Rampant Dishonest Fire Making On YouTube. Why They Do It And How.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Here's a copy and paste of the comment I made to someone that I ended up having to Block. The following situation has always bothered me since I saw it several years ago... I saw an "in class" video from the biggest school made by one of the instructors that showed the other instructors mocking and laughing at a team that had kind of lost it's way and radioed back for advice. I was absolutely shocked! I knew then that I'd never go to that survival school or any of the other schools associated with it.

[@jasonjohnson6344]

I’ve watched “Northwest Primate” and also Lonnie at “Far North Bushcraft And Survival” each use nothing but what they have found around them to start fires. Lonnie used rock on rock for throwing sparks into tinder and he failed repeatedly and tried different tinder bundles. Filming his failures and explaining his theories on what was going on. He definitely edited for time but shared plenty of his failures and how difficult it really is and he’s far more experienced than the majority of us. The guy at Northwest Primate has done similar videos as Lonnie in using only what is found around him. I find those two guys, not only very skillful at bushcrafting but morally honest men too. As I find Dave too. A Native American quote I would share is “it doesn’t take many words to speak the truth”. Show n tell with minimal/appropriate editing sorta follows in that philosophy IMO. Good one Dave, thanks. 👍👏🙏

[@ronaldbutler4480]

Thats good. Survival Russia is good too

[@rafaelgelpi5922]

Thanks David, as I get older I appreciate truthful people more

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

It's 5 months later and I just wanted to add this observation. It seems to me that some of the worst offenders on KZbin are actually some of the most gifted and talented fire makers on KZbin! They just can't bear to admit to their occasional failures, and so, resort to deception.

[@ralfreinartz3562]

I know where to go for serious and honest fire-making. Thank you, David.

[@bobball3645]

You’re doing a great job and you do make it look so easy just like a skilled craftsmen does. It does take plenty of practice and because of your mentoring it is getting easier for me. Thank you for teaching us all the tricks of the trade!!!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Bob, my pleasure!

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Trying stuf out myself told me what it takes. Doing it for years already, practicing. Thanks for the video. Reality is indeed more difficult then KZbin suggest sometimes 😄.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Gerard!

[@johnl2445]

Straightforward no bull video. Thank You!

[@davidmcneil1452]

The best advice I have ever heard around any fire making skill I have heard here and other reputable sites: you must practice until you own the particular skill. Watching videos is not going to cut it when the rubber meets the road. I so appreciate the honesty in the way you demonstrate each skill, and the honest advice you give along the way.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Very kind. Thank you!

[@stephanygates6491]

I always want to see the moment of ignition. I subbed your channel because you always deliver!

[@clemjoke7609]

I'm amazed you were so calm what with that dangerous woodland predator laying in wait behind you.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

That is Tybee. He lays in wait there hoping a bird comes close.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Tybee was found amongst the cars in a car carrier full of Hondas when he was a kitten. His favorite pass time before we got him fixed was to fight with the neighbor's big yellow cat. Now, he just likes to steal our other cat, Yoyo's, prey.

[@hdbinnc8583]

Thank you, David. It really gives me something to think about. I appreciate your honesty and am sure others do as well.

[@sylvaingingras4457]

David you are pure, honest and genuine... very easy to see and feel your heart when watching your videos ! I'm old Canadian school blood ! You simply rock ! Your channel is amazing ! I'm not one who comments much but needed to thank you for all your great videos ! God bless ! Many regards mon ami !

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Sylvain, mon ami!

[@MrSrtman18]

You are one of the best David! A great man of the Lord and a great teacher too! Thanks!

[@damienmilas8337]

This is why I watch your channel mate can't beat honesty 👍🦘

[@BentConrod]

Like virtually everything on the interwebs in this era of disinformation you have to sort the chaff from the wheat. Your channel is more than wheat, it's gold. Thank you Sir.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Everybody either thinks they're an expert or are trying to make you think they are by any means necessary.

[@greywindLOSP]

Yes sir quite a few try the old smoke & mirrors! GREED is a self satisfying motivator! Well done thank you for your time and dedication.....ATB

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You summed it up!

[@buzzandselunsupervised649]

Your the fire guy. I always check out your videos and I genuinely learn. ATB Cheers Sel UK. By the way me and Buzz fail a lot 😂😂

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I do too.

