The One Tool Fire, Hatchet Version, Saw Version, And Machete Version

When it comes to campfires, survival fires for signaling, warmth and cooking and water boiling you need to know multiple ways of starting a fire. Why limit yourself to one method? Or one tool? But its good to know multiple methods and tricks to process everything you need with one tool from tinder to kindling to fuel.

[@TerryC69]

Hi Dave and Nick! You never "look bad," friend. Anyone who has actually gone out in the woods and tried honing these skills knows that theory is one thing and doing it yourself involves a good bit of messy do overs. I appreciate the realistic demonstrations. Blessings to both y'all.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Terry and Thanks! Sometimes being real aint looking like things go smooth. Lol. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@aarde7036]

So true, very much like life.

[@kevola5739]

I like your way of thinking . I am not struggling with the task, just honing my skills. I need lots of honing!

[@luismiguelfialhodesousa5112]

Thanks for another good video

[@victoriab3882]

Agreed

[@stuartmarkman769]

I think the ants blew out the flame. They are tricky little buggers. The best part of all your videos is you have fun while you are teaching different techniques. A great sense of humor helps a lot. Great video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, them ants are bad about doing that. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching Stuart!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Dave, you never look bad. To paraphrase something my Dad would tell people he respected… “You’ve forgotten more than most of us will ever know.” 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks!

[@mussydesign7933]

Always a pleasure watching Dave and Nick ❤

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@justintrimpey8862]

I agree

[@midnightsurvival]

The saw method reminds me of the video where you collected the fat wood to bring home. Used a spade bit to make your own Maya dust and wafers. Great video! Thanks Dave and Nick.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Oh yeah, thats the Fatwood fire disc! that is the ultimate fire starter! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@Ladythyme]

Thanks Dave for another authentic demonstration! Not to mention important techniques we all should have in our back pocket. One truly never knows what might come up. Be well..

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and Im glad you liked it! One can never know too much!

[@stephenwest1491]

Hi Dave when i was a kid i used to start a fire using a bow drill when the sun wasn't out for my magnify glass so i complained to my grandfather he took me into his shed and showed me the wire wool method so from the age of nine i kept a pp9 v battery and some wire wool in my pack to this day im 64 years and it still works everytime i light a fire that way i think of my grandfather...

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Amazing how well fine steel wool works! I love that method.

[@sosteve9113]

Same here,I learned this trick when I was little,and used it for several applications. I still use this trick regularly

[@aarde7036]

Can I ask, what is wire wool? I'm Dutch, and can't find a proper google explanation... I'd love to see how you do that.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@aarde7036 Also commonly known as steel wool. Here's a link www.harborfreight.com/steel-wool-12-pack-43528.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNDk0NDgyODciLCJza3UiOiI0MzUyOCIsImlzIjoiMS44NyJ9&campaignid=20506713302&adsetid=154404699553&product=43528&store=486&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl8anBhCFARIsAKbbpySkNDULy5UGF1vipyXQJH7jjJ2bFw_f-ev66_Pgv4GjFuGdzqFlBr0aAsHSEALw_wcB

[@sosteve9113]

@@aarde7036 staalwol om metaal te ontroesten of boenwas van hout af te wrijven. Kan je gewoon kopen in de doe het zelf zaak of zelfs bij de jumbo.

[@AtwoodThreads]

How you don't have a million subs is beyond me. You guys do the things and share the full process and all. Always happy to see your vids pop up on my feed. Take Care

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I have no idea why my channel hasn't grown. Maybe because people love short videos? I'm glad you like it and thanks for watching!

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

Self-reliance and survival skills videos get mega throttled here on KZbin, unfortunately. All these type channels do. "They" don't want folks learning how to live on their own.

[@AtwoodThreads]

@@pennsyltuckyreb9800 True story

[@TennesseeMtnMan]

I love these field trips !!! Great lesson Dave !!! 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that my friend!

