Best bushcraft book ever written !........Radical Bushcraft ( part 2)

[@WoyLad]

Super video. I miss Alaska so much, I lived there for seven years in the 80's and 90's. It was awesome. I have a book also. A Rite-in-the-Rain. It's not just a bushcraft book, but a personal bible of information. Not only does it have straightened out notes from classes I have taken, but names, addresses, and phone numbers, and tricks I have tried and use. Whenever I come across something invaluable, a skill, resource, a method, it goes in my book. Everything from tracking to first aid to how to make my own zippo fluid. It grows as time goes on. I Can't wait to see where it will be someday. Thank you for your content. Stay safe out there and live like today is it!

[@josephkerley363]

Well said. There is an old adage I learned on active duty. See one, do one, teach one. It has served me well in my learning experiences.

[@Bushradical]

good phrase.

[@johnlloyd4122]

I was a little confused as to what you was talking about at first, but then I look over at my daughter on her computer game, and I now can relate.

[@Whitney_Sews]

So good! I have lots of head knowledge about survival skills, but only in the past two years have I started practicing them. I was inspired by your wife to get started.

[@paulrice1918]

Well done. I was an assistant scoutmaster for about 7 or 8 years. Your advice is spot on. When we wanted to teach something to our troop we would test it out ourselves first till we could do it or we would scrap it till we could actually perform the task. Then we knew we were teaching truth.

[@Bushradical]

thats such a solid way to approach things. Love that approach.

[@chrislonsberry4571]

Loved the video! And loved your advice, not only on bushcraft but on life itself, what counts is , “the book of your own personal experience”! Great line!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!!!

[@ronwyatt558]

Thanks for the information Dave Whipple. I am a cub scout leader here in Idaho. As a pack we go "Camping" twice a year. It's 10 to 15 families camping, tents, cots, Smores, ect... , we practice flint and steel, Ferro Rods, and plain old matches to start a fire. We have the kids pick Teepee Style or log cabin style wood stacking to start a fire. We have them find tinder and different sizes of wood for the fire. Teach them to build a fire pit and to be sure to look up to make sure their fire won't start a bigger fire by building under trees. Pack it in pack it out stuff. Most of these kids only spend this time camping all year. So a long way to get there, but without doing the fire starting methods we show these kids, I doubt they would ever build a fire on their own. This at least gives them a non hypothetical method of doing so.

[@Bushradical]

Absolutely! Thats good solid knowledge they will carry for their whole lives.

[@sovbo101]

Survival With Style is on my bookshelf, too. I looked inside the cover and it was a present Sept 6, 1977 (my 19th birthday) from my big sister. Nice content Dave!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Steve. My sister and I used to swap "Pat McManus" books. I think we've read them all 5 times.

[@awkward-stranger]

Thank you, Dave! In the past, you have cleared up a lot of BS in Bushcraft and now you have done it again. Thank you so much I know you saved me money with the truth but you may have saved my old life. I now keep a journal of what I can do and what I have not done.

[@Bushradical]

Good deal. And good luck

[@MIKESWILDWORLD]

What works is what you know! Well said Dave! Mike B. MWW

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@FiresideCoffee]

This is some GREAT advice! You explained this in a way that I have never heard before or understood! Thank you. God Bless.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks FC!!

[@smileyhappyradio]

One of the first books I ever read, Henry David Thoreau, " Walden." Later on, I gravitated the a book called "The Self Sufficient Life," by John Seymour. I grew up playing in the dirt alot as a kid, collecting bugs, actually would make mud bricks and pies alot. Loved the beach, would wander in the woods by my grandmas, skating on a skinny frozen stream. Hiked up Mt Washington on a 26 miles trek when I was 12, with my camp. All my best experiences in life, were at the Beach or in the Woods, and I love being outside! I always have an SAS Pocket Survival guide in my car. I bought that book "Bushcraft," this year, so good to know your recommendations on the topic.

[@forrestgossett]

Same two books when I was young fired me up!

[@HalfQ]

Very well said.My seven year old daughter made a fire down the woods with the other day herself with char chloth and a fire stick. She was overjoyed and that is in her head forever now. Good video bud.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks HalfQ

[@Jackalopestravels]

Reading Horace Kephart for the first time right now. One thing he really had going for him was an ability to share information in print form that usually would require visual demonstration. Obviously, his answers and methods were just his, and how well they would or wouldn’t work would totally depend on the situation. But, he had a real gift.

[@ANXIETOR]

Great points. Just like authors who fill a book with anything outdoorsy they can find, I think there's KZbin bushcraft channels that do the same. When a channel looks like videos of a rookie playing a role, but laying it out like they're a seasoned frontiersman, I just shake my head. Grown boys, with a bigger budget for toys, playin' in the woods. I enjoy your videos, Dave.

