Discussing Tool Options Through Time.wmv

[@citizen1114]

I was taught by my Granddad to use wooden wedges when splitting wood at camp (he was one heck of a woodsman and would have turned 105 this year). I started working his trapline with him when I still had velvet on my antlers and I learned to trust his skills and so, learned all I could from him as the years wore on. Good wedges can be easily made from denser woods and useable ones can be made of pine if need be. In an emergency, I say baton a way, but after you get your fire going sit back and make a set of wedges to use next time. They can be carefully firehardened if you want and they work great over multiple uses. Best of all they will spare your knife and unlike a lot of other tools, they are renewable.

[@jbr1074]

THIS is what I am talking about- a metric ass tonne of KNOWLEDGE, forged thru REAL TIME IN THE WOODS, and then offered up out of a true desire to teach... True American Hero... Cudos Dave. Cudos.

[@Maedelrosen]

A point about when you said "He didn't have it in a backpack, like we do so much today"; The reason is people unfortunately can't walk around wherever they want carrying tools on them anymore. It is extremely bad practice to just throw everything in a bag and walk into the woods, or wherever you are going, yet that is what is taught in this age, because its not socially acceptable to carry what you need to live to where its visible. It scares the sheep.

[@ShoreScout]

This kind of study and discussion is one of the things that makes you stand out. Thank you and keep it going.

[@briankirkham5134]

I caught what was mentioned earlier about the Opinel. I'm sure Dave just misspoke about the country of origin. I enjoy all of your videos as well Dave. It's good to see you moving on. Keep up the good work

[@beatleguy64]

I loved the example of the Opinel. I use an Opinel No. 7 in my EDC and it's one of the finest pieces of equipment I've ever owned.

[@wcropp1]

To those asking about machetes--they have indeed been used for a long time, but usually in areas with dense vegetation, where you have to cut your way through as you're walking. The heavier/more rigid ones work quite well for wood processing, but the thinner ones aren't really ideal for it, especially harder woods--at least not compared to an axe. It all depends on your area and intended use.

[@vikingbrowski3718]

im so glad you made this video. i carry a tomahawk, and a mora companion on me when i camp, hike, ect. i never baton with my mora i use my tomahawk for that. i also can use the tomahawk for throwing at game like rabbits if i was in a survival situation. I have the best of both worlds when i carry both on my belt in the woods. thanks again dave for the great video. :)

[@Victorinoxy]

Opinel comes from France. Just sayin;)

[@drumgodtim]

Enjoyed the vid very much. Learned a lot from the points you made and from the information you shared. What I appreciate and trust from your videos so much is your voice of experience. You know what works and what does not. Thanks!!!

[@wyattoneable]

Great display of different cutting tools and a great explanation of "one tool option". Thanks Dave.

[@MrArizonaTrail]

Dave...excellent perspective...thanks for letting us all learn from your vast experience.

[@jacksonlittlewood]

Nice video Dave. I love that your opinions are dynamic over time and adapt to a mixture between the best of past and present technologies.

[@MrLoiti100]

Keep doing what you love doing, Dave. Not what a network wants you to do. Great video!

[@MountainMistWanderer]

Dave. I have mentioned in the past how much I love my ESEE6 but understand that I got this before your store got big and I'm save my pocket change everyday just for the purchase of the PLSK1. It's not easy for a single dad. Have many other products of yours and fellow woods people think the functionality is great. Tomahawk, bottle cup cookset, knowledge, bushcrafts, 10C's and etc. Thanks for all you do.

[@dustinhaus1165]