[@dennislindenpellinge]

Thanks ! Again a nice video! 👍You provide us viewers with very useful information! But not only that! You and the whole video "package" are absolutely wonderful to watch! 😃I wish you all the best! Greetings from a small island in southern Finland. Dennis 😃

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dennis! Im glad you liked it all! Thanks for watching and Greetings from Georgia in the USA!

[@granny4751]

And, that is exactly WHY I started watching your videos ,ummmm a few years ago now (Nick was just a youngun then lol), is because you keep it REAL! You don't sugar coat stuff like a LOT of other channels do. I truly appreciate that. Blessings and have a great holiday weekend!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Granny! We keep it as real as we can! Thanks for watching and you have a great weekend too!

[@madmax6961]

According to my textbook, you are a macroinfluencer. Congratulations. I get a kick out of your camping videos and like seeing the nice relationship you have with your son. Enjoy the upcoming autumn weather.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ive never heard that term but sounds good to me! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@oprophetisfake9482]

I couldn't agree more. 👍

[@TheScoundrel70]

Great video Dave, and always entertaining to have Nick along to add his comments, and run the camera. I appreciated you mentioning that there are different situations, environments, etc. There are so many variables beyond just available materials. Current and recent weather, location and terrain, season, plus type and purpose for the fire. Those variables will greatly impact which tool is a better choice, and which is a poor one under different conditions and requirements.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it and you have very valid points! Thanks for watching

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

Good tricks to know and I think you proved that practice is the key here, the learning curve can be pretty steep with ferro rods and fires themselves. People should not wait until they need it to try it, knowledge isn't very effective without the skill to back it up. Thanks for showing and hope you have a great holiday!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it! I know these methods but dont use them often so they are far from perfect. Lol. I usually stick to making curls. Thanks for watching and you have a great holiday weekend too!

[@Olyphoto7]

Great job. I’ve actually used a similar saw method using a Swiss Army knife’s saw. I haven’t seen the hatchet method. I’m going to try that with some rocks as a survival skill because I rarely carry an axe or hatchet. Murphy’s Law always applies when you’re trying to demonstrate something to others. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep it real!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it and fantastic to hear you're gonna try these! Thanks for watching

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Dave and Nick ☺, thanks for taking the time to show us all these tips and tricks to get a fire going, I certainly saw some differant methods of doing it. And if the chips are down knowing how to make a fire using what's available at the time can be crucial to your survival, and even if it's not a shtf situation it's still good practice trying these things out. Cheers guys, your the best, stay safe, best wishe's to all, Stuart Uk.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Stuart and very well said! You often just have to use whats available. We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@barrybrum]

We learn from our mistakes... and every time we should grow smarter. I don't see you "looking bad" here. I see a man who with great perseverance is dedicated to his cause and to his viewers. I've been camping for 60 years, I began long before it was considered "survival" so I know a lot, but I am still learning new tips and hacks from your videos. Thanks for creating and posting these.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said Barry and thanks!

[@gbro8822]

Thank you guys. Your videos are just filled with tips and tricks that I really enjoy, thank you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Brother and We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@markoda2120]

Thank you for yet another fun, informative, and real video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Mark and Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@stephenwright3501]

Here in Massachusetts, even a Morakniv is considered a weapon, so carrying one, even in the woods is socially unacceptable. I carry a Silky PocketBoy and a lighter to make fires and other campcraft stuff. Your video today was very educational and I was glad to see that carrying just a saw is not weird. I look forward to all your videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Really? Man its amazing the differences between states. Here in Georgia you can go into Walmart and theres people shopping wearing fixed blades on their belts. Its a common thing round here. Its amazing what all a folding saw can do, even a lot more than whats in this video. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Stephen

[@aarde7036]

Same here in the Netherlands, I carry a Victorinox Outrider and that is already above limit. Funny thing is... you ARE allowed to carry axes as big as you want... well ofcourse not if you're walking around in the city but generally there is no law against them. I recently bought a Fiskars X5 camping/hiking axe, very small but incredibly capable making feathers on a stick and chopping smaller pieces of wood, I love it!

