Survival Bowdrill Fire with No Tools (no knife, no saw, no axe, no hatchet, no tools)

Lonnie teaches step by step how to make a bowdrill survival fire using nothing but ones bare hands. This demonstration shows how one can make a fire even if they are totally without lighters, matches, ferrocium rod, knife, axe, hatchet, saw etc. If all one had is their clothes with empty pockets, one could still light a fire with these instructions.
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A couple playlists or videos that you may enjoy follow below:
Making And Using A Hot Tipi - Tent
• Make A Tarp Tent Tipi ...
Tarp Tents And Buscrafted Shelters
• Make A Tarp Tent Tipi ...
Hello my name is Lonnie and My wife is Connie.
Here at Far North Bushcraft And Survival you will learn about many long forgotten tricks and tips of the old time woodsmen. Not only will you learn about bushcraft / woodcraft but you will learn many things that will help you to survive in less than ideal "survival" situations as well. Come along and sit with me by the campfire as I delve into these subjects in a way that you can easily learn to then do yourself.
I will show you how to make shelters, gather food, use wild medicines as well as start fires with or without matches, lighters, ferro rods, etc

[@ladyofthemasque]

Lonnie, I think the best moment in this whole thing is at around 11:52, when the first spindle shaft broke. You acknowledged that the stick breaking was a failure, but without fuss. No cursing, no wailing, no bemoaning of fate or feeling like a failure yourself. You accepted it calmly, and reminded yourself to just keep trying. That's a great example for everyone to follow!

[@ElveeKaye]

In a survival situation, you can't afford to take the time to be upset, just gotta keep going, keep trying till you get that fire. I'm glad he shows that it isn't always easy or straightforward, while at the same time shows that persistence pays off.

[@garyminick1050]

He probably even did that on purpose just to show us that we have to keep going even if we have set backs. I know I've had my share of the set backs !

[@garyminick1050]

This stuff took me a long time to accomplish and I was about 65 when I first got a coal . I'm now 71 or will be in a couple of weeks. One has to keep these skills polished or you simply just lose it and I have to do it often or I'm not physically capable of getting this coal . I practice this a lot at least every week or 10 days and I change up the wood pieces to see if it works or is more difficult . I don't always make a new set but I try to as often as I can so as to learn some new little subtle details that will help speed up the process. I've even used green wood several times just for the challenge, which requires a whole new look at doing this .The accomplishment of this includes new areas to have to conquer, like the drying out the spindle and the hearth board. Sometimes I almost have to crawl back to the house from the exhaustion and on other occasions I use a set that I've pre dryed and bust out a coal in 30 seconds. Nevertheless I love the challenge and on occasion I still fail ,but that is only temporarily. It's one of the few exciting things that at my age is still fun but challenging. Sorry I went so long !

[@williamjver]

This guy is walking thru the woods like he is going shopping. He knows the woods.

[@WhippedCreamoSaurus]

Well ye obviously. He’s gotta know what to get so he doesn’t waste his time.

[@metoo143]

Walmart in the woods.... It's WOODSTOCK 😂

[@MuskratOutdoors]

A lot of people out there couldn't make a fire with gasoline and a blow torch. I'm always amazed at how easy you make this look.

[@consciousmachine413]

and those same idiots might read this and try your suggestion.... be careful what you type.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

@@consciousmachine413 Let 'em do it. Weeds out the stupid ones.

[@javierelizondo3662]

Jaja true

[@michaeldean5787]

@@MuskratOutdoors hahaha great 😂

[@JohnG925]

A bow drill ember in a single take. Nuts.

[@texashillbilly6148]

Lonnie, you are the all-time best. I've seen people try for HOURS to get an ember and fail, and they had the benefit of tools. Your knowledge and experience set an excellent example of what a bushcrafter should be. Your knowledge of your particular area and the resources it contains is unrivaled. I am very grateful to you and your wife for your time and teaching. On another note, you look like you've lost weight. I noticed in the video that you seemed to feel better too. Glad to see it! I know Connie loves you and wants to keep you around as long as possible, as do we all. Thanks again for the lesson! It was a great one!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I have some fairly severe digestion issues but am working through them and finding results through natural means. Thanks for the concern.

[@therocinante3443]

You're like the Bob Ross of survival skills. Relaxing yet very informational.

[@ScottWConvid19]

If the Lord tarries, one hundred years from now, the legends of Lonnie shall endure. "I heard that he once pulled soaking wet wood out of a stream and started a friction fire" 🌲💧🔥

[@artzreal]

=D

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

lol Yep I guess I did. For those who missed it and would like to see the video on that here it is below. Succeed With Water soaked Friction Fire Set kzbin.info/www/bejne/anq1kHase5hgbrc

[@infiniteandroid]

thats because his beard started that fire!!!!!!

