Learn The Eskimo Strap Drill Friction Fire

This is a step by step tutorial on how to make and use the Eskimo strap drill method of friction fire. This method is also known as the arctic or Inuit strap drill.
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[@FremontidaeScott]

The Bob Ross of bushcraft. He's super chill, and he shows you he knows what he's talking about. Put this guy on PBS, he'll be famous.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Thank you for the kind words. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@Auriam]

I love this idea.

[@jquest43]

Fremontidae Scott we don't need " pbs" anymore

[@stephenbeardwood9987]

I would say the grizzly Adams of Bushcraft he's a great guy

[@ladyofthemasque]

Thank you for going over the reasons for the design and use of various parts and pieces, for showing each step clearly, and for covering the safety reasons behind the techniques used. This has been one of the most informative videos I've seen in fire platform making for survival bushcraft. Thanks!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

ladyofthemasque You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed the video

[@modslot]

Very good video, you showed what to use and where to find it. You hook everyone in by quickly demonstrating the device then in your way you show us how to make it and make an ember with it. But what stands out most to me is your total absence of ego, your humanity is what shines, so rare on youtube. Keep it up.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+Brian Stoner Thank you very much for those kind words of encouragement.

[@jackhickey3914]

Brian Stoner s

[@jquest43]

Brian Stoner he is so great

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

This video is seriously excellent . You are one of the few teachers which show the two hole / multiple hole hearth board which was the way my Apache cousin showed me 50 years ago . Your Eskimo device is fascinating . I lived in Alaska for awhile and can appreciate that your shotgun is always close by . My thanks and respect for your contribution . Lefty northern New Mexico

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Master Tracker Thank you Lefty for the encouraging words

[@paulanthony873]

***** really inspirational I broke my neck 20 years ago and have not been bush since I love all your videos remember at the end of them to ask your viewers if they find them educational or simply love watching you're video please subscribe to our channel and press the like button down below and point to them so you can build an audience and make a few dollars so you can afford to work less and make more videos always say while you are here please watch a few more of my videos as one day they could save the life of you or a loved one, kind regards Paul Sydney Australia

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Paul Anthony Thank you Paul. I will be working on something that will allow clickable links at the end of my video (I hope) that will encourage folks to interact more. Right now I don't have the software to do that but will be working towards that goal

[@HNXMedia]

You, Sir, are an educator of the highest order! Namaste!

[@rg3412]

I've seen dozen of friction fire videos. Yours are by far the best. It's all about the details, and you take the time to explain them well. Thanks a lot!

[@MUGSYBROWN]

Lonnie and Connie, I’m thoroughly enjoying your videos, and I’m getting invaluable knowledge as well. Always interesting and insightful. I appreciate your teachings immensely. Thanks for schooling us city folk, we may all need this knowledge one day. Hopefully I can learn as much as possible from you in case the interweb ever breaks down one day. Thanks again Lonnie and Connie !!

[@GronkMode]

I’ve never seen this method before, and I love primitive technique. Thank you much for the insight, and also I love the fact that you threw in where it came from and a lot of information about the materials and how they came to be. Great video. Thanks!

[@billhart9832]

Lonnie, I'm watching this some 5 years after you recorded it, but knowledge never dies. I also immediately recalled my elementary school days nearly 50 years ago when we studied the Pelly Bay Eskimos (as they were known then) and their use of exactly what you've shown us here, apart from materials. I believe their cordage was caribou sinew and parts of the drill and mouthpiece were bone. Thanks for keeping the old knowledge alive.

[@arcticspirals]

Your respect toward native people keeps me coming back. I think you are a special person, I appreciate you. Glad I found your channel.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I am glad that you have found the channel here as well and that you enjoy the videos.

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

Very nice film! On a slightly different note, many years ago in the museum of mankind in London I recall seeing absolutely beautiful inuit carvings of walruses, whales, seals etc made from ivory and which had been carved using a strap drill like this one but with a steel point, sort of a prototype Dremel!

[@snowscapephile4709]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C3%B1upiat

[@davidcarothers3311]

Yep. That may have been Moe Griswald...