[@Ve-suvius]

Crazy laws. The goverment oppressing their own people. Dictators.

[@asmith7876]

Wow, that’s terrible, when did Massachusetts secede from the United States? 😂😢. Sad that the Constitution isn’t enforced nationwide.

[@aarde7036]

Walking into the Dutch 'Walmart' version with a fixed blade on your belt is gonna get you a fast ticket into jail here 😂 I agree a saw (and I love that lil silky one) can do a lot-almost evry task, thing is, as showed in your first fire, between sawdust is no air and that puts it out. @@Reallybigmonkey1

[@jillluke9112]

I constantly talk to my family about "that guy on You Tube who MAKES so much of his own gear." LOVE your videos. Keep on keeping on, guys! You are excellent teachers.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Jill! Nick is pretty busy with work now so I'll be stuck with most of the video chores but, I'm still making lots of gear! Take care and thanks for watching

[@gregwright392]

You never look bad young man! Nothing goes right the first time all the time! Your doing real world things.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Greg!

[@andymkay]

Awesome video guys. Like you say Dave you are showing things as it is. Including when things are not as easy as you think. Take care and keep having fun.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! We are glad you liked it. I try to keep it as real as possible! Thanks for watching

[@irmuggle]

You said when you watch this video, you gotta learn something. I thought I'll come on, Dave. You're pulling my leg. And I have never thought to smash a branch into kindling. Once again, you amaze and educate.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that my friend!

[@oprophetisfake9482]

Thank you Dave and Nick. I would just add warning people to be very careful with fires in very dry conditions. The human part of global warming has been incredibly over done but we have had extra warm conditions from an El Niño event and some other events, so we have to be very careful to put enough water on any fire to make sure that even the heat in the ground under the ground is completely put out of effect. With that been said, I thank you again for sharing all your wonderful skills.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the comments.

[@unfi6798]

Glad to learn variable of fire starting. We all get better with the mistakes we make through the years. We're still waiting for more Camp & Coffee & Cook in the woods. Glad to have Nick back in the woodlands too.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

We are glad you liked it. We'll have a lot more cooking and coffee brewing once Fall cools us off. Thanks for watching brother

[@neva.]

It is great the way you show beginners and advanced learners, techniques that we may try for ourselves. I watched it twice and tried that smash fire for myself. Thank you both for your time and enjoy the weeks end to the max!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Beginners or pros always can learn new things! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@brianlykins6663]

Hello Dave , Nick. Another great idea video. Regardless of how many ways someone knows of starting fires, you are correct, practice at other ways. You may not have all the things you normally use. This was a great video, proving that even with your experience, not all goes as planned. It's one thing when everything is perfect, all together different when its not. Man, I love ya'lls videos, always entertaining and most everytime, informative or at least makes you think a bit. God bless ya'll and stay safe on your journeys into the wilds. Hope ya'll missed the hurricane or any damage from it.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Brian! Very well said and We are glad you liked it! We keep it as real as possible. The hurricane stayed south of us, we didnt even get any rain. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too!

[@ptonpc]

Afternoon here :) The thing is, you let us see when things don't work out and you have to try something else. You don't edit and reshoot things to make yourself look good. Regards the hatchet version, mine would not be able to do curls. I have a combo tool originally designed for roofing slaters. It has a small hatchet, hammer, crow bar, nail puller. As a general tool it does the job however it would never be able to compete against a dedicated axe. Hope you all have a great weekend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you like the way I do things. Your axe may not make curls but itll smash wood! Thanks for watching and you have a great weekend too!

[@royburris4126]

There though's of us that know you know and experimenting on how to make it easier or to know more than one method praise you teaching

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Roy!

[@alancope1094]

I like that you always show us the good the bad and even the ugly and the persistent it takes to be prepared.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I try to keep it as realistic as possible, thanks for watching Alan!