[@harveyf9232]

I had some trees clear cut and now I’m outside like a homesteader trying to get a garden in the ground where there had been too much shade. I have not been able to catch your videos as much as I like lately but was certainly glad to see this one. I’m going to try to find the video you referenced and see if I can spot the deceptive editing. I think you have done a great service here by telling people the truth about bow drill fire starting, etc., and that they should not be discouraged when it does not ignite as easily as some of the other KZbin channels try to indicate that it should. One of the tree cutters at my home is survival-oriented guy and we compared notes and I was happy to show him your channel. Take care.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks HF!

[@jonjones754]

David I couldn't agree with you more. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your educational and honest videos. Keep up the great work. Jon

[@richardreyes5498]

Hi David! I ran across one of videos a couple of years ago, and honestly I had not known about friction fire prior although I have been camping for year. I have to admit I thought there was some sort of trick photograph or edit going on. So I got some ash from my fireplace, a piece of 2x4, & 1x6. Much to my surprise it worked the first time I trying it! So I tried it a few more times, since then I keep the items with my camping gear and practice the method when camping. I have also taught this to method to my daughter and a couple of camping friends. .. thank you for passing on your knowledge!

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi David ☺ when it comes to fire making, your the real deal, no B'S! , just a straight up demo , warts an all, and that's why I trust you and keep watching mate, I've learned more about what's possible in fire making by watching you these past years, than I knew before, many thanks for your efforts. Stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart.uk.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Stewart!!!

[@elderhiker7787]

I have discovered over time who the real experts are. As a longtime woodscraft practitioner, I know how difficult some of these skills can be given the variables that are present in the environment. I have literally given up on the bow drill method because it is difficult to find the right materials and most of the Boy Scouts in my Troop did too. I’m not so good with the flint and steel either. Since I have identified the true and honest experts for various skills, I always recommend those honest experts to others and you are my go-to expert for fire starting; bar none. I’ve learned a lot from your channel and have applied much of it. But, I can honestly say that after a grueling hike and camp set up, I’m not in the mood to spend 30 or 40 minutes gathering materials and failing half a dozen times trying to get a fire started. Therefore, I always carry fire starter and tinder with me. Also, if the weather has been rainy for a while, I’ll even carry dry fuel with me because once a fire is well established, you can burn wet wood if you remove the outside wet bark. So, I appreciate your honesty and skill and knowledge because I know how difficult it can be and I’m not bamboozled by others who are not as forthcoming about those difficulties. Thanks a million.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

The Primitive Fire Techniques are my hobby. My go to fire makers that I EDC are a BIC, Ferro Rod, and Fresnel Lens. EDC These 3 Firemakers 24/7/365 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJPYdJ6kitihr7s

[@EdmundMar]

Recently viewed utube vids of Otis? The Ice Man of 5,000 years ago that shows how important it was then to carry and preserv good tender.

[@NilezII]

I know what you mean about the difficulty of finding proper materials. I live in Connecticut, and the most common trees are Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch, and White Pine, all bad for fire making. I can catch a spark on chaga, but its very hard to find around here.

[@tommytye3428]

Spot on, David. I worked in nature connection for several years. Had to start friction fires almost daily, and taught others (child to adult) too. At first I’d carry a kit in prime condition, but I noticed that students developed unrealistic expectations for themselves. They thought they could easily get a coal because they saw me do it. But they Didn’t see the 1000’s of coal attempts, the failures, or the troubleshooting.

[@tommytye3428]

I started carrying imperfect kits so students could witness that troubleshooting process, the sweat, attention and determination.

[@Seamus3051]

Thanks, Mr, West, for informative video. You still remain the guru of primitive method fire starting. Can't not worry just how many have watched one of these "doctored videos' and got themselves in trouble, because, in practice, the fire wasn't as easy to ignite as was portrayed in the "doctored video. Thanks for what you do...Cheers.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you!

[@mwurslin7152]

I watch other content providers for various bushcraft skills but your channel is the one I go to to learn fire making techniques and what to use.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you!

[@lynella6073]

David, you are awesome... I’m new to most of fire making, bushcraft, but my skills are improving, and yes, I stink at so many skills, I wish I would’ve filmed my trys, it’s hard, but practice is key! I’m not kidding myself on what is possible, but with failing forward, meaning , don’t give up. Thanks!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Great attitude!

