Giveaway! -What can I do with all this?

[MacHete]

My 2K post is on the horizon, and my anniversary of record with BF is April 7th. So, this contest will run until whichever of those two milestones comes last.

The *prize will be a yet-to-be-selected knife and/or maybe some bits of yet-to-be-selected gear. The winner will be whoever gives me the best tips or advice toward reaching the goals expressed below.

OK, here's the situation: I finally live in a place (Kanawha Valley, West Virginia) where I can practise my skills- which I haven't really done since I was in college many, many years ago.

These are a few of the things I would like to do:
Make a really nice hiking staff.
Take a stab at bowyery.
Make a fire bow/drill.
Harvest and use wild nut flour.
Other suggestions?

This is what is around for me to work with:
Oak (Both Red and White)
Hickory
Beech
Sycamore
Tulip Poplar
Box Elder
Dogwood
Northern White Pine
Sumac
Rhododendron
Mountain Laurel

This is mostly mature, full-canopy forest on rocky, high-relief terrain. The understory is likely some hardscrabble slow-growth. There are some old access roads, and some clearings for power lines that are at least 30 years old, so the edges are going to have some other secondary succession species I could look for. As you might guess from the first three trees listed, the place is crawling with these-

-but strangely, I see very few squirrels.

I know a little bit about what "the books" say about uses for these trees, but I would rather get some firsthand suggestions from you guys.

Also, if you know of anything that these trees are especially good for that isn't on my list above- please share.

Thanks in advance, and good luck! :thumbup:

*I will try to have this finalized within the week, so you know what you are shooting for.

** Below is the prize package pic. See post #15 for details.

 

[Wandering_About]

White oak makes great bourbon aging barrels, that's all I know!

 

[BarberFobic1992]

The walking stick:
- i would look for one of the straitest peices of hickory you can find, then use an axe to cut it down and rough it out, then use a mora or somthing for the more detailed stuff. i think the striped flame pattern , as seen on some hawks, would look good on a hiking staff. maybe do some more detailed carving on it too if you have the patience.

Flame pattern:

The Bow:
- i am no bowyer, but i have made some pretty nice expedient survival type of bows in my day. i usually look for a few thumb-thick, 5-foot long green saplings, then take them down. after this i peal the bark off, carfully, making long strips. the take the three or four de-barked staves and straiten them out and whittle off any lumps. then cut all of the staves to equal length , about 4.5 feet, then tie all four together at each end with some twine. after this, wrap the now-connected staves in the bark you peeles off, then heat the whole thing up over a fire for a little bit,, drawing out the some of the moisture and tightening the bark. now, string it and you should have somthing that will shoot prett powerfully and accuratly (until it drys out that is). this type of bow is good for survival situations, since it can be made pretty easily and it requires few tools. as for a legit bow, i dint know very much, but i think i have heard that hickory makes a nice stave.

The bow-drill:
-i am not going to go through the entire process, because that is somthing you can find all over the internet. but, i think i have heard of good results with poplar, although i am not sure about that particular variation. a few points to remember though. start out with alot of pressure, and moderate speed. then, once youve got a good amount of smoke, decrease pressure a bit and up the speed like crazy. go until you cant go any more, and the about 15 more strokes. if your pile of dust is smoking, that means that there is a coal hiding in there; the coal will not necisarily be visible. also, a rock makes the best hand hold in my opinion, as long as youve got a rock that can be shapen somewhat easily.

another thing i find very sitisfying is to make chordage. some pretty good chordage can be made from liriope (liriope muscari). is is all over the south and there is some in the north (dont know about canada though). it makes pretty durable temporary choradage. its not very good after a couple of days as it dries out.

hope this was helpful!

 

[DOC-CANADA]

My 2K post is on the horizon, and my anniversary of record with BF is April 7th. So, this contest will run until whichever of those two milestones comes last.

The *prize will be a yet-to-be-selected knife and/or maybe some bits of yet-to-be-selected gear. The winner will be whoever gives me the best tips or advice toward reaching the goals expressed below.

OK, here's the situation: I finally live in a place where I can practise my skills- which I haven't really done since I was in college many, many years ago. Would help to know where you live.

These are a few of the things I would like to do:
Make a really nice hiking staff.
Take a stab at bowyery. Primitive Archer had an article called your first wilderness bow, by Steve Hulsey and there is an article in the Bowyer's Bible by Tim Baker, which I can send to you if you want (the one by Tim Baker, that is.) Also see Hickory below
Make a fire bow/drill. (click on fire/bow drill)


Harvest and use wild nut flour.
Other suggestions?

