21st Century Longhunter Processing Tinder Fungus for Use

[@wb5mgr]

Great info Dave. One trick I have used for a long time having a woodworking background is I have carried a pocket plane (stanley model 21-399) in my kit for making tinder shavings of all sorts of materials from hardwood on down. They make an even smaller pocketable device that works about the same (model # 21-115) both cost under $10 don't weigh much and make a great efficient way to shred almost any material into fine combustible shavings without taking it down to dust. As for it being a multi

[@danmo43]

Dave, I am in Georgia and found something like this on a tree at my aunt's pond. It was in MUCH smaller chunks, but I chopped it off, took it home, got the orange core out of if and dried it. It worked every bit as well as what you have there. I'm not saying we have it here. I'm saying we have an alternative that works as good. I have some in all my fire making kits now. I will note next time I am there and tell you what the tree was. Thanks for the vid!!

[@stephensgate1]

David, I am really glad you shot this video. I would have tried and tried, and would have got very discouraged using the flint and steel method, had you not explained this to us. I love it when I learn something from you, instead of being in a survival situation and not understanding tinder fungus, when my life could be on the line. Thank you so much. "Knowledge is Power"

[@ChadHClifford]

Good video on True Tinder. In Ontario, we have it too but it is not plentiful. I find the larger pieces have the nice brown and spongy center. Without a fire to dry the tinder, crushing it and putting it on a rock in the sun will do too (summer time). Some people ask if it hurts the tree to remove it. By the time the tree has fungus growths on it, the health of the tree is in question. Also, the sap does not run when the fungus is removed so the tree is not damaged.

[@didgemonster]

Probably one of the coolest guys on youtube...period. Thank you Dave for all you time and hard work. I wish you nothing but the best!

[@nils5471]

Wow, I have been collecting this fungi for years but only for using as tea, as you mentioned. Never knew it was such an awesome tinder as well. Cheers from Sweden.

[@HDoctane]

Just got my pathfinder plsk1 knife today if anyone has been having second thoughts about buying one, all I gotta say this knife is legit the real McCoy just like Dave thanks again and for the great vids you do for us!!!

[@BornRandy62]

some basic web searching resulted in the health benefits in different areas. In that discussion, they said that the fungus uses characteristics from the parent birch tree. Birch bark and sap is highly combustable already. It makes sense that the fungus will be also. similar to fat wood in that regards.

[@Kerouac2k1]

I've also found that I can take a piece of dried chaga and gently scrape the top of it with my knife to create a bit of dust on top. That takes a spark with a flint a steel real easy and will start a great, slow burning ember on your chaga chunk.

[@JuhaAaltonen]

Hello Dave. I find this from Wikipedia. Polyporaceae(Fomes fomentarius) have had before will also be a valuable benefit of fungal: by name in accordance with the tinderfungus is prepared by taulaa, ie tinder, which is used making campfire for firesteel. This is also suggested its scientific name. Taula.

[@kevinoverton7777]

Hey Dave, I live in East Tennessee and there is a fungus that grows on poplars that, when charred makes a similar coal....almost impossible to put out. I have found though, that it is almost a must that you char it. Thank you for all you do for us my friend.

[@slipdisc]

Totally blown away Dave, I had never even heard of chaga being referred to as tinder fungus. Looks like near instant fire. I'll be adding this to my kit for sure. Thanks.

[@Silverstile]

Lycopodium clavatum (wolf's-foot clubmoss, stag's-horn clubmoss or groundpine ) has flammable spores used in early photography, also can be used as a fire starter

[@flamedrag18]

a good thing to have in your kit is a herb grinder, it can be used for many different medicinal and in this case, fire making implement.

[@MiWilderness]

@wildernessoutfitters It's possible to find chaga elsewhere Dave, just not very likely. I have to go north to find it myself. Thanks for sharing this, Roosevelt

[@MiWilderness]

@jrose2020 It does grow on other trees, but you will be hard pressed to find it in the southern half of the lower penninsula. Also, it is only truly medicinal if found on birch. Like Dave said, there are many other polypores that will make equally good tinder by simply drying them out, they can be found all over the country. I have quite a few vids on the subject on my channel if you are interested.

