Bushcraft Fire Starting

Using the bow-drill methodother end ofsapling stick to form a bow.
Before you start your bushcraft fire you will need4. Next take the flat peace of wood approx. 12"
to collect some dry wood, leaves and foliagelong and 4" wide and make a small notch on the
from the surrounding area to use as fuel for yoursidewith your bushcraft knife. The rounded end of
campfire. Keep these items as dry as possible. Tothe drill will sit onto this notch.
light a bushcraft fire you will need to create5. Place the flat peace of wood on to level ground
friction. Taking to sticks of wood and rubbingand place tinder into and around the notch.
them together will create friction, but this will take6. Whilst kneeling on one knee hold the wood in
far to long to light any campfire. One of theposition with your other boot.
better alternatives for lighting your bushcraft fire7. Hold the bow and drill in one hand with rounded
is the bow-drill method. To make a bushcraft fireend of drill placed into the notch.
using the bow-drill method you will need to collect8. Place the indented stone onto the pointed end
the following items from the surrounding area: -oof the drill and apply downward pressure.
1 X 8" long stick (drill) - hardwoodo 1 x 24" long9. Slowly use a sawing motion, moving the bow
stick (sturdy sapling capable of bending into aback and forth allowing the drill to spin and
bow)o 1 x flat stone (approx. 3" round with smallgenerate friction, which in turn will create heat and
indent) or wood with notch in middle.o 1 x flatthen fire. If the drill is not moving freely release
peace of wood approx. 12" long and 4" wideo 1 xdownward pressure slightly.
Length of Para cord or bootlace.o Tinder such as10. You will need to increase speed until the tinder
Maya dust or cotton woolbegins to smoulder.
1. Take the 8" stick (drill) and sharpen one end toWhen you have a smouldering bushcraft fire, you
a point like a pencil then round of the other end.can start to slowly add the dry wood, leaves and
2. Take the 24" sapling stick and fix the bootlacefoliage. Do not add too much until you are sure
to one end.your buscraft fire is going well. Remember to
3. Twist the bootlace once around the dowelkeep a stock of wood near by to keep adding to
stick, tie the remaining end of bootlace to theyou campfire.