[@garyminick1050]

@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival you really are an awesome dude .

[@AFamilyOutdoors]

And this is why yours will always be my favorite channel. No one does it better! This is what the heart of bushcraft is all about. Thinking outside of the box and thinking of a way to get through that problem. This is why you will always be the king! Amazing video my friend. You are an inspiration to us all! All the best, cheers from Canada! Shawn

[@lessharratt8719]

Well said...from Canada.

[@snsfabricating]

Lonnie, I believe you could start a fire in the middle of a mud puddle on a rainy day.

[@tikkidaddy]

Oh he can...its called alaska😂

[@tikkidaddy]

I hope you all enjoy this story...there are no monsters...except the Cold.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

lol You might have missed the video where I did kind of what you are talking about except it was a tiny creek. Succeed With Water soaked Friction Fire Set kzbin.info/www/bejne/anq1kHase5hgbrc

[@joelaut12]

Great!

[@billlamb7923]

I believe he has.

[@bushnut8305]

I appreciate that your first attempts didn’t work out as planned but you kept at it and refining your tools until it did. Perseverance!

[@traverharvey5049]

I have watched a lot of bowdrill tutorials and this is probably be the best

[@philjones1249]

I take my hat off to you. There's hundreds of vids out there on this subject, but I've never seen anyone do this without tools.

[@rstevewarmorycom]

You can also use a bug for bearing block lubrication, bugs are about half fat and water, half protein.

[@Rainydaz3]

Good idea.

[@redbird1824]

Yea a spruce bettle.

[@renedevilliers82]

Great idea, never would have thought of that on my own

[@autumnr.3724]

Have enough of them swarming might as well take revenge with a purpose!

[@MrEh5]

The oil from the side of your nose also can be used.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

It's Far North meets Primitive Technologies ! Simply awesome! Thanks Lonnie and Connie!

[@olmeckrav]

If I was in the woods by myself, I’ll call Lonnie! Problem solved!

[@mint83]

Forget that. Call Lonnie AND Connie :)

[@terryboyer1342]

And how will you call him? Smoke signal? lol

[@collinsfriend1]

@@terryboyer1342 text

[@gen81465]

@@terryboyer1342 I'd bet he could teach you how to do it; and I'd bet he would answer back. :)

[@scottpreston5074]

You'd first have to figure out how to make a cell phone (out of sticks and stones) and then hack the service, only to find that you don't have his number.

[@BananaAlert]

Great video..! It's very unlikely that a person lost in the woods, without a cutting tool, without matches would be collected enough and not panicking, to have enough self-control to look for all that's required to start a fire this way. This video is educational and pleasant to watch.

[@rleeAZ]

Knowledge + confidence + patience. Thanks Lonnie!

[@ScottWorthington]

This is why Lonnie is the real deal. I've seen others try this all day and fail. Yep. The real deal. Thanks for sharing.

[@billlamb7923]

True. I have seen people who have been doing well researching and have been doing it for many many years who still have not yet been able to master friction fire.

[@Heyjonjohnson]

When I was growing up it was easier to find punk rock than punk wood. ;)

[@artzreal]

that's bad religion

[@ktoadd]

I was with Lonnie last week, and he rubbed two ice cubes together and created fire.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Or was it two marshmallows. :0) Lol

[@peterkinberger9741]

Lonnie, you truly are " The Old Man of the Forests ". I really do appreciate you taking the thought, care and the time you put into teaching us your wilderness techniques on video. I really enjoyed watching this and living in Dixie land I will definitely use this technique first, before anything else in starting fires. It will save the edge on my wilderness tools for more important or extended usages. I can save and conserve all my firemaking equipment as last resorts or more difficult situations. Between this and solar options frugality can begin in firemaking. Great in an emergency where a hairbrain forgets to tote a knife. Thanks again friend, talk at you later.

[@JonnyParker-]

You are a true master of the outdoors Lonnie, most of us can only sit back in awe and take in the years of bushcraft knowledge that you have . Keep up the great work and take care .

[@davefarnsworth3020]

I liked your use of the natural groove in the hearth board. Less energy wasted.

[@owenthomas5876]

Lonnie your the real deal, your knowledge and skills are probably the best on you tube. Your calm and collective manner shows how comfortable and in tune you are in the wild. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@poplarridge9719]

First time I have seen somebody do this since Tom Elpel did it in his "Art of Nothing" videos. Excellent teaching.

