Mors Kochanski In Conversation With Paul Kirtley At The 2019 Global Bushcraft Symposium

Mors Kochanski joins me for a conversation about wilderness living skills, bushcraft and survival. Mors explains his background in these subjects, going right back to his school days, along with learning from his mentor Tom Roycraft, through Mors's own unique contributions and inventions , including the super-shelter. Along the way we cover a lot of fascinating ground. Please enjoy this conversation with Mors, which took place on June 13th 2019 during the Global Bushcraft Symposium in Alberta, Canada.
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[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

I'm 30 minutes in and have never heard Mors speak so well. like it's all coming back to him and released for a reason... special moment in time!

[@PaulKirtley]

I'm glad you appreciate this conversation. :-)

[@arenawoodworks]

Thank you Paul for letting him speak now he still can. The patience to do so besides your own teaching shows you are a great person as well!

[@Kinetic.44]

Im watching as much of Mors as i possibly can. I am grateful this was recorded and uploaded.

[@wis1024]

This man has more knowledge than canterbury, lundin, mears and certainly paul combined. There will never be another like this man. A true great in his field. He will forever be missed

[@stephenzevetchin]

Well, they're not his age yet...those men you listed are certainly masters too.

[@greekveteran2715]

@@stephenzevetchin AS if those are in their early 30's or something... Mors was one, the father, the persons you mentioned, used to be his students. Cody was for sure. They just so the same opportunity and they grabbed it, not many "survival instructors out there. I don't considered the KZbinrs that pop like mushrooms every day, as survival instructors, they are marketing sistributors at best, with little knowledge on the subject, sometimes like the on the subject of knives, they even have zero knowledge.

[@jotade2098]

Liked it before watching, there's no way this ain't gonna be great. Mors is the true master of the craft. Thanks for posting Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

My absolute pleasure. Enjoy!

[@JustInCases72]

It would have been a honor to set and just talk with Morse Kochanski. Thank you for posting this video Paul

[@pastorpfp1]

You showed great respect to Mr. Kochanski. Well done! You are a good listener which surprised me. Lol! You are used to talking on your videos. I think this will be a treasure for a long time. Thank you Paul.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you for filming this Paul! Fantastic interview!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@tomritter493]

Unbelievable Dave God this man was a fountain of jnfo

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@tomritter493 I agree, there will never be another one like him

[@nadmaq3537]

Everyone who loves bushcraft thanks for sharing those moments with us.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure. Enjoy. 😊

[@randybreeuwsma3049]

I met Mors Kochanski in 1993 and took my first course with him later that year. Mors and I live 30 minutes away from each other, close enough that we can easily get together. We have produced many videos and books together. I have heard all these stories many times over the years, and at the age of 79, this is one of the best interviews I have heard from Mors in years. For those sitting on the fence wondering when to take a course with Mors, now is the time to do so. Karamat Wilderness Ways - karamat.com/

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your kind words about this interview Randy. I'm glad it came out well. Looking forward to seeing you in the winter :-)

[@michaelarnold8714]

Thoroughly enjoyed the interview.. Mors is a masterful storyteller. Taking a course from him or either of you gentlemen Randy or Paul would be quite rewarding. Many thanks Paul for sharing this interview.

[@prostarmansd]

Signed up and ready to go this February! Can't wait!

[@PaulKirtley]

:-)

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you enjoyed this Michael.

[@CampfireKodiak]

Mors got me started in Bushcraft. Before I read his book years ago I just called it camping even when I was doing it for weeks at a time. At any rate Mors deserves the credit everyone gives him.

[@edithofr.i.emeraldisle5042]

What a great interchange with a great man, and you also are a great bushcraft teacher Thank you.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for this Paul, I never met Mors but I certainly miss him.

[@jinxjones5497]

_Awe inspiring stuff indeed. Definitely one of the rock stars of the survival world. A real loss and an amazing man to listen to. A real innovator. RIP Mors_

[@RhysTucker2603]

Thank you very much for this. Unbelievable how much knowledge and wisdom that man had. Very sad that he is no longer around to share this wisdom. At least we have plenty of videos and books that immortalize Mors for the bushcraft community.

