Hey brother, Loved the fact that you did NOT edit out the places where you had issues and this made it excellent for showing tips on trouble shooting techniques with this process. Something you don't see in most videos! Excellent as always!
Dave: THANK GOD! You my friend are the first & only person I've seen do a first class job of demonstrating real world bow drill fire from start to finish. Others who have there pre-made kits are fooling themselves. Knowledge, Skills & Attitude are what's needed and you showed them all. Thank you for the best bow drill lesson on UA-cam !
Dave, thanks so much for your instructive videos - not only do you teach how to do something like make a bow drill set, but you also explain why it's necessary to do certain steps in a specific way, which - to me - is the most important aspect that so many other instructive videos lack. You are a true teacher, and I tip my hat to you, sir!
Finally a bow drill instruction vid that is actually an instruction video, rather than a show off video. Best one I've seen so far. Personally I've been successful as far as to burn the board in but have failed to produce a proper ember due to string sliding a.o. You address all issues I've had so far. Confident I will be successful next time. Thanks for posting!
Thank you Dave. Really, thank you. This was so informative, masterful, and full of wisdom. I've never seen a video that so delicately went through step by step, teaching you everything that can go right and wrong in this kind of scenario. These videos are such a wealth of knowledge and teachings that people can actually benefit from and walk away with a new appreciation. I know I did.
This is the best primitive fire making video I've ever seen! Most people who have just read about using a bow drill, or even seen a lot of the videos on it, have no idea how much work is really involved in getting that burning ember. A video like this shows it for what it really is, not what some would like you to think it is! Thanks Dave!
Excellent video demonstration of the techniques and inherent difficulties of making primitive fire. You are absolutely correct in saying that way too often so called "instructional videos" fail to properly demonstrate the intricacies of the complete process. Thank you for taking the time and making the considerable effort to provide us with an accurate training video.
I think I finally understand the bow drill method. I love how you explain the details and the causation. I understand so much better when someone takes the time to explain the "why" and not just the "how."
Amazing video! I love that you care more about teaching us than showing off. This is such a great video because you walked through every step of the way just like someone would have to do in real life. Thanks Dave--you have a gift for teaching and inspiring all of us!!!
Dave, Than you for sharing this information here on youtube. I just can't believe how much effort you put into these free videos. This has got to be some of the best bushcraft teaching anywhere on the planet, and I really mean that. Thanks again Dave. Kindest regards Dean, Yorkshire, UK
Dave, this is the BEST example of the bow drill method I've ever seen. I've tried it before but couldn't get it to work. It's very useful to see that even someone with your experience can make a mistake and not get it right the first time. Other videos I've seen on this make it look too easy, which makes it hard to learn from and easy to get frustrated when a novice like me can't get the same results.
Great lesson brother. Based on your teaching and my inability I gave up even trying to make primitive fire for years. You motivated me to try again and yesterday I was able to make a fire for the first time in 15 years of camping with primitive fire. It's killer when you finally get fire but it is never a guarantee. Thanks again
What your watching here guy's is a real American patriot, who loves his country and all the skill's that it took to survive, explore, and thrive when this country was in it's infantcy. We all owe Dave and other's like him, so much gratitude for having a passion for sharing the tribal "know-how." Thank you Dave! Your teaching me, and in turn, I am able to teach my son skill's that he can take with him where ever life may take him. Thank you so much for your time and effort. Stephen, Ohio
Thanks Dave. I made my first bow drill fire today, all straight out of the woods, took hours to get it right but I am definitely proud to be amongst the few that can start fire primitively. You are a great teacher and mentor.
Dave one of the things I really like about you is you don't act like mister know-it-all and talk about failing and learning a lesson. Hell in reality you probably have forgotten more than most will ever learn. Outstanding instruction video.
Devils in the details! This video answers a ton of question I've had for quite awhile...I know your usually thanking us for support but speaking for us rookies, I'd like to thank you for all your quality instruction.
Dave, the fact that you stress you are willing not only to accept failure but welcome it... is what keeps me coming back to watch your videos. thank you.
Brilliant video Dave, you showed a number of tips and tricks to getting it right, dedication to your intended outcome and determination in carrying out running adjustments when things didn't go according to plan. I've been learning from your work for a while and this video alone shows me that you have plenty more to teach. Thank you and take care brother.