[@reptileboy1048]

I love how u show failed moments and how sometimes it takes more than once and to make adjustments. Your videos are always educational for me and I've learned so many things from you. Cant thank you enough.

[@UncleBud83]

Awesome vid. Thanks for keeping the one misfire. Really shows your integrity. Keep it up!

[@paulg687]

Seriously impressive. Totally LOVED the fact you failed and showed the failure. It made the successful start of the fire even more satisfying. Great skills.

[@CptnSavage]

Lonnie color me impressed! I know it can be done, but actuallly seeing you searh for the items, select this one, discard that one, and even break the spindle yet you just kept working the problem and showed us that it is possible. Sure makes me want to go out back in the woods and see if I could do that. Thanks again for your knowledge and guidance. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@macEboy]

Thanks Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie, yet another outstanding video!

[@petesmith2751]

It's Lonnie & Connie :-)

[@joelaut12]

The true essence of survival! Thank you for another great video!

[@PatNetherlander]

Thank you Lonnie & Connie for showing us how it can be done!

[@jasonjjordan1075]

Very Good.

[@DiggsNWT]

You are the MAN! I watched this video three times already... impressive skills Lonnie!

[@thomasgold-1000]

Lonnie, this video is a real treat; brilliant stuff - thanks a bunch for sharing this!!! 👍👍👍

[@Cydsdad]

In The Colorado Rockies Here. Thank You Sir

[@JimRodgers]

Awesome job, Lonnie, and great camera work Connie. Even though you've demonstrated that this can be done without tools, it also encourages me to never be caught without them. Thanks for sticking with it until you had a flame!

[@crakilldurmom]

Great video again Lonnie. Like I've said before, I really enjoy how you show your difficulties and failures in your videos. It goes a long way to translate just how difficult some of these concepts are to actually do.

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

Awesome Lonnie. This is going to be a great one thank you

[@Leeofthestorm]

'There are so many key teaching points in this video. As always, top notch. I don't think anybody on youtube would have done this any better, or especially explained it in such proper detail. Thanks Lonnie. You are a champ.

[@lesliesadler8524]

Lonnie you and David West are two of my favorite fire makers. Thanks for the effort you make.

[@williamkinnear345]

Absolutely brilliant fire made with nothing but your wits enjoyed every part Lonnie

[@amigodawn1728]

And para cord. No mention of where that come from?

[@itshayappenshay6057]

Your combination of knowledge, skill and humility make your presentations really special. Thanks for a great video as always.

[@TheSemtexCow]

Just wow, no tools and you get perhaps the most difficult method of fire lighting done. Bless you both, best wishes.

[@dcvoltzz4472]

Problem solving at its best.. taking what you got, making it to what you need. Lonnie and Connie are a very valuable resource. Good Job!

[@andyisyoda]

Excellent

[@keitharoo1962]

Truly amazing, Lonnie. I learn so much from you! Thanks so much for taking the time to do these videos.

[@danaowen9014]

Thanks you Lonnie for teaching us what you have learned through the years , it can get us out of a life or death situation.

[@edwardgorecki7746]

Lonnie you are amazing. I cant wait for your next demo. Ive learned a lot from you. Thanks

[@williamvan909]

well done Lonnie out standing job hope you and the MISS is doing great take care thanks for the video... as always.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Poplar and cedar are my go to woods. Great video Lonnie

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Masterful presentation my friend! Much respect on this one. We really do tend to over complicate things sometimes and this puts it all in perspective. Blessings to you and Connie.

[@madmartigan8774]

That is the work of a true woodsman. Outstanding video. Thank you for the knowledge.

[@averageheretic]

How to start a fire "on a shoestring budget".

[@MichaelR58]

Lonnie and Connie , thanks for sharing, great information ! I hope this finds you well. Atvb brother 👍

[@1959jimbob]

Lonnie, you never fail to teach me something and I have been living and doing outdoors in the woods all my life. Thank you for always enlightening my mind and expanding my knowledge.

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Ranks right up there with your "useful knots" video, Lonnie! Thanks for sharing the challenge ... well done, sir! God Bless to you both

[@Liam_Nielsen]

Hello Lonnie. Thank you very much for your work. For the lubrication of the bearing block, i have found that using resin or sap in the hole or making the bearing block from fat wood works far better than anything else i have tried. I know you are an expert in this stuff but i thought i would mention it. Thank you again for your generosity in sharing your skills.

[@nomadsopmac1267]

Lonnie always amazing.. Only some oaf on a couch would thumbs down this

[@collinsfriend1]

thumbs down is so common I think some people just do it to any vid they come across.

[@scottpreston5074]

They're the folks who like car chases and explosions while sitting on a couch drinking beer. They will never survive in the wilderness.