[@harlicelaver1087]

He is a great teacher I now know how to make it,if I see it I can do it thank you for the knowledge

[@totallyclipz7015]

Lonnie, I've been training at wilderness survival for lots of years, I've read so many books, watched tons of videos, practiced in real life, trained others, and I got to a point where I was feeling like there was nothing else to learn about the craft. I knew I couldn't possibly know EVERYTHING, but it just felt like there wasn't much more to know. Then I found your channel. I've been watching you and Connie for some time now (though this is my first comment.) I must say, you are an awesome guy and a great teacher! You're the first in many years to make me feel like a student again and I greatly appreciate that. I've learned so much from watching your videos. I appreciate your humble and laid back approach. You come across as a nice guy who isn't out to act like a know-it-all or portray yourself as the king of bushcraft and survival but your skills and knowledge speak for themselves. Your whole demeanor is very inviting. Thanks a million for sharing your talent with all of us! I'm certainly a huge fan. Thanks to Connie as well because I know, behind every good man is a great woman.

[@louisemissouri4410]

I had not thought of that shape. It's really a great idea for those of us with horribly sensitive knee's that have a hard time kneeling for the other way for friction fire. Thanks Lonnie! ATB Louise

[@nalgasaplaudiendo3119]

This method seems far faster than using a bow drill. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on Bushcraft. I enjoy your videos immensely and plan to use much of what you have shared in the future. You take care. Thanks Lonnie!

[@ashishm8413]

There are a literally hundreds of gear review channels on KZbin. Very few channels that teach actual survival skills. You are a joy to watch. Thank you!

[@stayalivesweetheart]

This is brilliant. I can't believe how much more effective this is than the 'regular' way. Thank you for posting this!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+stayalivesweetheart This is also a more forgiving method when using natural cordage versus the standard bow and drill method. Being able to perform a friction fire in a sitting position is a big plus at times as well.

[@Bigpoppa-gi4dc]

this guy needs a weekly tv show he goes into every detail and shows his work not a cut away scene then back to a raging fire started with gas and matches. this guy is good!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Bigpoppa5656 Thank you for those kind words. I do enjoy *showing* people how to do things in such a way that they can then go do it themselves.

[@Bigpoppa-gi4dc]

hey you deserve it buddy and more best instructional survival vid i seen so far. keep it up you might be saving peoples lives here.

[@VansHalham]

Lonnie is a natural teacher! Good work, kept me interested for the duration!

[@salcaptsal8165]

One of the best videos describing Fire Drill Method.

[@MattyG2812]

Very nice and educational videos sir. I admire your skills and communication when it comes to these things, personally you have change my life for the better good as i have taken the respondsibility of learning how to deal and get on with my surroundings in nature itself. I assure you i am deeply thankful for your work. Thanks again.

[@RichardFoleher]

I've been watching your videos every night for months. I spend a good amount of time fishing by the beach and have used many of your techniques. I just wanted to say thanks for the videos.

[@lennardmcintosh7093]

I wasn't aware of the Inuit method, Lonny. You had my rapt attention. Well demonstrated. And, many thanks!

[@stephenthomson5985]

While watching your videos, I feel like I'm out in the woods with my pops again. He's not physically able to get out anymore and it's sad for both of us. You explain things exactly like he did. It is something I didn't appreciate at the time and now miss very much. Thank you for your videos sir. Going to make your hot tent and bucket wood burner this winter!

[@Hockeyfan9884]

By the way Lonnie , I love this video. It is another major factor you have provided for us in that how truly resourceful and smart the inuit really are. I personally have a very very deep respect for them and always will. Thanks for sharing.

[@paleomanjim]

Nicely done! I was not aware of this method of fire making. This really demonstrates the creative ingenuity of cultures all over the world. When there was a need....something that would improve the odds of survival and make life more comfortable man always found a way! Thanks for sharing!....jim

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

paleomanjim there is the old saying that goes something like "necessity is the mother of invention". Like you said, that definetly applies to this method. The Eskimo people needed to create fire up off the ground out of the snow. Some wise person many many years ago thought of something close to this and it has evolved and been adapted to what it is today.

[@guybeauchesne439]

paleomanjim and the only

[@PrepSetGo]

Excellent video! I've been using various methods for years, but this is the first time I've seen this one. It may, quickly become my favorite and most recommended. I realize this is about the strap drill method and not friction fires in general but I would have liked to hear you mention the reason behind the different species of woods and their relative hardness.

[@JEEROFUKU]

Comment to keep this interesting technique widely available in 2021. Thank you, Lonnie, this is a real gem 🤝ATB🙏🏻🍀

[@I_Art_Laughing]

I'm glad you got this back up Lonnie. I've got to spend more time on this method myself.

[@jonnyboat2]

I must say that this is one of the most interesting, beneficial and informative channels I have watched. I will probably watch all of the videos. This is a great outdoor education experience. I love this stuff.