[@ahorseman4ever1]

Great video Dave! A really great video idea would be your choices for starting fires if you didn't have any fire starting bundle at all. The evolution of fire starting. For instance you can't make char cloth unless you already have a fire. Your mindset that goes into your survival.

[@FacetsOfTruth]

Absolutely superb video Dave. I have often wondered about where to find this stuff. I have a friend in Michigan who has literally TONS of birch trees with this on them, on many acres of his land. Birch trees EVERYWHERE. I am getting him to send me some, proto (now that I know how to utilized it correctly.). Thanks so much, Brother.

[@snakeii0]

@robcas631 From what I've read and heard, yes. I know up here in the NE we have a plentiful supply of birch trees and fungus. Its far easier and efficient to utilize an already glowing ember than using up a resource like flint and steel, especially in cold and wet conditions. Flint does have a limited number of uses and harder to source than fungus, especially when the ground is snow covered. Keep your tool safe and longer lasting.

[@Perkele1976]

Here we usually make AMADOU ffom horseshoe fungus, instead of chaga. Prepping it to extremely good amadou, requires bit more work, but the results are good too. Both of these funguses, have been used, in past, also as needlepillows and for knives as they contain some anti-corrosive stuff, that makes also some patina.

[@HikerJohn316]

Thanks for sharing Dave. I've never found real chaga here in west Georgia but like you said other shelf type /polypore fungus will work. Not quite as good though. I find some that I think are called false tinder fungus that grow on a variety of trees. Also, there is much written including medical studies about chaga tea being used to treat cancer. To get the good stuff I might have to buy some on e-bay.

[@MrCableguyken]

I would say process some down, and keep it in a water/airtight container...and then you always have some on hand if needed. Great Vid Dave...Ill be looking for some more soon...about out of what Matt gave me.

[@JuhaAaltonen]

When making tinder, fruiting body pound out and is soaked in the lye, and then is dried. The tinder simmers away to several hours, and directly shall existing terms of been used recently in also a campfire the transfer of destination for second. Of the same kind of purpose has been used in Finland arinakääpä(Phellinus igniarius). Alps was founded at the prehistoric Ötzli was fire making equimpent's with Polyporaceae.

[@snakeii0]

Best video presentation and explanation on the use of tinder fungus!

[@SurvivalRussia]

@geremi140 Hello Brother. Chaga tastes a little bitter, but not too bad, combined with a light smokey/wood like taste. The tea gets really brown but has lot less taste to it than it looks. A good handful chaga to 2 litres of water will do. Make the chunks half to one inch in size. Just pour boiling water on it and wait 24hrs. You can use the chaga about 4-5 times. I am sure if you dry it after it will still make a good fire starter. One of the healthiest drinks around.

[@olegrayheadedfart]

Hello Dave, I would really enjoy meeting you, got a daughter and grandkids in Michigan that it would make thier day. As a loyal and decent minded viewer, I apologize for the rude and childish comments some of these wanna be's posted. God bless you and your family

[@predcaller]

No birch where I live, but we do have cotton wood and aspen in the high country. Next time I'm up there I'll look for some fungus and see if it will work.

[@Trav_Can]

Many polypore mushrooms work... and they're all over. They way I have processed them is rather than drying them out, I soak them overnight. Then I take a hammer or the back of my axe and pound them into pulp. Then I let them dry out. Works well.

[@tiny11231]

Thanks for the video, im going to keep my head up to look for some of this stuff in NYC. We have a lot of weird things growing in the trees over here! Thanks again Dave!

[@tysy73]

@wpkxr99 Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as Chaga mushroom, grows in birch forests of Russia, Korea, Eastern and Northern Europe, Northern areas of the United States, in the North Carolina mountains and in Canada. This info was found on Wikipedia. Hope it helps.

[@OpaKnows]

Very interesting video. Must find the generic equivalent here in the Northwest (WA/BC).