[@Bushradical]

Thank you!

[@saginawdan]

Dave, I agree on what you say, however, If I could add something...that would be inspiration. Back in the '50s, my uncle gave me his well worn Boy Scout manual, which was illustrated with beautiful ink drawings. I studied that manual from front to back many times. The illustrations are still burnt in my mind. Ive never used or even tried the majority of skills taught in the manual. But!...the inspiration I received was priceless. I went on to be an avid camper, hiker, fisherman, hunter and a pen and ink artist. It all started with the Boy Scout Manual and a young boy's dreams. Inspiration is the key to life...you need a spark to light the fire. Thanks Dave, you and Brooke inspire me to.🌲🌲🌲

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Daniel

[@JesseAdams]

my first bow drill ember, after years of trying like you, I chucked the spindle into my electric drill and got an ember. Once I did that then I knew for a fact my materials worked and I picked up a few other tricks like undercutting the board in a groove out the back. Since my first real legit ember by hand on the set I knew worked, I found that if I go slow until tons of smoke and then hammer out 20 fast hard strokes counting them off I've had success so far every time so far. Not that it might not work next time but I've refined what I know works for me like you said.

[@Bushradical]

Right on. Knowing you have wood that works well is a great thing to know.

[@jameswitte5167]

Foxfire series for those that want to read someone's personal experiences of everyday life back in the day ... Knowledge vs. experience ... Difference between book knowledge and practical knowledge ... But we have to start somewhere ...

[@larryfisher7056]

Was going to mention the same series

[@Bushradical]

Ive read a bit of those books....they are fascinating.

[@CliKnight]

Was able to find the first six books. They were left out in a shed for years. So the guy just gave them to me. Great great books

[@billinhouston3291]

My mom asked me what I wanted from my grandparents house. The Foxfire books were all that I asked her for. When I was a kid, I spent hours and hours reading them.

[@tennesseeterri]

If you get a chance, go to Mountain City, Georgia to visit the Foxfire museum, to see all the little log cabins, barns, church. Raise 12 kids in a 10x10 shack.

[@j5183]

just found you yesterday love your videos man I just bought my 2nd piece of property "40 acres" upstate New York going to start building my cabin this spring can't wait

[@Bushradical]

Awesome. I'm glad you like the channel. Good luck on your cabin

[@pierevojzola9737]

I love reading books, but you can never get enough knowledge just from books without actually doing it and getting it wrong and surviving your mistake. As a young soldier we were taught “Escape & Evasion and survival” in the bush, desert, jungle and city by people who live in those areas and survive. Its hard enough to evade detection but to actually live off the country is the hardest part. I grew up in Africa and hunted in the highlands and the Rift Valley and survived but I was lucky enough to be taught by the natives for whom it was a way of life. I do like your information sharing especially your time up in the North. Keep it up as long as you can!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks PV

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

It was maybe 40 some years ago that I did my first bow and drill friction fire. I ran into that very thing that you are talking about. There was not much info out there on how to do a bow and drill fire back then and I am sure the info there was available had often not even been attempted by the author before passing it on as "gospel."

[@JesseAdams]

Far North Bushcraft And Survival I think you are where I got a couple of my tricks I use that work but I'm not sure which ones. Thanks for some great content.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

@@JesseAdams Awesome Jesse. Glad you have learned the skill.

[@Bushradical]

Hey Lonnie. Thats my suspicion too. When some one has a section on jungle survival, Mountain survival, desert survival etc.....I really have to question if the author has "any" experience .......I don't know how you be an expert in so many environments??? Makes me question whats been passed off as knowledge. How's your summer going Lonnie?

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Our summer is going well here. I would guess that we are either setting records here for hot weather or else we are about to. We have been having weather more like you folks up there in the interior normally have. Very very dry also. Connie and I are doing well though. The chickens are still laying a few eggs daily though they are getting older now and the garden is supplying quite a bit of salad greens. Life is good. Last I knew, Brook was still down South While you are up here. Hope things are going well for you folks and that you both are having a great summer.

[@Bushradical]

Brooke and the kids are up here in FBX and things are going great!!! Yesterday the highway resurfacing crew fixed our road !! We had about 300' of road through permafrost and it has been a constant nightmare for all of us on this mountain. All of us have been stuck in our road several times.....now its had a 4' lift of rock on it and life is good!!!

[@stevepoling]

I think this is the most valuable piece of advice anyone going to KZbin to learn something should follow, because it generalizes to more than just bow-drill fire making. It's one thing to say, "I'll take this C++ library and do something software-like with it." And the thing will be straightforward and conceptually fine. BUT when it gets down to actually doing the thing there's a thicket of little gotchas to hack through. Sure, they're trivial problems to sort out, but everyone has different capacities and what's hard for you is easy for me, and what's easy for me is hard for you. Actually doing the thing yourself takes into account your unique advantages and handicaps. Jotting such things down in your journal is an excellent thing to do.