[@mtgAzim]

When I was little, I was helping to process wood for a wood furnace. I had seen it done plenty of times, be it on tv or just by people who had been swinging an axe for many years. After splitting about a dozen logs, I missed one, and the axe went right into my pant leg. Thankfully for me, baggy pants were in at the time, so that bottom point on the beard of the axe blade caught the material, and turned it just enough that I got away with a negligible scratch, and a little bruise. And a little hole in my pant leg, but that's beside the point. Thing is, I had never seen anyone make that mistake, so it wasn't in my mind. I very nearly had to learn that one the hard way. We don't learn much from watching absolutely pro's batting 1000 every single time. As far as learning real, relatable lessons, this is so much more valuable.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Wow! Very valuable lesson. If that axe swing doesn't hit the wood it'll hit something else!

[@steveturner3999]

Great video as always Dave! The more methods you have in your bag of tricks the greater your chance of success. As you said, conditions and available materials vary greatly. Love how you’re always thinking of better methods and you bring us methods others have developed as well. Good to see you and Nick out having fun! I can’t wait to try these methods.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said and I couldn't agree more! Always know multiple methods. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching Steve

[@Keepmelevel]

That bick lighter is the best tool ever made… its just a one and done. Even with no fluid you can still use it. Excellent video guys.😎

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

It is excellent! Unless its below freezing, it often will not work. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@jamesfino7962]

Even if these methods failed on your video, anybody should know that they are all viable methods for making a fire. Thanks for the video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said James, they work but not every single try. Thanks for watching my friend

[@TheArkousin]

You have come a long way since the days of Flathead & Big Nose. I've watched your videos since those good times. I have been watching for about 10 years, have enjoyed them all. During that time I have taken a lot of notes & put together a Survival Pack of sorts. Thank You for what you do.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Roy! And I've recognized you over all those years as a great viewer and commentator. Thanks for the support and thanks for watching brother

[@jamescrowe7892]

Absolutely correct. It ain't always as easy as it looks. I can attest to that. Thanks Dave and Nick for this look into the intricacies of making a fire.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said James! And We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@twenchtowers3894]

Thank you Dave for not staging things in order to make the tasks look easy. It doesn’t help build confidence when learning these skills if you start thinking the fire is going to start every time with one or two strikes of a ferro rod.

[@aarde7036]

Agree. That is just the thing about Dave. He stays real.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I gotta show it like it happens so folks will know what to expect. Thanks for watching

[@thedriftingspore]

Happy to add these methods to the toolbox. Fire is the easiest thing when it's easy and probably the hardest thing when it's hard. Thanks for sharing them Dave, appreciate it.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said and I'm glad you liked it!

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

This is all up my alley. Most of what you demonstrated was logical and effective. A couple suggestions... try to find dead standing. Test moisture content with your lips. Test fatwood by lightning a small chunk with a lighter. Always allow for variables like weather, wind, and humidity. Awesome video Dave! Thanks for sharing!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the input and I'm glad you liked the video!

[@rickworden256]

I love the fails it show the real stuff. Thanks for all you do.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

That keeps it as realistic as possible. Thanks for watching Rick

[@drunkwoodswyllia4885]

That’s what I like about your content, you don’t stage anything! You show it how it is in real life! Thank you for that sir! I never knew about the mash technique! This was very interesting to me!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I keep it as real as possible! I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching

[@rextripod6242]

My favorite you tube people.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Rex!

[@ToddAdams1234]

David, remember the old survivalist saying of “2 is 1 and 1 is none”. 1 tool is great but don’t rely on ONLY 1 tool. I hope that makes since.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

This video was made to show what you are capable of with only one tool. I prefer 2 or 3 tools myself.

[@n8mayfield]

Have to admit, when I first saw the title I thought “great, another fire video” however I’ll always watch your videos because you’re an outside the box thinker. I can always take something away from your videos. It’s hard to not have that thought that I’m about to watch some regurgitated information that I’ve already seen a thousand times and done myself when it comes to fire when I see these titles. But this solidified why I watch your videos regardless of me thinking I own the skill. That hatchet segment is something I have not seen or tried. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate why I shouldn’t write something off because I think I know already

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

It's extremely hard to find new information on bushcraft and survival but I always try my best to make the videos new info so they are worth watching. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend!

