Hike and Fire ....... Epic Fail

[aggopian]

Got a small hike and mini WS&S practice and knife test thingy in yesterday. I did my best to follow instruction I have read on bow and drill fire starting and came up a bit short. I believe 3 factors hindered my progress.
Everything was pretty wet we had rain the previous day and lots of snow melt.
A lack of knowledge on identifying the right wood to use (pictured set is a third attempt)
And just plain inexperience.

I was able to achieve burn in and get some smoke but no ember.

After about 1/2 hour of repeated spindle chucks (I win if theres a contest on number of times in a 5 min period) Still some smoke but still no ember.
Guess I need more practice and maybe some suggestions if you see something way off.

I also took the time to do a mini knife test with my first Mora 510. I like the blade (could use a better sheath). I was suprised because I'm usually a big knife guy but the Mora did well. I even battoned with it and I was carving quite a bit during my Epic Failure fire attempt.
Overall I think the knife is great but the factory edge retention is lacking. I'm sure as many have said a good sharpening back to harder steel wil remedy that.

Since I started getting back into relearning these skills my niece and nephew have shown an interest. It will be nice to have the company.

 

[rroundy]

i think it is a great accomplishment and gaining of knowledge nonetheless.

good job

ryan

 

[tonym]

You get an A for effort.

Its hard to draw any conclusions of what your doing wrong. You may not be doing anything wrong. It could be the type of wood, too wet, etc.

Next time get a close up of the powder that you are producing.

Use a piece of birchbark under your notch to catch the powder that will eventually form the coal. Once you get the coal, catch your breath and with steady hands transport it to a tinder bundle. Blow into flame. Sounds so easy doesn't it......

 

[PB Wilson]

I could be wrong, but the notch on your set up could be a little deeper towards the spot where the drill is making the friction. If there's no room for the ember to drop out, it'll just smoke a lot but not produce much to get a fire going.

I hope that helps.

 

[aggopian]

I did deepen the notch a bit more but It started to rain. I will try again in a few days. Thanx for the encouragement overall I feel good about my results I'll just have to work in tecnique a bit.

 

[halo2]

Good effort!

You may want to consider taking the set(s) you made and putting them indoors to dry for a few days. Near a radiator or even consider baking them at a low temperature for a short time. Then take it outside and try. That could tell you if the set will work under ideal conditions.

Also, can you get a bigger piece of wood and split a kit out of the center of it?

 

[Runsalone]

What type of wood did you wind up with?

I suspect your notch just a bit. I like to cut mine in sort of an upside down funnel shape (vertically) /\ seems to help the dust press together.

You can do everything right and still be kicking yer own butt with wet wood. Thanks for the post and pics! I dont think it was a fail at all! Any time spent out working with materials from nature is time well spent.

I need to get out and practice this myself after a good rain. I applaude your efforts:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Rockywolf]

Sounds like a good day anyway! I had close to success on a hot, dry, summer day a couple years ago. Sweating like a pig, getting frustrated as hell, cussing, breaking shoelaces, bows, and spindles, close but no ember. And then someone comes along and has one in no time flat. My mouth just hung open. Keep trying and please share your success!