I came up with this from looking at fiddleback forge knives, and If the "bulls eye" lanyard hole on andys knives are really bearings, just call me stupid. But I had the idea to use 2 sealed bearings, one on each scale, as a lanyard hole, and as a bearing block when making friction fire. What do you guys think? would it work?
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Sealed bearing in knife handle?
- Thread starter nc527
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nope, that's epoxy in there and on some knives it's different colors, even GITD.
IMHO, sealed bearings would be a BAD idea (on a knife handle) because they'd be prone to rust when the lube washed out of them.
but i've seen separate bearings for fire bows and since that can be packed away whn not needed, it's ok for a standalone item.
of course, there's a Fiddleback forum in the "makers" section. you can ask Andy Roy directly.
IMHO, sealed bearings would be a BAD idea (on a knife handle) because they'd be prone to rust when the lube washed out of them.
but i've seen separate bearings for fire bows and since that can be packed away whn not needed, it's ok for a standalone item.
of course, there's a Fiddleback forum in the "makers" section. you can ask Andy Roy directly.
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Eric (Normark) has used several different types of sealed bearings for the Bowdrill. They all eventually fail. The are not designed for side load.
Rick
Rick
The key is QUALITY bearings.........cheapo skateboard bearings SUCK. Spend the bucks and get a TAPERED roller bearing, DOUBLE sealed.
I have serious issues when people say that bearings DESIGNED FOR HEAVILY LOADED HIGH SPEED INDUSTRIAL USE OVER MANY YEARS, fail under "bushcraft use". Makes me want to start tallywhacking with a 3 lb sledge.
I have serious issues when people say that bearings DESIGNED FOR HEAVILY LOADED HIGH SPEED INDUSTRIAL USE OVER MANY YEARS, fail under "bushcraft use". Makes me want to start tallywhacking with a 3 lb sledge.
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He does use skateboard bearings, so that may be the problem there. I personally have never tried them. You seem to be very serious about bearings, bro.... lol... issues, indeed.
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He does use skateboard bearings, so that may be the problem there. I personally have never tried them. You seem to be very serious about bearings, bro.... lol... issues, indeed.
Rick, do you have any pics of Erics atempts?
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I'll see if I can get some. Not sure if he took any but I'll ask.
Rick
Rick
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I, personally, can't see the big deal about headpieces for bow drill sets. In a survival situation, any piece of hardwood will do. If you want to practise a lot, a stone, piece of antler, etc. is excellent.
To me, the whole value of friction fire is the ability to make fire when no other means for making fire is available. The use of ball bearings, etc. impedes your progress as a friction fire maker, at least, IMHO.
Doc
To me, the whole value of friction fire is the ability to make fire when no other means for making fire is available. The use of ball bearings, etc. impedes your progress as a friction fire maker, at least, IMHO.
Doc
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I agree. If you are going to carry the bearing, why not carry a Ferro rod and keep things a lot simpler? I can get that an ornamental head piece can be kept, for a bow and drill, but a little grass in the divot will keep the top from burning and as said any peice of hard wood, antler, works well. Or carry a metal or ceramic shot glass for your top piece.. Knives seem to stop working as well when they try to embody too many tools..
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nah, even the Stone Age Luddites progressed over time, adapting new tools (technology)
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No more-so than the portable gasoline powered generator used to power the gun and drill
Seriously though, a bearing seems to be overthinking the whole thing if you ask me. Why not simply use a large tapered lanyard hole? or simply drill a divot into the handle slab (made from micarta or G-10)?
I use a divot in my Micarta handle and place a pinch of green vegetation in there to use as lubrication. It works GREAT, and if it ever wears out, I can make another....but after MANY uses the divot is still the same shape, size, and depth, so I think the idea is a winner (for me at least).
We can all rationalize/justify anything we like, and there should be no shame in our individual choices, but my personal thought is a sealed bearing is in no way superior or more noble than a butane lighter...which could also be affixed to your lanyard or built into the knife handle....if that somehow makes it more acceptable.
Just my thoughts...practice/survive any way you prefer (seriously).
can't we do it for FUN? i dont feel the need to "do it like the ancients did" to feel all "bushcrafty" and "proper". I just want to do it for fun, try out different variations. Woods games for me is about having fun, not about limiting myself to one genre and style (stone age, native, primitive, new age, classic, ray mears style, etc etc etc)
right now i'm designing an all metal one hand bowdrill with spring loaded counterweights on the shaft,and a recess in the drill tip for the wood. A double sealed thrust bearing imbedded in a shaped handpiece will complete it.
right now i'm designing an all metal one hand bowdrill with spring loaded counterweights on the shaft,and a recess in the drill tip for the wood. A double sealed thrust bearing imbedded in a shaped handpiece will complete it.