Absolutely fantastic video! I can't say enough about your willingness to leave even the difficulties out there for all of us to see. It's been my experience both in the woods and in the house that Murphy's Law is always in effect, especially when you need things to work right the first time. Thanks, Dave, and keep 'em coming, brother!
Went from tree to ember in around twenty minutes today in perfect conditions Simply using the saw to cut the notch made a massive difference Thanks again
very good video, I learned bow drill fires from my father when I was around 7, and he made me learn it just like you did it here. then he told me that it was a last ditch " oh, crap" method, because it was too much work just to make a cup of joe. wish more people on youtube would show things from itch to scratch, instead of just the last steps. proper prep work, and making the tools are part of it. keep up the good work.
I love your resilience, your resourcefulness, your enthusiasm, your courage to face your mistakes like a man and continue on and your simple common sense to wear shoes and pants in the outdoors if they are available, even though your mitochondria may not get the workout some say it should. I'd put up your mitochondria against ANYONE's in the world. Nobody does better. Nobody. With all the kids out there trying to emulate you, you still run rings around them, effortlessly. Kudos. Inspirational.
Thank You Dave for this video. I have seen many videos on how to make a bow drill, but yours was the best cause you explained and showed everything very clearly! Thank You!
Thanks for the video. I'm outdoors all the time and last weekend I failed using Cedar, and fishing line. It was material I had. Got it smoking but couldn't get it lit. Thanks for clearing things up. Amazing how people start gathering around and say I have never seen this done! Once again YOU ROCK!
I have tried multiple times to create fire by bow drill method after watching other videos with out success. I watched your video last night and tweaked the way I made my bow drill set and was successful in creating fire today. Thanks for doing what you do Dave!
Thanks Dave! Really appreciate your tutorial on woods to use, technics, prep of tools and PATIENCE in the face of failure the first go-round. From Boy Scouts to Jungle Survival school in the Canal Zone, I've never been able to start a fire using this method, simply because I never understood all the dynamics that goes into it. Will give it another go next time I hit the bush,,,,along with a backup Bic lighter
Thanks Dave, I learned an important lesson from this vid. There is no way I could make fire this way with my back problems. You taught me to always be prepared with other ways to make fire. Thank you alot.
That was a great video on everything, trial and error, correcting mistakes, basic instructions, just completely well done. And this is the only video I have seen where you get to see the ember actually created. Thank you for making this vid.
A++ By far, best bow-drill instruction I've seen yet. Practical... real. Primitive fire is earned by patience and skill. It's also most respected by those who know by experience how precious and humbling the process can be. Best regards, Sir. Great video.
An outstanding video of how to make fire using a bow drill set! Just the last part whereby you dont have to rush getting the ember to your tinder bundle is so essential to understand. I am so going to have a go at this method, I have been putting it off and now watching this video has inspired me to at least try. Thanks so much for your outstanding work and explanations in an easy to understand language. Keep them coming please!
Love the honesty of your videos. You never know what the moisture content is in materials we select. They may seem dry but actually have high moisture content. The numerous false embers was likely working as drying cycles....when it reached the magic spot....boom, fire.
Great video, it's good to see a professional not get an ember first time, that takes the pressure off those of us who don't practice the skill often enough and it helps us immeasurably to see someone do it in real time with real effects on the outcome.
Wow Dave. I’ve been watching you for a decade and somehow I had missed this one. I have never commented on a video in all of these years but...... this was an absolute PERFECT example of knowledge/experienced based calm collected confidence and patience. Great job! Been doing these for years and still don’t get them started sometimes. Loved the honest REAL! video.
great video! Thanks to your teaching, I have finally managed to get the coals. Great satisfaction and excitement was the first time, but even more so when I found I could repeat this whenever I want. My best thanks Dave always follow you as a teacher.
Dave, this is what sets you apart from others. Your delivery of information makes learning much easier. Thank you for taking the time and your effort to show this in such detailed form. I have to mention that I got some really good close up views of the new Pathfinder Trade Knife. I'm glad that I placed my order while they are still in stock. If this lesson isn't a reminder enough to make sure that you have 'sure fire' on your person, then nothing will. Thank you brother. Don
Thank you Dave...good to see the truth. I can't thank you enough for all that you have taught me...for free. I look at your videos as if I was going to a college class and take them very seriously. Thank you again..you are a true pioneer in these modern times.
