That is a great training aid. I have seen several videos lately that say to use fatwood for a bearing block on a home made bow drill. The resin in fatwood greatly reduces friction. Thanks for showing this great product, and for only $14 you can't go wrong.
Thank you for posting. I just got this kit last night and the first thing I did was to start to unwind the cordage, thinking "why"... it took me awhile to get it right, I should have read the included directions. . This is a great >>trainingseveral tries< with some cheats to get a fire going with a bow)...part of this success appears to be that the wood used is a very light evergreen so each hole was pretty much one try because I almost drilled through the board on each try. . I cut another notch at the end of the board and the wood was soft, and there's not much room for the hole that gets wider (and wanders) and I broke off the end of the board...pretty much they've maxed out the number of notches their board can take, but you can go to Home Depot and look for the short bundle of rough wood for about $6 for a dozen rough cut sticks longer than the one that comes in the kit...the wood in the bundle is harder than the board that comes in the kit so you might have to work harder. . I did notice that sometimes the spindle binds when the hole sides get a little deep and I don't know if maybe flattening the tip might help... . Like I said, this seems to be an excellent starter kit but I'd probably change a few things for my final version.
I have had this kit for a while now. It’s awesome. I too struggled with the bow drill and I even took a class on how to build and use one. Now it’s just another way for me to create fire. This tool is actually fun! My kids think it’s fun too. I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone. The only issue I have is the handle keeps falling off and I risk losing the washers and bearing.
Good job Bryan. I just got one for Christmas 2021 from my "dad's list" also. I had the same idea to get the rhythm of success and then to replace with parts that I have made from the trial with the goal being to be able to make one from scratch in less than favorable conditions.
On the other end of the spectrum David West used to have a video of making a bow drill fire with green privet hedge. He pulled it down because it got almost no views other than me. I learned it from that video and it took me 2 1/2 hrs to accomplish at the ripe d age of 68 . Im 70 now and I practice bow drill fire almost every day.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose actually i don't understand that either but thats what he told me . David west has a lot of followers and he still makes a lot of videos, if he sees all this conversation I bet he'll make another video on this topic . So what do you say David West channel.
Thanks for the video! I got one of these, gonna try it out soon! Maybe consider putting a little lube on the bearings.. smooths thins out a bit, and extend the life of the kit.. thanks again! Subscribed! 👍🇺🇸👍
Awesome video, I really need to look into this kit. which also means I should probably take the time to figure out ther bow drill friction fire method... I've struggled with it in the past.
Once the spindle wears down and gets thick , saw a horizontal slit wide enough to be able to insert a shaved plug from good wood. Advantages is it is easier to find short tips instead of having to find long sticks for spindle and having to drill new holes. Refer to Mcphersons Naked into the wilderness series books, maybe the advanced or skills applied has it. They tell how to use a deer leg bone for spindle, then all you need to do is find right wood and shave it into a plug so that it will fit in the end of the deer bone. Oh, for the PSKOOK you may need to insert the plug and then tie it secure so it wont pop out the sides, but shouldn't be a problem.
Toro did a video showing different ways to do the bow drill and from what I remember one of the cordage setups was similar to that. It was a while ago so you'd have to look through his videos to find it.
I really like this video. For some reason, when I use the bow drill (the exact same one you have) it dosent create smoke or ember, nothing happens. Do you know why?
This is a skill you'll never need, until you need it then it's to late too learn. I would love to see you make your own. Happy New Year from Canada.Always enjoy your videos.
Looked like fun and a good training tool. Do they make one I can attach to my my DeWALT cordless drill? Probably the only way I could make this happen. LOL.
It really just takes doing it, everyone always says friction at the top however I find more people actually have problems with the notch. If you don't cut it deep enough you will never get the heat you need, that and the string to the correct tension on the spindle. Believe it or not with that correct touch can do it sitting down not bracing your hand at all.
I would say it's possibly a good bug out bag addition. It wouldn't take up much space. And with it only weighing about 7 or 8 ounces, I don't see a reason not to put it in your bag. There are actually 5 different Options on amazon. Probably gonna order a couple.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose I agree with you. Definitely a learning tool. I'm just thinking about a true bug out situation. If it's in your bag, it removes the stress of finding the materials to build a bow drill set in the pouring rain.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose i wished i could have learned off of Cody lundin, john Campbell of Arizona bushman, corporals Corner, grey bearded green beret and dave Canterbury they have lots of good ideas on starting fires multiple ways.
