www.raymears.com/ Ray Mears shows how to make natural cordage using only the common nettle plant. This clip was taken from the DVD extras of Ray Mears Bushcraft Survival Series 1.
Пікірлер: 310
@AnaisIsAce2 жыл бұрын
The Bob Ross of nature. I grew up watching Ray Mears on telly with my parents and coming back to these videos gives me great comfort. So clear, gentle and skilled. Fascinating and relaxing videos every time. Love this guy.
@SerMattzio2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love Ray's programmes. No flashy nonsense, no fast cuts, no bombastic soundtrack...just the beauty and ingenuity of the use of natural resources.
@fartexboy42259 ай бұрын
I need to watch more of this guy, sick of all the bullshit on social media right now plus I actually need to learn something from what I watch rather than mindlessly scrolling
@khomol6 жыл бұрын
Such a G. I watch these clips over and over and over. It’s so beautiful. My dad has got mad bushcraft skills which he never taught us but Ray here is showing me what dad used to do. Everything indeed does come to an end.
@wozacardoza10932 жыл бұрын
Why tf your old man never teach you his mad bushcraft skills bro that hit me straight in the fucking feels
@yesitdoes44252 жыл бұрын
@@wozacardoza1093 cringe
@wozacardoza10932 жыл бұрын
@@yesitdoes4425 did your dad not teach you the bushcraft skills either brah
@mukelaunder51492 жыл бұрын
@@wozacardoza1093 Don't sweat it Jack, I agree with you here. Not sure how khomol managed to write such a brief unintentionally somber message like that myself. I felt it too. It was real.
@wozacardoza10932 жыл бұрын
@@mukelaunder5149 I don't think he even meant it but it gave me a real insight into his life, spit of you by Sam fender vibes
@-Vuce9 жыл бұрын
Not sure if anyone else ever noticed the poetry within this piece that reflects Mears life. His wife died of cancer; when he explains about rolling the string he explains how he rolls both the strands at the same time, he clamps them against himself to stop them from unravelling. Then he explains how eventually we get to an end " because we always reach and end at some point, but! long before that the other partner starts to become thinner " He's now remarried which is a reflection of the next piece of nettle being put in place. Others may not see this but this is usually how skills have been past on from generation to generation especially old ones, through teachings from life stories which Mears seems to encompass and embrace. Total Legend and very inspiring.
@HARDYSFISHINGADVENTURES8 жыл бұрын
+Ammo thank you for sharing the love that was shown in the knowledge and the lesson
@captainmorgan73717 жыл бұрын
Ammo that's a nice thought but seems like a bit of a leap to me, to be honest I think he was just explaining how to make cord from stinging nettles
@-Vuce7 жыл бұрын
He's explained how to make cord many times from many different materials in his shows, never quite as poetic and poignant at this one. The words he picks in this one just speaks out to me. But that's just my opinion, I respect yours too. =D
@billder9997 жыл бұрын
Ammo, I think you are the real poet here. Nicely crafted.
@candaceglover24567 жыл бұрын
well said, you are a obviously a deeply observant person.
@angelus_solus5 жыл бұрын
I can't believe how simple it really is. The way he broke it down and explained it was just too perfect.
@TheGodlessGuitarist2 жыл бұрын
It's been a while since I watched it but if a remember correctly he just uses spit to make the cordage. I made a load of this stuff and found that when it dries it becomes very brittle. It's best to oil it with something to stop that happening. Also don't bring nettles home to do this. You'll spend the next few years trying to de-nettle your own garden afterwards. The seeds are tiny and get everywhere.
@angelus_solus2 жыл бұрын
@@TheGodlessGuitarist I'll probably never make this, but someone else may benefit from your wisdom.
@martinstojanovic21232 жыл бұрын
@@angelus_solus Thanks, ill benifit it.
@lockeforeer12 жыл бұрын
For some reason I find the most basic things the most impressive. Seeing you add that extra thread to the thinning one left me in awe. I wish these things were taught in schools.