I live in the north woods, and I carry a Mora S1 (my scalpel), a Mora Robust (beating knife), a bahco folding saw, a 20" wetterlings, and the opinel folder that my granpa gave me as a little kid to keep in my tacklebox, I still keep it in my fishing kit. a bit off topic, but goes along the 1 is none theme applied to tools. I always have my 357, a sling shot, and my fishing kit, and usually, but not always a long gun, usually a break 12, a 10/22, or a mosin. layers of getting meat. and i have a bic in my pocket, a bic in my cooking kit, and a rod on my belt, 2 tinder tins, layers of starting fire. an MSS, or Wool B, a 4x6, and a 6x8 tarp, a poncho, and 2 space blankets, layers of shelter. a 40oz clean kanteen, nested in a early pathfinder pot/cup, and have a little plastic bowl that just kinda snaps into the cover of my bottle carrier, some squares of alu foil that can hold water, as well as my hat of course, and i keep everything in one of each sized pathfinder drybag bungied to an alice frame (3 more containers). I carry gorilla fishing line (non mono fil). light wt bank line, misc peices of para already applied to there task... i don't use much of it. loops on the tarps... the pull loops on alice shoulder straps, etc. and my workhorse cordage cotton clothes line. I have a GPS, a lensatic, and a button compass, as well as a map. I have my containers, a chunk of a pool tab, and tincture o iodine. you can not walk 3 miles from anywhere in my state, in any direction, and not hit water. for FA, i have the iodine, my bandana, a little fob of various pills. a sail needle, tweezers, a mirror, and dried herbs, I have a whistle, the mirror, my phone, and my revolver to call attention to myself. thats pretty much all i carry, plus clothes, a radio/torch (crank), and a flexable cuttingboard (ton of uses, including a snow shovel), and a napsack for food you need to make sure the things you absolutely need, are well covered, and as you can see what I carry is heavyly influenced by dave. and there are many more options to cover the bases to be covered, but these are the ones that work for me. even with all this stuff. its fun to go out, and pretend you have nothing. at least try to knap a knife, friction a fire, burn out a bowl, weave up a mat, use natural cordage, trap some fish, look for wild edibles. make a hat, or something to put on your feet, or a basket. as to the why carry a rod, just use a bic comment, why not just sit on your couch. fieldcraft is not only fun, it can save your life

[@bulldog62js]

Awesome video Dave. I, for one, absolutely love the time, effort and dedication that you put into these videos. I appreciate what you do for us and the knowledge that you pass on....for FREE! And for some of these people that want to nit-pick every little detail apart, they need to just find something else to do. You put a LOT of work into making these for us. I can't thank you enough brother!

[@SirThunderPants]

I've watched many of your videos, and learned a great deal. But this is bar far the most interesting. Very cool how you covered the history of the tools. Thanks Dave.

[@Hazmattdown]

Good discussion brother. Thank you. I agree with your point about belt carry vs Pack carry. As an experienced, long distance, back packer, I know first hand how important it is to keep some vitals on your belt and out of the pack. Whether it's a moments forgetfulness or a mad midnight scramble from a bear, You can't always count on having that backpack with you. Keep up the good work! God Bless.

[@badvoodoodaddy1]

Dave, great information. I agree with you on the fact that it is very hard to have one tool that does everything. Good video brother!!!

[@GunsAreEssential1975]

Great informative video Dave. I get blown away sometimes by the survival experts out there that claim a big knife is better at processing wood than a good quality axe, hatchet, or tomahawk. Like somehow the mountain men, and great explorers of the past had no clue how to live in the wild. Thanks for keepin' it real

[@MrWaymanc]

Interesting history of the old time woodsman. Thanks Dave.

[@j3rider]

Great video and information.... your the one tool option for self reliance knowledge. Thanks again.... you knowleddge is priceless.....

[@SCBushcraft]

For sure man, none at all. Thank you again for all your great videos and info. Have a good one and God bless you and yours, brother.

[@spinnerman100]

i thought this video was so cool that last week i showed it to my teacher and he is making it one of the focal points in our unit of the frontier and self reliance on the frontier

[@1airlic]

Your thanking us Dave? It"s we who should be thanking you! Thanks for all the great tips and vids!

[@UrbanSurvivalcraft]

In a recent conversation with a friend who happens to be an Argentinian outdoorsman he paralleled this type of thinking. The common belt knife is the Facon favored by the gauchos which looks like a chefs knife(probably inspired the design actually), a small folding knife which looks like a spanish navaja, and a hand ax looking a lot like a tomahawk.

[@ianjwinnall]

Great as always, that pathfinder spear head looks amazing great idea, hats off.

[@bradleybirminghamgmailcom]

Awesome video as always Dave. Full of history and good information. I always learn something when i watch your videos.

[@gurthyj]

Good video and valid points. I'm glad that you mentioned the folding saw at the end... it is a great lightweight tool that doesn't get enough attention IMO.

[@adventure95004]

Thanks for all the videos, I always learn something from them. It was funny seeing an Opinel a knife I have used since childhood many years ago in the UK, this is the first one I have seen in a US video. I like the 3 blade system, folder, light 4inch fixed, and a dedicated wood blade be it axe or saw. Right tool for the job and situation cuts down on the chance of an accident. Thanks again for all the work and effort you put into these videos I really enjoy them. Andy

[@Redshift313]

Everything is situationally dependent !!! Truer words were never spoken !!!