[@guus19900]

Hey! I take offence to that! I'm an oaf on a couch and I like this. :) (Obviously no actual offense taken.)

[@EquipmentReviewer]

Thumbs up! You are definitely demonstrating love to your fellow man with these videos. You might have already caused someone's life to be saved because of these skills you teach. God bless you and Connie!

[@joelgoody3590]

I love your videos Lonnie and Connie, it is always good to have this knowledge in the memory bank. Ya never know if you might need it. Keep em coming! God bless!

[@kenRoberts1984]

Great stuff. Thank you for sharing

[@TatDarYow]

That was outstanding Lonnie!!! Thanks for sharing, that's what one can do if they think outside the box eh? Later Larry

[@jonathanhunt9979]

I love that you show when it doesn't work too. Makes me feel like less of a failure. Appreciate your videos greatly

[@randygarmon7382]

Thanks for the video Lonnie (& Connie), schooling us once again. I really like that you show us the failures as well as the successes because I'm not sure anyone gets it right every time. Priceless skill when you need it. Thanks for sharing!

[@christopherellis2663]

From scratch, with what is on hand 🖐️ knowledge and practice are the foundation for skill. 💚 🧙‍♂️🇲🇪

[@amigodawn1728]

No. Where did the cord come from?

[@BobLoblawbob]

I've seen Lonnie start a fire with a bowdrill on the bottom of a stream.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Well perhaps not performed underwater but I did pull a set out of the water of a creek and produce an ember. Succeed With Water soaked Friction Fire Set kzbin.info/www/bejne/anq1kHase5hgbrc

[@fisharneked]

Thank you for giving us a realistic demonstration of how difficult is is to start a fire, truly from scratch. Good video 👍

[@NazgulWitchKing]

Wow this is so informative, knowing how to make a fire without tools is one of the most important skills you can ever learn... I'm so glad you can share your knowledge

[@tonypaquet4123]

Hi. I found out that the grease on the sides of my nose works great for lubricating the top of my spindle.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I guess I must have a weird nose lol as i do not get enough lube from my person to effectively maximize friction reduction.

[@garoglen]

My Dad used to lube the end of a two piece fishing rod by rubbing the end to be inserted on his nose . wish I had done that to the last one I put together , now I can't get it apart .

[@pirouzpourdowlat7200]

4 knives on you?? What knives are they? One's I guess a fixed blade, the second one I suppose is part of your multi tool, how about the third and fourth? :-))

[@mint83]

I'm curious too! Can you go over your knives please?

[@outdoorsaddiction1085]

I want to know too!!! 😜🤔

[@Orochi_001]

• Mora Robust pro • Gerber multitool • Victorinox standard Trekker • Leathernan Micro • Opinel #9 carbon steel I inquired recently. 🙂

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Yep . . . Orochi Yagami got it correct.

[@shackman9566]

@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival And I like that even though you know you could pretty much start a fire with out tools you have the common sense not to push your luck. The humble master of his domain.

[@davidkurle5418]

You and Connie are the best. Thank you for this video, and for all of the knowledge that you share!

[@mtnman4766]

Thanks for that excellent and REALISTIC demonstration. One of the things I really appreciate about you is that you don’t stage everything but show how it can be difficult to perform basic bushcraft skills and how to overcome the inevitable failures. When a person knows it isn’t a snap to become proficient in a skill then he isn’t so likely to give up, but knows what to expect as he develops these important survival skills. All the best to you and Connie!

[@zitvisjes]

Yea, whuddabout the string on the bow?! Tell us Lonnie!!

[@M00ND0G58]

....if we were all paying attention we would have noticed the the dropcard he set in the video to his link using his Tshirt as cordage! Badabumpbum!

[@Smokeys911]

@Skadi Productionz …..meanwhile...….the man with Velcro shoes remains cold in the woods.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I swapped out my boot strings years ago for paracord. It holds up fantastic as a boot string. I explained all of that in the video recording but my video editing software screwed up on me and had to be shut down and restarted several times. So after editing the latter half of the video three different times, I got confused as to what i had in the video and what i left out. I did not realize that that part of the video was missing until after it was all uploaded and ready to go public. I had explained that I was using paracord like I use for my boot strings and I showed my boot strings. I showed stringing up the bow and I explained about clicking on the links above for learning how to use natural cordage for bow and drill if anyone was interested. Survival Friction Fire Natural Cordage Secrets kzbin.info/www/bejne/apa1Z4pveZuNZ6M Natural Cordage Survival Friction Fire kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommol3inrbBklbs Emergency Cordage For Survival Friction Fire kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfYm2mfodCZf8k