@austenjacoby44043 жыл бұрын
That was facts
@monkchipsАй бұрын
The man is a boss, I have spent my entire life learning bushcraft and he makes the stuff that is necessary so simple.
@thinsulite11 жыл бұрын
It was surprisingly relaxing watching this video. But as always Ray delivers his vast knowledge of bush craft brilliantly!
@angusmacgyver5 жыл бұрын
I tried to make cordage with Ray's advice few years ago and it was surprisingly easy even on a first try. Sure, it takes time, but the end product was strong, I couldn't break it with my bare hands.
@SteveB3579 жыл бұрын
another thing to do, for protection, is to run the nettles through a split stick. partially split the stick open it up like pinchers I just go zip.
@ryankanters43853 жыл бұрын
Thats actually genius sir! Ive been learning how to make some rope and stumbled upon this videoand saw your comment 👍
@dedburton2 жыл бұрын
Can't believe i've never heard of you, Ray. This video specifically is great, and informative. Extremely useful technique not easily available to learn, so thanks!
@martinaxe63908 жыл бұрын
This man is a fountain of wisdom from experience. Watching and listening to him work is something I could do for hours. I'm grateful for modern technology which captures and will preserve his efforts. If only we could watch Sears, DC Beard, Kephart and Hearne in action.
@thedeadman83612 жыл бұрын
Not sure why the algorithm starting suggesting these old Ray Mears videos to me in 2022. But I'm glad it did!
@Southwestwalker2 жыл бұрын
Having seen Ray do this live, during a walk in the woods, it looks so easy. A lifetime of learning shines through.
@roguishowl39156 жыл бұрын
Thank you Ray, I had watched several video on how to make natural cordage, but yours was by far the easiest to follow and understand. 👍🏻👍🏻
@jeffcook85017 жыл бұрын
Great work. I learned a new way to roll the fibers which looks a lot easier on the fingers then most ways I have seen it done.
@Ensensu22 жыл бұрын
And the wrists.
@Martin.m.l.r-xp7cq3 ай бұрын
Such a useful plant, the nettle. You can also: Make tea and soup from leaves Use seeds as food supplement Use roots as dye Use whole plant as mulch and plant food Detect nitrogen-rich soil by nettle presence Just leave it as a food source for wildlife - especially peacock butterfly caterpillars.
@billder9997 жыл бұрын
I have not seen this technique of rolling against the thigh, let go and allow twist, repeat. Also, the tips on when to add fiber are excellent. This looks like something that could be done with virtually any fiber. I am headed to the desert, anxious to try this with yucca, mecate, agave and various grasses. Any tips out there for processing desert fibers?
@Ryanator11072 жыл бұрын
You didn’t die, did you?
@matrixrory2 жыл бұрын
@@Ryanator1107 Id also like to know what happened
@richardeves90592 жыл бұрын
Thirded
@InsatiableMonkey2 жыл бұрын
He wove himself a beautiful casket out out a blend of agave and lizard tail. RIP
@TheMilojca12 жыл бұрын
There is one more use of nettle,you can make soup out of its leaves,when the plant is still young.This soup is very rich in iron so it is very good for people having problems with anemia. P.S. I would really like to watch a bushcraft show, done by Maers and Kochanski together,that would be epic!
@moonhead62992 жыл бұрын
Tried doing this and ended up with a severe case of gonorrhoea, won’t be trying again, thanks Ray!
@bergeracvandamme2 жыл бұрын
This is awesome. Ray is a real British national treasure.
@christinabroadhead38104 жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly for sharing your knowledge. It took me about 10 years to grow an established nettle patch here, and this year I wanted to make some cordage. The species of nettle that grows here on Haida Gwaii, is very stingy, even in early spring.
@dzonbrodi5142 жыл бұрын
Nettles are quite nutritious too, so you can use the young leaves for soup.