Love your taking the time to do a "warts-and-all" video on this process, from splitting, scraping, whittling, stringing, burning, notching to failure, adjustment, and eventually success. Under pretty fair, spring-like conditions it was still hard, took about an hour, and even DC was huffing and puffing. (I am packing sure fire these days *everywhere* I go - this video shows the reason). Thanks Dave, and thanks to Iris too for letting you continue to share tribal knowledge with the rest of us.
The BEST video I have ever seen on this topic. Really well done! I appreciate the fact that you didn't edit out the "less than successful" attempts. It shows exactly how difficult the skill is and exactly how much practice is needed to get it done right. Please make more videos like this one. It is honestly the best video I have ever seen on youtube. Please make some videos on tree identification, and their benefits (wood for spindles and bows, etc.) Thank you very much.
hi dave i just wanted to thank you for your channel. I live in Turkey so i cant come to join your classes but your channel helped me to understand the basics of survival and all other important things. I appreciate you for your channel you ara a grate man.
Dave, This was an exceptional video. Fantastic intuitive explanations with very clear close-ups of the procedures and results. IMHO one of your best videos - ever. I realize you can't respond to many of our comments, but just know that your efforts, time, and consistent honesty are so very appreciated. You have given us confidence, and thus revealed new vistas to explore (literally and figuratively), by making survival skills completely approachable and understandable. Thanks so much!
I gotta say, this is one of THE best Bow drill vids I have ever seen! The only improvements I would make, would be to not be in so much of a hurry to move the fire board out of the way, and also maybe add a section on wood selection. How to identify Cottonwood and other good woods for instance.
This has to be by far my favorite video yet! I couldn't stop watching and the tips you gave were fantastic. I never knew the proper way to make a bow drill fire and now I feel that I could at least give it a try and know what to look for! Great detail Dave! and another Great Vid! my Favorite Vid!
Thanks dave for the video. Best bow drill video I've ever seen. I definitely agree with what u say about sure fire. I'm putting 3 or 4 ferro rods & a couple mag bars as well as lighters & matches in my kit. I was telling someone the other day that for me #1 thing is fire. With that, I can effectively get water, shelter & food. Without fire, I think anyone is screwed in a survival situation. Thanks again for the video.
Dave, it means so much, that you are willing to show failures. I haven't seen anyone else do this. Also, no one else seems to start from the beginning. This is what keeps me coming back. Thanks!
An excellent vid about how to start a fire using friction. Not only explains the form and elements of how it's done, but the scientific aspects of the physics and chemistry involved (which is the real process of what is happening). Subbed.
Great video. Glad you left in the part about the broken string. I like that nothing is edited out. Also the explanation of what you are looking for in the different steps and the changes you make as you go.
Great video Dave - love the close up work, I understand the mechanics but it was great to see it like that, my old eyes can't really tell when the notch is filling right when I'm doing it, this was a great help !
I learn more from your trials and errors than from any other channel on the tube. Only the Pathfinder channel shows the reality of primitive fire. No more satisfying way of starting a fire...but no more costly with respect to energy! I [and I'm certain many others who've been there] was breathing hard with you. If you've tried it, you've been there. Great vid.
Dave, I feel like I should be paying you for all the knowledge you have given me. I will continue to support your channel and store, thank you very much for all you do for us.
Dude, this is what I'm talking about! So awesome. I love how you addressed being prepared to make fire with ferro, etc. I'm attending a survival school in the Pacific Northwest who always has us carrying bow drill kits, which I disagree with because it's a false security. We have a week at the end only using primitive skills for five days, not even given a knife! Finding and making BD out here is rough. Cedar and cottonwood work great but finding/constructing dried material are another animal.
Super video, especially the troubleshooting. I haven't been successful with a bow drill yet, but I think I see all the things to look out for now. Thanks.
Thanks for this video Dave! Coupled with what I've learned from taking your basic survival course recently I was able to get a fire started using this method in about 5-6 total hours of trail and error. Thank you for your teachings!
Tulip poplar is a little scarce in New Mexico; we use yucca stalks, it makes great bows a lights quick. In the mountains it's pine. For the socket I use any piece of harder wood I can find, like oak, or a rock with a suitable indention. I haven't practiced in about twenty years, though. Your video has me planning my next weekend activity. Thanks!
Fantastic video, I've been having so much trouble with the bow drill and I'm glad that it's not as easy as some folks on UA-cam make it out to be. Thanks Dave your the best!