[@n8mayfield]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 even if it isn’t new to me, I just enjoy your perspective. Don’t want you to get that “it isn’t different or new I shouldn’t bother posting a video” in your head

[@floydcrase625]

Your videos tend to show us trial and error not a perfect scenario as others show. its up to us to perfect our skills Thanx for your efforts of sharing your experiences

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Absolutely! I show the good, the bad and what really happens. Thanks for watching Floyd

[@MrBearbait75]

You never look bad sir! It just reality like you said. Thanks for keeping it that way. Blessings to you both.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Paul!

[@mccoyburgess844]

Another fine teaching video from the Masters. Would have never thought of the smashed end of a stick. Don’t understand the looking bad comment. You didn’t look bad in a real reality. Keep them coming. Thank you and Nick!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you McCoy! Well the looking bad part is when most youtubers stage things to go right the first time and look easy to do. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother

[@paulmarren7970]

ANY new information and ways to improvise the 4 basics is as important as any other. and as you said in the intro the more ways we know the better!! and practice makes perfect. and this is about luck in many ways..and the more you know and practce the luckier youll get.🔥🔥🔥

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Paul and very well said. It's always better to know multiple ways of doing things

[@michaelmeyers4950]

Dave, thanks for documenting all this stuff! You are an outdoorsman!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Michael and I'm glad you liked it!

[@dennisthurman8161]

Great advice for the many ways of getting a fire started Dave and great camera work too Nick,and that ferrel rod is definitely no joke,that thing puts out a lot of spark.Well it's almost midnight here so your video was my tv for the night,much better then real tv drama for sure.thanks again and we will see you on the next one

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dennis, I'm glad you enjoyed the late night viewing! That ferro rod is an unstoppable beast! Take care and thanks for watching

[@1leg956]

Hi bigmonkey I'm retarded and disabled lol I just love the way you break things down and you and nick definitely make me a better bushcrafter peace and love from 1 leg UK England

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@hhbeck-ziegler9333]

I never thought you would get a fire from that first stick ,that is very hard and have to be lucky it is the right kind of wood. The important here is to show this is not easy and your gonna do this few times to be lucky. With some help from a bit tinder it will get better but i know this test was without any help. So having always some dry tinder in a small bag in your pocket is very important . Great stuff as usual .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well said! You never know if you'll find good or bad materials so always be prepared. Thanks for watching

[@sosteve9113]

Reading,tinkering and try it out in practice is the way you learn the most. A machete would draw to much attention in my nick of the woods lol Nice demonstrations ,have a great weekend

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I agree 100%! We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@michael-outdoors]

Hi Dave & Nick, another great video: and lets's enjoy live - in the woods, and everywhere we can. Best regards, Michael

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Michael and we are glad you liked it brother!

[@jiffleming6500]

Always learning something from you guys keep up the great work greetings from Nashville Tennessee.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that and greetings from Georgia! Thanks for watching

[@justintrimpey8862]

Incredible job as always David

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it Justin!

[@justintrimpey8862]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 anytime David

[@TressaZimmerman]

I like knowing how to do things, in many different ways. Thanks Dave and Nick. Take care.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

That's a great rule of thumb when it involves being out in the wilderness. Thanks for watching Tressa

[@cipher2]

love this one Dave! Especially the smashing the end of a stick and also using the map to collect the saw dust; simple brilliance and practical!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it all!

[@kellyspann9845]

You did a great job and didn't look silly at all. Fires are always a challenge to start no matter how long you have been doing it. Conditions are always different and what is easy one day is difficult the next. I practice different ways to make fire just in case my Bic or Zippo lighter fails me. Lol !!!. I have never mastered the bow drill method but will keep trying. Thanks for another great video and thanks for making it. I always learn something new. Kelly from Texas !