[@Ali.N147]

man i like that little flint and steel pouch he carries

[@HDoctane]

"just got my pathfinder plsk1 knife today if anyone is second guessing buying this knife absolutely "go for it this knife is the real deal, just like Dave" thanks again and great video!!!you people will not be disappointed!!!

[@erickitt]

It amazes me that humans have been using this process for 7,000 years.

[@GrimGearheart]

Dave, what are your thoughts on Piston fire starters, and pump drill firestarters? Would love to hear your opinion on them.

[@dexterlexter123]

@chunkchunk79 a cheap camo one you can get them at hardware stores I think its the same one he bought in his discount bushcraft kit vids

[@Makavic1812]

With apologies for posting off topic, do you know why the PLSK Scout isn't available on the BHK website? PLSK 1 & 2 are available, but not the Scout. Many thanks, sir.

[@mikeocean]

This is a very effective means of fire starting. If you were to carry it in, lets say, your Altoids can, and reduce the amount of oxygen. Would it then smolder even slower and be able to be carried over greater distances to keep your fire with you?

[@tsnorquist]

I hear there are a few houses of tinder fungus growing in D.C. =)

[@Cayoot]

Great video (as usual) Dave, thanks. I just wish that I would have know that you were in here in Michigan last week. I would have really enjoyed driving out to meet you.

[@MrEhud77]

Dave, Have you ever thought of having a high carbon steel belt buckle made?

[@platefullofbacon]

I was just thinking.. if it were to catch fire, would it be possible to place them in a small tin, that I could place in my pocket and warm my hands? That might be worth inventing something like that..?

[@JuhaAaltonen]

My comment is two pieces. Translation is made partially for google translator (Finnish to English). I hope you get my text, however, clear.

[@eamonn280958]

Hi Is this the same as amadoo(not sure osf the spelling) I have seen people use amadoo for producing an ember from flint and steel but, if mempry serves' it looked more like cloth material. Thanks for the video.

[@221Dw]

I tried this one, one thing id warn is be careful about breathing in the smoke. I don't know whats in some funguses but I felt very ill after messing about with some here in the uk.

[@megabushcraft]

You should not force dry it by means of a fire or stove. Its best to slowly air dry. Then the fungus will take a spark from flint and steel vary good.

[@EatCarbs]

Cool.. I am going to have to scout around for some next time I am out. I hope there is some in Washington state.

[@BernieKohl]

Thank you so much brother. Salt of the Earth.

[@TheMongo1357]

Fantastic vid Dave! Is there anything down here in the Central Florida swamps we could use like what you have shown here? Enjoying everything you pass on to us! God bless and continued success!

[@mogges1]

Dave i was out last week cutting fire wood for my home and I noticed and lot of rotten wood in the pile i was cutting so i split it and in the center of that log was rotten pulp wood i guess. But after watching this video,wouldnt that pulp wood be kind of like that fungus.

[@RJBURG]

that fungus works good in a fire piston also

[@jraybu09]

Dave, I keep asking you about Dental Hygiene in the wild, why haven't you done a bit on that?

[@redrocco44]

Good info Dave. Many thanks.

[@vaughnburrows]

Also in an emergency situation when cell phones are down Sat Phones Are Up, I take mine everywhere I go, and there not that expensive if you only use it in an emergency

[@Alex38306]

Thanks for the great information, Dave! Enjoy your vids very much! Greetings from Siberia!

[@ArtisanTony]

Are you still coming to Tennessee?

[@donnya1000]

Very good video.. Love it, I am on the hunt here in Maine!

[@anubis1335]

I found some bracket/shelf/horse shoe fungus on a black locust tree yesterday. Can i process like chaga and use for a coal extender or is this what they call strop fungus? I did use it as a strop and the results werent great but useable...i just always get them confused...

[@TacticalMedical]

hey dave can you tell me the place where you got that steel for the flint and steel with the extra metal

[@Whipt]

@teenprepper96 We dont have tinder fungus here in kentucky but we do have Cattail which can be charred like cotton. Hope that helps.

