Bowdrill for Beginners

[@debbieboring3422]

Heat and humidity aren't predictable so the fact you were sweating was good. It gave you a chance to warn beginners about keeping sweat off the wood or tinder. That was a good tutorial. Very understandable. Thanks.

[@MylesNicholas]

A pinch of sand in the hole makes it so easy. The Eskimo way is to have two holes where the ember forms in the other. No notching required.

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

Good comment ,I'm still trying learn the notch , novice here but I sure plan to learn ,it's almost magic ,imagine how many souls have perished from cold sitting by the simple wood beside them

[@frankc6430]

I can see many channels doing the bow drill, but most bring materials with them from home already... I need to see how to find and select the material on the field... that would be to me a "in real survival situation"...when you have to start from scratch!...thanks.

[@Schutzenegl1]

unless you know how to make cordage, or you have a piece of 550 in your survival kit this method is likely not going to be possible for you, in a "I have nothing" situation... and if you have a kit, you should have more than one way to start a fire. if you are going to use this method, you need to have the handhold and cordage pre-made, and have practiced with it to become proficient.... you do not want to first learn this method when your life depends on it.

[@peggythompson8519]

Even in an "I have nothing" situation, unless you're dropped in the middle of the woods butt nekkid, you probably have shoe/boot laces, or jacket string you can use. although it's a good idea to try and learn how to source/make natural cordage. Knowledge is power

[@mikeward5647]

Frank C first, you need to learn how to identify trees regardless of. season. softer wood works best like Willow, pine, cedar and tulip poplar. dead standing but still "crack" when broken. to avoid cordage failure, hold the bow at a slight angle so the cordage doesn't rub on itself. a longer bow gives you more revolutions on the spindle with less effort. most importantly, to everyone, don't wait till you're in a life threatening emergency to learn how to make fire at least 5 different ways. practice it in all conditions.

[@Hammer9001]

If you are doing it from scratch, well...instead of a knife you have to either find a sharp rock, or do some flint knapping or a lot of grinding to make a would be knife to carve your hole and notch. Stone shards just can't compete with steel though, so it will be a pain, but if you are going caveman, that's what you need to do. It's why most outdoorsmen know the value of a quality, sharp knife and keep it holstered to their body. After that, it's pretty much the same process, save that you have to make some cordage. Basically, you need fibres, thin stripes of cedar can work, as can young cattails, long grasses, yucca, agave or even most roots and ferns. It's just a matter of spliting them into thin stripes, and twisting, then twisting what you've twisted with other cords, till you get the desired thickness. Once again though, natural fiber woven by hand is far more prone to failure from stress, lasts far less longer and tends to not be as flexible then machine woven nylon. Be prepared to expend a lot of effort and expect them to break on you. That said, if you are going to aren't going full caveman, your boot laces, backpack cords, hoodie or coat strings, phone cables or even your underwear elastic may work in a pinch. If you can't make cord, then you are pretty much stuck using the hand drill or a fire plow to make your fire using rocks to carve your notch.

[@junielopez3582]

all materials can be found in the forest but it will take a lot of time to find

[@BURNWOODBUSHCRAFT]

I will be watching this over and over again for the next 2 days. Sunday it is on! wish me luck!

[@nierdenthal]

Until now only smoke. I will be trained more.

[@lilpoppy6480]

Me too

[@balamtheknowledge9578]

Did it work?

[@lilpoppy6480]

It's hard lol

[@fmg182]

how did it go?

[@misshazel271]

Very interesting. After I found you on these videos, I have learned so much. See, I’m older now and on my own. I was depending on my husband and son to help me. Well my son moved away due to his job and where it took him to. As I said,I’m older and alone so I watch these very great ideas. I haven’t found anyone that is more qualified to give his listeners absolutely great ideas. I thank you so very much for all that you do to show us how to survive on our own. Probably some of it comes from being in the military.

[@freddiedorris3788]

That has to be one of the best bow drill videos I've ever seen ,, step by step,, awesome video ,,keep up the great work . Love your channel

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thank you Freddie!

[@loripop8554]

BlackScoutSurvival I can't find any rocks that have a indent in them and I don't know how to drill into one so what else could I use for the socket that isn't a rock

[@ZacharyFagantheword]

you could use a piece of wood

[@jweezyf0sheezy1]

This would be the topping on the cake but would be awesome if you can put up identifying pictures up of said trees including the leaf and bark texture.