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Kelly and very well said! When nature provides the materials, anything could happen or not happen! Thanks for watching

[@samgasaway8894]

Wondering if an Oklahoma map would work..😅. Awesome ferro rod. Good video as always..Good to see Nick back.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, Oklahoma maps are always welcome here! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@thomassmart4363]

I tried to lite a fire with a magnifying glass, I got plenty of smoke, and heat, but no flame. Technically that was a fire, but without flame, I count it as a fail. It's all a learning experience. You done good.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Usually bright sun is important but I've learned the most important part of a magnifying lens fire is super dry thin tinder. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@badbadbob1]

`Yes sir you make it real. I teach young Scouts that do not have their knife chit yet, to take a large pencil sharpener and dry sticks to make shavings. If you let them alone to do that for about an hour, you will have a 55 gallon drum of wood chips. lol

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol! I think no matter if its a knife, machete or pencil sharpener making shavings can be addictive! Thanks for watching

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks Dave & Nick for filming this awesome video. 😁👍🏼

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and we are glad you liked it

[@suzy9342]

SuzyAnn . Hey y'all Great to see you and Nick out again 🔥Have you ever considered doing a survival video from a few locations in the desert of South Western Arizona?🌵

[@punishedmatteson7108]

If Dave could take time off of work I'll bet he'd love to come to Arizona!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello suzy! Nope, never thought about that because its so far away and I really dont know much about that area. Thanks for watching!

[@sharzadgabbai4408]

Send them more blue tanaya pancake mix and cactus pear syrup for inspiration Christopher and Amanda

[@gunterbecker8528]

Only a ¼ of the way through the video n as always u have my full attention! There are lots of KZbin people with such repetitive content day in day out,but very few can keep up with u, always realistic n true to nature. Love u attitude!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Gunter! It ain't easy but I try my best to put useful never seen before info on here. Take care and thanks for watching

[@kennethcruise7635]

I have found when getting a fire started , don't mess with it too much . As you showed we can put out to many fires by not being paishent .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I agree 100% Kenneth! Just let it grow on its own

[@arphod]

Paeshunt.

[@ManInTheWoods76]

The saw and thin cuts... plus the shavings... brilliant💪

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks David!

[@GODANMEDIA]

Great lessons in 3 different fires y’all. I liked the smash fire the best. I never SAW that technique before! Thank you guys for making the video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it

[@aurial.9579]

Dude! I had been watching a bunch of your videos from 5-6 years ago, it's so neat to see that you're still out in the woods having fun Dave. Also so glad you got a camera man now!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear you're liking the videos! Yep, I'm still here, thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Dave, this is very Educational. You just know I've got to try and do all three methods. The Hatchet, Saw, and Machete methods are awesome. Thanks a million for Sharing 👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it and definitely try all three methods! Thanks for watching

[@dennisslattery499]

Thanks again for your informative videos they always bring a big smile to my face.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Dennis and that's fantastic to hear!

[@9957nite]

Yay my favorite tool the hatchet 😂 I keep mine scary sharp so I can do anything with it from cutting a tree down to slicing a steak 😂

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good to me! Scary sharp is the way to go

[@analogdays433]

I really appreciate that you include all of your attempts in your videos. It is good to see reality as opposed to seeing a huge flame-up with just one strike of your ferro rod. I run into the same challenge when it comes to starting a fire. Somedays it works great others I have to really focus and put in that extra effort. as far as using one tool, they were great tips and will be stored in my memory tool box. I really like the saw method the best. Take Care and keep originating this great content.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I try my best to keep it as realistic as possible. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@mannihh5274]