@Nativesurvival13 жыл бұрын
Excellent.. -Mitch
@robertballuumm73010 ай бұрын
My late father taught me to make cordage like this and then make a shepherd's sling from it. Time consuming, but great fun as a child spending time with him and learning. 🤔🇬🇧🇮🇳🙏
@gavinthornton15912 жыл бұрын
Good old Rey Mears. Used to love watching this on the telly when I was young
@StarskyBuba2 жыл бұрын
Blooming awesome. We love you, your knowledge and your skills Ray x
@halosrusty4 жыл бұрын
No bravado , no tom foolery, no fakery just real knowledge from a real dude.
@Californiasurvivaltraining8 жыл бұрын
Huge fans here in California.
@baldrickthedungspreader3107 Жыл бұрын
Gonna try this, a vital skill to know if you run out of paracord and need to, rase a shelter, make snares or a bow string, rock sling or to attach a flint arrowhead, thanks Ray!
@spacial210 жыл бұрын
Ray Meres can be quite maddening at times. I watched a video of his, where he showed how to sharpen a knife at camp. Except, no-one would ever do it that way. Then he comes up with this brilliant and practical demonstration, showing that he really is the Man when it comes to bushcraft.
@spacial210 жыл бұрын
You see, that's what I thought. But as someone who used chisels in the field, as tools of my own craft, I needed those to be every bit as sharp. Ray's way is not what I'd have done, except for a brand new chisel or one that had been serious chipped. Infact, I maintained mine using a small diamond stone, which I kept in my pocket. Light as a feather, doesn't need soaking and totally reliable. Just saying.
@ceryni1110 жыл бұрын
spacial2 whetstones are lovely to use when you're at home. You'd never take those in the field. I use a DC4 when im out, but a double sided whetstone in my kitchen.
@spacial210 жыл бұрын
HabaNero3 Understand, but with respect, disagree. I like tradition as much as the next grumpy old guy. Some things do a good job until they are replaced by something better, which is an improvement in every possible way. Time was when knives were made from flint. I know how to make a flint blade, As handy as that might be, hardened steel in better. (As all will know from fighting off marauding Black Knights, intent upon capturing our maidens. A flint sword doesn't get the girl!). But I do respect the techniques of using a whetstone and suggest it's as well for people to know. A diamond is still a boy's best friend. (Well, almost!)
@ceryni1110 жыл бұрын
Every Diamond I've used has always been too coarse or left an edge that doesn't last. I feel like for the same price or cheaper (I'm always on a tiny budget) I can get good results from a water stone that cost me £17 and I find it easier to use. Because I am compared to many people relatively new to knife sharpening I make less mistakes with simpler methods, such as whetstones for my knives (all scandi grind) and my kitchen knives, well I use a pull through for them, but I just got a Kin Knife for christmas so, once I use the thing I'll have to sharpen that as well. The DC4 I use in the field is diamond coarse and ceramic fine. No water or oil. Perhaps just personal preference? If you can get the same results with both methods then why not?
@spacial210 жыл бұрын
HabaNero3 I was probably a bit harsh with your views. A decent whetstone does, as you say, leave a better and more long lasting edge.
@zoehancock7 жыл бұрын
This looks much quicker than the rather slow process I was taught a few weeks ago - tomorrow I'll give it a go.
@simonh20112 жыл бұрын
I miss ol Razor. Invaluable information every time.
@j_lsw2 жыл бұрын
Since I have long hair which gets everywhere, I tried the cordmaking technique while watching with my own hair. It worked quite nicely!
@j_lsw Жыл бұрын
@Tai Chi Tube The strands of my hair are quite fine, though I have lots of them. I don't remember how strong it was now -- much stronger than a single strand though. I suspect the uses of that hair string would be much more limited than the nettle-variety. I think with my comment I meant to suggest a way to practice at home if you have long hair, but I do remember daydreaming at the time about possible functions!
@BiTurbo2287 ай бұрын
Be sure not to waste the leaves! They make for a lovely green vegetable dish when blanched in water. Lovely lemony spinach flavour.