Good morning Mr. Bryan (sons spelling) quick question the knife you used In this video, that you used to cut the jute and bark shaving the cedar What knife it that, is that a psk knife? Or what kind Keep up the great work and enjoy the modification to the balance and rotation test site Thanks Mike
I cheated I bought 100 Bic lighters on Amazon and spent about the same of what that kit cost, Though the kit would be a great confidence builder, plus the fact is if you find yourself in Dire Straits you will do your best to make a fire or you will certainly die trying !
I have wondered about that kit. Glad you reviewed it here. By the way, I watched this video (below) the other day and find it interesting that he uses fatwood to hold the spindle and puts the smaller part of the spindle at the top. The Best Kept Bow Drill Secret - Guarantee That Ember ua-cam.com/video/zKjF65Cj7Ig/v-deo.html
I don't doubt it. I have filed numerous complaints with Facebook and the companies just change names and keep lying. There are too any Chinese for me to win.
Brian, I think you might enjoy this video ua-cam.com/video/O7u-rUennEk/v-deo.html Check out the rest of his videos as well, he doesn't post much any more on UA-cam which is ashamed but I think he hangs out in the Fire section of Bushcraft USA Forum.
Personally don't know why anyone would bother to learn this labor intensive method when there are so many other easier ways. I would do flint/steel/char cloth before this method. Tradition maybe?
Here's the deal ,if you can't make your set you've not learned anything. I loved all my failures in the process of achieving friction fire. It took me a month or more to build up the stamina and several months of learning what components work well with each other. Now I look for difficulties and have achieved fire with green wood. I felt very acomplished after that. Now i can do it in the rain or heavy fog. When I do mess up I just keep on changing components until I get it. I achieved all this after the ripe old age of 65. Im now 70 and i love this stuff especially when I fail because I get to learn something new.
If you've gotten fairly accomplished at this try making a set from green privit hedge in high humidity. I did this and it took me 2 1/2 hours to get a coal . I was so exhausted I almost had to crawl back to the house. Lol
If you want to learn that green wood trick contact me here in this forum . I didn't invent this I learned it from a David West utube video of which he has pulled that video down because it got almost no views other than me ! Ha ha
@@garyminick1050 👊Such good advice my friend. I too learned the failures teach....at 59, i have been learning this for many yrs. Adversity teaches us, even if self induced....carry on...
I think this isn't a help for learning bowdrill. To learn you need to go through the failings, and figure out why your failing. Eventually you will become proficient. I don't believe in making bearing blocks with bearings or using kits, just my opinion.
Glad I found the video I just ordered two sets for my son and I as a gift for his Cub Scout promotion Ceremony 😊 Nice product for the price
That is a great training aid. I have seen several videos lately that say to use fatwood for a bearing block on a home made bow drill. The resin in fatwood greatly reduces friction. Thanks for showing this great product, and for only $14 you can't go wrong.
Thank you for posting.
I just got this kit last night and the first thing I did was to start to unwind the cordage, thinking "why"... it took me awhile to get it right, I should have read the included directions.
.
This is a great >>trainingseveral tries< with some cheats to get a fire going with a bow)...part of this success appears to be that the wood used is a very light evergreen so each hole was pretty much one try because I almost drilled through the board on each try.
.
I cut another notch at the end of the board and the wood was soft, and there's not much room for the hole that gets wider (and wanders) and I broke off the end of the board...pretty much they've maxed out the number of notches their board can take, but you can go to Home Depot and look for the short bundle of rough wood for about $6 for a dozen rough cut sticks longer than the one that comes in the kit...the wood in the bundle is harder than the board that comes in the kit so you might have to work harder.
.
I did notice that sometimes the spindle binds when the hole sides get a little deep and I don't know if maybe flattening the tip might help...
.
Like I said, this seems to be an excellent starter kit but I'd probably change a few things for my final version.
A two-fer! I’ve had this for a couple or few years now, but I’m only now breaking it out! Thanks for the tips!
I have had this kit for a while now. It’s awesome. I too struggled with the bow drill and I even took a class on how to build and use one. Now it’s just another way for me to create fire. This tool is actually fun! My kids think it’s fun too. I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone. The only issue I have is the handle keeps falling off and I risk losing the washers and bearing.
Yep
I love that line " I am a trained professional " ! Kids don't try this at home ! Lol
HA! Bryan, you're on "FIRE"! Take care, "God Bless", sincerely Randy.
Thanks!
Good job Bryan. I just got one for Christmas 2021 from my "dad's list" also. I had the same idea to get the rhythm of success and then to replace with parts that I have made from the trial with the goal being to be able to make one from scratch in less than favorable conditions.
Wow, ive had this in my amazon wishlist for years
It said to watch the video on how to wrap the cordage.
