First Time Playing with a Tracker

A friend was kind enough to loan me a Tracker to play with and I took it out for the first time yesterday.
I used a rotten Pacific Silver Fir for my set today, and it was a lot punkier than I expected. This made working with the knife easier, but made the friction side of things more difficult.

[@VIKINGOINTRUDER]

Undoubtedly it is not the tool. It's those clever hands that wield it.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy!

[@castle6660]

FACT! While the tool is important, and the Tracker is a great tool... A man like this... would figure out how to accomplish these same tasks with a spoon and leverage. Very impressive 👏👏👏

[@AnthonyJones-zo7dy]

I do like how you just show stuff in your videos without a bunch of superfluous explanations. Clearly showing how is really all that is necessary... great job! All the VERY BEST!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Anthony. 🙂

[@garyminick1050]

Yes ,totally agree with you. His unspoken videos are nothing short of brilliant !

[@rustyknightjustme]

Would you buy one again?

[@asmith7876]

Must be the happiest dog anywhere. And wow, this guy...incredible skills along with perseverance! Unbeatable combination.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks A Smith! 🙂

[@nutthrower4415]

That last part put s smile on my face, that dog kills me 😂😂😂 thanks for that share, great skills indeed

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks nutthrower!

[@larenacornell5678]

What is your dog's name? Cute! :3

[@nwprimate6416]

larena cornell His name is Lupo. 🙂

[@dasta7658]

Thanks for posting this. It was really enjoyable to watch. I loved the fact whilst using the bow and drill you showed the realities of it and didn't just splice together footage to make it look like it worked in a hot minute. I also like there was no talking and not being one of those people who have just bought an item and they start talking about how it is the best tool ever. Thanks again!

[@garyminick1050]

Thanks for the leverage trick about half way thru video ,but then again you are always thinking outside the box. Great video. I also highly respect your time conservation too . Keep um coming dude !

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks again buddy. 🙂

[@shanesims2864]

Great job !!!!! Great looking man's best friend to 🐕 also thanks for your time!!

[@davidtraver5227]

I love the way you do this very well done no wasted movement.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks David!

[@peter4Flags]

Brilliant ,lovely to watch your skill with; a beauty of a knife. The knife just borders on being a mini machete. Thank You .

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Peter!

[@billallison3923]

This knife has eluded me for over a decade now. Every time I’d get ready to make the purchase, I’d talk myself out of it. I’ve got one coming and I’ve found this video tremendously helpful.

[@nwprimate6416]

Right on 👍

[@buchgeisterralf3251]

You have a golden eye for choosing section and anle for your camera. And I know no one else who is cutting his videos this carefully. Congrats and thanks again for this. Take care! Ralf

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks again Ralf! 🙂 It is really great to hear that you notice things like that. The editing process can be a lot of work, but it can be fun at times too.

[@jeffcarter3139]

Great positive video. I've always admired that knife design.. I really enjoyed watching and have a great day. Tennessee

[@ahorseman4ever1]

Really have been enjoying your videos. I've been binge watching them at the end of the day. Great quality b roll very well put together. It's not often that a channel just grabs me. Yours does! As a creator I watch how a video is edited and filmed along with the content. Great job!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Blake. I really appreciate your kind words and am so glad to hear that you've been enjoying the videos. 🙂

[@dougwatches]

Innovative uses of the Tracker, IMHO, esp. in making the birds nest bundle. I would have never looked at the knife, and thought "What can I do with this, turned blade side up?" Kudos.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Doug ☺️

[@bimteck]

This is one of the best tracker videos I have seen.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Mr. Beck. 😆

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

Beautiful in every respect. TY!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks David!

[@ozibeno4574]

Impressive man. True woodsman. And I ecco the rest. No useless narration. Well done.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Ozi :)

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Words cannot describe how much I love that freaking knife.

[@nwprimate6416]

😁

[@peterv1318]

This guy knows what he is doing. Don’t run out and buy this knife thinking you are going to be able to do the same with it. This is the best video on this knife.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Peter. I agree with the sentiment...it's a solid blade for sure, but I can do the same with a butter knife.