[@hangtime913]

The string came from his beard. He forgot to included. 😂

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

Is that one of your boot strings

[@anitapaulsen3282]

What I was wondering as well.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I swapped out my boot strings years ago for paracord. It holds up fantastic as a boot string. I explained all of that in the video recording but my video editing software screwed up on me and had to be shut down and restarted several times. So after editing the latter half of the video three different times, I got confused as to what i had in the video and what i left out. I did not realize that that part of the video was missing until after it was all uploaded and ready to go public. I had explained that I was using paracord like I use for my boot strings and I showed my boot strings. I showed stringing up the bow and I explained about clicking on the links above for learning how to use natural cordage for bow and drill if anyone was interested. Survival Friction Fire Natural Cordage Secrets kzbin.info/www/bejne/apa1Z4pveZuNZ6M Natural Cordage Survival Friction Fire kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommol3inrbBklbs Emergency Cordage For Survival Friction Fire kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfYm2mfodCZf8k

[@anitapaulsen3282]

@@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival Understandable, and thank you so much for the links!

[@yatyas311]

Connie and Lonnie, Thanks for all the great vids. Always look forward to them! Have learned a great deal!

[@danishskiwarehouse]

Your skills never cease to amaze me! Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom and expertise.

[@paulwatterson5992]

Just wait for his next trick ,,, starting a fire using an ice sickle.

[@mamasgonecreating1967]

If the ice is clear you might be able to use it as a source for solar ignition. It would not be easy and would rely on the sun but if all else has failed, worth a try. Teaches you to think out side of the box.

[@rasalasad5315]

I watch a lot of bushcraft channels and by far, this is my favourite. I love the detailed explanations and scenarios you create in order to inform viewers about different situations one can get caught in. I like that there's not many cuts and it actually feels like I'm with you listening to the advice. Thank you Lonnie for making these videos, if anyone ever asks about a bushcraft survival channel I will always recommend yours.

[@Bushmanschool]

Another great video. Great demonstration and skill. Thanks for sharing this video. Thumb up

[@JohnMillwoodOutdoors]

That was fantastic Lonnie!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I can only imagine the work our ancestors had to go through to create fire. The effort to find and prepare a set without the use of tools consumes so much time. I am sure they did not throw away a working set once they got one that worked for them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Lonnie

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Once a set is made, it can be used many times like you said, especially the hearth board. The drill will need to be replaced sooner than the hearth board but still should be good for quite a few embers.

[@kylewilshusen9898]

I have enough trouble starting a fire WITH tools.. Very nicely done, Lonnie! I don’t think you can top this very easily. You always amaze me!

[@kevinhanley4536]

Thanks Lonnie, your demonstration helped me with the most important part, gathering your “tools” and preparation. Friction fire is not easy, even with the best resources! I have burned a lot of calories, made lots of smoke, but no ember, yet. Keep them coming, I thoroughly enjoy your channel.

[@GigMyRig]

Outstanding! That was incredible. Had my complete attention throughout. Thanks, Lonnie!

[@wallaroo1295]

I saved this one to My Favorites, so I can practice it, and then teach others. Thank you Lonnie! HOOAH BROTHER!!!

[@veliborb]

Just like in old days... Great Lonnie, regards from Montenegro!

[@michiganexplorer7945]

Another great video! Thanks! You are truly the real deal in outdoor living!

[@scottanthony1616]

Awesome job Lonnie, thank you for sharing, waiting for the next educational video from you. Have a wonderful weekend, take care and God bless you and your Family. 🇺🇸🔥☕️🇺🇸👼🏻👼🏻

[@scottpreston5074]

Lonnie never ceases to amaze. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@packrat2013]

Lonnie, You Sir are the real deal.

[@samstewart4444]

Thank you for this demonstration. I like that you took your time to find the correct materials.

[@fauxscout2248]

Lonnie, you're my hero from the far north! Great instructor you are!

[@Waldhandwerk]

Lots of good tips Lonnie, many thanks!

[@PawPawMountain]

Nice work Lonnie! Thanks for the demonstration!!

[@chaswarren7239]

Lonnie - father of the woods. Amazing. Thank you.

[@DamianBloodstone]

You always amaze me and then surprise me with what you can do that you take the time to teach us. Thank you. Take Care and Stay Safe

[@ChaseFraser]

Lonnie is a legend! This channel has taught me a lot over the years, thanks for everything man

[@nwprimate6416]

Outstanding work Lonnie! 💪🙂👍

[@davidharvey5672]

Thanks Lonnie great tuition and very thorough. Cheers

[@watermanone7567]

Great job as usual Lonnie. Many thanks for your hard work and video's.