[@gonagain]

Oh very good Dave! I didn't see that coming and I loved it.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@SteveAubrey1762]

Dave, this is by far one of the best bushcraft oriented channels I have found. This video sets the entire tone. When I was a kid growing up in the 60s, "bushcraft" was known as "pioneer skills." The problem was, most of the information came as reprints of old WW2/ Korean war US Air Force/ US Navy aircrew survival manuals. I had tried for years to get a bow drill fire going to no avail. I tried for years to get 1/2 a cup of water from a "solar still." You have hit the nail squarely on the head w/ this video. There is so much theoretical knowledge but little to none practical knowledge. Well done, You got a new subscriber.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jack. I appreciate the sub

[@SandCrabNews]

One weekend in November, camping by a lake at 4,300 feet with overnight temps dipping below freezing, I poured cooking grease on a box of wood and covered with a tarp. In the bitter cold morning, I put the box in my truck and we drove to the shore. I put the wood on the ground and lit a road flare. That fire got lit.

[@grizzly22485]

Now you know why I carry a fire steel and weather proof matches... it's in my book.

[@Bushradical]

it works and you KNOW it works!

[@ChuckHoward]

Thanks for taking this tiny nugget of truth & expounding on it in a way that begins to shed light on all the "Bushcraft/Woodcraft" subjects out there. I'm looking forward to your next video in this series! You nailed it Dave, great job!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Chuck

[@bobashmore6442]

I always carry at least two things on my person no matter what I'm doing or where I am: A small fixed blade knife and a lighter. When I am asked why my answer never varies: "I have been without a knife and a way to make instant fire before, I don't ever want to be without either of them again." As for "friction fires"... I've been there, done that. got the merit badge... Which is exactly why I have a knife and fast fire on me at all times. You couldn't be more right about the "passed on information", most of the "survival expert authors" that people like to quote couldn't find their way out of a wet paper bag if you gave them good lighting, illustrated instructions, and a sharp knife, but they wrote a few books about it. Thanks for another great video.

[@Bushradical]

Exactly!! Thanks Bob.

[@iamtheblake]

There's an old saying: "Don't believe anything that you hear and only half of what you see" Great video! Looking forward to the rest of your videos.

[@Bushradical]

Thank you

[@paulmcguire3789]

I am happy you mentioned Nessmuk "aka" George Sears his book Woodcraft and Camping I think is the best to start learning from to write your book, after all he was out and about doing this stuff he wrote about before the others where even born.

[@Bushradical]

right on, I like his stuff. He was a do-er.

[@UncaDave]

Dave, Great point to make, your own “book” is the best book! As an old Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge counselor would like to pass on something you might like. It’s a teaching method we call the EDGE. E is for explain the skill, and in a thorough manner. D is to demonstrate the skill. G is to guide the person through the steps of the skill as they attempt it themselves. Lastly E is for enable when the person can successfully complete the skill all on their own. Hope you have a great Whipple breakfast today! Love that style of cooking!

[@riaalex5778]

Dave, you’re absolutely right, only what you think you know it doesn’t count, the other day I tried to light a tissue paper with magnifying lens, it didn’t work so I thought the tip is just bullshit, but I didn’t realize it might works if I have more patience so I tried with charcloth and only took like 20 seconds, wow! That time I am so excited that I’ve learned and proofed it on my own, great points Dave!!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@KillingerUSA]

Excellent point! Well spoken! Loving this series!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks K!

[@TheRealTedBaird]

Very well said

[@DFDuck55]

When I was a kid, in the 1950's and 60's, camping was one of our favorite family activities. We would travel to the mountains, and camp. Or travel to the coast, and camp. Or travel to the desert, and camp. Usually to some place to explore old mining ghost towns, explore abandoned mines, and caves, and looking for Native American artifacts. Not to learn bushcraft or survival skills. Just to be a family out in nature while learning some history. I did learn in the process a lot of bushcraft and survival skills, but that wasn't really our goal for going out camping. We just enjoyed being out there together. --- One of my most treasured outdoor books is "Feasting Free On Wild Edibles" by Bradford Angier. (Some amazon listings erroneously list it as being published in 2002, but it actually came out in 1972, which is when I got mine.)