This is what is around for me to work with:
Oak (Both Red and White)
Hickory Good wood to use for first time bow and really excellent tasting nuts
Beech Pretty good firewood, traditionally used for making net making equipment, edible nuts
Sycamore I think this is one of the favourites of Talfuchre - he can tell you about this)
Tulip Poplar
Box Elder (AKA Manitoba Maple [Acer negundo] ) Early peoples tapped Manitoba Maple for its sap which was boiled down into syrup for its sugar. It should be noted that Manitoba Maple sap has only half the sugar content of Sugar Maple - 2% as compared to 4%. (VO-101) but it was used, nonetheless. They used branches for pipestems (UE-39), the wood for bowls and dishes (UE-39) & KS-82), large trunk burls or knots for drums (UE-39), the wood for firewood, and the charcoal for ceremonial painting and tattooing. (UE-39) The wood was also used as the drill and hearth for friction fire making. (Pretty good material for this purpose - Doc) It was used medicinally. (VK-26))
Dogwood
Northern White Pine
Sumac works for bow and drill, but not one of the easiest combinations, assuming, of course, that you're talking about Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Rhododendron
Mountain Laurel

This is mostly mature, full-canopy forest on rocky, high-relief terrain. The understory is likely some hardscrabble slow-growth. There are some old access roads, and some clearings for power lines that are at least 30 years old, so the edges are going to have some other secondary succession species I could look for. As you might guess from the first three trees listed, the place is crawling with these-

-but strangely, I see very few squirrels.

I know a little bit about what "the books" say about uses for these trees, but I would rather get some firsthand suggestions from you guys.

Also, if you know of anything that these trees are especially good for that isn't on my list above- please share.

Thanks in advance, and good luck! :thumbup:

*I will try to have this finalized within the week, so you know what you are shooting for.

I hope this helps you a bit, and, although very generous, please do not include me in the giveaway.

Doc

 

[Yvsa]

Hey Mac, ever hear of Kanuchi?

Here's a Linky for all you ever need to know about Kanuchi.:thumbup:

Actually in the old days and old ways the Kanuchi ball was put in the pan you were making the Kanuchi in and after it simmered for a while the other ingredients were added, the traditional cooks still make it this way.
Trouble is the "Yonegi" make the mistake of dipping all the way to the bottom of the pot and getting the fine nut shells which doesn't make eating Kanuchi very pleasant.

I've never had it with hominy but I have with hominy grits and rice. I'm one who prefers my Kanuchi sweet but then maybe I just haven't had any "good" savory Kanuchi.

Edit:
Mac being in W Va I'm betting there are even more trees than you listed available to you, Mulberry for example. And I'd almost bet Sassafras grows there and maybe even Paw Paws although I don't know their habitat except they grow in Arkansas...
Instead of copying my whole other post in another thread....
Here's the Linky instead. It gives information about ndn bows...
Don't overlook what I wrote about the Mulberry.

 

[b.c.molin]

Talk of so-called "coincidence" but after reading this post I was so impressed that I said I would move to WV if I had the money (which I don't have yet) and spent hours researching WV trying to find a suitable location that 'called' to me.

I have not a clue regarding bushcraft but will be very interested in finding out through this thread much more about my dream state. :thumbup:

 

[MacHete]

Hey Mac, ever hear of Kanuchi?

Now I have! Sounds good- Kathy is a little less excited about trying it this fall than me.

Mac being in W Va I'm betting there are even more trees than you listed available to you, Mulberry for example. And I'd almost bet Sassafras grows there and maybe even Paw Paws although I don't know their habitat except they grow in Arkansas...
Instead of copying my whole other post in another thread....
Here's the Linky instead. It gives information about ndn bows...
Don't overlook what I wrote about the Mulberry.

I have seen some mulberry and a fair amount of sassafrass- all pretty small. I did happen upon some small pawpaw on the property, too. I was surprised because they typically grow in prime soil. I really hope to find a stand of persimmon sometime.

My list wasn't intended to be comprehensive- those are just the most abundant I've seen. They are available in pretty much all sizes and stages of growth. I also see a few privet, an occassional maple and today I spotted a spindly little buckeye while I was out walking Code. There are quite a few woody vines around also, a lot of it grape and bittersweet.

Talk of so-called "coincidence" but after reading this post I was so impressed that I said I would move to WV if I had the money (which I don't have yet) and spent hours researching WV trying to find a suitable location that 'called' to me.

I have not a clue regarding bushcraft but will be very interested in finding out through this thread much more about my dream state. :thumbup:

Bonkers, I am originally an Ohioan from the greater Cincinnati area. I fell in love with West Virginia on my very first visit. While I was going to school in SE Ohio, we took a lot of camping/paddling/climbing trips here. I dated three girls from WV before I found one that would invite me to come and stay.

 

[MacHete]

I guess I should be a little more clear about what I'm looking for here.

We rent a small house from my mother-in-law. The "Family Compound" sits on the front of about a hundred acres of rocky, wooded ridges. I have not explored it all (Partly because I'm not sure where the boundaries are) but have poked around in a good bit of it.

It is a great place to practice woodcraft, but all of my books and field guides and such are kinda inaccessable right now. What I am asking you guys to do, is provide me with some detailed tutorials tailored to my available resources. BarberFobic is on the right track, but let's have some more!

I'm pretty sure I know which knife I'll be offering, and I need to rummage through my stuff to see what kinds of gear bits I can throw in to make a "Prize Package". I should have it finalized by next weekend. :thumbup:

Thanks again for your participation, and good luck!

 

[ajcz]

practice lashings and make a lookout tower bout 8ft up and a ladder to go up and try to do it with all natural materials?

practice outdoor cooking or camo techniques?

