Wood for Shavings

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stvpourciau

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Dec 20, 2012
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I've got the idea now that I'm going to start carrying a short dried stick of Stick of Chineese Tallow Tree in my backpack in some sort of plastic wrap or something to make shavings when no suitable tinder can be gotten.

It's been raining here in Louisiana for 4 or so days and everything is soaked to the bone. Chineese Tallow is extremely high in natural oils and makes excellent fuel fir burning as well as been a sever pest that many people have ready access to.

Thought this was a good idea and was willing to share.
 
If you shave it up at home and make up several sealed bags of it, all you need to do is grab one or so before you leave.
Keeps you from having to make shavings in the rain.:)
 
I like the pencil sharpener trick for making nice thin shavings. And they can be packed very tightly in a very small container.
 
Codger_64 said:
I like the pencil sharpener trick for making nice thin shavings. And they can be packed very tightly in a very small container.
Click to expand...

I bought a high-quality draftsman's pencil sharpener yersr ago and have never regretted it. Great shavings.
 
Ive just been using my Mora, it seems that my little stick would be mire prone to resisting water than a bundle of shavings but thanks for spreading the tricks, I've never really heard of/seen pencil sharpener shavings being used.

Again, a benefit of the wood is the natural saturation of oils.
 
You can pick up a carpenter's pencil sharpener cheap at Lowe's or Home Depot. They are tiny and you could take it with you to make shavings under shelter in a rain. Even under a poncho or raincoat. But I understand knifeplay too.
 
Codger_64 said:
You can pick up a carpenter's pencil sharpener cheap at Lowe's or Home Depot. They are tiny and you could take it with you to make shavings under shelter in a rain. Even under a poncho or raincoat. But I understand knifeplay too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for teaching me a new idea and I just realized that this idea ive had is nothing new but the same concept as people who are accustomed to carrying a block of fatwood -Doi! Shoulda had a V8 :D

This is just like the time my girfriend told me she invented a pizza sandwich and I laughed as I told her she was eating a Calzone.

All I've done is suggest an alternative wood.
 
Or just use your knife to make shavings. It isn't that hard and it doesn't take that long. The less specialized gear i carry or depend on the better. Its just one more thing to lose when it is most needed. Our forefathers whittled shavings every day to start their fires so it isn't that big of deal. In the winter I practice daily making shavings to light my wood stove in my home using my right and left hands for practice.

If needed pre shave some into an Altoids tin and rubber band the tin. If you carry a stick of resin saturated "pitch wood" seal it up good and do not store it near your food bag as the odor from the resin will taint your foods - don't ask me how I know this!

Yes carrying a piece or two of starter wood or a dried tinder bundle goes way-way back
 
Codger_64 said:
I like the pencil sharpener trick for making nice thin shavings. And they can be packed very tightly in a very small container.
Click to expand...

I have had a pencil sharpener in my kit for years. It's the best little piece of kit for those days when you need tinder quick and easy.
 
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