Dave, great video on the bow drill, I made my fire set from a piece of birch, and followed your instuctions to the letter. To my total amazement, I had a nice ember on the first whack! I put that ember into a nest of jute twine and blew it to life! i must admit though, it does take some arm strength and endurance to reach the final goal, FIRE!! I watch all your videos Dave, Great and thourough instruction. Nice Job!
Great vid Dave! I've watched a lot of videos on fire bow drills and doing it myself. I personally like to use paracord, because I've broke strings and stretched out others. Paracord, after a few uses, doesn't seem to stretch out as much, but maintains it's integrity. Best video I've seen for the science of building the spindle. The blunt tip is something I haven't seen others describe. I like how you present this. Some things that I've found along the way is when making the V-notch is I like to make the opening wide like you, about pinky tip width, but I bring it to a V...and when cutting into my burn in spot, I only go about 1/4 amount into center of the hole. I found if I go deeper, the spindle eventually pushes out the side, and I don't get the heat. Going 1/4 way through allows the dust to pile up, the heat to get to it and the width of the opening allows the oxygen to get to it. Another thing I do is when my spindle is smoking hot and I have a pile of dust built up, I leave my spindle in the hole to keep driving heat into my ember instead of pulling it away to work on my ember. There is still a LOT of heat at the end of the spindle and keeping it there keeps heat at the source. With a wide V, oxygen can get to the source. If I keep the spinning the spindle just a little longer than it may seem necessary, I've also found that it drives the heat deep into the dust pile, ensuring I have a good, thick ember. Thanks Dave, I love your site, all the vids, information and your knowledge. I always learn something from you!!! You and Cody make a great team and I hope you guys keep working together on more projects.
I have tried this before and never got it right. Watch this video a few days ago and in around 30 mins i made the set and started a fire and with my boys who now think i am the coolest Thank you Dave!
Awesome video Dave! I've been struggling with these bow drill sets for a while now and this video is going to be a great tool!! I get plenty of smoke but haven't had an ember yet. There is no doubt this burns a ton of calories! One thing I learned is to try cutting a bigger notch. Thanks again for all your teaching Dave!! God bless!
dave: i wanted to sincerely thank you for your honesty in selling your products. I highly respect you for your honest way of making your money and supporting your family. When your own product (bankline) breaks while making your video, you show it for all to see. You go over the positive and negative things about your products without giving typical marketing bullshit. thank you.
nothing like bustin 10 second embers doing bow drills, boy do i miss this. i remember while i was down in southern UT doing hand drills with yucca and juniper root and blowing my embers in cow pies, i got real creative with it.
GREAT video!!!! Best info in bow drill I have seen, finally someone that shows it from begining to end, your the best! Keep them coming and yes that includes the promo's and eval's too! Your a treasure to the outdoors.
Thank you ,Dave.Thats one very helpful and in line with reality video. All little details and tips that are missing in other videos and that need a lot of experience to be known.
Hey brother, Loved the fact that you did NOT edit out the places where you had issues and this made it excellent for showing tips on trouble shooting techniques with this process. Something you don't see in most videos! Excellent as always!
Dave: THANK GOD! You my friend are the first & only person I've seen do a first class job of demonstrating real world bow drill fire from start to finish. Others who have there pre-made kits are fooling themselves. Knowledge, Skills & Attitude are what's needed and you showed them all. Thank you for the best bow drill lesson on UA-cam !
Dave, thanks so much for your instructive videos - not only do you teach how to do something like make a bow drill set, but you also explain why it's necessary to do certain steps in a specific way, which - to me - is the most important aspect that so many other instructive videos lack. You are a true teacher, and I tip my hat to you, sir!
Finally a bow drill instruction vid that is actually an instruction video, rather than a show off video. Best one I've seen so far. Personally I've been successful as far as to burn the board in but have failed to produce a proper ember due to string sliding a.o. You address all issues I've had so far. Confident I will be successful next time. Thanks for posting!
Thank you Dave. Really, thank you. This was so informative, masterful, and full of wisdom. I've never seen a video that so delicately went through step by step, teaching you everything that can go right and wrong in this kind of scenario. These videos are such a wealth of knowledge and teachings that people can actually benefit from and walk away with a new appreciation. I know I did.
This is the best primitive fire making video I've ever seen! Most people who have just read about using a bow drill, or even seen a lot of the videos on it, have no idea how much work is really involved in getting that burning ember. A video like this shows it for what it really is, not what some would like you to think it is! Thanks Dave!