[@brentgilbert4208]

I never even thought of that!

[@PHYOfficial]

Exactly the reason I watch your channel David. Your honest explanation of fire making is great as is your experimentation. Keep getting those videos up for us to watch. If fire making was easy everyone would do it. Sometimes you have to expect less than perfect materials, process and function. It's part of learning and people should show failures in fire making as it helps as much as watching the successful ones.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You don't have to show all the fails, but when you edited out several of them, in your next scene you should mention this is my 5th try at the ember...

[@sunniavonrep3148]

You had me check Greg ovens and another guy I like from Pennsylvania as well as a few other of my favorite Bushcraft guys. Was glad to see that in most of their videos they blow past the fire starting but any video where they specifically want to show fire technique, they all did them without any cuts.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

We're not all dishonest.

[@anthonygoodrich8503]

Another great presentation, you made me rethink my own skillset and find as with almost everything, practice-practice-practice (and have a plan B) 😎👍 Thank you Brother

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Anthony. I practice every day because it's an enjoyable hobby.

[@w4ame]

Other people make fires on KZbin? I only watch David West- cause he’s the best!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

... best that has ever been... and so HUMBLE!

[@theluth9046]

Agree, 110%!

[@GRockBlues]

Huge difference between starting a flame or fire and building and maintaining a sustainable fire in an unfamiliar woods under less than desireable conditions...no doubt!

[@donbrink1954]

Thank you David. Its’s so easy to look good through editing. That’s why I still prefer hands-on, face to face teaching. I have many times had folks come to me to learn friction fires who had spent many hundreds of dollars for a school and left not making a friction fire successfully. Thanks again for covering the subject. You are one of the very few I follow regularly.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you Don!

[@seventhsonswain]

Thank you for saying outloud what I have suspected all along with the "Big Box" bushcraft KZbinrs. A man of true grit is above all a truthful one to others. Great video.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

As you could imagine, the deceit looks obvious to me. It hasn't stopped or slowed down.

[@pierreawad3880]

Bravo David merci! Dire tout haut ce que les autres pensent tout bas!!👍🏽💪🏽

[@billywills4391]

I always compliment and praise the videos honesty when they include difficulty or failure in any aspect of bushcraft skills. It shows integrity and realism. It's not always easy. It doesn't always succeed. Prospective bushcrafters need the realism. Being kept ignorant of these realities will lead to disappointing results when they go to the woods.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

That's true. I spoke to that also in the Description.

[@perrypeaden5842]

Thank You for Your channel and honesty, The information You share is awesome.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You're very kind thank you.

[@clintstinkeye5607]

My first eight years were in South East Texas and you represent my turorials.

[@tommythuntdeer]

Hahaha! I like your honesty. Great educational entertainment!

[@opopopop6286]

I remember the first video I saw from you, I was like that dude is seriously pro with those skills...there was ZERO faking of it...I know quite a bit about micro-expressions though, so I can usually spot a liar just by looking at their face. Yet I am a fire-making newb currently (though with vids like yours this will change quickly), so I was totally impressed by how easy you make it all look!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Love this hobby!

[@johnhunley602]

Great video, appreciate that you try to keep fire making realistic.. Unrelated question: Approximately, how often do you have to change the blades in your 10-049?

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Every 6 months when the repeated sharpenings have made the thumbnail notch so low that's it's difficult to open the blade.

[@stevehildreth1934]

I'm also into amateur radio and see a lot of guys making ham radio videos, same story. So many making videos with no or limited knowledge of what they're talking about. I watch specific ham radio video from guys that know their stuff, just like I watch your videos and ignore others. Thanks much David!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Steve!

[@troybranaman316]

Thats why I watch your videos David! I've seen what your talking about is some videos. Thank you for pointing out how much is fake ! It's good to see your doing well . Take car and stay safe my friend !!!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@floydsmith2296]

I like the Native American quote, "Few words needed for Truth". David you and your channel do an excellent job teaching the art of fire making. I enjoy watching you teach us fire skills, egg sandwich skills, boiled egg skills, hobo stove skills, and how to pray. I learn from you each time I watch. That's really all I have to say.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

A very nice compliment! TY friend!!!