You're absolutely right Dave! Everytime you go out, you face a different situation - good, if you know more than just a couple of methods on everything (fire, water, shelter, food etc.). To Nick: don't underestimate a good saw - I'll take it even over a knife, especially in a survival situation. Cutting down a sizeable tree is much faster and safer with a saw than with an axe, a hatchet or machete, not mentioning a knife. Axe and machete primarily are tools, that use their momentum, but that makes them very dangerous at the same time - if you're exhausted or tired, you might easily fail and severely hurt yourself. Splitting firewood with a saw? YES - just cut a baton and a couple of wedges and cut across the face of the wood 1" deep! Making curls? - NO, but you get a lot of sawdust, no need for curls, just put a garbage bag (tarp, poncho, jacket) underneath your cutting area. Lighting it with a ferrorod is possible for even an unexperienced guy, no need for advanced levels of curl-making. You could even process food with a saw, just sharpen the spine half-way from the handle (front half for striking the ferrorod, scraping wood shavings). To Dave: saw you chopping twigs with the hatchet, taking multiple shots to get through the thicker ones - it's much easier, if you chop on an angle instead of straight across the wood fibers. If you have a marvellous striker like yours you can make some very fine wood shavings with it, as well as with the edge of the axe. They will take spark much easier than the relatively coarse fibers from the pounding. Keep on going - everytime a pleasure to watch.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

All very well said! And I agree, in a survival situation a saw is the absolute safest tool. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@bobashmore6442]

You showed it like it actually is, not what would make you "look good". I personally feel reality is by far the better "look". I have had fires refuse to light when I had every condition in my favor, I've had them go up immediately with everything soaking wet and the wind blowing like mad. You just never know. I've heard of the smash method before but I've never done it, I'm going to give it a try next chance I get. Thanks for teaching us. It's getting to that time of year when I need to clean out my fire pit for outdoors and clean out my wood stove chimney for inside. Looking forward to it.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

We keep it as real as possible! Like they say, the only sure fire is one shown on KZbin, lol. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@2009glories]

Bless you. Always enjoy your videos and you are a great team, you and Nick.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks!

[@tomaslepp]

I love learning from you. Especially your real life non edited mistakes. Smash fire and the difference of dust vs. Chips from Bach vs Silky. Keep it coming!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Tom!

[@maureencallahan1604]

Thank you Dave and Nick. I had not seen the smash fire technique before.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Maureen and We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Awesome Tips & Tricks Shared Again, Many Thanks Davey ! Much Enjoyed, Hay Nick ! Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend ! ATB T God Bless

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Terry! We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching, may God bless you and you have a happy Labor day weekend too!

[@ianmickelwright4136]

Thanks for another exciting vudeo Dave and Nick. Very interesting. I have never seen the method you used with the hatchet before. 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Ian and we are glad you liked it Brother!

[@willstonvelo8100]

Dave your the Betty Crocker of fire making , going out to try some of your techniques, your always an inspiration all best Will 😊🇬🇧

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, thank you Will!

[@dr.tomgio6694]

Hey Dave and Nick, I like that hatchet smash method. It seems to me that if you smash maybe 6 inches up the branch and fan out the crushed end to increase the surface area and allow more oxygen to circulate, it should greatly improve the ignition. Excellent ideas! BTW, what about pine or birch sap? I wonder how good that would be as tinder, especially if you make a paste with sawdust?

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Dr. Tom! Yes, the further up the stick the more you smash and fan out the better it works. Problem often is the further you smash those fibers will fall off. Any sap from a tree usually has flammable qualities. We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@tonyg25]

I like how you mention that often you won't find dry tinder. I hunt on the west coast of New Zealand, 10,000mm of annual rainfall in places, I've had standing deadwood that I could squeeze water out of like it was a sponge. It winds me up whenever I see bushcrafters just gathering up random bits from on the ground.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

How true! In the dead of summer all is dry when you wont need a fire. When you really really need fire, itll be all wet! Thanks for watching Tony

[@lewisvillalta2492]

Hello David is very simple and clear to me no confusion there simple as abc great explanation loud and clear Roger that 😅

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Lewis!