[@garyminick1050]

​@@ZacharyFaganthewordyes I use and carry a piece of "Osage" to use for a bearing , it works just as good or better than a stone . Osage is the densest wood in all of north America. It will also make it's own lubricant. I keep a fist size piece of Osage so I can cut or scrap off enough to act as tender. I don't know of anyone else that does what I do so follow your own leading. Making fire is the ultimate thing to learn. Practice different ways and for wisdoms sake enjoy all your failures because they are the ultimate teacher. Thanks for the video buddy !

[@LockedInTheZoo]

Me and my boys just made this fire for the first time ever following your video. Credit to you for the superb instructions!

[@semco72057]

I thank you for showing us how to make a bow drill and use it to start a fire. I was taught one time while in the Air Force how to use it to start a fire, but that was many years ago and I forgot not long after seeing done. I saw a Marine Corps training video on starting a fire in the wilderness where the troops was shown how to start it, but didn't see everything they was taught. Survival Lilly has videos on using the bow drill, but she never showed how to make the bow, but you was fantastic in showing the bow, and how to use it with the other pieces of wood to start a fire. I want to thank you so much for showing us beginners how to do that and hope you are having a Blessed week.

[@grantw6266]

Good demo ! Finally good to see a demo where instructor picks up the bird's nest high enough while blowing so smoke doesn't rise right into face. Not sure if sawing notch against leg would be OSHA approved. :) Another great video !! Another happy subscriber !!

[@seruniversal5120]

1:07 Slow down cowboy

[@keitharoo1962]

How long did it actually take to get an ember? I noticed that, after it went out a couple times, there was a cut in the video and then the ember was suddenly there.

[@dwb289]

And it was darker outside lol

[@williamwhite9481]

Well, for him I don't know how long it took for for someone with some experience they can get an ember in 30 or twenty seconds. I was getting embers in about 40 seconds and then stopped practicing for some reason and started practicing hand drill. I'm very quick with hand drill (15 seconds) but I should learn bow drill again. A lot of people think friction fires take hours but they're actually pretty quick with the right materials and technique.

[@dwb289]

@@williamwhite9481 I need to practice and get a straighter stick to spin. Mine keeps going everywhere! 😅

[@williamwhite9481]

@@dwb289 is this for hand drill or bow drill? If its hand drill i might be able to help you further if you'd like.

[@balamtheknowledge9578]

He was huffing and puffing like hell as well like he had been at it for a while

[@bradleybirmingham6006]

Man that 4K resolution you film in definitely makes a difference. your picture is so crisp, clean, and clear!

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thank you.

[@cobrasniper555]

Can you do a video on the fire plow? I'm more interested in that technique as it requires little to no tools and preparation of the raw natural materials. Say if you find yourself in an emergency situation, the bow drill is great in the long run but for an immediate fire, the fire plow might be best. I've done it but am always looking for pointers and new info.

[@joelhorton9576]

This is the best bow drill video on KZbin ❤

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Wow, thank you!

[@juanenriquevazquez5852]

This is an awesome video. I'vw seen a hundred bow drill videos but none that used the trees that are common in my area and just calm instructions on how to do it. Thank you.

[@hamishmaxwell989]

Seen a lot of these videos, this one is by far the best, keep up the good work

[@matthewarnold6794]

Excellent lesson and review of making fire with a bow and drill. I haven't done it since I was a Boyscout long long ago, but now I'm going to assemble the parts and try it out. Thanks for the lesson.

[@kareninadunne5438]

Great video. Just showing my 7 year old before we give it a go. One thing I noticed though was when making your v cut that you were doing it on your leg extremely close to a major artery. I try teach that we never do any work using our bodies as the work surface.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Couple things. 1. You need to go take an anatomy class if you think an artery is in the front outside portioned the thigh. 2. It’s a blunt saw. Not going to slice like a knife 3. I’m filming a video with a camera man. I had to do it steady at this angle so he could film it.

[@arturoverde728]

Ray Mears is good.....but this guy really gives all the information required...wood,size type etc Keep up the good work....wow

[@Cubrooski]

I'm so gonna try this with my grandson! Thanks for sharing

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Awesome. Let me know how it goes.

[@squirreltamer2548]

You can strip the bark off the spindle and carve at least 5 flat faces down the length of the spindle. This gives the parachute cord a better grip to engage the spindle. I have an entire fire bow kit in my inch bag all set to go. Because if I’m stuck in the woods permanently I need a primitive method of creating fire. Because I will exhaust my modern methods eventually.

