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Fire Starting (Friction & Bow Drill)

5:00
36:27
96.5K views

At 5:00 in

Things money can't buy....Simpler time in America that's being forgotten

What happens here

Demonstrations are given on how to start a fire without modern tools. Spencer Two Dogs, known from 'Hillbilly Blood', explains that he teaches 'fire by friction.' The process involves preparing a hand-carved stone with a divot and then using a spindle and bow to create friction, which generates heat and eventually an ember. He also touches upon the technique of 'pecking' and grinding to create the handhold in the stone. A woman is also shown carving a stick, presumably for a bow drill.

Goal: Start a fire using only primitive tools and friction methods.

Tools and materials

  • Bow — To rotate the spindle
  • Fireboard — The base platform where friction is applied
  • Knife — Preparing wood for the fire kit
  • Spindle — The rotating stick that generates friction
  • Stone handhold — To provide a stable top bearing for the spindle in a bow drill
  • Tinder bundle — To catch the ember and ignite into flame