Excellent video demonstration of the techniques and inherent difficulties of making primitive fire. You are absolutely correct in saying that way too often so called "instructional videos" fail to properly demonstrate the intricacies of the complete process. Thank you for taking the time and making the considerable effort to provide us with an accurate training video.
One of the best primitive fire building videos ive seen. I appreciate the knowledge you share with all of us. Thanks Dave, you da man.
I think I finally understand the bow drill method. I love how you explain the details and the causation. I understand so much better when someone takes the time to explain the "why" and not just the "how."
I never heard of the plumbers vice. I've learned so many things from you already, and the knowledge just keeps comin'. Thanks Dave.
This is the best demonstration of bow still fire I have ever seen.
I have tried to do bow drill fire and have always failed. Now i know why. Thanks Dave.
Amazing video! I love that you care more about teaching us than showing off. This is such a great video because you walked through every step of the way just like someone would have to do in real life. Thanks Dave--you have a gift for teaching and inspiring all of us!!!
Dave, Than you for sharing this information here on youtube. I just can't believe how much effort you put into these free videos. This has got to be some of the best bushcraft teaching anywhere on the planet, and I really mean that. Thanks again Dave. Kindest regards Dean, Yorkshire, UK
Another phenomenal video to prepare us for our survival and I am forever grateful!!! GOD bless you and yours Sir!!
Dave, this is the BEST example of the bow drill method I've ever seen. I've tried it before but couldn't get it to work. It's very useful to see that even someone with your experience can make a mistake and not get it right the first time. Other videos I've seen on this make it look too easy, which makes it hard to learn from and easy to get frustrated when a novice like me can't get the same results.
Great lesson brother. Based on your teaching and my inability I gave up even trying to make primitive fire for years. You motivated me to try again and yesterday I was able to make a fire for the first time in 15 years of camping with primitive fire. It's killer when you finally get fire but it is never a guarantee. Thanks again
What your watching here guy's is a real American patriot, who loves his country and all the skill's that it took to survive, explore, and thrive when this country was in it's infantcy. We all owe Dave and other's like him, so much gratitude for having a passion for sharing the tribal "know-how." Thank you Dave! Your teaching me, and in turn, I am able to teach my son skill's that he can take with him where ever life may take him. Thank you so much for your time and effort. Stephen, Ohio
Thanks Dave. I made my first bow drill fire today, all straight out of the woods, took hours to get it right but I am definitely proud to be amongst the few that can start fire primitively. You are a great teacher and mentor.
Dave one of the things I really like about you is you don't act like mister know-it-all and talk about failing and learning a lesson. Hell in reality you probably have forgotten more than most will ever learn. Outstanding instruction video.
Fantastic as usual, showing how it is and not edited from start to finish with excellent tips and the points at the end are right on. Thank you sir.
Hands down the best hand bow video on the web. it may be long but you will never forget how to make one after this. Thanks so much man
Devils in the details! This video answers a ton of question I've had for quite awhile...I know your usually thanking us for support but speaking for us rookies, I'd like to thank you for all your quality instruction.
Dave, the fact that you stress you are willing not only to accept failure but welcome it... is what keeps me coming back to watch your videos. thank you.
Brilliant video Dave, you showed a number of tips and tricks to getting it right, dedication to your intended outcome and determination in carrying out running adjustments when things didn't go according to plan. I've been learning from your work for a while and this video alone shows me that you have plenty more to teach. Thank you and take care brother.
Absolutely fantastic video! I can't say enough about your willingness to leave even the difficulties out there for all of us to see. It's been my experience both in the woods and in the house that Murphy's Law is always in effect, especially when you need things to work right the first time. Thanks, Dave, and keep 'em coming, brother!
Went from tree to ember in around twenty minutes today in perfect conditions
Simply using the saw to cut the notch made a massive difference
Thanks again
very good video, I learned bow drill fires from my father when I was around 7, and he made me learn it just like you did it here. then he told me that it was a last ditch " oh, crap" method, because it was too much work just to make a cup of joe. wish more people on youtube would show things from itch to scratch, instead of just the last steps. proper prep work, and making the tools are part of it. keep up the good work.
I love your resilience, your resourcefulness, your enthusiasm, your courage to face your mistakes like a man and continue on and your simple common sense to wear shoes and pants in the outdoors if they are available, even though your mitochondria may not get the workout some say it should. I'd put up your mitochondria against ANYONE's in the world. Nobody does better. Nobody. With all the kids out there trying to emulate you, you still run rings around them, effortlessly. Kudos. Inspirational.