[@ErwinDeLaat]

you make it look that simple... I never tried it in our often wet country (Belgium), but you convinced me.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thanks for watching.

[@patrickgermond2750]

Sage brush is the best for spindle and board. 9 seconds. And the set last forever. And it can be used as fresh cut green. Just carve off the outer yellow moisture layer.

[@djm.326]

Patrick Germond so if you don't have a board with you already, (and in a survival situation, there won't be any most likely just hanging around), can you just split a log and makeshift one? You mentioned sage brush?....(not familiar)

[@MelanieSawyerForager]

Hey.. Its melanie sawyer..I learnt only yesterday how to create an ember with a bow drill. I have to say you explained this really well..Ill be using the added info you gave me to creating more fires

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

Novice here have not built my first fire yet with bow drill , still reading researching and whittling wood. I appreciate the beginner class , out in field not brought from house components helps . I'm in Georgia southeast , I am trying get chart of wood ignition temperature , and chart about Chaga , fungus if they are good for tinder . Can you do video about tinder using Chaga like growth found in forest . Good video ty

[@teksight9714]

Wow! Thanks. Other videos i watched didn't discuss the types of wood to use or the basic preparation before starting the fire. Can you do a video on making a fire plow? Thanks.

[@cloptonhouse]

Great to see a South Eastern Friction fire video. Especially since our tree options are very different then the south west or mountainous regions of the country.

[@maewmaew5515]

My 7 years old son and I read about the stone age. Part of prehistoric means of survival is fire control bow drill. It took us here.

[@texashermit1946]

my compliments to you, i've watched many of these types of video's and you really do show ALL the how to. where the others don't show to do a burn in' before cutting the notch.

[@koreanature]

My best friend, thanks to you, I enjoyed watching... I'm proud of you for developing day by day.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Very well articulated Jack, good job Sir!

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thank you brother

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Great tutorial. Never have enough skills. Thanks Jack.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

That's exactly right. Thanks

[@IIrandhandleII]

Would have been cool if you showed how to make the bow!!

[@HarleyBob957]

Thanks for sharing this video. Just learning to bow drill. This definitely helped me out.

[@nikkiwalden-peterson7895]

I liked the video as well, but I just didnt get to see you make the bow and how the best way to attach the cordage. I mean, I could assume you should notch out a little bit on each end, but then the knots too..? just curious. thanks (from a beginner)

[@Emberdrake212]

I need to learn to identify types of wood. There are a lot of snags in my area, and I cannot determine the type of wood.

[@robertgoss4842]

Very well done and much needed. Nice work!

[@chewher4171]

It is hard work doing this. Preparation and knowledge is the key.

[@MrRedneckrc]

Great informative video, best how to bow drill fire video I have seen.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Really appreciate that Larry

[@contramundum2.0paradigmshi10]

Great video but the ignorant (such as myself) could have used a better explanation about the v-notch and what it was for in relation to the coal..what was the leaf holding, part of the tinder nest? Sorry I got lost during that part. Thanks though.

[@JeepTeriyaki]

Other than cutting that notch against your leg great video!!

[@fitepitsnbonfires]

Yes,I'll likely watch this,often until I get the hang of this .you make it look pretty easy dude

[@victormindfield]

lol love the cut away scene.. then POOF coal. thats the worst thing you can do when making a friction fire video. still a very great video tho

[@kevinhughes6823]

This awesome! Can't wait to test this out on my camping trip to Mono lake in a couple weeks. Keep the DIY's coming!

[@mypersistencehunt4182]

Got my first bow drill fire going yesterday thanks for your help.

[@henrikmikkelsen6472]

Tak!

[@edwardlyon8169]

Great Video with good explanation of the principles for bowdrill fire starting.

[@FIGHTforFreedom7777]

Best video I've seen on how to make and use a bowdrill. Thanks for sharing and pleeeez don't stop making videos, your the best at what you do

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Wow. Thanks brother!!

[@howardrash2446]

Tried that today, but the bow kept on slipping on the spindle. Was using shoelace. Didn't sharpen it down , either. Used an old sun-weakened tupperware bowl as a socket. My hearthboard was a 1x6

[@SamHaraldson]

One of the best bow drill tutorials I've ever seen. Keep up the good work, Jack.

[@dustinmorrison147]

Nicely done. Very easy to follow instructions.