[@Bushradical]

I'll check that book out

[@jasonmashburn1280]

And Dave, this is why I love your videos! My daughter was born May 28th this year, seeing her and thinking about what I enjoy, wondering what she will enjoy. I'm just not starting to do just what you said. I have a what I like to call my bushcrafting journal. My first now drill "fire" was even I was about 12, I don't even remember where I got the idea from. But I went it and got all the stuff I needed, I started using the bow, I was doing pretty good. I started getting smoke, then a good amount of smoke . . . . . but no fire. I still get a laugh about it today because I got down hearted and said I guess I just can't do this. (Missing piece of information) It really helps if you cut the notch in the wood to get there ember out. Lol

[@Bushradical]

it really is a great skill to have, but it's got its fine points that you need to "KNOW" or you're just spinning your wheels. For me it was the fact that I didn't know a smoking pile of dust could be blown into an ember with time and a little air......I was working to produce a bright red "cigarette" type of coal......

[@jasonmashburn1280]

@@Bushradical I think it is just like our parents taught us, practice makes perfect.

[@mikeyapproved]

I think the only book I ever read on survival was one my Dad had, “Down but not out” He was a Bushpilot, had a few stories 😉😉 Anyway, thanks for the insight Dave. You are spot on in your opinion 👍👍

[@warrenswildernesswoodlorea3151]

Its good to keep a journal of what you know, it helps remind you what you forgot.

[@Bushradical]

lol, right !

[@patrickodonovan5066]

Thank you for the tip, Dave! You are the man. Keep up the great work.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@mr.growbro9206]

Hands down the best of grid living channel on youtube ! Keep em coming

[@Bushradical]

Wow, thanks!

[@mr.growbro9206]

No worries brother just keep doing what your doing cause its really good stuff and I've learned alot from you. I subscribe two more then a few channels and your by far is the easiest to follow. You explain things well and you keep it straitforward and interesting. You've actually inspired me to try making my own channel this summer when I start building my of grid homestead. I can't wait to start when the snow clears so im doing as much research as I can , I can n o nestly say I've learned more from watching yo u then anyone else so thank you

[@Bushradical]

Thanks , I appreciate that

[@MostWantedOHA]

great talk Dave , an a honest sincere look back and forward . Im in complete agreement with your take on this subject , I hope this may put some lite out there to help others find their way . Thanks !!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks !!

[@Jackalopestravels]

Made my first bow drill fire when I was about 12. I haven’t done it since. Considering that was almost 3 decades ago, it might be time to go see if I still have that skill.... Good video. I enjoyed it.

[@Bushradical]

Give it a try

[@cflorence96]

Well Said! This can be applied to so many things in life! Thank you for sharing!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!!!

[@themadleaf]

I've met Mors Kochanski many times over the years. Worked with an old friend of his that gave me manuals and old newsletters from when they first began. Still have them. All their their own illustrations. Interesting stuff. I dig it out once in a while to read.

[@Bushradical]

right on.

[@gordonfleming7976]

Professor Dave , dude thru your experiences, knowledge and insight makes your explanation of subjects just awesome, man i could listen to you for hours lol , just brilliant :)

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Gordon.

[@spfb]

I love exactly what you have said in this video. And you are correct! I started writing a book It is going to take me some time to do. I am only writing about things that I have done or situations I have been in and what I had to do or how I had to overcome my different situations. I am putting in some other things that people could do if you know how to do them but that I have never done and I am stating that in my book. Not knowing how well or if certain things actually do work. I'm just trying to keep it to the facts that I know that I have done or experienced in my 51 years on this Earth. Once again great video keep them coming!

[@Bushradical]

Awesome ! Let me know when its done

[@jeffersonspace]

Hi Mr. Bushradical. Excellent video. Gonna drop some car keys here..... My Uncle Dan (1922 - 2010) published a book by Ed Garvey called: Appalachian Hiker: Adventure of a Lifetime Paperback - January 1, 1971. Uncle Dan employed Mr. Garvey at the original store in Oakton, VA called Appalachian Outfitters. He had several stores from 68 up till 95 or so, but they are all long gone. He couldn't prosper with the internet thing happening..... that and the big box stores entering the market. My friend Kurt, and I were lucky enough to met him during a HS road trip following graduation in 77. He warmly greeted us, and extended a hand. Geesh, legends are just like us regular people... Don't cha know? Keep making these educational, and entertaining videos! Bless.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@OutlawToys]

My introduction to bushcraft was "My Side of the Mountain"

[@billinhouston3291]

Me too!

[@elevenn7288]

Me too! "Hatchet" after that.

[@5203mhr]

I like how analytical you are with your videos and your vision

[@nickturner2606]

Nailed ‘er again Dave, there are many books and other media publications that can plant the seeds of knowledge with ideas and suggestions but until the consumer of these offerings actually practices the techniques set out in them, AND those techniques become familiar and are firmly situated in ones intellectual AND muscle memories, they are just hypothesis. Just riding in a car for a long period MAY convey the basic premise of driving, but until you get behind the wheel on a public road, in traffic, with all the challenges of operating the vehicle and using the codes laid out in law, one can have no real idea of how demanding driving properly is. The same is unarguably true of Wilderness Living Skills.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Nick, that was very well put. I wished I'd have used some of your analogies.