@oneandonlyjaybee2 жыл бұрын
I did this a few times. It is indeed easier than you might think. But dam, always get massively stung!
@steammachine3061 Жыл бұрын
Interestingly I was making cordage during some down time at work recently. Although I subbed out natural fibers for pallet wrap. It still worked resonably well I showed my equally bored colleague the technique as well.
@weardiwo8 жыл бұрын
Great video quality, simple method, time to make the hordes of nettles in the woods nearby into fishing nets! Ty : )
@MannyXVIII8 жыл бұрын
I am not that sure that the cords resulting from nettles are resistemt to water, but I might be wrong.
@benlenton39328 жыл бұрын
The bracelets ive made for demonstration pieces have continued to last for months. theyve been soaked repetedly obviously from showering and from the sea and what not so i see no reason why they wouldnt hold up
@MannyXVIII8 жыл бұрын
Ben Lenton thx for the Info
@SaikouHD11 жыл бұрын
I wish Ray payed more attention to his KZbin channel, he doesn't produce much new stuff for the TV anymore, would be nice to see more of him :)
@scrappydoo78872 жыл бұрын
Ah Ray I do miss you being on the TV regularly
@robroy75432 жыл бұрын
I've tried dozens of times to grab the nettles like Ray does here, got stung every single time?!
@sharkbait34311 жыл бұрын
Ray Mears is the Father of Nature
@willrenyard324511 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this, not knowing how to make this kind of cords has bugged me for ages! Cheers Ray
@Tornadoman46 жыл бұрын
this is amazing work dude. thanks for teaching me.
@xionix4 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the mud gloves tip.
@billgreen5762 жыл бұрын
Great work Ray but how strong is strong? What is the breaking strain? Is it stronger than cordage made from plastic bottles which seem to grow in profusion all over the world?
@UKFX2 жыл бұрын
I figured something out years ago as a kid just by being silly. Grab a stinging nettle leaf between my thumb and forefinger and, surprise surprise, no sting. Of course if you lightly brush against it, that's a different story. I always enjoy these videos.
@WyeExplorer8 жыл бұрын
Very useful of course and eloquently put. An enjoyable process i would imagine. Evidently in a survival situation there would be a very different feeling altogether. ATB Mark.
@brendanquinn16062 жыл бұрын
How could I not watch this
@PKFlashBeta2 жыл бұрын
I am somewhat self-conscious imagining how our ancestors could have been so knowledgeable about such simple matters in the world that we now are too foolish to remember.
@whittlepixels56332 жыл бұрын
Ray Mears; the ultimate overgrown boy scout.
@xionix4 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful technique.
@darcyleepearson44169 жыл бұрын
Handy tip! If you are near a body of water soak the nettles in it and it will neutralise the venom xxx
@tilidie52725 жыл бұрын
venom... fuck me
@Zamolxes773 жыл бұрын
And the leaves make a delicious side dish, you prep them like spinach !
@pistache288 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your video that is very interesting and useful! keep doing this type of educational videos!
@TankdozerCavalry5 жыл бұрын
4:00 "Completely bio-degradable and will grow back." And it's free!
@howardchambers96792 жыл бұрын
And you can make nettle tea and soup from the leaves. Nothing is wasted
@X_explorer7 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! I like watching earth, explore and calm down...
@luke86592 жыл бұрын
I feel like I could now do this perfectly he explained it so well
@oldskoolfool1412 жыл бұрын
Saw the thumbnail, thought it was 'Raoul Moat's Last Moments' lol
@callithowiseeit58062 жыл бұрын
Pahahaha
@zip0v10 жыл бұрын
I can watch this guy all day.
@MrAntibeous12 жыл бұрын
here in West Virginia, nettle can usually be found in moist shady areas: like in little valleys and on shady creek banks. I don't know about New York, but I would figure its close to the same, if not the same. If you can't find any you can also use milkweed. good luck.