[@PiperV0315]

Oh my goodness, great tutorial! Still on the fence about learning this but, I'm thinking I'll have to add it to the list of fire making skills to get good at. I have a request if possible, when finding flint/ chert or sparking rocks in nature how does one break it to get a sharp edge? I went ahead and ordered some so I have good flint but, tried alot and still haven't broken one yet. Thanks!!!!

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thanks. Usually I'll hit it with another rock that is equal hardness and larger. You can then flake the edge with your steel similar to making an arrow head.

[@chloedemeter5473]

Bi-polar percussion tends to work extremely well with certain rock types and shapes. David West Channel has good info on it.

[@silverstallion4634]

Thanks for sharing with me! Very useful

[@stg-rt4se]

Very nice instructional video. Great technique and clear explanations. Thanks very much.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Much appreciated. Thank you

[@Callsign_Kishin]

I tried this in the backyard of my house and still failed. This is actually pretty fucking frustrating, but I’m super glad to have subscribed to this channel, cause this fire starting skill is the most satisfying feeling/skill ever. Succeeding in things learned from this channel is one of the most accomplishing feelings ever. 🙏 thank you Black Scout Survival.

[@suemarina]

Great video. The step by step instructions are great. I will be trying this soon. Thanks for all the videos.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thanks. I appreciate it

[@RIDLEBRA13]

great way to teach beginners to saw on their thigh and slice a main artery

[@TheEarthwinders]

I've tried so many times myself, and this is the first tutorial video that really gave insight on the finer details of what I've done wrong in the past. Thank you!

[@junkyard1506]

is there a video covering how to wrap the spindle?

[@eddiewestfall4931]

Excellent Video... Great fro beginners. Very well explained. Easy to follow.

[@journeyman7705]

great video, thank you! I've been trying to find a creek stewart hand socket with the bearing but having no success, i plan on taking my nephews out bush (I'm from australia) to practice using the bow drill, your video helped alot cheers

[@gooberdooberwunderb]

Does the wood have to be dead and dry? Can I use a piece of Green wood for my fire board and spindle? I believe I have a piece of green alder … Or Cottonwood

[@1959jimbob]

I absolutely love the way at the end when you got that ember and were totally winded, where you said, "let IT breath a second" That was a great cover...LOL Seriously though thank you for doing the video, it was well done and makes learning the skill of bow drill fire making much more enjoyable...

[@thetacticaltortoises]

Best video I've seen on this. Great job.

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Thank you for the kind words

[@iluvassembly]

Me cleaning my room and having found my paracord bracelet brought me to this video

[@yareyare_dechi]

Is it not an option to put the fire board directly over you tinder and eliminate the middle step and all the massing around with a leaf?

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

It doesn't work well because you want your coal to be in one piece. It will not be if it's spread out in a tinder pile

[@shawnr771]

Good information. Very well presented. Straight forward and to the point. Thanks, I was wondering about if you could use cedar. Now I know.

[@robinluvsbobby]

No matter what anyone says here, you created fire. You did it with everything naturally except the paracord. If you plan to venture off into the woods with "nothing", your chances of survival in any situation becomes limited. Well done sir. Several key things you just taught me will be added to my survival skills when I take my grandson into the woods for his first time in about two weeks. Thank you.

[@MaddConnekRecordz]

Thank you. Subbed. The only thing I got to say is camera angle on the wrist pressure part. Could not see where u were relating that to. Great explanation 👍.

[@daviddean952]

Great video. It really made it easy to understand

[@liedebunker1253]

You know, you got the smoke out very fast. I've watched many such videos, but you beat all others. I guess skills do matter. 👍

[@ricjohns545]

When possible it would be extremely helpful if when the maker or distributer of an item is given that the information be spelled on the video ie. at point 8:15 the fire steel is by. ..(Spelled Out).

[@BlackScoutSurvival]

Nah. Takes too long

[@cobrasniper555]

ESEE

[@ricjohns545]

OK

[@grantglenndale152]

Many makers make a multi-functional bearing block such as the ESEE in the video, the Creek Stewart with the ball bearing at the Creek Stewart Store, Pathfinder steel at Self Reliance Outfitters and a host of others. I personally like to make all of my 5 (bow, spindle, hearth, bearing and tinder) components from one stick or limb rather than have ready made items. The ability to start from scratch and come up with fire is a very self fulfilling feeling. Even better when using expedient natural stone tools to make the components rather than a carried knife.

[@ricjohns545]

Thanks

[@standingbear998]

those flint strikers with the divot made in are the worst. The metal gets too hat to hold in just a few strokes with the bow.