[@TJackSurvival]

Excellent video. I learned some new ideas.

[@kevinwackly9844]

I love the concept of the video how you talked about history safety and explained how tp use it

[@jeanjohnson2743]

It's nice to see all methods of primitive fire-making and you try all methods to cuz when a situation arises you should be prepared

[@ddskimmer]

ONCE AGAIN...GREAT STUFF! THE BEST SPINDLE YET. QUICK AND EASY FIRE...NO MESSING AROUND! THANKS.

[@sasquatchlifenotrace8024]

Great knowledge. I had never heard of nor seen this version of friction for before. Thanks for the lesson

[@wolfie498]

I have a fire steel and always carry a few lighters. However, this video has encouraged my lazy bones to actually learn this valuable skill. Thank you man, you're an absolute legend. I'm going out in a couple of days and will probably spend more time doing this than actually hunting! Fun stuff, peace :)

[@easein]

Thank you and God bless you. Don't stop posting. Invaluable info. And lots of fun. Thanks

[@Auriam]

Beautiful video. Everything explained perfectly. I can't believe that was half an hour, the time just flew by. I look forward to trying this myself soon! Thank you.

[@SuperMacDaddy66]

Awesome! This is the first time I've seen this version of the bow and drill. I think this is my new favorite method of fire starting, thank you for another great lesson.

[@survivewithout]

makes me want to try it out now. very well explained. thank you for taking the proper time to explain it so well

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

Really good demo. Seems easier than trying to get a root arranged around a bow drill.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+The Wooded Beardsman Yes. A root is much easier to use successfully with this method than it is with a bow. I have even used strips of tree bark. Here is a video I did using bark strip for cordage and show how. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommol3inrbBklbs

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

***** Yup, I did watch this one too. Would you still recommend using a tree root for a bow drill or is there something more reliable that is natural? I've seen many demos with a tree root and it looks terribly frustrating! I supposed natives would have used sinew...you think?

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+The Wooded Beardsman Yes the natives used sinew. During the summer the spruce roots are fairly easily obtainable. I prefer our black spruce roots over our white spruce roots. The black spruce roots seem to be more durable and longer lasting. I would say that the willow bark strips are just about as easy to use and are about of the same durability. In some localities one may be easier to obtain than the other. To tell you the truth though I have yet to be successful with natural cordage on bow drill. I have not put much effort into it since I found that the Eskimo strap drill is more forgiving regarding natural cordage. I usually have boot strings or if not boot strings, I have my survival bracelet. if for some reason that is not available even though I wear it 24 X 7 I can rip the bottom off my Tshirt where the hem is and use that. So I am confident that I will get a fire going no matter what and no matter what season.

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

***** From what I've learned, we're on the same page here. I haven't tried natural cordage yet, but I may have to in the future. You're right on all accounts -- but was hoping for a better solution!

[@joeonnen1219]

Kudos! It's quite refreshing to see a video from someone who knows the difference between tools and toys!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Joe Onnen Thank you for the kudos. Glad you found the video "refreshing".

[@MrMarkcharlotte]

No nonsense. Excellent educational piece! I'm making one tomorrow now.

[@donaldcowick4280]

I enjoy your style of teaching us how to do so many useful survival issues. I found the content of the presentation thorough and thoughtful. The experience is empowering.

[@sandsnakes01]

Fantastic video, wonderful method for places and woodlands that are wetter, ideal for the UK. Great emphasis on safety. Keep it up.

[@judyclark1656]

thank you for showing this , you are a great teacher and bushman !

[@jelkel25]

You're a natural at putting this information out there, that was very thorough and to the point, Thank-You. All the best!!!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

jelkel25 Thank you. Glad you like my presentation style and the video.

[@collocksb8408]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this knowledge and demonstrate the skills involved, in a gentle, easy to understand manner. I have watched many "bushcraft" videos demonstrating a variety of drill-type methods, but they all took a long time of drilling and more skill than most people have time to attain. And I was not at all confident in my ability to produce an ember using any of those other drill-type systems. However, this method is so clearly practical, I'm pretty sure I could make an ember if necessary! Thank you, from England

[@johnoldonekanole602]

Glad your back. Thanks for the vid.

[@Carlos-hs8zo]

Great video. Your demos are always so thoroughly explained. You are good at what you do. THANKS!

[@ClimbingMyWayOut]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge once again. I never new about the step down idea on the hearth - makes sense now that I see it.