Great video. I think ill get one myself. Been struggling too.
Thank you
It is fun
Great gift Todd, nicely done Brian :)
It was fun
Well that’s pretty sweet 👍👍 thanks for sharing.
I loved this video laying in bed sick....gonna order one those bow drill kits
I really need to work that out for myself as well, I love that spindle idea
On the other end of the spectrum David West used to have a video of making a bow drill fire with green privet hedge. He pulled it down because it got almost no views other than me. I learned it from that video and it took me 2 1/2 hrs to accomplish at the ripe d age of 68 . Im 70 now and I practice bow drill fire almost every day.
Not sure why you wouyld pull a video down just because it gets no views.
Cool learning tool, Bryan. Happy New Year!!
@@SurvivalOnPurpose actually i don't understand that either but thats what he told me . David west has a lot of followers and he still makes a lot of videos, if he sees all this conversation I bet he'll make another video on this topic . So what do you say David West channel.
You are the best!!! Thanks... I've always wondered how these things worked!!!
Now you know. Thanks!
I've seen these on Amazon, and always wondered.
Thank you for this video.
Hope you and yours had a good Christmas, and have a great New year.
Same to you
Thanks for the video! I got one of these, gonna try it out soon! Maybe consider putting a little lube on the bearings.. smooths thins out a bit, and extend the life of the kit.. thanks again! Subscribed! 👍🇺🇸👍
Awesome video, I really need to look into this kit. which also means I should probably take the time to figure out ther bow drill friction fire method... I've struggled with it in the past.
Me too
Once the spindle wears down and gets thick , saw a horizontal slit wide enough to be able to insert a shaved plug from good wood. Advantages is it is easier to find short tips instead of having to find long sticks for spindle and having to drill new holes. Refer to Mcphersons Naked into the wilderness series books, maybe the advanced or skills applied has it. They tell how to use a deer leg bone for spindle, then all you need to do is find right wood and shave it into a plug so that it will fit in the end of the deer bone. Oh, for the PSKOOK you may need to insert the plug and then tie it secure so it wont pop out the sides, but shouldn't be a problem.
Great job. Nice starter kit. My shoulders were hurting watching this.....😬
It was really fairly easy
Good job Bryan. I've never attempted a bow drill fire but I want to. I may try one of those kits. Thanks for sharing brother.
Great gift, I just got 1 this month 2020. I love it
cool
I just ordered one - I’ll be interested to see if I can make it work. Thank you very much for the demo!!!
Too cool! I like to play with that from time to time! I have a bearing block with a skate bearing in it. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent video!!! Thanks for all of your great reviews! 👍
Toro did a video showing different ways to do the bow drill and from what I remember one of the cordage setups was similar to that. It was a while ago so you'd have to look through his videos to find it.
Hello from Oklahoma! Good video! This is an interesting idea. I see possibilities. Thanks for the video! God Bless! And Happy New Year!!!
Same to you
This is a skill i need. This would be helpful.
Never knew anything like that exsisted. Thanks for sharing!
It was fun
I really like this video. For some reason, when I use the bow drill (the exact same one you have) it dosent create smoke or ember, nothing happens. Do you know why?
Looks like a good kit to practice with. And they're cheap as dirt. Great review as always.
Excellent review as always.
I'm tagging you in my next video. Do look out for it.
Atb,
The Solo Hiker....
Good review... Yes, please can you field duplicate the bow/spindle set up?
Nicely done
Nice bow drill kit
Good vid. Looks like a good product.
Nice job!
Great video Brian!
Thanks Andy. It's good to hear from you. Are you gonna be at SHOT this year?
@@SurvivalOnPurpose Yes! Going Tuesday-Friday. Got an airbnb with a few other folks. How about you?
This is a skill you'll never need, until you need it then it's to late too learn. I would love to see you make your own. Happy New Year from Canada.Always enjoy your videos.
Thanks for sharing, God bless!
Thanks
Looked like fun and a good training tool. Do they make one I can attach to my my DeWALT cordless drill? Probably the only way I could make this happen. LOL.
It really just takes doing it, everyone always says friction at the top however I find more people actually have problems with the notch. If you don't cut it deep enough you will never get the heat you need, that and the string to the correct tension on the spindle. Believe it or not with that correct touch can do it sitting down not bracing your hand at all.
I would say it's possibly a good bug out bag addition. It wouldn't take up much space. And with it only weighing about 7 or 8 ounces, I don't see a reason not to put it in your bag. There are actually 5 different Options on amazon. Probably gonna order a couple.