[@krodkrod8132]

I do a ton of camping and boating to small islands and make fires all the time with the stuff that's just lying around. I've never had a problem getting a good fire going in about a minute. That's all it takes. My Firestarter? A propane torch. Thanks for this video though. Most people think that can just go out with basic materials and make a fire. Those people will most likely freeze to death.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! Thanks friend!

[@owtnabowt2723]

Just stumbled across your channel and I'm glad I did. I recently had my first success in lighting from a spark, the ignition went pretty quick and it sustained a flame. All of the prep time was in gathering and processing the fuel. Again though, as you said, it was an area I was familiar with and I made a point in the video of stating that i made sure to do it on a dry day after several dry days. My next fire starting videos are going to be using a drill (hand or bow, not sure yet) and while I may cut out some length, I hope I'll always be honest enough to let the viewers know that the cut is to prevent them getting bored rather than to hide how much effort it actually takes a beginner to learn the process. (my journey learning bush craft techniques is half of the point of my channel). I'm not naive enough to believe the channels you were referencing, in their "immediate" fire making techniques, but may still have gone into the process with skewed expectations. I shall be watching your other videos before venturing out and use them as a point of reference.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

As my mentor told me all those years ago, if you have to cut out important scenes use an annotation and explain what you edited out.

[@mender722]

This a very informative video. I am experienced at friction fire making since 1984. I have noticed that the people that get fire on the first try, don't really learn anything. Thus, they are, or can be, overconfident. It's the failures that teach. I had one kit that produced a coal in X number of strokes, then I made a new kit and found that it was now Y number of strokes. Arrogance (ego) can get a person hurt. Being as a question is the learning way. I have used several different methods to make fire, but I gotta do a fire roll soon. I never heard of that way until I saw your videos. it's an amazing technique. Thanks for all the info. By the way, have you ever used ice to make a fire? Basically, it's just a lens, but it is very cool (rather, cold).

[@mender722]

I couldn't help but make that little joke.

[@joesinakandid528]

There is a value that sometimes isn't apparent, is rarely spoken about and is something I have REALLY noticed on your videos, David. Simply put it is a trait that either is there or it isn't --- but is not limited to just fire making. That, sir, is poise, confidence, and deep familiarity with the subject (and the skills) which only comes from developing techniques for a very long time. It touches, at times, on the ability to convey concepts while showing failures - which really is what skill is. Explaining HOW something works is often the real message and not just POP! --- here's the fire! I used flint and steel for a long time within a group where modern accoutrements were absent by intent. At 75 years of age I just recognized and began using that new fangled Ferro Rod (almost too easy), although the old cigarette lighters seem to have been using them for a while. Fooled me. Yes, some of the "pretenders" do sneak in from time to time here - and they're usually identified and their following diminishes quickly. So, David, please continue showing others how to make fire with a few simple things and continue to demystify fire making for the newcomers. Well done, sir. Oh, have you used a 'Fire Piston' (sometimes called a 'Fire Syringe")? - Joe S -

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Masterfully written, Joe. So kind and gracious, friend... I've never had an interest in the Fire Piston nor the Pump Drill. I know that they're legitimate fire making tools, but they seem contrived and gimmicky.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Hey brother, respect for doing this video. Someone had to say this, I've quite literally spent hours trying to get a bird's nest to take a spark, for every 1 time I've succeeded I've failed dozens and dozens and dozens of times. It's not just fire making though, there's lots of faux stealth campers out there too.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@csh6220]

Well said. I have seen the editing/FF on shows like Dual Survival. One minute they are trying to make an ember with a bow drill, the next they are blowing on the tinder bundle with smoke billowing out. Thanks for the Public Service Message David.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@mattmcconway5933]

So very true!! As you say edits at suspicious points or disguised as an angle change but the continuity is off. I’ve seen embers weirdly changing shape and size. Using seasoned wood and dried tinder is fine as long as it’s not used to deceive. Thankfully there are a few good channels and they are really appreciated by us fire bugs👍 we know the truth. All the best to you!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I'm glad it's obvious to others as well. Thanks friend!

[@richardbryant5773]

True true in every sense they are easy to catch honesty is hard to find on u tube thank you for being above most of the rest

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

The biggest offenders are some of the best fire makers, too. Must be an ego thing.

[@truthofgod6213]

Thank you Brother West on the insightful wisdom of Honesty.