Thank You Dave for this video. I have seen many videos on how to make a bow drill, but yours was the best cause you explained and showed everything very clearly! Thank You!
Thanks for the video. I'm outdoors all the time and last weekend I failed using Cedar, and fishing line. It was material I had. Got it smoking but couldn't get it lit. Thanks for clearing things up. Amazing how people start gathering around and say I have never seen this done! Once again YOU ROCK!
I have tried multiple times to create fire by bow drill method after watching other videos with out success. I watched your video last night and tweaked the way I made my bow drill set and was successful in creating fire today. Thanks for doing what you do Dave!
I feel like I should have paid for this information. So clear, detailed, and complete. We are so lucky to have you Dave.
Thanks Dave! Really appreciate your tutorial on woods to use, technics, prep of tools and PATIENCE in the face of failure the first go-round. From Boy Scouts to Jungle Survival school in the Canal Zone, I've never been able to start a fire using this method, simply because I never understood all the dynamics that goes into it. Will give it another go next time I hit the bush,,,,along with a backup Bic lighter
Thanks Dave, I learned an important lesson from this vid. There is no way I could make fire this way with my back problems. You taught me to always be prepared with other ways to make fire. Thank you alot.
That was a great video on everything, trial and error, correcting mistakes, basic instructions, just completely well done. And this is the only video I have seen where you get to see the ember actually created. Thank you for making this vid.
A++ By far, best bow-drill instruction I've seen yet. Practical... real. Primitive fire is earned by patience and skill. It's also most respected by those who know by experience how precious and humbling the process can be. Best regards, Sir. Great video.
An outstanding video of how to make fire using a bow drill set! Just the last part whereby you dont have to rush getting the ember to your tinder bundle is so essential to understand. I am so going to have a go at this method, I have been putting it off and now watching this video has inspired me to at least try.
Thanks so much for your outstanding work and explanations in an easy to understand language. Keep them coming please!
wow 43 mins of video and 43 mins of learning. Finally someone who takes time to explain things in a video. Great stuff!!
God Bless you Dave for all that you give!
Love the honesty of your videos. You never know what the moisture content is in materials we select. They may seem dry but actually have high moisture content. The numerous false embers was likely working as drying cycles....when it reached the magic spot....boom, fire.
Great video, it's good to see a professional not get an ember first time, that takes the pressure off those of us who don't practice the skill often enough and it helps us immeasurably to see someone do it in real time with real effects on the outcome.
Wow Dave. I’ve been watching you for a decade and somehow I had missed this one. I have never commented on a video in all of these years but...... this was an absolute PERFECT example of knowledge/experienced based calm collected confidence and patience. Great job! Been doing these for years and still don’t get them started sometimes. Loved the honest REAL! video.
It was really instructive to see how you handled the small but important adjustments required along the way. Thanks for posting this.
This is what makes Dave the BOSS. Does it from scratch after a rainy night, no staging, no smoothing it. Well done my friend!
great video! Thanks to your teaching, I have finally managed to get the coals. Great satisfaction and excitement was the first time, but even more so when I found I could repeat this whenever I want.
My best thanks Dave always follow you as a teacher.
Best how to from start to finish bow drill demo I've seen yet. Love the classroom setting and decor as well. Thanks for the video!
Iowa Jay
Dave, this is what sets you apart from others. Your delivery of information makes learning much easier. Thank you for taking the time and your effort to show this in such detailed form. I have to mention that I got some really good close up views of the new Pathfinder Trade Knife. I'm glad that I placed my order while they are still in stock. If this lesson isn't a reminder enough to make sure that you have 'sure fire' on your person, then nothing will. Thank you brother.
Don
Thank you Dave...good to see the truth. I can't thank you enough for all that you have taught me...for free. I look at your videos as if I was going to a college class and take them very seriously. Thank you again..you are a true pioneer in these modern times.
Love your taking the time to do a "warts-and-all" video on this process, from splitting, scraping, whittling, stringing, burning, notching to failure, adjustment, and eventually success. Under pretty fair, spring-like conditions it was still hard, took about an hour, and even DC was huffing and puffing. (I am packing sure fire these days *everywhere* I go - this video shows the reason). Thanks Dave, and thanks to Iris too for letting you continue to share tribal knowledge with the rest of us.