[@classyclaws]

Great video though! I'm very impressed with your knowledge, skills and plainspoken forthrightness. I too, am not combative but very "matter of fact." Your awesome. Thank you, even though I personally, do not think I could ever do this alone, but if the situation were to present itself, with someone like you I would feel very secure.

[@yo4967]

finally a video with practicality and very instructive. Thanks

[@GreaseStain]

Thanks for taking the time to put things like this together Lonnie!

[@fridaymiles]

AWESOME. Thanks for passing on this knowledge. Thank you!

[@Rustyone4u2]

Thank you Far North...I learned something that could very well save my life some day.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

William Fagan You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@richiebeard994]

This concept of using the mouth as an appendage is brilliant!

[@Bushchannel]

Hey Lonnie. Awesome chat about the Eskimo ways, they must've been a fantastic culture way back when... Every time I watch your videos I'm reminded that I still have lots to learn :-)

[@TomsBackwoods]

Great video Lonnie! Thanks for showing!

[@Otternase420]

Hey Lonnie, I'm follow you around for a couple of years know...watched and rewatched all your videos. Watching this video I have to say: It is your masterpiece! So well explained, detailed and narrated with so much patience. I learned a lot. Just great stuff! Thank you very much and greetings from Germany!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Otternase420 thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoy the videos and greetings from Alaska USA.

[@dohertymichael]

Thank you for going to the trouble to explain & show people this, I really found it interesting. I will give it a go one day when camping out next. Cheers.

[@virginiacopeland108]

Very good demonstration and strenuous beside! Thanks, Clark

[@jonnyboat2]

Very informative. You just added something worthwhile to my life.

[@OrvilleHarmison]

Most informative series on bush craft on the net. I have learned more from you on how to's and proper techniques in the last couple of days since I discovered your KZbin channel than I have in a lifetime of banging around. I really like when you do the close ups to the camera because I can see all the details you are talking about much clearer. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Glad that you did find the channel here and are enjoying it. Welcome to the channel.

[@Bosirant]

Another excellent video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@arowrock]

I have seen a few pictures of Eskimos using this method for drilling and fire starting but I never got it until now. Thank you so much for sharing. If you ever write a book, I will definitely buy one, or two. Wild wood wisdom would have a rival if you put your knowledge on paper. Thank you my friend, excellent as always. Arrorock.

[@SpyderBDM]

Great video! I watched the whole thing intently and enjoyed every minute of it. This was definitely one of the better survival "how-to" videos on KZbin. It was very thorough and I appreciated you showing what the different materials looked like in their natural habitat. I'm a tad ignorant when it comes to types of trees and other plants, so that helped a great deal. Hopefully I'll be able to find some treasures of my own around where I live so I can make my own Eskimo strap drill. Also, I think that adding curvature to the ends of the hearth in a way that allows you to hold it more securely between your knees/thighs would be a nice addition to the strap drill design. I have no idea if that would stick with the traditional method of construction or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if an Eskimo a long time ago made some extra ergonomic considerations when making their own strap drill. Maybe you could bore out a bowl-like shape in the ends of the hearth for the side of your knees to interface with. Something shaped like this; )IIIIIIIIIIII( . Thanks for sharing the knowledge! I'll be sure to check out some of your other videos. Best of luck on your future endeavors!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

SpyderBDM Thank you for the kind words. As far as rounding of the ends..... My friend who first demonstrated this to me, did have his hearth rounded on the ends. It doesn't seem to make much difference to me weather it is rounded or not. My US.GI pants are double layered in the knee area and the flat hearth ends don't bother me. You may be interested in checking out the keyhole hearth method which is actually easier to construct than this stepped hearth method. I have a video below where I demo the "keyhole" method with bow and drill friction fire but the hearth is just as useable for the Eskimo strap drill as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYKocoqdoMuci8k

[@johnwmacdonald994]

Very nice demonstration. I'm new to friction fire and you explained it well. It's a big help.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

John W MacDonald I'm glad you were able to make sense out of the video. Sometimes I get frustrated with myself for not being able to explain things as well as I would like too. Thank you

[@tvkiii]

That was great Lonnie! I have to try this. I didn't even know about this method before. I've learned a lot from your and Connie's videos. Thank you so much for all you do.

[@snowscapephile4709]

I really appreciate how your beard trimming has changed, wonder if my beard would have the same lengtht if I grew for 6 yrs. Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot.

[@tonihall7810]

Thankyou . This would be an awesome addition to camping gear and hardly takes up any space . Also thankyou for the background info . I love to know where things come from .

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

toni hall You are welcome. Glad you like it.