[@LeighRobinsonBushcraft]

Lovely interview with Mors. He always comes across as a really nice guy with a keen intellect. Credit to Paul for sitting back and letting Mors talk. No egos from either men. Thanks for uploading.

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you liked it Leigh. Cheers.

[@kianakikki]

Thank you for this timeless conversation. Always nice to see people talking who are so devoted to the science behind the bushcraft knowledge.

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you liked the conversation. Thanks for your feedback.

[@daniellarrabee9741]

A living legend, great sit down and well worth the watch. I hope I’m that happy at his age

[@alphapatriot8405]

WOW !! Legendary interview Mors is a titan of bushcraft

[@NWBushman]

Thank you Paul. A true gem of a video. Mors is an amazing man. I studied under him in 1999. He was just as gracious then with his wisdom as he is in 2019!! I SO look forward to more books from him in the near future! Thanks a million for sharing!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you my friend. I'm glad you liked it.

[@JustInCases72]

Well I can listen To Morse Kochanski for hours. Glad you got to interview him

[@DavidMuller-DMullerDesign]

God bless you Mors, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us all.

[@PaulKirtley]

Indeed. Well said.

[@bushnut8305]

I had the honour of attending the 2019 GBS. Wow! Meeting my heroes and being able to thank them for making me the way I am, was incredible. My one take away was that even with all my experience I know nothing! So much more to learn. Bushcraft is a life long endeavour of learning.

[@PaulKirtley]

It's the same for all of us - there's always more to learn. I'm glad you enjoyed the GBS. As you say, it was an incredible event.

[@gracemartin7797]

I'm new to bushcraft, a novice really, and I only recently learned of mors. It seems I have been missing out and regret the huge loss his passing is. I look forward to watching his videos and learning from someone so revered.great interview and thanks for introducing me to mors.

[@PaulKirtley]

We will all miss Mors but it is not too late to learn from him. His legacy lives on. And there are many videos and pamphlets that bear his knowledge. I'm glad you enjoyed this interview Grace. Thanks for your comments.

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

Thank you Paul. It's been a true pleasure meeting you face to face and to see Mors again. As two elders in the Bushcraft community, although Mors may have seemed to circumvent some of your direct questions with his own anecdotes, it was pure enlightenment to hear the both of you, as you hashed out a few of the more obvious elements of bushcraft and survival that need correction. The reflector (re-emitter), snow eating, proper clothing, REM sleep, etc. all need to be discussed on proper terms. The supershelter is an insightful, wondrous invention, although it is but an igloo using modern materials, it is an intelligent marvel of modern times, portable, usable all seasons, and extremely efficient, certainly something Otzi would have carried with him had he had those materials. Again, thank you for documenting and sharing this. (Marcel)

[@PaulKirtley]

As always, thanks for your comments Marcel. It was great to meet you too. The GBS was great for putting us all in a melting pot of sharing skills and knowledge, as well as allowing us connect across geographies and generations. My only regret was that it wasn't longer.

[@PhilEvansOnline]

Mors is a stream of consciousness, amazing interview. Well done Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you.

[@野生老雪]

heyPaul ，i form china i love Mors and you Paul ，You have taught me a lot about bushcraft knowledge，thank you for this o man I can't believe he's gone🙏

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you for your positive words.

[@karolwlad76]

I'm really proud Mors has Polish roots. He said he is a few years yet to come before him - what he didn't know he will pass away in 5 months from this conversation. Great man with vast bushcraft knowledge. R.I.P

[@jampuppy]

Excellent. I could listen to him all day! Thank you!

[@Turnbull62]

Came to this video thinking I really want to see this, but I’m probably gonna have to do it in two or even three sittings. Ninety odd minutes later I’m thinking, (amongst other things) ‘ I wish time at work passed so quickly or was half this interesting. Fantastic stuff. The sign of a good interview is when the interviewer does less than 10% of the talking. Good work, Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you for your positive words. I'm glad you found this interview so engaging. All the best, Paul

[@TrailTrek]

Long live Mors, what a humble but knowledgeable man, im so glad he shares his expertise. i wish him good health and i loved listening to this while i worked today.