[@w4rg3rm]

This man is a monster! Him and the dog. Enjoyed the video. So much knowledge here. Subscribed.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks man :)

[@Just_Chuck_It]

I remember when I used to bash the Tracker....... Then I attended a local survival class. One of the other students had a tracker. Even the instructor poked fun at him. Until this guy started to destroy wood that was wearing the rest of us out, and made some of the best damn feather sticks any of us had ever seen. I asked if I could use his tracker. He was only too happy to pass it over. I used it to my a slit wood fire. Easiest fire I had made in a long time. When we got back to cell coverage, I ordered one off of Amazon. I always have a good folding knife on me, but the tracker is 110% my field knife!

[@nwprimate6416]

👍

[@robg7379]

@@nwprimate6416 Good vid what exact tracker knife is that?

[@lloydm2110]

absolutely great video. thank you for sharing it. greetings from upper peninsula, washington state.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Lloyd! 🙂 Always great to hear from the locals! 👍

[@linklesstennessee2078]

dang that's a good looking knife there buddy I like your style on getting them feather sticks

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Linkless Tennessee. My wife says it's the ugliest knife she's ever seen. :)

[@ratroddiesels1981]

we enjoyed your video. thats an awesome knife . and we liked your lab too.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks ratdrod diesels!

[@darkedge8735]

My god that thing looks so perfect!

[@nwprimate6416]

☺️

[@ljbbushcraft6640]

Looks like you enjoyed playing around with this one man. It’s come tool for sure. Subbed bro 😎🔥🔥👍

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

When I first saw a Tracker I thought it was a gimmick but as I’ve starting looking into it I now really understand the design. I think it’s the best survival design and I’m looking (that’s saving money for) into getting one 😊 Great video, really shows off the knife’s design.

[@RedRaider14]

Finally, someone making curls the RIGHT way with this knife! These other demonstration videos on youtube have been killing me lol

[@jrmartin003]

I love the dog , so cute and loving

[@nwprimate6416]

:) 👍

[@VariusSep]

This was a very nice video. Just man, dog, and nature.

[@nwprimate6416]

:)

[@eomproductions5783]

Simply brilliant 👍🏻

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks EOM Productions! 🙂

[@carlosgarcia6393]

That was the most beautiful featherstick I’ve ever seen

[@stonefox9124]

Awesome! So nice to see a knife video where u do more than just treat it like a axe

[@vladimirminzu3933]

Beautiful dog!😍

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Vladimir :)

[@DanielVBlades]

Awesome vid. Great skills.

[@bushecho7281]

Love those feathersticks made with the knife, nice.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks!

[@SummitScene]

Greetings from the Coast Range of Oregon! Excellent video. Your placement of the hearth board "burn hole" is quite a distance back from the leading edge of the board, which makes the notch longer and wider than most I make. If you have time, I'd love to hear more about your notch design. Thanks for all your effort.

[@nwprimate6416]

Hi Gary! I've played around with a lot of different notch styles and cut variations depending on the wood I'm using, but you're right.; generally I put my divots a bit further back than most folks. My reasoning for this is that a larger notch will hold more dust which I think helps insulate things and also gives me a larger ember to make up for wet bundle materials.

[@acehanson7231]

I love black labs. They are super fun loving dogs, great use of the Tom Brown Tracker

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Ace! 🙂

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great showcase of the Tracker style knife.

[@nwprimate6416]

👍 :)

[@madedigital]

the prep for the fire was on point

[@fire_x_friction8820]

What a great video.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Gary!

[@Lone58]

I enjoyed this video immensely, many thanks. Subbed

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Lone58!

[@scottheady3577]

Super cool and helpful thank you

[@nwprimate6416]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lonesurvivor7921]

Good vid..👍 I admire your determination with the bow drill

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Lone Survivor! 🙂

[@MichaelQuigley-fy5rc]

Nice feather stick technique and a beautiful lab.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Michael!

[@frantzvallon1154]

This thing is perfect not to long soled heavy tip great great peace of art.

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I like your dog 🐕 !

[@ronaldrose7593]

The is a great multi purpose knife. I am almost sold on it. Thank you for sharing your video. 🤗

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Ronald

[@tomtenbrunsel266]

Great Videos with various instruments. Would you show how You fashion the upper end of the bow drill and socket sometime. Thanks

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Tom! You can see me making the bearing block out of a piece of cottonwood bark at around 1:34 . I just get a little divot started with the tip.

