Why fire bow

Mack

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
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Aug 19, 2007
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I see a lot written about fire bows and "rubbing two sticks together". Why not fire plows? The fire plow looks the easiest to me but I'll admit, I carry at least one road flare with me for emergency firestarting. In addition to firesteel, matches etc.
Just wondering.:confused:
 
The fire plow is more commonly practiced in the pacific. Certain woods available there have a much lower moisture/water content than those found in other areas like here in the Northeast. Over here, moisture levels can be close to 20% and this makes fire by friction much more difficult. There is no fair comparison that can be made about friction fire in the Northeast with that of what is done in the Southwest or elsewhere.
 
Thanks, Kevin.
I'm always wondering why some methods get more attention than others. I often get the typical military answer (that I often give myself), the situation dictates.
I always want more but it is true. The situation dictates everything we do.
 
also, the muscles involved in the plow fire, for me at least, arent as strong as the muscles used in the bow drill .
 
I've tried the fire plow using Yucca stem, bamboo and giant ragweed, but here, where the humidity can (and does) reach 90% regularly, I can't even get smoke! Use those same pieces with a bowdrill and PRESTO! "Houston, we have ignition!"
 
Let me put my humble two pennies here.

1) I think the fire bow, using simple machines, is the easiest of all the friction fire methods I have seen that are primitive.

2) It works in a lot more weather conditions than other friction methods.

3) Women and children can start fires with the bow - whereas the stamina to start fire with other friction methods prohibits many others. I mean if Doc's old butt can make fire with the bow - any geezer can. ;)

TF
 
Talfuchre said:
Let me put my humble two pennies here.

3) Women and children can start fires with the bow - whereas the stamina to start fire with other friction methods prohibits many others. I mean if Doc's old butt can make fire with the bow - any geezer can. ;)

TF
Click to expand...

Doc's old butt does hand drill too. Does Talfuchre's??????? :D

Doc
 
I don't have the great answers like many above but a bow and drill is fun and a challenge. That is it for me.
 
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