[@RossDixonTeaching]

Thanks for this Paul: That man's mind was a real treasure chest.

[@fadingmargins]

The perfect interviewer - almost silent! Many thanks for sharing this - just subbed!!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you on both counts. :-)

[@edone1231]

Dear Mors & Paul, thanks for sharing 90 minutes of anecdotes. It was a pleasure ;)

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you liked it Ed :-)

[@fourdogstoveco]

Great info from a true "Titan" of bushcraft. Thanks for doing this !

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi is a true titan. So much knowledge. 90 minutes only scratched the surface. Thanks for facilitating this Don. Cheers!

[@luisalmeida777]

Awesome video, two legends in the same room, we all felt a disturbance in the force! Thank you two for the opportunity to watch a conversation like this!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you Luis. I'm glad you enjoyed this conversation :-)

[@cyoungso]

RIP Mors. I learned a lot from you in person and your books

[@jiffywartbustle2348]

Mr. Kochanski is a national treasure. Excellent interview, thank you!

[@PaulKirtley]

I'm glad you enjoyed the interview Justin. Thanks for your feedback.

[@udohirschmnn1479]

That is one piece of truely impressive history Paul. I love it.

[@PaulKirtley]

:-)

[@PiscatorLager]

Rest peacefully in Mother nature.

[@PaulKirtley]

Well said.

[@stephenzevetchin]

Thank you Paul. This is an important component to our hobbies and passions.

[@PaulKirtley]

Indeed and there are some great nuggets of knowledge in this conversation thanks to Mors. :-)

[@ED-on8to]

Thank you for this interview!

[@ffoxyff]

Thanks for sharing this. Was great to hear him.

[@jamiedelaney]

Love Mors and his teachings. Thank you for this.

[@PaulKirtley]

It was an honour to sit down with Mors in this way and a pleasure to share our conversation with the world. Thanks for watching Jamie.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

It was great to meet Mors at one of the early Rabbit Stick get togethers back in the 80s' . What a great guy and such a wealth of knowledge . Thanks for this video .

[@jchambers1191]

Thank you, Mors and Paul, for sharing your conversation!

[@PaulKirtley]

You are most welcome Jeff. I'm glad you liked it.

[@aikirunner]

It fantastic that you were able to capture this interview. Not only does Mors have a wealth of knowledge, he also tells wonderful stories.

[@PaulKirtley]

Indeed he does. I'm glad you appreciated this.

[@Basha72]

Great chat, no doubting Mor’s knowledge from over the years & his learning he gained from Tom who he always speaks highly of. Really enjoyed the latter part with Mor’s views on the science of fire & the snow eating, look forward to his future publications

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you liked it David.

[@sierrasurvivaladventures]

Thanks for sharing this Paul, it was so amazing to listen to a man who has inspired me for years.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure Carl. I'm glad you appreciated it. Thanks.

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent interview Paul. thanks for posting. Nate

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Nate. I'm glad you liked it.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Wonderful conversation. Listened to it over several instalments. Meanwhile I was going back outside to split logs. Sobering to listen to the axe injures.

[@PaulKirtley]

Cheers Ray

[@jamiedelaney]

A quick blade makes easy work of mindlessness...is what I recall my grandfather saying. I haven't heeded his words always, but they do come back to mind when I've forgotten to respect which way the blade has pointed. Such great wit and wisdom shared by Mors here.

[@gregpenny4384]

Thank you Paul, I enjoyed talking with you at the Symposium, and I am planning to attending the Global Bushcraft Symposium in Britain in 2021 that you are co chair of. The biggest thrill of my life was getting to sit and talk with Mors with only 2 other people for a number of hours in the mess hall at the Symposium. I am now starting on your Pod casts.

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes there were some great opportunities for some proper conversations. Glad you are coming in 2021. It'll be good to see you again.