[@ntv-thuthachmiennui6147]

Your survival spine is awesome.

[@ricardoavila2048]

Fantastic 👊💯💪Best regards from Portugal 👊💪🇵🇹😉

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

I love the tracker design and it’s derivative the Tops SXB which does chop as good as a hatchet.

[@CineresCineribus]

I have watched your videos with the Tracker probably several hundred times now. Who did the regrind on it? I'd love to see a video of some up close pics and details about it. Thank you much!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Real versatile tool. Nice job with the fire. It's not easy to get a fire going in the PNW!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks!

[@JungleJayAdventures]

Whoo Hoo a good Ol Tom Brown. TOPS fan over here. Love their knives...

[@nwprimate6416]

I've been playing with this loaner for a couple of months now and have been really enjoying.

[@JungleJayAdventures]

You can get any of their knives at the Bladehq dot com for way less that directly from the manufacturer. I picked up two different knives.

[@SoerenGraves]

Doing feathersticks is just awesome, kind of meditative. I love the tracker and pair it with a mora #1 exclusive and a saw.

[@ZuneCraft]

wow!! featherstick with a tracker!! amazing

[@flyflung]

Nice work. Cool dog

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks CS T !

[@ed5042]

I could not afford an official tracker so Years ago I picked up a Para trax 2?, Stainless and a tad bigger. Sharpened it properly, still have it, still abuse, point is this design is awesome, great video

[@nwprimate6416]

Nice! Great to hear that it's working for you.

[@ronaldrose7593]

As Crocodile Dundee would say "now that's a knife". Good looking knife for sure. 🤗

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂

[@Peregalooduses]

Punk wood is awsome coal extender, helps coal live longer. Exelent video !

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Perega looduses! I couldn't agree more on the punkwood. It's cheap insurance.

[@bagheerasadventures]

Love your work. Bagheera NZ

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks man!

[@jamesbowen5573]

Well done

[@robertlee8400]

Yea trackers are fun but when there high carbon steel you have to keep them oiled & sharp just as much as you use them . I absolutely love my tracker it may not be made by Tom Brown Jr but it works just as well . I have a Poshland T-61 high carbon steel with a brown jean micarta handle with hallowed out brass pins , it’s nice & well balanced I even can throw it from 24 feet at a end grain targets & make it stick . I,ve had it for 2 years .

[@nwprimate6416]

Right on!

[@twotonanchor]

I love my tracker, but can’t seem to get the hook as sharp as this one. Great video. Thanks for posting up.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Brandl! Have you tried using a round stone or file?

[@twotonanchor]

Half-heartedly. I got frustrated with my poor results. Your use of it has motivated me to try again.

[@raposadomato6766]

Hello, my dear Congratulations great channel !!! you really demonstrate technique of how to use the Knife Tracker, a Survival situation really of all the channels I see ?? only your really showed extraordinary ability with Tracker knife.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Raposa! 🙂 I'm a total beginner when it comes to the Tracker. Here's a link to a real Tracker pro if you're interested...kzbin.info

[@jeffluker1895]

I love my Tracker knife. The more I use it the more I realize just how much it can do.

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

So many methods on using this knife

[@nwprimate6416]

It's goofy looking and takes some getting used to, but the more I play with it, the more I like it.

[@clintphillips3437]

@@nwprimate6416 that's what she said

[@user-fp1zf5sn1t]

Video is a professional instruction, so interesting and useful. Thanks to author.

[@kitkat12326]

Stayed for how happy the dog is out there.

[@nwprimate6416]

He's the best. :)

[@cw9627]

Great Great Video I am sold......Im getting one or even two......

[@nwprimate6416]

Right on!

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video mate

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Dean 🙂

[@NorthernWoodsmanElite]

Great video buddy I subscribed

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks NWE!

[@Army-MacE]

I love watching your videos! Always looking forward for the next one! Excellent display of skill! The knife is a modified Tops Knives TBT1. It’s not mine, I just recognize who’s it is...

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jarrod! I figured one you would recognize it. Being unfamiliar with the TBT, I'm curious what modification you noticed.

[@Army-MacE]

It looks like Field Expedients Tracker knife, the bevels have been modified. To give it more slicing style of a cut, and less of a wedge style of cut. If that makes sense...

