Fantastic! This is a lovely way to make fire. Showed my wife how to do this a year or so on a walk through the woods and she was amazed when she accomplished a flame this way. Thanks and all the best!
The Birch is one of my favorite trees.I think there is a band between us and our ancestors and the birch is an example for that.To light a fire with Birchbark is like Magic.Thanks for sharing Paul and ATB Falko
I think it's important to note that it helps to first make the birchbark flat because when taken off the tree it will be curved, and you'll have a hard time keeping the shavings in the middle; it just goes everywhere. Good video.
This video was very helpful. Before watching your video I was not able to light birch bark with a ferro rod. Now I've done it 3 times in a row without a problem. I feel confident I can do it everytime now. Thanks. P.S. Do you have a video on how to light feather sticks with a ferro rod? Thanks again
Finally tried this tonight. Even though I tried scraping the wrong side of the birch bark I still got a fire going. Wow does the bark burn for a long time once it's going. Thanks again.
I was able to easily light some birch bark with a ferro rod by simply striking straight onto processed pieces. I did this in the wind without the need for making small shavings.
Hi BeardyMcfearson It's a Raven PK1 Wilderness Knife - my design and produced by Raven Armoury. You can read about the development (and details) of the knife here: paulkirtley.co.uk/2011/the-raven-pk1-knife/ All the best, Paul
+Greg Halupa Hi Greg, apologies for the delay in responding, I've been away on a trip. This knife is not currently available as the maker has a 2-year backlog of other work to complete before he can commit to making any more PK1 knives. Sorry to disappoint. All the best, Paul
+Joe Sweeney To create smaller pieces of material. This changes the surface area-to-volume ratio and makes ignition more likely. Hope this helps, ATB, Paul
+Joe Sweeney Ah, OK, I may have misunderstood the emphasis of your initial question. The outermost bark is the most papery of the laminated structure and produces fine papery slithers and dust when scraped. It's also typically quite low in moisture, whereas the inner side of this bark tends to be somewhat more damp - either because it is still green (when from a live or recently fallen tree) or because the wood underneath is already rotting and spongy. Because of the oil content, birch bark stays in good condition for much longer than the wood underneath once the tree is dead. And, having tried it both ways many times, scraping the outer bark works much better. Warm regards, Paul
Great question and answer. I was wondering this myself. Just lit the fire at home on Christmas day using this method but had scraped the inner bark (dry as old bones in the desert anyway)
If you can't ignite birch bark. You don't belong in the woods. It doesn't require a tenth of that preperation. Lighting bitch bark with fire steel is easier than a lighter or match.
I think it's important to note that it helps to first make the birchbark flat because when taken off the tree it will be curved, and you'll have a hard time keeping the shavings in the middle; it just goes everywhere. Good video.
kookie888 Yes, it's not good if it is springy or bendy in the middle - for the reason you point out. Thanks for highlighting this for other folks. All the best, Paul
I don't understand why Paul doesn't have a million subscribers. Great content and well explained.
I re-watched this old vid when I'd been having problems lighting anything after days of heavy rain. it helped like no other thing.
I'm so happy this was useful to you at a critical time. Thanks for letting me know. All the best, Paul
Thanks for this as I tried the other day and I had no luck with my spark rod after learnt this i will remember and apply this.
Fantastic! This is a lovely way to make fire. Showed my wife how to do this a year or so on a walk through the woods and she was amazed when she accomplished a flame this way. Thanks and all the best!
Hi there mate, yes it's always a great feeling, however many times you've done it. That's part of the magic for me. All the best, Paul.
Love this! Super slick, completely concise and profoundly professional.
Instantly subscribed 👍
The Birch is one of my favorite trees.I think there is a band between us and our ancestors and the birch is an example for that.To light a fire with Birchbark is like Magic.Thanks for sharing Paul and ATB Falko
Hi Falko, birch is a favourite of mine too. It's a real friend in the forest. Warm regards, Paul
You do such in fine job in explaining the concept of Fire starting. Thanks so much.
I think it's important to note that it helps to first make the birchbark flat because when taken off the tree it will be curved, and you'll have a hard time keeping the shavings in the middle; it just goes everywhere. Good video.
Fantastic video, really good! I've subscribed
Great stuff, Paul! Thank you! 🏔🥾
This is great! I don’t a fire lighting video like this but also with fatwood, it’s great getting a fire going with natural material, best feeling!