[@treeemount]

Hi Dave, I've been watching you do your experiments for a long time. I always find interesting solutions and ways to help yourself in nature. I especially like the relaxed way you put it across. You really do a good Job, your cameraman is also great. I I'm looking forward to many new educational adventures with you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello and that's fantastic to hear! I love experimenting and finding different ways of doing things. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma! Interesting "movie." At 24:10 when U showed the down pine. Where those old limbs intersected the main trunk is your best bet for fatwood. We call that lighter knot, Works in all weather and burns pretty hot. I love my fatwood! It makes everything better. Thanks for all You two Do! God Bless!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello from Georgia and thanks for watching

[@kurtz260]

The smash fire was a new one for me, love it. Who says you cant teach old dogs new tricks? Thank you sir

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that my friend!

[@paulbeck71]

Love the true-to-life nature of this video. Ive been buchcraftimg for many a year now and firelighting is still difficult, still elusive. Maybe that's because I live in a llace where its always wet (or somit seems). So, seeing you today has given me hope that even the best of us can have 'experimental' days, too. Keep on being you as it works for me. Diolch, Dave and Nick.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Keep practicing and experimenting Paul, fire with become easier but it'll never be 100% easy! Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@paulbeck71]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 Good to hear from you, Dave. Are you on your lunch break? Recently, my feed has suggested I watch a number of Russian channels featuring young women without a bra among them. They all purport to be bushcrafting experts and seem to know one end of an axe from another, yet the videos are all the same. That's what I like about you and Nick. Not only do I not expect you to wear a bra in the first place (Nomex gloves are a must, however) but I've never, ever questioned your authenticity. And that's what brings me back every posting. I will keep up my practicing and, if I'm still not doing well, I'll see if I can make my own flamethrower. All the best. Enjoy the rest of your lunch.

[@johnhermann4127]

Thanks for taking the time to show us these techniques

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and thanks for watching John

[@adventurersclub1]

I think it's very good that you show the mistakes/failures 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I show it like it happens to keep it as realistic as possible

[@user-xw4sn4lq4h]

Great post useful content but remember when you need a fire 🔥 it will be almost dark or dark and it will be wet cold windy and rather miserable. Keep your wits and Focus on the task at hand! Enjoy!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and that's a good point. Always remember to start working on a fire before dark if possible

[@troymanning3150]

Great video guys! The saw method was something I have never seen before. Thanks for the info!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Troy! We are glad you liked it brother

[@ColinNew-pf5ix]

Thumbs up again Dave for your authenticity.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Colin!

[@NorwegianWoods]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Always appreciated. The first thought that hit me when I saw that burnt and broken tree that you used for your machete, was that it was probably hit by lightning. Lucky that the whole place caught on fire. Not a good thing to have a hammock tied to a tree if it gets hit by lightning. Thunderstorms are powerful stuff. Keep up the good work :) - Martin

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Martin, I'm glad you liked it. I always worried about falling branches onto a hammock but never thought about lightning hitting the tree!

[@-AT-WALKER]

Another interesting video! YT has been hit or miss with the sub feed of recent, kind of sucks. The silver lining is finding a bunch of missed videos to binge watch! Hope you guys are well👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. All kinds of stuff is going on here, no notifications, not being in the feed. I guess they hate us. Lol. Thanks for watching

[@aarde7036]

Oh well. Don't worry. we are here. @@Reallybigmonkey1

[@thekitowl]

Another awesome vid guys. Gotta get one of those Silky Saws.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it! In my opinion a Silky is the absolute best folding saw made! Thanks for watching

[@TMc348]

I ALWAYS learn something new from your videos. Can't wait to try the SMASH FIRE !

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that my friend!

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you both for the informative and possibly life saving videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and thanks for watching!

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Good video. It was fun. Would like to see you do this in the rain. You and us will learn a lot. And I know starting a fire in the rain sucks. God bless. From Glenn CATT. In Massachusetts.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. I already have two videos on my channel now on fire in the rain. One is a fail and one is a success. Lol. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too Gelnn