 

[Kismet]

Hey Mac...

I don't need anything. You do HAVE to take my best wishes for a great life down there.

OK. A khuk should work as a draw plane for back and seat slats. A hand auger ought to set up your holes nicely. Some wood glue...or if you want all natural...even some wood dowels...will lock it tight.

Have fun.


Kis

 

[hollowdweller]

I don't need anything either but I wanted to mention that for a fire drill I have read that PAW PAW which is common around here (I live near McH) is mentioned a lot and I have also heard Mullein mentioned as a drill which is also common.

 

[Jenner 515]

You could try Canoe Paddles, and a Bark Canoe, lots of info on both. I'm still working a paddle.

White Oak is fabulous for paddles and boatbuilding.

 

[PB Wilson]

I've always wanted to make a dough bowl out of Poplar. They aren't lathe turned, but carved out of a half log with an adze, gouge and scraper. Poplar is easy to work although you may may have the tools. You could rough out the outside with a hatchet though. I think they look rustic and really cool.

Here's a pic I snatched from the web.

I believe Fine Woodworking or Woodworker magazine has had articles on the entire process from log to finished bowl.

Sycamore would also be a good wood to use. It's soft, has closed pores and a beautiful look in certain cuts.

 

[PB Wilson]

My understanding is that you split a log down the middle, cut it to the length you want the bowl to be. Shape the ends so that you have a handle at either end and gouge out the inside with an adze (curved gouge-shaped hatchet-type tool) or large carving gouge with a nice curve and scrape the insides smooth. Basically you cut away everything that doesn't look like a bowl and finish it with mineral oil. It's worth a shot and instead of being described as "rough" you could call it "rustic."

 

[MacHete]

-but the "PRIZE PACKAGE" has finally been selected and assembled!

The winner of the "Best Tutorial Specific To MacHete's Environment" Contest will win:
1- Brand new but slightly shelf-worn Seattle Sports drybag, size medium. (~3 gal./13 liter)
1- 22 oz. MSR fuel bottle.
1- 11 oz. MSR fuel bottle.
1- Mountainsmith mesh organizer bag.
1- Brand new in box OH Trekker in leather pouch with mini MagLite. (Batteries not included.)

Hope you like it!

 

[MacHete]

I was a little surprized to find this established in WV:

I know that yuccas are hardy, and that they are popular ornamental/landscape plants. I didn't know that they propagated so well. I've often seen them in cemetaries, and there is a small cemetary on the compound about a hundred yards from where these are growing. But, the cemetary isn't really "landscaped." There are no yuccas in it now, and as far as I know, there never have been. I haven't seen these flower in the almost five years I've lived here.

Is there a particularly good season or time of year to harvest fibers for cordage?

I continue my scouting for a hiking stick candidate. I am keeping my eye on this guy:

A closer look reveals why:

I think the strangling vine marks will add some character to it. Problem is- its a poplar. I have my doubts about it's quality as a staff. Any thoughts? I have had no luck in finding suitable hickory saplings- there just aren't any small ones around. My second choice-Oak-is present in fair abundance, but none of them are straight at all. I seem to only find the right size and straightness in poplar, dogwood and beech. Could I expect to make a servicable staff out of any of these species?

Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Trent Rock]

I was camping up near me a few months ago in the Los Padres NF
Apparently you can buy some "firewood gathering" permit for 35 bucks and gather all the wood you want
The ranger said "it's is the last way to make 'money' in national forests"
RED OAK is REALLY popular around here for one reason====>

The only secret of the Santa Maria Barbecue is its simplicity -- no special sauces or magic ingredients. It consists of thick cuts of beef, seasoned with nothing but salt, pepper, and garlic salt, and cooked over Santa Maria Valley red oak coals. It's all served with toasted sweet French bread to sop up the natural juices from the serving pan.

http://www.lospadrescounty.net/et/smbbq.html

A side note:
I always thought Red Oak was reddish on the outside
It's kinda red on the INSIDE
I guess the Coastal Oak that is everywhere here on the Central Coast is part of the red oak "family"
This whole time I was searching for the "elusive" red oak
And it was right under my nose the whole time!!!!

Man,
Makes me want to make some tri-tip tonight!

For hickory, I would make a bunch of hatchet handles :thumbup:

 

[BarberFobic1992]

that spikey plant that you were surprised to see is good for chordage.

 

[Kismet]

-but the "PRIZE PACKAGE" has finally been selected and assembled!

The winner of the "Best Tutorial Specific To MacHete's Environment" Contest will win:
1- Brand new but slightly shelf-worn Seattle Sports drybag, size medium. (~3 gal./13 liter)
1- 22 oz. MSR fuel bottle.
1- 11 oz. MSR fuel bottle.
1- Mountainsmith mesh organizer bag.
1- Brand new in box OH Trekker in leather pouch with mini MagLite. (Batteries not included.)

Hope you like it!

er...I might reconsider my cavalier dismissal of needing any prizes.



Great environment !



Kis
enjoy every sandwich

 

[Munky88]

Nice looking bit of kit. wish i could help you out

maybe I'll do some searching around to see if i can come up with anything fun.