[@klmartin1962]

I have a single bit Kelly axe that I have restored with an oak handle that you can shave your beard with. These old American axes were incredible. As a test, I made the handle from an oak limb using nothing but the blade of the axe. I was amazed at what you can do with a little determination. I make hand forged knives as well, but haven't found a blade I like for everything yet. Oh well, half the fun is experimenting. Great vid. Thanks.

[@RenThraysk]

Canvas army surplus kit bag (military duffel bags) are great for discreetly carrying large axes in places where you might encounter fearful folk. Use one to carry a felling axe, 32" bowsaw, felling bar, billhook through cities without any problem.

[@MiWilderness]

Great review and thoughts on tools Dave. no need to fall into the same line of thinking as everyone else unless everyone else's line of thinking suits your own personal needs. Self reliance! Thanks for sharing, Roosevelt

[@walleyefishinrod3115]

Great video. You caused my brain to work. ( no small task. haha) I do believe we put to much thought into creature comforts in considering kit choices, as apposed to, "need to have to survive choices". Way to go. Wish we had a "school" like yours here in Canada. would love to attend. Rod

[@JayDubz425]

@Motherland...thank you brother! I feel the same as you do! Personally I love any video Dave puts out. Skills videos, or product. Plus I buy a lot of his products and they are always what he says they are. Always very good quality!

[@wyldewest278]

AWESOME video man. i love the explanations of the concept behind the modern and older thought processes. never really thought about it in that sense.

[@iwantosavemoney]

well i have finaly figured out what i want to carry #1 belt ax #2 2 blade folder #3 fixed blade knife and a muiti tool i might add a small saw later this video really helped alot in my quest to find out what all i should bring thanks

[@MikeWareoffthebeatenpath]

not sure about timelines and copper age and such. I wasn't the 1st man to walk the earth and lasted till now to tell the story. But im sure that what I got from video was what was intended for me. Some know more about history and some know more about helping me understand how to become more dependant on myself. Thanks for the video

[@boknows7319]

Thanks for all the great videos! Sincerely thank you

[@MrBuck1955]

Great subject topic and well present thank you for all the time an efford in your teachings!

[@windyhillpatriot]

Great vid, Dave! I really like how you went through the advancements of man's tools of survival. Keep 'em coming. ~ WHP

[@OtziTheSurvivalist]

Thank you for this video! Otzi's discovery really changed the way we thought things were 5,000 years ago. Dave, Otzi had this little ornament looking tassel with flat bead of white marble, with narrow strips of fur twisted in ringlets, experts really don't know what that piece was for (they think repairs), do you have any thought on that? Thanks brother!

[@123ninjab]

i understand that. got my cousins away from facebook and video games and we made a lean-to together. i owe that to you!. keep on keepin' on brother!

[@TrinityRewind]

Wow some great info in this video Dave, always great to see how generation before us went about the same tasks.

[@gordonlawrence3537]

I found the bit about earlier tools particularly interesting. All good stuff.

[@Kayakwinds]

Looking forward to seeing that frame, Dave. A long time ago, you showed how to make a net out of para-cord. I followed your lead and ended up with a super strong net that I now have afixed to my pack frame. It is, in essence, a custom cargo net. Viewers here might want to review that early net making video and create their own cargo nets for their pack frams. Just a thought.

[@futuresonex]

'Tool heavy', yep that'd be me. When I was still active in the outdoors I typically carried a heavy 6" fixed blade (the 'do all' knife), a lighter 3"-4" neck knife, a good multi-tool, a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife & often a 'tactical folder' of some type clipped into my pocket as well. Depending upon where I was going & how long I intended to be out I might also have an ax, hatchet, tomahawk and/or saw with me as well. One tool that I like a lot is a roll-up, pocket chainsaw. Redundancy is good!

[@BackcountryPatriot]

Awesome video Dave. I believe in being tool heavy and having redundancies. I generally even carry a back up multitool and fixed blade because I prefer to and because I don't mind the extra weight knowing that I have more capability tham most people and a back up should one ever break. I'll carry a fixed blade and multitool on my belt along with a knife or two in my pockets and recently I've also been carrying a tomahawk on my belt. That might be too much for most but for me, it works out great!