The BEST video I have ever seen on this topic. Really well done! I appreciate the fact that you didn't edit out the "less than successful" attempts. It shows exactly how difficult the skill is and exactly how much practice is needed to get it done right. Please make more videos like this one. It is honestly the best video I have ever seen on youtube. Please make some videos on tree identification, and their benefits (wood for spindles and bows, etc.) Thank you very much.
hi dave i just wanted to thank you for your channel. I live in Turkey so i cant come to join your classes but your channel helped me to understand the basics of survival and all other important things. I appreciate you for your channel you ara a grate man.
Dave,
This was an exceptional video. Fantastic intuitive explanations with very clear close-ups of the procedures and results. IMHO one of your best videos - ever. I realize you can't respond to many of our comments, but just know that your efforts, time, and consistent honesty are so very appreciated. You have given us confidence, and thus revealed new vistas to explore (literally and figuratively), by making survival skills completely approachable and understandable.
Thanks so much!
Dave always brings so much knowledge and experience to the table. There's really no substitute for his videos, theyre great.
Thanks, Dave, for honestly including all tries in the video. Showing adjustments, mistakes and work in progress is important.
I gotta say, this is one of THE best Bow drill vids I have ever seen! The only improvements I would make, would be to not be in so much of a hurry to move the fire board out of the way, and also maybe add a section on wood selection. How to identify Cottonwood and other good woods for instance.
This has to be by far my favorite video yet! I couldn't stop watching and the tips you gave were fantastic. I never knew the proper way to make a bow drill fire and now I feel that I could at least give it a try and know what to look for! Great detail Dave! and another Great Vid! my Favorite Vid!
Thanks. I have always seen people make fire, but never seen how to make the tools. this was an eye opener. thanks again.
Hi Dave, amazing demo, visuals and walkthrough.
Many thanks!
Mike
I never get tired of watching Dave make friction fire. Hardest thing in the woods to do, no matter what anyone tells you.
Thanks dave for the video. Best bow drill video I've ever seen. I definitely agree with what u say about sure fire. I'm putting 3 or 4 ferro rods & a couple mag bars as well as lighters & matches in my kit. I was telling someone the other day that for me #1 thing is fire. With that, I can effectively get water, shelter & food. Without fire, I think anyone is screwed in a survival situation. Thanks again for the video.
Dave, it means so much, that you are willing to show failures. I haven't seen anyone else do this. Also, no one else seems to start from the beginning. This is what keeps me coming back. Thanks!
An excellent vid about how to start a fire using friction. Not only explains the form and elements of how it's done, but the scientific aspects of the physics and chemistry involved (which is the real process of what is happening). Subbed.
Great video. Glad you left in the part about the broken string. I like that nothing is edited out. Also the explanation of what you are looking for in the different steps and the changes you make as you go.
Great video Dave - love the close up work, I understand the mechanics but it was great to see it like that, my old eyes can't really tell when the notch is filling right when I'm doing it, this was a great help !
I learn more from your trials and errors than from any other channel on the tube. Only the Pathfinder channel shows the reality of primitive fire. No more satisfying way of starting a fire...but no more costly with respect to energy! I [and I'm certain many others who've been there] was breathing hard with you. If you've tried it, you've been there. Great vid.
Dave, I feel like I should be paying you for all the knowledge you have given me. I will continue to support your channel and store, thank you very much for all you do for us.
Dude, this is what I'm talking about! So awesome. I love how you addressed being prepared to make fire with ferro, etc. I'm attending a survival school in the Pacific Northwest who always has us carrying bow drill kits, which I disagree with because it's a false security. We have a week at the end only using primitive skills for five days, not even given a knife! Finding and making BD out here is rough. Cedar and cottonwood work great but finding/constructing dried material are another animal.
man u r greatest man u teach us step by step that's very good . u r great man . no one teach u like that. thanks. i m from India.
Best explanation of using a fire board start to finish. Thanks Dave.
Thanks Dave for this informative videos it's much appreciated 👍
Dave ,you are an awesome teacher . Thanks for posting .
Super video, especially the troubleshooting. I haven't been successful with a bow drill yet, but I think I see all the things to look out for now. Thanks.
Thanks for this video Dave! Coupled with what I've learned from taking your basic survival course recently I was able to get a fire started using this method in about 5-6 total hours of trail and error. Thank you for your teachings!
Hey! You are a good guy. Thank you for going through the whole thing. You have been patient. Thanks once again.
One of the best on this process I have seen. Thanks for taking the time Dave.