[@Pilgrim041588]

awesome video. thank you very much. i love using traditional gear like my kentucky long rifle and flint and steel. please keep these videos up. and your store is awesome, i've never had such a good ordering experience, everything i got is very high quality and for a very good deal, thank you.

[@casius00]

Great video Dave as always! Any change you could cover the medicinal properties of the Chaga fungus?

[@DavidChouiniere]

Do trees in Northern California have any mold that would be useable?

[@APCPscorp]

Was I just forced to watch a commercial to see this video?

[@jrose2020]

Does it only grow on Birch Trees? I live in Lower michigan and would like to hunt for some.

[@danmo43]

@wildpanthercutlery Yep. Could have been either one. (They are so hard to find around here) ;) It looks just like this stuff, but it starts easy with a spark and burns like a coal for a LONG time. I cut some during a dry spell and was able to light it rather easily with a spark.

[@cashcow1981]

Thanks Dave

[@HDoctane]

"hey Dave I've been trying to find a nice hand forged flint n steel who makes the one you have in this video is it from canteenshop or something different even on eBay they seem to lack quality!!!"

[@Peachwhaler26]

really wish we had the right trees up here

[@bobaloosb]

Great Video Dave! Learned a lot. Want to thank you for what you do. Can you get a spark on saddle mushrooms that grow on trees? Polyporus squamosus? Just seeing if you have tried it.

[@wendystombaugh333]

could you use this a supplement for your goofers dust with a bow drill set so you didn't have to spend so much time filling your notch with the goofers dust?

[@hypock1]

"its worth its weight in gold" kinda looks like it too..

[@wierdoug]

I wonder if this will work with spanish moss

[@ClarkesonTheMarksman]

It is known as Amadou here in the UK

[@Kaiser187]

Wha't up with the cross necklace ?

[@teenprepper96]

Do you know of any types of tinder fungus that grows in Ky

[@yoshaki]

@inquisitivewolf He said you could set it in front of a camp fire.

[@Pilgrim041588]

i wish this stuff grew around california, but i figure it's too hot here, i'll have to look for an alternative though, which i'm sure is around, thank you

[@nativerobin]

I love videos like this Dave, is there a natural plant/fungus that grows in indiana/ohio that works as well as Chaga?

[@mskman83]

could I find Chaga or other tinder fungus in Colorado? Thanks Dave. :)

[@chunkchunk79]

dave what kind of tarp is that. thanks for the vids god bless

[@TheHeroesHideout]

Whats the correct way to carry the tinder fungus could you just put it in a leather pouch or could you not carry it in this way?

[@freedom4kaz]

Brilliant!!

[@thedarknessjosh]

Great job, very informative.

[@jefferson1232757]

Nice video, but I still miss yurt series

[@BigDH28]

Thanks For the Video Dave! Keep em' comin'!

[@olegrayheadedfart]

@lKingCobra It shows his faith and the cross contains fire steel

[@bluetunder40]

interesting.Video thanks for sharing

[@GWHcraig1088]

interesting. thanks for sharing

[@wildpanthercutlery]

@danmo43 ive seen some like this around here on sweetgum and some dead oaks that are still standing,....im in middle georgia

[@tibee47]

awesome,Dave!

[@chrisnelo]

bottom line is to carry a ferrocium rod instead of the old flint and steel kit!!!!

[@jernelsonable]

Great vid!

[@kingtut1964]

Chaga is awesome stuff....love the smell of it....

[@terry1967ful]

frist time watching your videos...there great thanks for the info..

[@USMC65UH34D]

Thanks Dave and a well described video it was. ;-JJD

[@jmg1957]

dave...thanks for sharing....jimbo

[@Mr420rush]

this is a great video thanks for postin

[@smd482000]

nice thanks dave

[@sunbladerr]

@Campcomp00- I live in west GA. I have found a fungus that grows off the roots of dead oak in my yard. It has made a coal from a magnifying glass for a fire. I have not tried flint or ferrocerium rod. I'll try to get to the master gardeners at the AG center to find out. Good Journey Sunblade / Richie