[@redrocco44]

Thanks for all your vids Dave. The Opinel is a French knife. Cheers.

[@SwampRatProductions]

great discussion. goes to show that through out time, the right tool is needed for the right job. its interesting to see that when more than one tool is added to an implement quality and reliability goes down....most of the time.

[@Metallimise86]

Hey, Dave! Here's a quick request for a video: I'm looking into how I could use a fairly short span of time in the 'dirt', as you call it. Say, a week or a weekend. What are the things that you would consider worthwhile and interesting for an outdoor enthusiast or anyone interested in developing a mindset of self-reliance to try out and practice in the woods if you had limited time at your disposal as many people have during the summer (from work, school etc.). Keep up with the awesome videos!

[@michaeltaylor3546]

your looking healthy bud, glad your taking care of yourself.

[@aHigherPower]

Great informative video Dave! I love hearing the history behind it. Shared, thumbs up! God Bless!

[@HillbillysNdaBush]

Gr8 vid brother.... you are blazing the path for others to follow, with the detailed videos and explanations of there content.

[@Kayakwinds]

Dave, like many of the other viewers, I enjoyed the discussion about the "iceman." And I'm sure you took careful note of his pack frame. Pack framss have a host of applications for the self reliant community, especially for those who have to haul odd shaped loads. Your past videos on pack frames were among your best videos ever. How about a discussion concerning homemade pack frames? The Roycroft would be a great place to start.

[@tinkynex20]

Great video Dave, Sometimes the more things change the more they stay the same:) Even in these modern times we keep to ideas that have worked for millennium.

[@EatCarbs]

Interesting video Dave.. I was out this past weekend.. I had four blades and a saw with me. Goodtimes. Thanks for the video.

[@louismiller8938]

Dave, I have been watching your video's for 5 months now, it started with the budget bush crafting series, i took your basic idea's and did what i could in my area (no menards) i have made a hobo stove out of a big can that rolls up nicely with my blanket anyway i have taken your idea of high temp heat painting of the steel water bottle and my boiling/baking bowls. My question is i just bought the gsi kettle in stainless steel and was wondering if you would high heat paint that too?THANKS

[@Tacticalopsec101]

great video! i like the way you bring your knowledge and resources to the table. thank you sir.

[@zacquolex2524]

if there's one thing I like about listening its finding people worth listening to.

[@Osgkar]

Thanks For another great video. I am currently debating what axe, hatchet or tomahawk I am going to incorporate into my kit I am leaning towards the hatchet but a hammar headed tomahawk is real tempting.

[@NowAdaysWeWork]

really good video dave, i my self like the task specific tools

[@outdoorclown]

Great stuff Dave. Yore videos are always educational. Thanks

[@jimshady07]

Brilliant video sir, really enjoyed watching it and the info you gave thank you. - Jim

[@Kayakwinds]

Because of hard economice times, some of our brothers are on the move through urban/rural environments. A saw and knife are light in weight and effective, so they make a good combination. Axes and very large knives are hard to carry and scare the hell out of some people. On the other hand, in the "big woods" the full sized ax is a wonderful tool to have.

[@fionnmaclochlainn5454]

Love the knives Dave love the idea of having a spearhead in the pathfinder knife also great videos keep them coming

[@ecollins92]

your the shit dave, thanks for all the great info. its hard to find the kind of knowledge you spread elsewhere

[@iwantosavemoney]

i have seen this a few times and still like the information that was put out great video

[@colddrake80]

Opinel is a great knife - I have the number 7. It's really light and can take a wicked sharp edge. It's not really tough though so it can never really be a do it all knife. As Dave pointed out it's a whittling knife. Still awesome.

[@futfurd]

That was exactly what i worked out. I'm a policeman so have a hefty EDC kit on me at all times but am limited to folding knives. I understand that my folder is likely to be my only option if something happens and i'm in uniform. That has led me to using a smaller primary knife in my pack because if I have my pack I also have my hawk, or saw.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

If there was ever a tool dying to be THEE one tool option, it's a pack hatchet. It's slim in the cheeks, like a knife but long hafted for chopping power. Mine has a gut hook which pleases me immensely because it means I can unzip a critters birthday suit without damage to the gut sack. It's an idea that could be made into a serious bush tool, supplanting the normal Belt Knife. One of my favourite stories has a Voyageur who spilled his canoe and only had a flint stone and a Hudson's Bay Axe that gave him food, fire, shelter and actual comfort.