[@navigator1372]

Good vid dude. Keeping it str8t forward 4 us

[@randyrhea8496]

where is the Creek Stewart hand socket available at? seems like an awesome tool to add to the pack

[@therealsurvivalist]

Hey, you have great film equipment! Keep up the great videos!

[@Uncommon_Sense01]

Great video! Will give this a go soon. Thanks

[@chrislnflorida5192]

I cam not get a good answer. WHY do u need a burn in 1st before cutting your V Notch???? U can definetly tell your stock is VERY Dry, u can see the dust cloud while u breaking up for your Birds Nest.

[@chloedemeter5473]

I don't always do one and it works okay usually. So I'm not sure myself why it's usually recommended as necessary to burn in before notching. So, yeah, I'm also curious about this.

[@nathanmartin9560]

Thanks for the awesome vid... Explained it very well

[@JimRodgers]

Great video. You mentioned tips that I haven't heard from anyone else. Well done.

[@johnnybravado1030]

I like how it was edited right at the “coal formed” twenty minutes later and big pile o coal appeared on the leaf Lol. Good job though...

[@themaverick2087]

This was awesome. One of the best, most digestible videos I’ve seen on this. Thank you for taking the time to do it.

[@redricewastaken]

well made video, mate! i learned a lot. I have a question tho, can you instead put your bird's nest right under the v notch? instead of transferring the coal.

[@peakbagger7682]

Thank you. Great how-to video.

[@jhyrumgrant]

You jumped through the most important part. Getting the initial coal out of the fire board. Just time laps it, but not skip it.

[@НиколайГончаров-щ1ч]

this one saw real crap. You should cut the board a little further than the center of the hole you drilled. So that hot coal is not thrown out of the hole, but accumulates in the cut of the board.

[@Mike1973NJ]

100% Perfect tutorial! Very informative and very easy to follow! I also didn't know about the Esee fire steel or the knife. Please keep up the amazing work and Thankyou!

[@pershop4950]

so wait, that one thing that has a ball-bearing so it is frictionless, is being used for the item that is being described as something that needs friction. The thing I want to know is, if these are things we can prepare ahead of time as our "fire kit" for whenever we go outdoors, then why not just take matches or a lighter or a fire starter?

[@bjmcadams1918]

Because those things can run out. If you have this knowledge then you dont need anything else

[@countsmyth]

I made everything from wood from the forrest, the string broke and wore out maybe 10 times. Then when I got friction my socket in my hand started smoking???? What am I doing wrong?

[@steffanoswald7917]

countsmyth My best guess is that your spindle shouldered out. Also your body weight should hold everything in place. Don’t push down hard take it slow you need to fill the notch before you go fast

[@steffanoswald7917]

countsmyth 1 more thing it’s good to have 2 spindles and 2 handholds just as back up. Keep practicing you’ll get it

[@countsmyth]

@@steffanoswald7917 thanks man, ill keep trying.

[@garyminick1050]

Win this fire game a little at a time. You need some success for encouragement. My advice is to use as many cheats as you can. Once you can do this start exchanging each one of your cheats for something primitive . I've done this and my last challenge I used green wood and succeed but it took 3 hrs. One has to get stubborn while constantly changing your set. I did the green wood fire in very humid conditions about 95% humidity. Look also at the David West utube channel and the NW primate channel. Lots of fun and gobs to learn. Have fun my friend. Watch how They hold there bow when using primitive cordage . It's an eye opener .

[@WickdPerfekT]

Your video work has improved a lot

[@payday316]

what kind of would is best for your burn board to get your coal

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very informative and educational. Thank you very much

[@frankyeyna9500]

Good show , will be trying soon Thanks

[@ronnierockstaroutdoors1246]

Which battle horse knife is that what is the model name. Looks like a really good knife very nice sheath

[@micheal_Wayne_III]

Does it matter the type of wood u need to make a bow drill ?

[@micahmaurio2397]

great video! just wondering if you can offer some additional advice on forming the bearing block.

[@TJackSurvival]

This needs to be done. So great video Bromigo!

[@IrishRage42]

Really great video! You touched on some of the finer details of doing a bow drill fire. A couple things i would add are maybe how to make the bow, like tying the cord to it and the proper slack to have. Also the proper motion of the right arm as your doing the drill. Been watching a lot of your videos so keep up the good work!

[@sammleesonja]

Very good and thorough tutorial. I feel much more ready to try this now. thanks

[@Darignobullseye]

This helps Greatly!! Thank you for all the detail explanation!