[@nickturner2606]

Bushradical Dave, you made the point eloquently. I can jaw BOTH hind legs off the donkey!😂😂

[@Bushradical]

LOL

[@danwildet9427]

I’m going to call it My Bushcraft Book. My fire ,my shelter ,my food, my fighting misquotes, my freezing in Alaska, my burning up in Texas, my battling snakes. At 63 I have what I know and do. I see you on a fishing trip or even a road trip and get it that you know “my”. It’s automatic to us, but I still enjoy an evening read at the campfire about Nessmuck or Kephart and the times that were when they roamed their wooddlands and “Bushcrafted” Smoothing it.

[@Bushradical]

right on

[@Thornbeard]

I like your concept of your own book. One author that you didn't mention but his books are simply his personal experience would be anything written by Richard Proenneke, personally I love his home videos and his books. His life in Twin Lakes, Alaska is an example to all who want to live a life in the wilderness. I used to live in Germany when I was in the Army and the german language has a great word for those who love the wilderness. Waldeinsamkeit, it means the feeling of being alone in the forest. That happy content feeling of being with nature. I think that is what many of us are seeking. I moved to Anchorage to be closer to it. If you ever get a chance you should go see his cabin in Twin Lakes, the National Park service takes great care of it leaving it exactly like he left it.

[@Bushradical]

I know folks who knew Dick Proenneke. I would love to have met him but never got the opportunity.

[@nickturner2606]

Dick Proenneke was the quintessential mountain man. His life at Twin Lakes was a beautiful lesson in elegant living in the “Back Of Beyond” A true genius in the real sense of the word and a REAL conservationist and defender of wild places. If one could travel in time, he’d be a fella to go back and talk to.

[@rod.thehollerhound9791]

This is a good video david. People need to know things like this. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@Naturecraft645]

I agree experience is necessary, but books can give you ideas, tools to add to your mental toolkit, and tips to improve your skills.

[@Bushradical]

thats true....they can. But, unless you prove the skill in your area, its just theory. But yes you can get good ideas

[@TheDavelister30]

This guys knows what hes talking about, great advice and all true, when you light your first fire without matches etc, you feel ecstatic - not because the fire is lit, its because you've just learnt that you can now finally rely on your own hard earned wits and not something you've read about

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@TheDavelister30]

@@Bushradical keep up the good work, I love watching your videos - you should do voiceovers for TV, you're a natural

[@Ari_onair]

Thanks for sharing, greeting bushcraft 👍

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@ParkerWebbRaps]

ur the man .. .loved you and Brooke in Alone ... thanks

[@Bushradical]

thanks

[@countrytrails558]

What an awesome lecture! Listened to the whole darn thing!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@andrewsarles3520]

I work in a factory and have a farm and built my own hoist, shop press, gasifier, small barn,chicken coop and lots of things!! I grew up in a self reliant small town in Michigan next to a guy that could fix anything!!! Small town people are a special breed! I've made a friction fire twice and won money off a bet! Bic lighter is the way to go in my opinion!

[@Bushradical]

Right on.

[@BulletproofPastor]

Dave, you are so SPOT ON with this subject. I had taught preparedness skills for years but "suddenly" became credible when my first book was published. REALLY? Who says I know anything just because a book has my name on it? I've read a lot of junk in print. At preparedness conferences we have workshops where people can make bread, use a fero-rod, grind wheat into flour, and many other skills that most have only read about. In my book (doesn't that sound profound?) I stress readers learn fire making and THEN go out to a rain soaked forest and build a fire. It's THERE that knowing how could save your life. Boy Scout merit badges are generally earned at camp on a dry day in July.

[@Bushradical]

well said!

[@TheDavewatts]

Lofty Wiseman lived and breathed survival, all his methods were tried and tested for many years, for over 40 years I have tried and tested things from his book and everything I was able to do worked exactly how he said it would. I couldn't obviously try out the jungle or desert survival because of my location but the things he teaches were the same things that kept him alive whilst surviving in the SAS. I was lucky enough to meet lofty and his knowledge is unsurpassed.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

I have trapped, hunted and fished a majority of Michigan as well as canoed many miles or rivers! I grew up there ! Beef farm, spent my federal career there as well as my own produce farm, raised my boys! I miss Michigan at times but realize that Northern Arizona is my home now!