@mattlast40933 ай бұрын
just seen thre last 3 episodes here... how to make fire, how to make cordage, how to make bread..... skills were going to be needing soon......aye?
@gamblemadman9 жыл бұрын
Just excellent. Ray Mears is the boy.
@aliceinmadseason23198 жыл бұрын
i think you mean he is the man. but totally agree, cheers
@Huntnlady75 жыл бұрын
When I forget my gloves, I take my socks off to protect my hands.
@fartunique11 жыл бұрын
Yes Nettle leaves are ediable. Either by boiling them down as you say thus making nettle tea. Or you can weltch them over a fire, only takes 5 seconds this takes the sting away from them and makes them safe to eat. Ray Mears Britians wild foods episodes shows you that technique.
@stephenlambert98262 жыл бұрын
I’d love to attend a bushcraft course with ray but the advanced courses are quite expensive so I’m going to buy books and try learning that way.it is so hard for my brain to learn from books though.
@DeDaanste9 жыл бұрын
Today I will harvest nettles and make my very own rope for the first time. Looking forward to it! I will use the rope on the bow I'm planning to make. :D
@BobbyMulqueen8 жыл бұрын
+Diana van Sloten Have you had any luck? I'm making my third bow, and I plan to make it by hand with natural materials. I'm wondering how strong the finished cordage will be. Can you offer any advice?
@DeDaanste8 жыл бұрын
Make some cord just to get to know the meterial then put a synthetic rope on your bow. ;) Serious. I( made cord and rope but it doesn't work as well. This rope is for when SHTF and you can't get any other rope. :D
@BobbyMulqueen8 жыл бұрын
+Diana van Sloten ahh that's disappointing. I really want to make the bow authentic from materials I've foraged. I don't want to buy anything especially if it is synthetic. I might just have to buy sinew.
@GVGames19864 жыл бұрын
So the stem is not too stingy and the leaves are. Notice he got rid of the small leaves as well. If you miss those you would get badly stung. If you grip a nettle leave with your thumb and fore-finger very firmly you won't feel it. My Dad taught me that trick.
@tmhood Жыл бұрын
I have plenty of string in my shed, but next time I tie up my vegetables I'm definitely going to use nettle cordage. I suspect it's harder than Ray makes it look.
@meldeweese6875Ай бұрын
Great - Exact Info / Demo as always ! THANKS ! Hmmm, wondering about comparison of strength as to yucca cordage - using with bow & drill fire ? ( " Wilderness Strong " did super test of max plants for natural tinder for " Flint & Steel " natural tinder . A must see ! Stinging Nettle tinder---- NO need for char cloth ! Be Safe. And Prepared . Yes people still dying ( lost ) needlessly here in Colorado . Sad but true. Mtn Mel & Aussie Molly Blue . Ret USN SERE / VN.
@BushcraftJones12 жыл бұрын
awesome video!" Ray is the master of explaining.
@od14012 жыл бұрын
Love Ray mears, like the relaxing version of bear grills
@cymro65373 жыл бұрын
So interesting..I presume that the process is the same using dried nettle fibres ?
@MrRedeyedJedi2 жыл бұрын
You can keep the leaves and make a nettle tea, or add the leaves to a soup or vegitable stock, they are very nutritious
@chemicalmike6465 жыл бұрын
Stinging Nettles can also be made into soup, but use the young shoots rather than the woodier older growth. :D
@angelus_solus5 жыл бұрын
Amusingly enough, nettle soup was very popular among the Norse during the spring. They spent the winter eating mostly meat and fats, so their bodies were starving of vitamins and enzymes. Nettle soup is perfect for that and in fact, a good way to stave off scurvy while stranded out in the scrub in your typical survival emergency.
@redpillnibbler44233 жыл бұрын
Excellent tutorial 👍
@daktariTJ11 жыл бұрын
True, true, it is most like spinach, only better and richer with ferrum and minerals, very healthy, used medicinaly, nettle tea is used a lot.
