched. Still is. I’ve failed in my few attempts to do an on the spot fire video but have produced several off camera. It’s so rewarding to go out with just a knife or even nothing and end up with a fire. Practice is perfect. Knowing materials, conditions, and having confidence (tho I made an ember today in the rain and have failed on bone dry days...shrug). Your videos helped me a lot on my journey. Good stuff.

  • @MrDondon38306
    @MrDondon38306 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for cluing me in on the moisture factor. I know not to try the friction technique in humid conditions and wasting time and precious energy in a survival situation.

    • @MrDondon38306
      @MrDondon38306 Před 4 lety

      The funny thing about it is i'm a fine wood worker. Countertops. If not sealed properley will warp with changes in humidity

  • @agnosjr
    @agnosjr Před 5 lety

    Thank you for sharing it.
    I usually am able to collect some good pine needles by the side of the road when cars run them over and smash it.

  • @robertmeineke2174
    @robertmeineke2174 Před 10 měsíci

    Thank you sir. It's appreciative to hear these things., I have been watching your videos a long time. I really enjoy them, you have to be the friction fire king! I still can't get a cotton
    ball fire going

  • @vidskitkid
    @vidskitkid Před 5 lety +6

    Wow Mr. West! Your skills and technique are impressive to see, thanks for sharing this knowledge with us, fun to watch as well!

  • @moonolyth
    @moonolyth Před 6 lety

    Great info. will have to try c\some time Thanks.

  • @AlanKidd4life
    @AlanKidd4life Před 6 lety

    Thanks for the video Dave. I must say that I am no expert in making a bow drill fire. When I first started learning how to make a bow drill fire, on my own, I had only observed a guy make a bow drill fire using sage wood, and he struggled at it. I know absolutely that back then, I would have agreed with you. I attempted to make a bow drill fire 5-10, maybe even 15, times before I actually made my first fire. I did get lots of smoke in those first attempts. My arms were exhausted and I was sweating profusely...but no fire. However, I kept watching a variety of video's on CZcams (Thank you CZcams and all the contributors). There is a definite science to the bow drill fire. Giving gratitude for the fire in advance worked for me, which is when I actually made my first fire. Several years later now, I know that I can go out into the woods and build a fire from scratch...because I have done it several times over a span of about 5 years, summer and winter, rain and shine. I've also failed a whole lot of times in the process. That's how I learned what worked, and what didn't. Finding dry wood and tinder, even after the rain, is possible. You're right...humidity and rain DEFINITELY complicate things, but not impossible. What I look for now is cedar and/or cottonwood. I find thick, dry cedar branches, even attached to the base of the tree, to make my hearth board, and carve down the sides to the center wood. And similarly, find straight branches from the same tree. Or, I've sometimes found cottonwood in some areas close by for the spindle. Cedar has worked the most constantly, for me anyway. For dry tinder in wet conditions, I've used thin, inner shavings from the larger branch, and the tree sap from spruce or pine. Bark from the cedars, when dry, works very well. I learned from my Navajo brother-in-law, the natives call the cedar bark by a word I can maybe translate pronounced agii, or ah-jeh. I have no clue how they actually spell the word, but the bark works. Many factors, like the shape...width...& depth of the V cut, the right amount of pressure to make brown dust instead of black dust, or no dust. Start slow and steady to allow the wood and friction to do all the hard work of creating enough heat, so I don't exhaust myself. Full strokes of the length of the bow. Many minute factors go into it, but can make a huge difference in my results. That said...I have gone into the woods with a machete and a length of 550 paracord, gathered my raw materials, and made fire using the bow drill...several times over a span of several years now...just to see if I could do it. I do now carry in my pack, those materials, like you say the experts do. Maybe I am an expert, but I don't claim to be, because I still learn new things from time to time to improve. Thanks again Dave. All the best!

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety

      Alan Kidd Sounds like you enjoy Bow Drill as much as I do. Thanks!

    • @AlanKidd4life
      @AlanKidd4life Před 6 lety +1

      Thank you, David! You're the first person that I've learned how to make the fire roll from cotton balls and ashes. I saw that on another video you did. Going to do that soon too. The first time I made a fire with the bow drill, I was so excited. When I was able to repeat that, even better! My annoyed wife didn't share my enthusiasm, haha. She kept wondering why I just don't go use matches. That just wouldn't be as much fun, LOL

  • @TnMtnRdr
    @TnMtnRdr Před 4 lety +2

    Like most any skill, it takes some time to master it. And so if success doesn't come just keep at it. Those who get experienced can make it look easy without half trying.

  • @lloydwhite3198
    @lloydwhite3198 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks boss, and Godspeed . Just subscribed to see your future and past videos.