[@Bushradical]

Never been there.......but we're going to take a trip to AZ this spring

[@gary8033]

Everything I've ever read in a "bushcraft" book, I've practiced. Some work, some don't come close (or an important part was missing and I never figured it out). The other skills I have for "survival" was taught to me by my grandfather in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, or from my father who was taught in the army or from his father, and then from my uncle, again learned his skills from his father and military training. The biggest take away from all of that...practical hands on doing. Each one of my "instructors" would have me actually do the task, the only real way of learning. I've taught those skills to my sons, and now teaching my grandchildren. Nothing better than actual experience. 👍👍✌

[@janegreiner1629]

Wow what a great video! Totally loved it. I kniw what you mean by its all hypothetical until you have actually done it yourself. Whether its difficult like bow drilling or simple like whittling a tent peg. You still need to actually do it before it becomes truly know-how for you. Thanks for this particular video and for your concept of a series on real bushcraft.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks JG

[@TheArkansasBushcrafter]

Great video glad I found your channel I had to subscribe

[@lauriek6424]

You just taught me a huge lesson and gave me something to ponder for awhile. Thank you. You are correct. It applies to my current situation very much, after trying to gather up as much info as I can from others, but no two situations are the same.

[@Bushradical]

Well said

[@robertrogish1038]

This was quite enjoyable. I love how you say "eh". Back in my college days, a roommate from New Windsor, Ontario said that every 4th word or so - you use it just right !

[@Bushradical]

I picked it up in the upper peninsula of Michigan where Finlanders used it all the time. It just sounds right to me

[@24carrotgold8]

I live on Oahu. I traveled all over US, Canada, Chile and New Zealand over multiple ski seasons but never learned how to parallel ski. I spent $1,000 for a "Skier's Edge" machine to own and ship it to my island home. In 10 minutes I experientially knew the missing skill piece. To ski left is not done by leaning on the outside edge of my left foot, but transferring all my body weight to the inside of my right foot. I would have really enjoyed skiing sooner if this info had been taught 🤪🥴⛷ 🎿 ⛷ 🎿

[@CliKnight]

You hit it spot on. I have been trying to write my own book for years. But I am doing it as a diery to myself,in hopes to leave something for my kids and grand kids. All this time, I thought I was wierd and going about it all wrong. I want it to be a book on facts not what you could do. I feel like I can not talk about a subject that I have only read about. Besides how are you going to talk about all the finite skills that certain things require, thank you can only describe by.my grandmother once told me don't give an answer to somebody to a question they haven't asked so by writing a book for myself I feel like I'm asking myself these questions and solving the problems. This way when my children and grandchildren read thisbook they will know that everything in this will be something that they can do that I have none and that it has been proven.all the struggles and trials to get to where you're supposed to be on whatever Skill,is the most valuable information that you can share with somebody. All of your failures are what validate your success. Thank you for making me not feel like I was alone in this you sir are my yoda

[@Bushradical]

Thanks. I appreciate the comment

[@SkillCult]

This video is AWESOME! I'm 100% in agreement. Everyone uses some recycled info, but there are people that basically make a living off it, including a lot of people on this platform. I had the same take on Bradford Angiers and most of those books, lots of endlessly recycled info. I read all that stuff in my early 20's Ellsworth Jaeger is another book that is very pretty, but always disappoints in the knowledge department. I like Kephart, and I think he did spend a lot of time in the woods, but it's still largely an encyclopedia of stuff gathered together, probably while he was being a librarian lol. The way I started saying it is that information is not knowledge. If we are going to approach something like knowledge and wisdom, it's by personal experience and basically vetting information by trial and error. This is less true in a cultural context, like a traditional society, but there is still a fundamental truth that knowledge is something we have come to own in some way by another level of familiarity. We actually need better language to talk about what is and isn't personal knowledge, without a bunch of clumsy qualifiers. I've had some trouble writing about that subject without over resorting to qualifying statements and over explanation because we so often don't make that distinction. Especially now in the information age, it is critically important that we recognize the difference. BTW, I called the book thing from the beginning. I thought you were going to say it was your book of notes or journal though.

[@Bushradical]

Very well put!! I like the way you put your thoughts together on that issue.

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

Yep, took me probably 10+ yrs to actually succeed at starting a fire by friction (bow drill). The missing link for me was figuring out the correct material, and yeah, when I did it I felt like I had won the lottery.

[@Bushradical]

right on!!!

[@redcanoe14]

The Boy Scout Motto is 'Be Prepared', that, for me, about sums up the key attitude for survival. If the individual has equipped themselves with a wide repertoire of skills it is likely they will have e much better chance than relying on one or two options. Mors Kochanski's book 'Bushcraft' is well written and he includes a lot of tried and tested skills that are primarily aimed at North Woods/ Boreal Forest environments. Mors has significant experience training the military personnel, as does Ray Mears (and I imagine quite a few more authorities on the subject have had that experience too. Ray Mears 'Out on the Land' is a treasury of information, though not a pocket book by any means. Ray also has some good instructional DVD's particularly 'Northern Wilderness' filmed in Canada, this series talks about what made early explorers both successful AND failures. Again the discerning reader/viewer has to decide what is treated as 'gospel' as opposed to 'opinion'.