[@4zeluure]

Great vid, like always. Opinel sure is a french brand, the are usually made from carbon steel but now they make a line with stainless steel as well.

[@BillHinson]

@jraybu09 If you start with the (10 peace kit ) You should only need to add a few food items flour for bannock or other dry foods items Should be all you would need for an extended stay in the bush

[@kinghoju]

This is such a great video Dave--you make some really good points.

[@hecubus667]

Thanks for the Video Dave. Could you tell us the manufacturer and name of the knife you used as an example of a 17th century belt knife?

[@birdmancrow9188]

dave i enjoy ur video very much and i thank you keep on rocking brother

[@snaponjohn100]

Fantastic video, Brother!! Excellent information. God bless. John

[@uberbeast625]

here would be my choice for going out for an extended period of time. estwing 26 inch axe, estwing hatchet, a couple different sized wood working auger bits, sog folding saw, silky big boy, 1/2 3/4 1 and 1.5 inch chisels, 3/4 inch woodworking gouge, spoon knife, mora 511, KA-BAR full size fighting knife, buck 110, 12 inch mill bastard and 6 inch mill bastard file, sharpening puck, 600 - 1200 grit waterstones, honing rod, vise grips, small pliers, and a large pack of razor blades along with a stanley utility knife. with this set up i could probably do everything needed to prepare food, shelter, fire prep, and everything else in between.

[@Thereal111t]

Great video! Good to see the one tool option taken on for the recent theory that it is.

[@jraybu09]

Dave, you talk about kits and the things you should carry in different scenarios but can you do a video on a total kit? A kit you would carry to effect total survival for more than a couple of days? Let's say a kit for two weeks or more...if I packed everything you said thus far since your beginning videos, I would be pretty heavy...

[@bobihne]

Triple AAA- this really covers a lot of ground ,I don't always agree from ya but I always learn from ya,, ,Gracias

[@bblackrice]

Awsome video Dave! Thanks for sharing your never ending knowledge..

[@Hobgoblin4350]

I REALLY like the Nessmuk style knife.

[@Oldrustystuff]

Hey dave do you think you could make a video sometime about some books you have read doing research on these subjects.

[@LexingtonDaniel]

I've thought about this more since watching this video the first time: If we directed as much time, money and effort as we spend on the "one tool option" towards "guarantee I've got more than one tool" how successful could we get? Maybe that's where we ought to be applying the resources of the survival/bushcraft communities.

[@jntroisi]

Another fantastic video. I would love to see these various combinations used.

[@CSGKnivesAndGear]

Good advice mate! I hope I can travel to the US and meet you in person one day!

[@imbadwrench]

There is one with a hand guard on it that is safe to use. but the standard saw back machete is quite dangerous. Its been recalled so it is available on the cheap at some places.

[@GarryLewis]

Good looking Knife, Thanks for the video and your time.

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks for another great video Dave.

[@shtfgear]

I'll chime in to on the opinel. its French and its from 1890 and up.

[@wb5mgr]

One item I keep in my bag if I'm doing a lot of wood processing is a urethane wedge, this way if I get my knife stuck or don't want to baton through a knotty piece of wood I can open up a crack then insert the wedge and use the baton on it.

[@stymye]

Ötzi the Iceman was a human from the Mesolithic age who was a herdsman ,, His body was carried down the mountain inside a glacier in the austrian alps.He is Europe's oldest mummy

[@kingswoodkid1985]

dave, i know i'm probably the 700th person to point this out, apologies in advance, but opinel knives are french on another note, i still have my fathers opinel, it was passed on to me when i was 17, as he had received it from his father at 17, they are an incredible every day knife, and hold an excelent edge

[@acemech777]

my only question is what knife is on your right side in the video. Other than that verry good and whell though out. thank you for the info.

[@Swmohiker]

On your axe theory. Would it be possible to make a belt sheath for a hawk head and if needed you could make the handle? Seems there would be less bulk that way...

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I like the Wetterlings for Bushcrafting, but wouldn't use anything smaller than my Council Boy's Ax for any serious wood processing (firewood, etc...). Then again, I have an arsenal of 8 axes that go from a 1lb camp hatchet to several 32" 3 1/2 Felling Axes. "Tool Heavy" is an understatement for me.

[@BOUTR05G]

Opinel is a french knife i believe, but i love your videos mate!