[@williamharshman9572]

Thank you very much, I have learned new ways to make fire from you that work. Liked, subscribed, commented, and under the bell selected All.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Ahh! Somebody that actually stays to the end of my videos. Thank you!

[@amaineac2133]

Thank you for this eye opener. Last week I went to a free fire starting/shelter building event. It had rained and everything was wet. Fire starting did not go so well. It did not matter what we tried using for tinder. We ended up using Vaseline cotton balls and hand wash that we brought. The feris rod worked great for the spark once the coating was off. One person brought a magnesium stick but that didn't even get the fire going because the fuel was so wet. Always best to try things for yourself and not depend on the teachers.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

LOL! Notice in every wet wood fire making video on KZbin how often they cut away from nice blaze scene to nice blaze scene. That's because every time you add wet wood to the fire it dies down for minutes before the fuel dries enough for the flames to come back. I'm not saying that I can build a better wet wood fire than they can, but we should all be honest about what's really going on.

[@amaineac2133]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl I could build with wet wood if I poured charcoal lighter on it. LOL

[@jaredjerabek9312]

The best wet weather tinder I've found for Ferro rod and flint & steel or even bow drill (assuming you can't find fat wood) is to baton out the center of a an old dead limb stub from the base of a conifer..use a scraper to scrape up a pile of wood fluff as big as an orange..works pretty well but you gotta act quick as it doesn't burn for a long time once ignited, although I wouldn't classify it as a flash tinder either

[@JennyDStyle]

I really like your channel! I'm new to learning about making fire and am excited to have found your channel & you are right..way to many fakes are going around.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@hottellz]

We love you, just keep up the good work! You're the Best!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@generalpattonsbushcraft]

HAHA! Thank you so much for sharing this, I see these guys!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Whenever the coal starts being made until the time that the tinder bundle goes to flames there should be no cuts and the ember should never leave the shot. Even if you see that in one of my videos, you should wonder if you're being deceived or not. Ideally, I try to go straight from walking into the scene, processing the tinder, getting the ignition or ember, and then bringing it to flames without edits.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Good video! Thank you!

[@explorers1979]

I have not heard anyone call out those people before... lol. AWESOME JOB! Very true. Mr. West, I love your minimal fails as much as your mostly successful fires. You are the Fire Ninja! The reason all of us watch you and learn is your honesty, integrity and passion. Thank you Sir. Enjoy the rest of the weekend! I am looking forward to your next instructional video.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks friend!

[@cellerfeller1474]

Pride goeth before the fire! It just bugs the heck out of me that some of those dishonest KZbinrs have over a million subscribers. I had no idea about people generating revenue from KZbin until I watched a video done by Rocks Cousteau who makes videos on digging old bottles and marbles. He walks the viewers through his monthly revenue step by step and explains how important it is to get a certain number of views and subscribers. His monthly revenue isn't huge with 30,000 subscribers but it makes you realize there is big money at 1 million subscribers. I can't even fathom the money involved with the channel that has over 7 million subscribers. What I do know is that I watched half of one of his videos today than bailed out and sat back and really enjoyed a bunch of yours. Thank you!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yep, when people get up to about 750,000 subs, they start thinking about quitting their jobs and go full time KZbin.

[@garyletcher9703]

I began my fire learning in New Mexico, Got comfortable and thought nothing to this. Then..I went up to Maine. Was it ever hard up there, but I sure learned alot more struggling than when it was easy.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I'd like to try it in an arid location.

[@earljames453]

I learned along time ago to ,dont BELIEVE what you Hear and only half of what You See. But Thanks for Your Honesty, I still like your VIDEOS and I'll keep watching . Great Video, Also.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Earl!

[@yoopersurvival]

Love your honesty.

[@craftingontheporchwithbill]

are you really advocating honesty and integrity on KZbin in place of sheer entertainment value? You wild-eyed radical. Thank you for the analysis and especially for the real time preparation and fire lighting demonstration.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I strive for all 3.

[@jameshayden5053]

Good Ol Cold Hard Truth. Not going to say how many "Experts " came to mind.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I saw another big channel yesterday do "the cutaway" just like I described in my video. The next shot showed his tinder bundle going to flames.