[@Bushradical]

Right on, thanks

[@weekendwarriorT7]

A powerful message! well put.

[@indyoutsider]

Dave is talking about DIRT TIME BABY! I remember my first bow drill fire. Didn't know i need to ruff up the dead dry grass in order to make a quality bird nest. I just pulled some dry grass and made a donut out of it. Just couldn't get it to catch. Getting upset, and stomping it, Later i picked the birdnest back up and shook the dirt out, and twisted it, and crumpled it to get all the debris out of it, it seemed to light first try. I learned that bird nest preparation was important.

[@dalet6250]

Thanks for supplying a dose of common sense in a world that is severely lacking it. God bless.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Dale.

[@samc705]

Well said Davey lad, personal hands on experience counts a hell of a lot more than thinking or assuming that you can do something that you read in a book.

[@Bushradical]

absolutely!

[@jastimbal60]

Good point, thanks for your insight!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@lesliesadler8524]

Dave I think you are absolutely correct. We need to know for ourselves. There is so much that can be learned from a smell or a feel or a color, learning the hard way is sometimes the best way and the hardest way. You don't forget using the hard way.

[@Bushradical]

Absolutely

[@bushcraftjoe1]

Just chatting with MI woodsman in Michigan the differences from from there to s.w. ohio in the woods provide completely different knowledge and experiences from tools, natural materials, terrain, weather. You tube and books are great references but still gotta get outdoors and try things. It can be as modern or primitive as you make as well as being skills in your backyard or nearest area.

[@Bushradical]

right on

[@danschneider7369]

Excellent advice Dave. Spot on.

[@3rtk2]

You articulated yourself well Dave, really good thought provoking advice.

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

Finally, someone is speaking the truth. It is interesting. Before I ever started to watch the video and saw the brown book, I thought to myself that it was your own personal book filled with things that you did that worked for you. This world has become so homogenized with the internet. Everyone on here thinks because they watched other people do something that they too can do it. No matter what it is. But that simply is not the truth. It is like any new skill that you may want to learn. Unless you are willing to put in the time to learn and practice something over and over again, it simply is theory to you. And those who do know and understand a craft know that unless someone is willing to put effort and practice into learning it, they simply don't have the skill, otherwise, they are just blowing smoke. Thanks so much for sharing this. Blessings to you and your family.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks LM!

[@777theprophet]

Feather sticks and fiddle sticks! I lived in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan in order to keep their culture alive the Cree and Dene take their kids out in mid winter when it's -40 or more and show them real survival skills. Building fires, setting traps luring game they do this in either a canvas tent or teepee, they are also very willing to share anything and everything with anyone who is willing to learn. Now days they even do cultural tourism which includes real survival skills from hundreds of years ago. 60 years ago or more we used to build log cabins just for fun, city kids often never get these skills and it's sad. They seem to be more interested in becoming a "gangsta". There is activity to be done in every season. When I came to the City people told me I smelled like smoke, that was from all the smoked meat I ate, it actually took months before those comment ceased. Farm people are also good sources and I feel these kids get to learn a lot more about self reliance and a can do attitude. Today everyone is a specialist but if war wipes out the world we know and we have to start over it's only the people with old world knowledge that will survive.

[@lizchatfield692]

Mors Kochanski opens your eyes if your lucky , found his work very good .

[@adroniga]

First comment he he. Nice video as usual! I think you're so right with the hypotethical part about books but I think that it also applies to lots and lots of videos too(I'm talking here about all the 'I am a self proclaimed bushcraft master and warrior of the internet and if you buy these 10 000 items you'll survive anywhere around the globe bla marketing bla sponsorships bla sales bla bla bla.' I had subscribed to a douzin bushcrafters in the past but right now I am only following you and 3 other guys but you're no1 in the field in my opinion. So keep up the good work and I wouldn't mind if you would post more often! God bless you!

[@Bushradical]

Wow, thank you for the compliment. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series this summer. And thanks for the comment!

[@srqlisa7881]

All of what you said is very good infomation, I can't even count the videos I have watched where bushcraft/homesteaders who don't know how to use the tools that they do have ie: how to use an axe safely. :)peace

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!