[@nobull-dozer3356]

What a great guy to interview. Thank you for posting this conversation Sir .

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure. Glad you appreciate the post.

[@drytool]

Totally classic and legendary!!

[@bmc2266]

Glad to see Mr. Kochanski! I'll watch to full vid as soon as I can find the time. Thanks in advance for this video!

[@PaulKirtley]

I hope you enjoy it.

[@BluBarron]

Mors is awesome. Paul could learn a lot from him. His stories are awesome and he is not ashamed to tell you exactly what happened. Notice how in all of Paul’s stories someone he was with made the mistake while Paul went over here and did the perfect thing every time.

[@eturnerx]

Wow! Privilege to watch these greats conversing.

[@PaulKirtley]

Mors is great and it was a privilege to interview him.

[@stephenzevetchin]

I benefitted from watching it again. What a life. I hope his book ideas are all realised in print form, for the world.

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes, me too. It would be great to see these in print...

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for sharing this Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure.

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Legendary buddy, respect ✊🏼 was great seeing you and Mors again at the symposium 🤙🏼 take care and hope to catch up soon 😉👍

[@PaulKirtley]

Good to see you too JP/ Looking forward to the next one already. Glad you liked the video mate. Cheers, Paul

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Me too! Lisa and yourself will smash it! Can’t wait 😎 if you need a hand just give me a holler 😉👌👍

[@youlleck]

It's very unusual these days to launch 1.5h ytb video and watch till the end. Really loved to hear Mors' story. Thank you.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad you found it a worthwhile use of your time. Warm regards, Paul

[@jotade2098]

Mors and Tom come from a physician, first responder approach and experience. That's the way for survival. Nothing to do with reviewing neck knives.

[@PaulKirtley]

:-)

[@HighlandWoodsman]

A pleasure to watch and listen Paul, great video.

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you liked it

[@bonilsson3161]

Great interview, thank you. Mors is an icon in the outdoor and survivalist world, I am not so much into survival but its always good to have knowledge and he is also quite inspirational. Bo Nilsson Sweden

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for you comments Bo. I'm glad you liked this.

[@sosteve9113]

Been in Sweden last year,beautiful country

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

Forgot to like and comment in this One. Great interview.🙏

[@featani7755]

Really delightful interview to a bushcraft legend. Thanks!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked it.

[@Jeffrey1978]

God Bless his soul. I was sad to hear of Mors passing away in December of 2019; very sad news.

[@davidcollishaw2771]

hadn't heard this, shame but he had a good life and motivated a heck of a lot of people. I had some great firesides with him.

[@justindawson3428]

He never fails to entertain me, I always learn something when I listen to Mors. Thank you Paul for sharing this wonderful interview with a living legend. When are you going to interview Gordon from Australia? Bob Cooper would also make good listening. Whoever it is I look forward to it.

[@PaulKirtley]

Agreed both Gordo and Bob would be good to have along. Glad you liked the session with Mors.

[@stephenzevetchin]

Best exchange I have seen all year! really informative and "inside"

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks!

[@patcolbourne1429]

Awesome interview. Thanks for sharing Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure Pat.

[@lluisbrull4550]

Thank you for this Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

An absolute pleasure.

[@slugjumper7709]

Been waiting for this one... thanks in advance

[@PaulKirtley]

Enjoy Paul.

[@denisapwoodsman]

Thanks to share Paul. Congrats and cheers.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure.

[@shanelonergan1792]

What a fantastic video I really enjoyed it.

[@mjallenuk]

Hmmm... decision time. Do I wait for this in podcast form when I've got time at work? Watch it later when the children and wife have nodded off? Do both? I think we all know the answer...

[@PaulKirtley]

:-)

[@althiel01]

Really nice interview! What a well of interesting stories Mors is. I could listen to him recounting his experiences for so long...

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you enjoyed it. Mors could keep going all day I reckon.

[@stephenzevetchin]

2nd or 3rd time watching. A real Treasure!!

[@PaulKirtley]

Indeed

[@stephenzevetchin]

4th

[@prettyoutside7464]

Learning time. Thanks for sharing!