[@Stone-Wolf-Outdoors]

this is why i try not to cut fire making so everyone can see the difficulty if i have some there are days that its not easy and days that are great video :)

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Me too. The last 2 days I've tried to make bow drill friction fire with freshly found materials and failed... miserably, because of moisture mostly.

[@The-Armed-Pacifist]

I watch Rob Evans who lives in Wales and I believe his videos. If the fire doesn’t start, he will often say “well that didn’t want to play ball”. He just keeps trying his options until something works. There are still some honest folks out there.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I took a look at his channel. He really loves knives, looks like.

[@The-Armed-Pacifist]

@@DavidWestBgood2ppl And building fi-yas.

[@mindfulicious]

This is why I like your channel. You show your failures.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I appreciate that!

[@layer8man]

Wow. 100% right. 0.50 - 1:55 sums up my biggest frustration, as I was sucked into the biggest survival school this last year and nearly went bankrupt buying everything they said I needed for their courses, as well as all the latest-greatest Titanium gadgets I couldn’t survive without. Never again!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You oughta make a video. You've really peaked our curiosity!

[@TheDarkSkorpion]

Tell me more...Details, man, details!

[@jonhelzer5317]

Like me, I would think that anyone who has any hands-on at all, is waiting for the fail...wants it. Sure, I want to share peoples experiences and see what works...but very valuable to see things not work, and possible remedies. I think it may have been Les's first Survivorman episode, where he has a long struggle with bow drill. He's honestly surprised and honestly works through a tough situation. Honesty, especially in this arena, is great content. Thanks for being a weirdo fire nerd, David!

[@ernestwilson5287]

right on point

[@scotthettel949]

I hate dishonesty like this especially on a shill that is so important for survival. Another thing that gets me is just how many people will buy one of these gimmicks and not even bother to try it out or learn how to use them properly. I've stumbled onto this channel only a few days ago but the knowledge that I have gained from you is amazing and I have made it a priority to learn and master 4 ways to start fire before the end of this year. Then I plan to practice those methods and challenge myself to master at least 2 a year until I am confident that I can start a fire in any situation. (P.S. I took your advice and I have Fresnel lenses on order.) Thank you for your honesty and give the kitties a pet for me.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Scott!

[@Army-MacE]

I hadn’t thought about this, or really noticed before. Some are not doing those cuts to be dishonest, just videography and shortening videos to play with the algorithm better. I can see how it can be considered dishonest. Something to look for now and see if someone is cheating or not. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I also make cuts to shorten the video or cut to out a misstatement. Question my edits and/or everytime time the ember leaves my scenes too.

[@alicarroll8236]

Oh happy day to you my dear friend and brother. I know exactly what you are saying. I don't edit any of my videos.what you see is what you get. Thank you for sharing a great video.stay safe and God Bless

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

ALIIIII!!!

[@ldmoss1]

ok i've been watching a long time. You're the real deal. There isn't another making the same real videos.

[@earlmartinez382]

I have six fire making tools in my survival kit like you said you never know the environment you'll be in my best is char cloth thanks for the tips

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Earl!

[@kevinerickson2595]

I never even thought of that, dishonest fire 🔥

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

From the time that one starts going for the ember until you see that ember make the tinder bundle go to flames, there should be no "cut away" shots nor should the "hots" ever leave the shot. If so, you should question whether you're being deceived or not. That goes for my videos also. I'm guilty of both myself. I edit to keep the video from being too long.

[@outdoorwithdeen]

Very good video!!! What about people that start fire on every video? I feel like if I prove it once or twice without editing, there is nothing else to prove. It just makes longer video and don’t need to show same thing every time.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

(If Applicable)Tell how you dried your materials out beforehand, how many attempts it took to get the ember, how many attempts it took to get the tinder bundle to go to flames, how many times the fire went out before it caught well... quick annotations of such things should not bother an honest fire maker. Are our egos that fragile?

[@philiptraies2410]

Good point David 👍🏼

[@MichaelR58]

Good video, thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@MrStanwillis]

Thank you 😊.

[@schuylerborden2815]

Lol now I know that there is firemaking youtube drama.

[@BCJerbs]

Man oh man oh man! I have a pretty good idea you speak of and boy it's disgusting and false advertising!!!! I love that you made this video! I think one of us shares the same name😉 eh!? I'd follow you and absolutely take a course from thus David any day of the week! I love you brother! Stay safe and blessed my friend! I love your honesty! Thanks a heap and bunch for this real video! Cheers, Jerbs

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I was just over at Ali Carroll Channel. She shouted you out.