[@SpamMusubi308]

Interesting idea keeping a journal of your bushcrafting adventures definitely going to give it some thought thanks Dave

[@Bushradical]

thanks

[@underthecarolinasky2363]

Good stuff Dave! The book you write yourself! Man, what an impact! -Mike

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Mike

[@butchferguson8430]

Reading and doing are two different things. I am working on achieving my first bow drill fire. Picked up some great tips from David West, I think might help achieve success. Great advice on keeping a journal.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@DK-jd8bj]

There's probably a few people that can easily put book knowledge into immediate use but very few. The movie "The Edge" comes to mind(great movie even if it is a little unrealistic). The reality is that it usually takes some practice for most skills. Another recent example is "Mr. Chickadee" KZbin channel. A completely self-taught Carpenter. He reads a book or watches a KZbin video and almost instantly is a master of the skill. Some people are just natural prodigies. I really enjoy the creative process of trial and error. I prefer to get a general idea and just dive into it. I make a lot of mistakes but the figuring things out aspect is what I enjoy.

[@Bushradical]

awesome way to learn anything "Dive into it". Thanks

[@rezaetemad591]

this is why I LOVE your channel ...

[@Bushradical]

Thanks REZA

[@davekibbey7944]

Bradford Angier wrote a book titled How to Live in the Woods on Pennies a Day. It was published in 1971, the year I graduated high school. I must have read through that book several times. I believe that book along with the Fox Fire series and Mother Earth News Magazine helped set a course for much of my life. Do I live in the woods? Oh yes! On pennies a day? Weeeelllll,,,,no. But I live cheaper than many people do. I don't have a cabin along the Peace River, but I built a cabin by the Little Muskegon River, and now I built a second one (sold the first) near a pretty little creek near Baldwin. Please continue with your videos on "bushcraft" and other hands on skills. You are an inspiration to me and hopefully to a younger generation as well.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Dave. BY the way, where was your cabin on the little Muskegon? I grew up fishing that river all the time. Above and below Morley pond mostly.

[@davekibbey7944]

@@Bushradical It was over in Croton Township. You ever heard of a place called Pig's Point? It was supposed to be quite the party spot way back in the day,.

[@Bushradical]

I don't know the name, But I know my way around Croton. ( the town). I are up on hardy pond ( Rosie Run) about 5 miles north of there.

[@davekibbey7944]

@@Bushradical Oh yes, Rosie Run. We used to take the power line off from 4 mile to get there. I don't think you can drive all the way back there anymore. Pigs Point , you took 62nd. west to Beech then south to the Little Muskegon. The river made a big loop right there so you could tube for and hour and come right back where you started. We sold that property to buy a place in Northern Minnesota. That was as close to Alaska as we ever got.

[@RickBarton]

Great video. Great point. Experience. Great channel

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@dalearmstrong62]

most of us learn alot of skills from others-i like your channel because you teach about skills

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@JoshuaSmithHomesteader]

I have a very good collection of books on my shelf. Most of them reference books on gardening, survival, woodworking, home building, homesteading etc. I am not a big book reader, however I do use them for reference. Then I take the reference and put it to practical use. You make a great point Dave and it is near as the truth as it could be. Cheers!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Joshua

[@zombiefied78]

I plan on buying more books on bushcraft and wild edible foraging soon and this video gave great perspective and insight on how and what to look for. I've never thought much about the authors writing them and how they got their information. Some I am already familiar with but now I will research more before purchasing more book's on these subjects. Thanks Dave!!

[@Bushradical]

best of luck to you.

[@swnorcraft7971]

Outstanding, Dave! I have "drowned" myself in hype and thought I knew how to do things. Many things I have done, having learned them from books and KZbin. Not too far back, I was on a day hike and had it in my mind that I was going to stop and make a bow drill fire from materials at hand. Let me tell you, I got a large dose of humble. As one might imagine, it was a fail. Now, armed with that experience, I am ready to tackle it again. For me, it was the manipulation of the pieces that was the challenge......and possibly some wrong cordage or wrong bow stick...............The book of my own experience is happening! Very exciting. Thank You, Dave.

[@Bushradical]

Right on. I tried to do a bow drill using willow bark for a cordage the other day. I thought it might hold up.....It didn't. So now I know thats is "no"t an option.

[@willemmentz7190]

Like I say... get book knowledge and learn as much as possible, then go and try it and gain experience (forgetting some of what you read) and then go refer back to the books applying your experience. Book knowledge is purely a basis, a foundation, on which you can build with experience. Experience is the best teacher; books can only teach you so much. Good videos!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!!

[@spider5001]

Right on man! It’s a whole different ballgame when you are in the woods trying to make something work than sitting in your living room reading about it. Lots of success but also a lot of failures. Let’s you know your limitations. I was thinking about getting a journal but I am definitely no author 😂 the key to unlocking the bow drill for me was a fatwood bearing block. So much easier.hope you are doing good friend🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@aprilgarrahan3245]

Very deep brother. Thank you for helping me

[@Bushradical]

Thanks April.