@dodgydruid2 жыл бұрын
Ooo finding one of your Citizen watches is so frustrating lol BTW I went to school in Redhill and I remember we had a charity or something footy match with your school, people got funny about it tho as my school was the "naughty boy" school up on Redstone Hill hehehe Rubbing shoulders with the crims never went down well with the posh parents lol
@MrSIXGUNZ6 жыл бұрын
Use in the garden is amazing idea!!
@stemajor72 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ray
@bacillusrex2 жыл бұрын
To make a thicker cord, do you just roll up the strands thicker (more fibers per strand of cord rolled together), or is it best to plait completed cords?
@OlJarhead9 жыл бұрын
Very good instruction.
@patsydf7 жыл бұрын
Excellent video
@AJTarnas8 жыл бұрын
The way he's handling these is nuts to me. On the west coast of the US, the stinging hairs are on the stems as well. There's no way to touch them bare-handed unless you have leather skin. Which perhaps he does. Otherwise great video as always, Ray Mears is a master.
@JohnnoDorber7 жыл бұрын
Heard of the expression, grasp the nettle? It is possible and a great way to impress your unknowledgeable friends. The stinging hairs are curved and will sting when you brush against them. Brush the right way or grasp firmly and they will bend. Get a magnifying glass and look. You will see what I mean.
@AJTarnas7 жыл бұрын
Johnno Dorber Nice! I'll look closely and try this technique (carefully)!
@liam31284 жыл бұрын
So that’s why the Romans brought them over, I know they use to bath in them, make teas, and who else knows. What an amazing plant, however I admit I prefer her cousin 😂😂😂
@thenewlc2 жыл бұрын
Started from the bottom now we’re here. Our ancestors relied on shit like this. Now I’m watching it on a whim on my magical hand computer that can access the combined knowledge of the world. Then I’ll take 30min to go what used to be 3 days journey to hang out with my friends. We would basically be gods to our ancestors.
@andypandy-ys3xy4 жыл бұрын
That was cool.. Where were the Dock leaves?
@96Champ9943 жыл бұрын
very usefull. thank you.
@purplemutantas12 жыл бұрын
@FatMikejo That's why it's a good idea to bring a pair of work glove with you any time you are in the woods. Or practice bush craft skills without gloves so you don't have to worry about having gloves in a survival situation.
@1Abuvall2 жыл бұрын
This guy is a wizard, I'm ashamed it took me this long to realise it.
@joshuakneer4091 Жыл бұрын
What other plants can I process like these nettles to make some cordage for me to weave a basket?
@maarhoefe12 жыл бұрын
a tip: to flatten fast find a flat rock and roll a branch over the nettles. if you have the resources split a small log to use as a workbench.
@user-bm5wz4mk4f2 жыл бұрын
Ray mears original Don .... On same level as dibnah ..... OGs
@ohsheelamakeme11 жыл бұрын
you can eat stinging nettles, i learnt that from Ray Mears, so this is string and a meal all in one!
@franku201110 жыл бұрын
great easy to follow vid. But you didnt tell us how to finish themsothey dont unravel...?
@angelus_solus5 жыл бұрын
Tie an overhand knot in the ends, just like any small cord that's too thin to secure with whipping.
@williamwhite94815 жыл бұрын
All you have to do is tie a knot. But they wouldnt unravel even if you didnt tie the knot
@thomassorbie10 жыл бұрын
great video tom
@TitiniusAndronicus2 жыл бұрын
In outdoors living situations, if you forget to bring any string or cord, you immediately understand what good value string is!
@FreakTherapyYT10 жыл бұрын
@ Kai Dean "How long would you dry the fibres before turning them into cordage?" umm.. until dry
@samroberts12292 жыл бұрын
The OG primitive technology
@theymusthatetesla31862 жыл бұрын
"Take this nettl...OW! here, and OW! twist this onto...OOOW! the other net....AAAH! Ah, F*CK IT!!" ;)