[@waynehawks4679]

Ive noticed those cut.s many time.s and i allway.s thought..something.s fishy here on other channel.s...love yr channel..going to try that fire roll monday ill be off work..really neet method..cheer.s...ive subbed also

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I like to show from the creation of the ember straight through to the flaming tinder bundle without cuts or the ember leaving the shot. In the interest of time I don't I have to cut away sometimes. Still, whether it's me or someone else question every cut away shot and other edits.

[@globulust]

J'ai pris 10 cm à chaque bras en essayant d'allumer un feu avec un arc, j'ai pesté des journées entières à avoir mal aux bras sans avoir réussi à faire plus qu'un petit filet de fumée. Puis un jour j'ai réussi une première fois et depuis j'ai réussi à chaque fois. J'ai appris plein de choses grâce à vos vidéos, mais la pratique reste un passage obligé pour réussir, améliorer et connaître les matériaux à utiliser et quelques fois c'est vraiment très frustrant. Merci pour vos videos, David.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thank you! You’re very kind!

[@aceshigh235]

You’re the Fire Master!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Thanks Aces High!

[@edwardanthony195]

It's not Just in "fire-starting" my friend...and it will be the main reason so many people will NOT live very long when the real SHTF...Thanks for a great video.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

My concerns are about how this fakery and illusion of ease... discouraged me as a beginner and how it must be discouraging other beginners... when we can't reproduce the same results.

[@robch4414]

I'd add that it also diverts attention and understanding from much fundamental fire-making skills - sourcing and preparing tinder and kindling, siting and laying a fire properly for purpose, banking a fire overnight, timbers to avoid, etc. To be crude, I think a lot of this is just money-shot bushcraft rather than any attempt to transfer awareness and skill

[@michaeltellurian825]

Yep, completely agree. I've known David West as THE fire guy for years now. That's what I call him when I recommend his channel to others. A good way to check how honest some of these guys are is to see if there are any negative comments or respectful criticism. If there are NONE, you can bet they've deleted those comments. And I'm talking about some of the big boys. Thank you, David, for sharing your expertise and being honest.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I guess the most criticism I've left in my comments was in... Fatwood Substitute That’s Found Everywhere! It Ferro Rod Ignites and Bearing Blocks For Bow Drill! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqLEpp2alLGnars

[@BrosephRussell]

Right on

[@tammykeith5909]

that's his guard kitty, it was watching for dangers from behind

[@rajibjoshi8868]

you are right in India many times we have wood fire and coal fire stoves so for couple of years I saw mom and others lite fires and myself worked a little with fire so that helped so here in canada I started to learn it again for picnic and camping and survival my question what is wrong with cigarette lighter and matches wrapped in swan wrap? why make such a important and difficult chore even more difficult and time consuming? ferro rod I have as a backup and candle is also handy when fire does not start easily. use common sense too don't follow textbooks to the dot. from my fire making experience from India I am doing fine so far. use cigarette lighter then have matches as backup ( wrapped in swanwrap ) and have one or two candles if it is tough conditions

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

I every day carry and use a BIC lighter, ferro rod, and a fresnel lens.

[@SURVIVOR-og6dl]

Wonderful

[@georgefitzhugh6455]

Good stuff! Thanks

[@nealgrey6485]

Am I correct? You scraped (shavings or small pieces , or dust) from your bow-drill bearing block of fat wood? A bearing block of fat wood is an amazing idea! If I have got this right, good for you. If I am wrong, my bad!

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Yes, please see my fatwood playlist.

[@mickgately5423]

i'm in process of doing fire making vids for my group, mainly for a young lad who is just starting in outdoors with his mum. he loves seeing me fail. in fact most liked vid i did was one of me failing and bit@@@@g about not having coffee. main comment was if you can fail it gives us confidence to keep going.

[@jimcy1318]

Enjoyed the honesty but to be fair I'm old enough to spot the snake oil salesman most of the time, but some younger viewers may not. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy their video's, they are entertaining but you have to take them with a dose of salt. Good advice 👍🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@dragon3831]

The most honest fire maker on you tube that I see is a guy name steve wallis.. he uses a flame thrower to lite his fires