I consider it a learning tool.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose I agree with you. Definitely a learning tool. I'm just thinking about a true bug out situation. If it's in your bag, it removes the stress of finding the materials to build a bow drill set in the pouring rain.
Oh look at that Argggggghhhh. 3rd degree burns lol only kidding bro good video
Great video. Would love to see a DIY version.
Maybe I will try it
Bought the same kit a few months ago. Good for practicing the bow and drill, but the spindle is "eaten" too fast.
I can see how that woud be true
Another hard one to master is the handrill for fire. I like using skateboard a bearing wheel with a bow drill
One day I will make a handdrill fire.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose i wished i could have learned off of Cody lundin, john Campbell of Arizona bushman, corporals Corner, grey bearded green beret and dave Canterbury they have lots of good ideas on starting fires multiple ways.
Good morning Mr. Bryan (sons spelling) quick question the knife you used In this video, that you used to cut the jute and bark shaving the cedar
What knife it that, is that a psk knife? Or what kind
Keep up the great work and enjoy the modification to the balance and rotation test site
Thanks
Mike
It is this one ua-cam.com/video/AX9ulh9inN8/v-deo.html
Ya I was wondering about this.... atleast it works and good for training days lol
Good video are you from Texas if what part
Georgia
Now I want to see you put that kit in your pocket so you will have it for emergencies, lol.
I always carry a Basic Ignition Component in my pocket for emergencies.
Mierda. Ayer estaba pensando que debia saber hacer fuego para situations de emergency y ahora me sale este video en mi inicio.
It's a useful skill, but I'd rather use (and carry) a fire piston. ;-)
Which one do you carry?
@@Uncle_Red I like the NuMyth Vulcan (well-thought out, well made).
I cheated I bought 100 Bic lighters on Amazon and spent about the same of what that kit cost, Though the kit would be a great confidence builder, plus the fact is if you find yourself in Dire Straits you will do your best to make a fire or you will certainly die trying !
It's about learning a skill and having fun
I have wondered about that kit. Glad you reviewed it here. By the way, I watched this video (below) the other day and find it interesting that he uses fatwood to hold the spindle and puts the smaller part of the spindle at the top.
The Best Kept Bow Drill Secret - Guarantee That Ember
ua-cam.com/video/zKjF65Cj7Ig/v-deo.html
nice video
Bowdrill for dummies, aka me, never tried it.
This makes it simple to learn
Houzzk is using you in there belt commercial that you used in Klik Belts. False advertising
I don't doubt it. I have filed numerous complaints with Facebook and the companies just change names and keep lying. There are too any Chinese for me to win.
🔥🔥👍
Like shooting fish in a barrel.
Brian, I think you might enjoy this video ua-cam.com/video/O7u-rUennEk/v-deo.html Check out the rest of his videos as well, he doesn't post much any more on UA-cam which is ashamed but I think he hangs out in the Fire section of Bushcraft USA Forum.
I remember him
Personally don't know why anyone would bother to learn this labor intensive method when there are so many other easier ways. I would do flint/steel/char cloth before this method. Tradition maybe?
Fun. And, in theory, this allows you to start a fire completely from scratch. Something flint and steel may not be able to do because you need char.
I baught this damn thing should have had a warning not to undo the the string because I untangled it and now my money is wasted
There are too many easy ways to start a fire without messing with the bow drill.
I think it is fun to learn stuff like this.
This is pretty cool, although its very close to cheating..
Lol. Yes
Here's the deal ,if you can't make your set you've not learned anything. I loved all my failures in the process of achieving friction fire. It took me a month or more to build up the stamina and several months of learning what components work well with each other. Now I look for difficulties and have achieved fire with green wood. I felt very acomplished after that. Now i can do it in the rain or heavy fog. When I do mess up I just keep on changing components until I get it. I achieved all this after the ripe old age of 65. Im now 70 and i love this stuff especially when I fail because I get to learn something new.
If you've gotten fairly accomplished at this try making a set from green privit hedge in high humidity. I did this and it took me 2 1/2 hours to get a coal . I was so exhausted I almost had to crawl back to the house. Lol
If you want to learn that green wood trick contact me here in this forum . I didn't invent this I learned it from a David West utube video of which he has pulled that video down because it got almost no views other than me ! Ha ha
@@garyminick1050 👊Such good advice my friend. I too learned the failures teach....at 59, i have been learning this for many yrs. Adversity teaches us, even if self induced....carry on...
I think this isn't a help for learning bowdrill. To learn you need to go through the failings, and figure out why your failing. Eventually you will become proficient. I don't believe in making bearing blocks with bearings or using kits, just my opinion.