  • @derekgreene3027
    @derekgreene3027 Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you so much Dave I've learned so much from your videos and when I tried what I've seen in other folks videos it never quite worked out for me but every single thing I've tried from your videos has absolutely worked like a charm ❤❤❤ please by absolutely all means never stop making these extremely helpful and legit working videos for us

  • @markcolby2927
    @markcolby2927 Před 4 lety +3

    You made me laugh so hard I almost peed my pants. You said everything I was thinking but much nicer. The other thing is they always have such nice tools with them. Let some one drop them off in an area they don't know with nothing but the clothes on their back and survive . That might impress me.

  • @nadronnocojr
    @nadronnocojr Před 5 lety

    I appreciated your hard work sir, and for sharing with us the real deal, I have an mc2 compass and tried for an hour straight , and was seeing a white dot for a day lol ... sunglasses next time, after seeing your other video.. and patience and hard work . Great videos , really helps a green horn like myself.. thank you for all your time

  • @nickolasedmunds
    @nickolasedmunds Před 5 lety

    Had issue with out the notch explains every thing thx

  • @andrewgalloway7344
    @andrewgalloway7344 Před 5 lety

    THANKYOU ! ...exactly ... materials materials materials.......

  • @dogdadoutdoors
    @dogdadoutdoors Před 11 měsíci

    100%, I did a video last week where I show me trying to do something simple like feather sticks for first time as a complete beginner to that technique and I failed. Its harder than it looks on CZcams, you have to practice these skills.

  • @tlover94
    @tlover94 Před 3 lety

    I grew up camping,Backpacking and hiking. I would make my own bow fire starter when I would go camping and start fires right out in nature. As long as you know how to do it and what you're looking for it can be done.

  • @silva-anderida7695
    @silva-anderida7695 Před 5 lety

    Nice one.Cheers.

  • @adambauman8044
    @adambauman8044 Před rokem

    I have now made bow drill fires in multiple conditions using different types of woods and bow strings. I'm still looking for a video that explains how to stop the bow string from climbing up the drill and hitting the hand block. This is by far more difficult than finding materials and shaping them properly.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před rokem

      If the entire spindle is tapered or if your not bowing level that will happen. Do not deviate from the way I show in my tutorials in my bow drill playlist.

  • @mattbryant96
    @mattbryant96 Před 3 lety

    Got myfirst friction fire going in a non sterile environment the other day. But only after getting to know that piece of land for a few weeks was I able to get the right materials and conditions. Even then it was still tricky. But man what a great feeling

  • @csh6220
    @csh6220 Před 6 lety +1

    Another great demo. Thanks! I know what you mean about knowing what works in your area. I have bushes/trees in my yard that make great bow drills, though I have no idea what kind of bush/tree it is. I cut several limbs off of it and take the bark off, then let them dry a few days. Once dry they work great. Cedar is another wood I like and I know what it is. Thanks again.

  • @77pete7
    @77pete7 Před 4 lety

    Excellent. Thanks!

  • @semco72057
    @semco72057 Před 5 lety +2

    That technique works and the military seem to work just fine as I was taught while in the Air Force. It was so long since I had that training until I forgot and now I know and will be trying it again.

  • @aswwafl
    @aswwafl Před 6 lety

    Thank-you.

  • @tonycooper3003
    @tonycooper3003 Před 5 lety +9

    same tecnique as Ray Mears hes honest about it also

    • @rewfisher1
      @rewfisher1 Před 5 lety +2

      I learned from Ray some 29 years ago.
      Can still get out there and do it. Both parts dead sycamore wood.

  • @collinsfriend1
    @collinsfriend1 Před 5 lety +1

    glad you're doing a reality check. I think most youtube instructors are not thinking so much about people getting false ideas about how "easy" it is to start a fire...but rather just showing how. I agree a serious problem with that is many many people take it literally. It doesn't occur to them, even when TOLD that they need to practice a LOT, much more than they may want or have time for. Some people, probably more urban aren't used to any kind of fire, including woodstove heating and don't realize the importance of dry and fine tinder etc and the perfect conditions used for a demonstration vs the reality of needing a survival fire under adverse conditions. Thanks for bringing it up and hopefully people won't be so likely to go unprepared thinking they can just whip up a fire because they remember how "the guy" did it. When I was in a hospital a while back, I watched that show "Naked and Afraid" for the first time. A repeating theme was failure to make a fire after several days. Green and wet wood, inexperience. They had 6 weeks of "study" and apparently didn't study the corresponding fire methods for the area they were placed in..... imagine if there was no TV crew to rescue them.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 5 lety

      Survival Shows... Don't get me started... I guess I shouldn't say anything because I only practice off a table in my backyard under ideal conditions but... How can a contestant that is a survival instructor only know hand drill but not bow drill? The first thing he does is severely blister his hands with the Hand Drill and need to bow drill? How are so many people FINALLY getting fire but not using that as an opportunity to dry out and keep dried out tinder, char, ashed tinder, etc. for when the rains come and put their fires out? I watched a behind the scenes clip of the Show's survival guy showing the contestants how to bow drill. The lady didn't even have her wrist anchored to her shin, it was stuck out about 10", unsupported, YET, he was encouraging her to "keep bowing you almost have it." With all the great ferro rod tutorials on CZcams, why do contestants so consistently struggle with the technique?... I don't understand.