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure. Glad you liked it.

[@WELSBYROOTS]

Awesome! Great interview with a legend and learned I need to know more about axe use! Thanks Paul!

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave

[@Rudecheers]

Fantastic interview Paul!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Rude.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Just AWESOME!!!

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes.

[@NorwegianBushcraft]

What a meetup!

[@PaulKirtley]

Yeah it was a great event

[@WorldSurvivalist]

Incredible interview

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@ryszkos]

Polska ! Greetings from Poland ;)

[@PaulKirtley]

😀

[@alf3553]

The Kings of Bushcraft......Oh to be a fly on the wall.

[@PaulKirtley]

Well you pretty much were with this 90 mins chat 😊

[@kurtbaier6122]

Mors knows his stuff

[@gogeyeryuzune9095]

Thank you in advance.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure!

[@gogeyeryuzune9095]

This well of knowledge has a youtube channel which has recently got to 33.000 subscribers and you have around 40.000, whereas other bushcraft channels who show shiny things have hundreds and thousands of subscribers. Thank you for everything you share with us.

[@jotade2098]

@@gogeyeryuzune9095 Karamat Wilderness Ways, it is a shame that it doesn't have more subscribers.

[@thewildonions]

This is epic!

[@MrMigido]

Very poignant video. RIP Mors.... many thanks for keeping it all real in a world of superficial consumerism. The planet needs a super shelter and you are now in the right place to rustle one up!

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes, it was a pleasure to record this but it makes me sad to see it. I can't watch at the moment. We sat together only 6 months ago....

[@MrMigido]

@@PaulKirtley being sad is very understandable. Hindsight is a great teacher. There are a lot of lessons in this interview on many levels. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your interview captured that beauty for eyes to see. Mors was a gentleman but he was also a tiger who was never ever going to be held by the tail.

[@Kaerha1]

Legends!

[@PaulKirtley]

😊

[@MrUrsus7]

Requiem aeternam, dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei in saecula saeculorum. Requiescat in pace, Amen.

[@sosteve9113]

Mors will lives further in the people who are genuinely bushrafters

[@PaulKirtley]

Indeed. His legacy will prevail.

[@gogeyeryuzune9095]

The thumbs-down comes from mothernature just to remind us who is in control.

[@PaulKirtley]

Good observation. I like it :-)

[@RobertsBulgaria]

It might be that Mother Nature is wondering why Mr. Kirtley felt it necessary to wear a knife on his belt during the interview and symposium. Were they expecting Bears or similar! He wouldn't get away with that in the UK. It wasn't me who gave the thumbs down by the way, I don't do that. If I don't like or agree with something then, I write it and own up to the fact, come what may. You cannot be liked by everyone all of the time and sometimes, none of the time.

[@ambilaevus7607]

I use my knife for hang nails to opening mail. I can't imagine not having it on me unless I go into a federal security building.

[@whiskeyriver4322]

The Grand Master has Left Us...... We will miss you dearly Sir. "I will build me a camp by a cool mountain spring, Where the trout play at eve and the wood thrushes sing; I will roof it with bark; and my snug sylvan house, Shall be sweet with the fragrance of evergreen boughs. When the shadows of night settle down on the marsh, And the cry of the bittern booms sullen and harsh, The glow of my hearth-fire shall glisten and shine; Where the beech and the hemlock their branches entwine." ~ G.W. Sears aka Nessmuk 1887 ......................RIP Mors Kochanski 10 November 1940 ~ 5 December 2019

[@thomasandersen3253]

Best pocast EVER :)

[@PaulKirtley]

:-)

[@OldNavajoTricks]

The things we find foraging ey?

[@1HeavyHitr]

R.I.P Mors.

[@strigoi5890]

RIP Mors

[@stephenzevetchin]

My God. Already a year...

[@PaulKirtley]

Yeah, time marches on.

[@danielthornburg4401]

Add interviewer extraordinaire to your resumé

[@PaulKirtley]

You are too kind :-)