[@nwprimate6416]

Whatever he did, it's working. 🙂

[@johnjohnston277]

Jarrod MacEachern

[@jonathangarzon2798]

One of the few correct uses of the tracker

[@nwprimate6416]

Go check these guys out...bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/tracker-action-pics-thread.67725/

[@ryanhamley4161]

Good job on the video

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Ryan!

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

The Tracker is crazy... on Loan? As in, you have to give it back? Couldn't do it...lol. Great demo of the versatility of the thing... Awesome burn down too Brother... Be well

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy! I'm sharpening it up and sending it out today. 😟

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Trackers a good knife...well done!...woods

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy!

[@garoglen]

It seems that in addition to the back and forth motion of the bow you also have an up and down motion that keeps the cord from rubbing on itself to avoid friction , am I wrong ? Please comment .

[@nwprimate6416]

Great eye Gary! You're exactly right. Tilting the tip of the bow either up or down while drilling keeps the cordage from running over itself. It's not a big deal with paracord or bankline, but the edges of natural cordage will often abrade each other and snap it if you're not careful.

[@gregwiesneth]

I’ve been running mine for over 15 years, it’s my go to for backpacking (worth all 2lbs 😂). I’m in process of doing a scandi regrind. Definitely not an easy knife to sharpen let alone regrind. Think I need to take a dremel Stone to the guy hook/ feather stick hook. Any suggestions?

[@nwprimate6416]

The guy that loaned me this one included a small round ceramic rod that worked great for sharpening that portion.

[@davidb8872]

These vids are the best teaching guide to friction fire making I have seen any where almost makes me think I can do it, what are u using to hold the spindle on top ? Thanks great vids love the background and the dog

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks David! This time it was a piece of cottonwood bark that you can see at about 1:35, but my favorite bearing block is a piece of fatwood.

[@mr.v2666]

I love that knife

[@nwprimate6416]

👍

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

Not gunna lie. The feathers were pretty dope. Nice job

[@jbutzi]

Great video!! Love the content and the camera work and editing. I have a question about feather sticks. You are an expert and I want to learn. I have good dexterity but can't get your results. Is it primarily a matter of practice or wood species, knife grind or some other factors?

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks jbutzi! Wood selection is important and species does play a role, but I haven't found any woods in my area that I can't get nice curls from if I select a straight grained section. Luckily, that's also likely to be the easiest wood to split for the other stages of your fire prep, so it is worth the time to go searching for ideal splitting and curling wood rather than spending that time fighting a twisted grain. The real key to making consistently nice curls is stability, which is why I prefer to stick a knife into a log. A lot of people that try this don't pound it in far enough to keep it stable, or don't brace the handle with their off hand. From there it is just a matter of finding the angle that produces the curl shape you're looking for and building the muscle memory to replicate that. I hope that helps, but feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

[@SWheatleyOutdoors]

dude! that knife is a beast haha!

[@nwprimate6416]

No kidding! It's like a hatchet with a blade below the edge. 🙂

[@seanantill3366]

Just got my first tracker! What's your overall opinion about this tool. I can see its many aspects and uses, providing in combination with yourself its a capable option.

[@nwprimate6416]

It's a very capable tool, and I bet you enjoy it. 👍

[@modernprimitive1569]

Great video, very skilled. I have been debating on getting the tracker, I have the cfk variant and do like it, but it's not the TB tracker.. is this your preferred blade or do you suggest more traditional for an overall Survival/ bushcraft blade? I don't mind the dirt time to lean to use this correctly, but don't want to shell out the 200$+ if it's not.. in your skilled opinion.. worth the money and time.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks MP15! The knife is on loan to me from a friend and I've only ended up using it a half dozen times or so. It's a really cool design with some neat features, and the more I use it, the more I like it. However, I'm still at the point where the varied grind is in the way more than it is helpful, and I think I'd prefer a more conventional knife shape overall. That could change with time though and everybody is different, so I'm definitely not trying to talk you out of trying one.

[@modernprimitive1569]

NW Primate Thank you, I think I will give it a shot. If I can't master it. I can trade it. The more knowledge and skills under the belt the better. Good luck to you.

[@thebeertracker.jaybeertrac9846]

Great knife always has been,regardless of what all the keyboard warriors say.