Very good. Thank you very much
That's a beautiful knife Paul. As per usual, another good vid. Thanks for sharing.
Thnxs for uploading
This video was very helpful. Before watching your video I was not able to light birch bark with a ferro rod. Now I've done it 3 times in a row without a problem. I feel confident I can do it everytime now. Thanks. P.S. Do you have a video on how to light feather sticks with a ferro rod? Thanks again
Finally tried this tonight. Even though I tried scraping the wrong side of the birch bark I still got a fire going. Wow does the bark burn for a long time once it's going. Thanks again.
I was able to easily light some birch bark with a ferro rod by simply striking straight onto processed pieces. I did this in the wind without the need for making small shavings.
You give off a similar vibe to Ray Mears
Lovely knife.
wow you make that look easy. your the real deal buds
Nice video!
Hi Paul,
Thanks for sharing. Good for even seasoned hillbillies to be reminded of the basics.
ATB
John
Thanks John. The basics are the foundations. Always worth making sure they are sound... :)
Thanks for sharing.
Very well explained.
Thanks Rody! :)
Great video!
Thank you for that excellent video!
You're most welcome! :)
i have the same survival watch youre wearing
Great and informative video.
Thank you James
great and useful video paul
Thanks Mo! :)
any time paul
Fascinating stuff all of this - brilliant =D
Could You please do a detail review of the PK1? Very spare Info ob the Web...
Sucks I only have a old broken lighter without fluid but a spark
hI Paul, great post, What makes a good quality piece of birch bark in your opinion?
Awesome! :D Thanks a lot again
Love the knife! What is it?
Hi BeardyMcfearson It's a Raven PK1 Wilderness Knife - my design and produced by Raven Armoury. You can read about the development (and details) of the knife here:
paulkirtley.co.uk/2011/the-raven-pk1-knife/
All the best,
Paul
What KNIFE are you using?
That's a good question. I like simplicity. So why carry two things when you can carry one? The rod lasts years anyway.
I'm in the U.S. Can I buy it here and how much??
+Greg Halupa Hi Greg, apologies for the delay in responding, I've been away on a trip. This knife is not currently available as the maker has a 2-year backlog of other work to complete before he can commit to making any more PK1 knives. Sorry to disappoint. All the best, Paul
Why is it you scrape the outside of the bark first I wonder?
+Joe Sweeney To create smaller pieces of material. This changes the surface area-to-volume ratio and makes ignition more likely. Hope this helps, ATB, Paul
+Paul Kirtley is there an advantage to the outside of the bark vs scraping the inside of the bark?
+Joe Sweeney Ah, OK, I may have misunderstood the emphasis of your initial question. The outermost bark is the most papery of the laminated structure and produces fine papery slithers and dust when scraped. It's also typically quite low in moisture, whereas the inner side of this bark tends to be somewhat more damp - either because it is still green (when from a live or recently fallen tree) or because the wood underneath is already rotting and spongy. Because of the oil content, birch bark stays in good condition for much longer than the wood underneath once the tree is dead. And, having tried it both ways many times, scraping the outer bark works much better. Warm regards, Paul
+Paul Kirtley thanks Paul, that really clears things up for me!
Great question and answer. I was wondering this myself. Just lit the fire at home on Christmas day using this method but had scraped the inner bark (dry as old bones in the desert anyway)
What kind of knife is that??
Greg Halupa Hi Greg, it's one that I designed for a knife maker - more details here: paulkirtley.co.uk/2011/the-raven-pk1-knife/ ATB, Paul
Hey, it's Gay Mears!
HOW DO mate,,,,,if its wet ,,,just put it next to the fire to dry out,,,,,,,,lol,,,,,,,,,,,,,happy days,,,,,,,
If you can't ignite birch bark. You don't belong in the woods. It doesn't require a tenth of that preperation. Lighting bitch bark with fire steel is easier than a lighter or match.
I think it's important to note that it helps to first make the birchbark flat because when taken off the tree it will be curved, and you'll have a hard time keeping the shavings in the middle; it just goes everywhere. Good video.
kookie888 Yes, it's not good if it is springy or bendy in the middle - for the reason you point out. Thanks for highlighting this for other folks. All the best, Paul