  • @derekgreene3027
    @derekgreene3027 Před 7 měsíci

    Glad I caught it tho so I never miss new videos

  • @alphaandomegaministry2718

    I learned some things from you. The square point notch - mine was narrower. The wave technique - I was just blowing. The narrow spindle and privet on privet. It is strange though. I got a coal in the rain - then failed on a seemingly dryer day. More humid possibly? I am using a simple stone bearing and waxing the top of the spindle to reduce friction. I am using a twisted cord but I notice you are not. To be honest I run out of energy pretty soon. So after 4 or 5 attempts I'm done. Seems like timber dryness is everything in this game.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 22 dny

      Privet on Privet are the easiest bow drill materials you can use in SC. I’ve made them produce while still green. It took 25 minutes of bowing.

  • @Fireandaxes
    @Fireandaxes Před 6 lety +1

    Really enjoying your Channel Dave .. thanks for sharing your knowledge. Can I ask .. can you reuse the same notched hole in the fire board multiple times? Thanks again 😀

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety +2

      Yes, on harder sets, I've gotten 10 embers from the same divot. Normally though, 2 for Hand Drill and 2-4 for Bow Drill.

  • @duwomaiishgabrielle9498

    Very cool, ty

  • @robbo8871
    @robbo8871 Před 5 lety

    cheers mate

  • @petes3011
    @petes3011 Před 2 měsíci

    Hooray.!! the voice of reason.

  • @richardchristian6504
    @richardchristian6504 Před 6 lety +2

    David, The more you know and practice - the easier it is.

  • @larrycater-tx613
    @larrycater-tx613 Před 5 lety

    Thank you.

  • @WarGrrl3
    @WarGrrl3 Před 6 lety

    God Bless you. Thank you

  • @stambo2001
    @stambo2001 Před 6 lety +2

    best fireboards I've used were dried driftwood, kinda punky and you could easily dig into it with a fingernail.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 6 lety +2

      Stambo In the wild I agree. That amount of decay makes great hand and bow drill fire boards. Thanks!

  • @prasetyo313
    @prasetyo313 Před 3 lety

    Thanks david ..for your tips and trick im from indonesia

  • @marcleblanc7021
    @marcleblanc7021 Před 4 lety

    I notice you kits are smaller than alot of folks. I like your procedure.

  • @drive67ray
    @drive67ray Před 4 lety

    thanks for that i have learnt another peice of the puzzle maybe now i will be succesful with a bowdrill

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 4 lety

      Your success will come a lot quicker if you checkout all the "How To" videos in my Bow Drill playlist.

  • @vaamorais
    @vaamorais Před 6 lety

    Decided to stop by following Far North Bushcraft And Survival suggestion. No regrets! Very informative.I guess what you said often applies to many subjects - who has never tried a recipe later to realise the outcome is miles from what what you tasted before.
    Anyway, thank you for sharing.

  • @frankgaletzka8477
    @frankgaletzka8477 Před 4 lety +1

    Well Done
    The truth is always the best way
    Thanks
    Yours Frank

  • @axistec
    @axistec Před rokem

    Perfect and on point my friend 👍👍👍👍

  • @ytSuns26
    @ytSuns26 Před 4 lety

    Camping on the Platt river our scout leader taught us to use flint and steel to light the big camp fire, early in the day he and I went and got kerosene and soaked select portions of the evening fire. Later with all the scouts gather waiting to see flint and steel start a fire. The scout leader produced his zippo lighter, flint and steal.

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před 4 lety

      In lighters they call them flint, but they are actually mini ferrocerium rods... ferro rods.

  • @duanehamilton496
    @duanehamilton496 Před rokem

    Excellent Video! It was very informative and enjoyable as usual. I must say though, that I searched all day for a ball bearing tree and couldn't find one here in Virginia. I suppose I need to find something else for a bearing block 🙂

    • @DavidWestBgood2ppl
      @DavidWestBgood2ppl  Před rokem

      You took the bait. You only see what I allow you to see. I didn't edit it out like the dishonest would do.

  • @k.d.8924
    @k.d.8924 Před rokem

    that privet is awesome stuff, I've known it to work right after a big rain, still dripping wet.