[@nwprimate6416]

I can't argue with that. 🙂

[@zarplialabai3420]

Not the tops version of it, though. This and the original have different grinds/bevels

[@petrosspetrosgali]

faultroy yeah. I agree. You couldn’t give it to me...well that’s not true. If I had a forge, I’d take one. I’ve chopped down some saplings with a knife once-with my Essee 6- I’ll stick to my hand hatchet for that. That experience left me baffled as to why anyone would not want to carry one. There is no knife in existence that can chop nearly as well as a good hatchet. And I keep thinking; how in the HELL do you sharpen that knife?? It looks like in most users’ hands, it does a lot of things fairly poorly.

[@justafloridamanfromthe75thRR]

@@petrosspetrosgali why not take a chainsaw instead? That would chop trees even better... This is not a hatchet, this is a survival knife, I don't understand why people don't understand this. AndI would choose this over a hatchet anyday of the week in a survival situation, since it can do so many more than a simple hatchet. But yeah, a hatchet definitely chops better than a knife...

[@patriotrob7066]

Love it!!!

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂

[@patriotrob7066]

@@nwprimate6416 when you have it upside down and are drawing back with the wood? Fricking awesome that worked kick ass

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Did you load this on the Tracker section at BCUSA?

[@nwprimate6416]

I sure did. It was one of those guys that loaned it to me, so it seemed right to post this video there.

[@indio87knivesandaxes]

Grest video, how did you do the regrind of tops Brown tracker.?

[@nwprimate6416]

I borrowed this one from a buddy of mine. I'm not sure how he did it, but he definitely reprofiled it.

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Thinking of getting another knife at some stage. Would you recommend the ESEE 6 ? Cheers 🖒🔥

[@nwprimate6416]

What follows is going to sound like a commercial, but it is right up there at the top of my list of favorite knives. It seems like the perfect balance of a large and small knife. It's light enough to carry on my belt without bothering me, thin enough to carve without wishing I was using something else, long enough to split real pieces of wood with ease, and tough enough to take a real beating. The sheath is lightweight, tough, and great in the rain; the hand feels great in my hand, and it has a lifetime warranty backed by a company full of great people. Because of the fact that knives are very personal preference oriented items, I usually shy away from making recommendations, but I can't help but gush about how much I like this one.

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

NW Primate Coming from you that means it's a good knife and I can tell you use it a lot. Cheers fella 🖒

[@gwailotus9154]

+ NW Primate - some questions for u: 1) whats the brand n model number of the video camera u used to film this? HD is so amazing. 2) any idea the blade length of the tracker knife u borrowed? must be popular because it comes in 4 different blade length sizes! Hope they will make it in an 8 or 10 inch some day. i know there is the Tops SXB similar design in 9.25" but that handle looks rough and i like the tracker design better. 3) what's the concave bump on the blade spine/back used for? thanks

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks! The camera is a cheap Canon SX610 HS. I don't know the length of the tracker off hand, but it is the original TBT, but was modified a bit by its owner. I don't know the idea behind that concavity, but I'm sure guys have figured out good uses for it. 🙂

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

it is for scraping a hide on a round log

[@nwprimate6416]

@@bushcraft_in_the_north News to me, but makes sense. Thanks for speaking up.

[@gwailotus9154]

+Morten Trolle - scraping the fur side or skin side and WHY? excuse my survival ignorance

[@abradolflincler3802]

True survivor 💪

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks JMGGG!

[@benjamincoetzee1369]

You are left handed? ☺ Interesting to watch, thanks for the video.

[@adriatikvideos1]

king of fire

[@topluang06]

Good video!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks!

[@beleraphon07]

Considering that is a borrowed knife, in your hands it looks like you've used it every day for a good few years. Shows your consummate skill and the best features of the tracker off brilliantly.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks again buddy. :)

[@cevq6126]

Btw, that’s a gorgeous Black Lab.

[@thomaskishmanii2675]

Is that the full size knife or the mini? Well done video. Amazing how much work goes into making a fire.

[@pwalms65]

I'm looking for some new hiking shoes and the ones you're wearing look comfortable while rugged. Salomons or what brand/model?

[@nwprimate6416]

These ones are Keens

[@BeefT-Sq]

Consider a pair of Limmer Lightweights. I would steer clear of Alico based on my experience .