[@Snailmailtrucker]

You seems like a real stand up kind of a guy ! I appreciate all of the effort you put into teaching those of us who aren't nearly as skilled in your survival techniques as you are. Very interesting stuff and you do a great job presenting it to us ! Nicely Done !

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

***** Thank you very much for the kind words. I am glad you are enjoying the videos

[@RustyGunn7]

Cool stuff. Thank you for teaching me something useful today.

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

Best demo I have seen ...Thank you

[@JoeSpivey2]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. This could be very useful. We should never take for granted what we have. Fire could save your life someday and learning how to make fire from scratch is valuable information.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Joe Spivey I feel the same way I feel that I will almost definitely never *need* to use primitive fire lighting techniques or even my knowledge of plants usefulness as edibles or medicinals or any of my other survival type knowledge. It is a great empowering and confidence building feeling though to know that **IF** a survival situation ever occurs, I am already equiped mentally to deal with it and most likely come out the other end of the episode not only alive but thriving.

[@patriciakirk5565]

You are so informative. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Have great respect for those who share their wisdom & skills with others. Thumbs up, my friend.

[@Wintertrekker]

Well shown Lonnie, thanks!

[@RS-nh9gu]

Thank you so much. Thank you for sharing. One of the best videos I ever watched.

[@canesser1]

Phenomenal instruction and instructor Lonnie! Loved the history lesson as well. You don't make near enough videos ;) I can see the advantages to this method up here in the great white north but looks like it would take some practice to get it down pat.

[@iggie1439]

I like how you explain things Lonnie, you make it very easy to follow. I travel the Australian outback and its always good to know a new way to make fire. Keep up the good work.

[@michaelmaccalla6701]

Great technique, thanks for sharing!

[@Manuipe]

Thank you for sharing these.

[@rbejder]

very good video. I have not seen that method before. Good explanation of material use and variations. Also excellent safety instructions!

[@GospelTruth37059]

I'M learning so much on u-tube . This I have never seen before , very interesting . Thank you for sharing excellent video.

[@isorepete7537]

This look a lot better than the bow drill. Will definitely have to give it a try.

[@rizaavsar8439]

Your videos are crystal clear, tutoring is first class, knowledge is fulfilling. If only all the teachers in the world taught this way, wow just imagine that... All the best sir. May God be with you!

[@Starfighter9397]

You are an outstanding teacher! Really enjoyed learning where this technique comes from and the reasoning behind each of the parts and movements! Thank You :-)

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+Starfighter9397 Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and you are welcome.

[@MarkDHastingsMusic]

I especially appreciated the explanation of the advantages of this method over the bow drill method.

[@Rikigoya]

that was very awesome! very detailed and i learned alot from this video thank you.

[@tiedemann8225]

Thank`s for another greit vid. I like the easy way u explane stuff .

[@garygerow4822]

Thankyou for your time and knowledge, blessings .

[@lagondonter]

Thank you very much for that and all your videos, great skills and great knowledge from a great man!

[@justga1]

That was Great, I appreciate how well you explained every aspect of it. Good Job.

[@missourisurvivalandoutdoor9547]

absolutely fantastic your channel is a wealth of good knowledge and I watch a couple hours of your channel several times a week not a day goes by that I don't watch atleast a video or two

[@highcotton63664]

Most useful video ive seen on youtube in a long time, thx!

[@garys_shave]

I always learn something from Lonnie (not sure how he spells it) and after watching the effort put into his many friction fires I have learned to NEVER ever forget a lighter or two;)

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Bic Lighter May Be Bad Survival Choice kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3K1dH6mrKmqgLs Should Bic Lighters Be Used For Survival? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOVgIyqrdCgopY

[@BobSmith-oe3hf]

Excellent explanation! Love the channel man!

[@ggg564]

Very interesting and informative video. I was unable to figure out what the advantage over the bow drill could be, until you addressed the question at the end of the video. I appreciate the attention you give to the details. As a non native English user, I also greatly enjoy your rather slow delivery. It seems to suit the subject. From what I start to understand, rushing is no good in fire making. Thanks again.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

g gg You are welcome and thank you.

[@ivandamico93]

Thanks for posting! Ill be sharing with loved ones, you never know which skill may save your life some day. Subbed!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+Ivan Damico You are welcome and thank you very much for subbing. My wife and I really appreciate you being here. Thanks also for sharing. I agree that it is good to learn all we can learn about the outdoors especially if one spends much time there. You just never know when an emergency may happen and what bit or bits of knowledge will pull you through.