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You can make any contraption you like... have fun... don't forget to make the optional sparkplug and fuel injection attachment! Ha! Good stuff.
I practice primitive friction fire because I like the challenge of using nothing but my imediate (natural) surroundings to do it. It is not a matter of survival. They have lighters, ferros, PJCB's, fatwood, magnesium, steel wool and a bunch of other modern technologies to keep you safe. If it ever came down to a life or death situation and my ability to make fire by primitive means was the deciding factor, I would feel pretty good about having practiced for so many years. I really don't think I'll ever be in that situation because I'm prepared enough to avoid it.
Rick
I practice primitive friction fire because I like the challenge of using nothing but my imediate (natural) surroundings to do it. It is not a matter of survival. They have lighters, ferros, PJCB's, fatwood, magnesium, steel wool and a bunch of other modern technologies to keep you safe. If it ever came down to a life or death situation and my ability to make fire by primitive means was the deciding factor, I would feel pretty good about having practiced for so many years. I really don't think I'll ever be in that situation because I'm prepared enough to avoid it.
Rick
I can see everyone's point about the use of a bearing as over doing it, and that you can gather the found materals in the woods and do the same thing.
But I guess you better start leaving your knives and axes at home to then, as you could gather stone and make them in the woods. But, you don't its just easier to bring your tools with you to the woods then to take the time to make them.
That is the thinking behind why I carry a ready made bearing block, it being just easier to carry and have then to fight a mediocre piece of hardwood.
To address the "survival" aspect, I practice primitive fire methods because I enjoy the connection with my ancestors and the land. I don't rely on them when I really need to get a fire going, I always have many other means to start a fire with me, whether that be a bic lighter, a ferro rod, or even matches. But if for some reason those all fail or are lost I have the knowledge to use those primitive means.
I dont always use my ready made bearing block, so that I don't get rusty with natural means. And I am constantly trying new methods and practicing old ones to insure that if I need the skills I have them in my "tool chest" to use.
To each their own, just as the fatwood debate this topic will continue to get argued over and over again. If you don't want to use one, then don't. But, don't look down upon those that choose to go outside of the norm and try something new or different.
Too many guru's on the internet thinking they know everything there is to know and not willing to look at something new because they didn't think of it first.
But I guess you better start leaving your knives and axes at home to then, as you could gather stone and make them in the woods. But, you don't its just easier to bring your tools with you to the woods then to take the time to make them.
That is the thinking behind why I carry a ready made bearing block, it being just easier to carry and have then to fight a mediocre piece of hardwood.
To address the "survival" aspect, I practice primitive fire methods because I enjoy the connection with my ancestors and the land. I don't rely on them when I really need to get a fire going, I always have many other means to start a fire with me, whether that be a bic lighter, a ferro rod, or even matches. But if for some reason those all fail or are lost I have the knowledge to use those primitive means.
I dont always use my ready made bearing block, so that I don't get rusty with natural means. And I am constantly trying new methods and practicing old ones to insure that if I need the skills I have them in my "tool chest" to use.
To each their own, just as the fatwood debate this topic will continue to get argued over and over again. If you don't want to use one, then don't. But, don't look down upon those that choose to go outside of the norm and try something new or different.
Too many guru's on the internet thinking they know everything there is to know and not willing to look at something new because they didn't think of it first.
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I'm having a difficult time seeing where this is happening anywhere on these boards. Not that I'm calling you out on this statement. That is not my intention at all. I'm just seeing a pretty good community with valuable opinions and a diversity of skill sets.
Rick
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Whateva GURU! Your so guru...coo coo Ka chu!
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I'm sorry my post sounded so critical. I, 100%, support 'do-your-own-thing'.
And, of course, in playing around with anything, new discoveries can be made which is always to the good.
And I'm looking forward to seeing Bushman5's creation.
Doc
I hope I didn't come across that way.
And, of course, in playing around with anything, new discoveries can be made which is always to the good.
And I'm looking forward to seeing Bushman5's creation.
Doc
I hope I didn't come across that way.
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