Great to see a skilled survivalist teach these skills and get a fire started even after he dripped sweat onto the dust!
Tulip poplar is a little scarce in New Mexico; we use yucca stalks, it makes great bows a lights quick. In the mountains it's pine. For the socket I use any piece of harder wood I can find, like oak, or a rock with a suitable indention. I haven't practiced in about twenty years, though. Your video has me planning my next weekend activity. Thanks!
Fantastic video, I've been having so much trouble with the bow drill and I'm glad that it's not as easy as some folks on UA-cam make it out to be. Thanks Dave your the best!
Your exercise of patience has earned MY respect. . Well done!
Excellent, Excellent!...Reminds me of your old videos. Just GREAT!
Fantastic. I was more impressed by the responses to failure than to the eventual success. Very impressive instructing. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Dave you show that we should practice our primitive fire making but have modern methods for easy of use.
Love you vids dave keep them coming I have learned so much over the yrs just watching and learning from you.
Thanks from Chicago. I appreciate the realism.
On of your best videos yet. Thank you very much Dave.
Dave, great video on the bow drill, I made my fire set from a piece of birch, and followed your instuctions to the letter. To my total amazement, I had a nice ember on the first whack! I put that ember into a nest of jute twine and blew it to life! i must admit though, it does take some arm strength and endurance to reach the final goal, FIRE!!
I watch all your videos Dave, Great and thourough instruction. Nice Job!
Great vid Dave! I've watched a lot of videos on fire bow drills and doing it myself. I personally like to use paracord, because I've broke strings and stretched out others. Paracord, after a few uses, doesn't seem to stretch out as much, but maintains it's integrity.
Best video I've seen for the science of building the spindle. The blunt tip is something I haven't seen others describe. I like how you present this. Some things that I've found along the way is when making the V-notch is I like to make the opening wide like you, about pinky tip width, but I bring it to a V...and when cutting into my burn in spot, I only go about 1/4 amount into center of the hole. I found if I go deeper, the spindle eventually pushes out the side, and I don't get the heat. Going 1/4 way through allows the dust to pile up, the heat to get to it and the width of the opening allows the oxygen to get to it.
Another thing I do is when my spindle is smoking hot and I have a pile of dust built up, I leave my spindle in the hole to keep driving heat into my ember instead of pulling it away to work on my ember. There is still a LOT of heat at the end of the spindle and keeping it there keeps heat at the source. With a wide V, oxygen can get to the source. If I keep the spinning the spindle just a little longer than it may seem necessary, I've also found that it drives the heat deep into the dust pile, ensuring I have a good, thick ember.
Thanks Dave, I love your site, all the vids, information and your knowledge. I always learn something from you!!! You and Cody make a great team and I hope you guys keep working together on more projects.
Thanks for taking the time to show how to make each piece. I was having a hard time figuring out some of the dynamics with the fireboard.
This is why I recommend your videos. My favorite channel on UA-cam
Best fire drill demo and explanation I have ever seen.
Best video I've seen on bow drill fire and I've seen a few.
Brilliant!!!!
Amazing how the Dave after TV fame is the same Dave as before TV fame. Great teaching.
I have tried this before and never got it right. Watch this video a few days ago and in around 30 mins i made the set and started a fire and with my boys who now think i am the coolest Thank you Dave!
Awesome video Dave! I've been struggling with these bow drill sets for a while now and this video is going to be a great tool!! I get plenty of smoke but haven't had an ember yet. There is no doubt this burns a ton of calories! One thing I learned is to try cutting a bigger notch. Thanks again for all your teaching Dave!! God bless!
dave: i wanted to sincerely thank you for your honesty in selling your products. I highly respect you for your honest way of making your money and supporting your family. When your own product (bankline) breaks while making your video, you show it for all to see. You go over the positive and negative things about your products without giving typical marketing bullshit. thank you.
nothing like bustin 10 second embers doing bow drills, boy do i miss this. i remember while i was down in southern UT doing hand drills with yucca and juniper root and blowing my embers in cow pies, i got real creative with it.
Subscribed Mr Canterrbury,thank you for the teaching
GREAT video!!!! Best info in bow drill I have seen, finally someone that shows it from begining to end, your the best! Keep them coming and yes that includes the promo's and eval's too! Your a treasure to the outdoors.
Best bow drill instruction I've seen, outstanding!
Thank you ,Dave.Thats one very helpful and in line with reality video. All little details and tips that are missing in other videos and that need a lot of experience to be known.