Birch Bark Canoe Build - Ribs | WOODWORKING | PIONEER | CANADIAN WILDERNESS | SELF SUFFICIENT

[@Vikingwerk]

I’ve recently been reading a history, 42 Years among the Eskimo; and in an account of going up a river in a birch bark canoe, they hit a rock and put a large hole in their canoe. They make for shore, and the author notes that one man is dispatched to fetch bark, one for roots for cordage, and another for pitch, and within the hour their canoe was patched, and they were underway once more. This account really impressed upon me the benefits afforded by building with what the land gives us, as they literally were surrounded by their version of a hardware store, with everything they needed to repair their boat, or even build a new one should the need arise. No such luxury is afforded the modern man, as fiberglass and resin most assuredly does not grow on trees! 😂

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve actually done a field repair after hitting a rock in rapids, pretty darn handy. Like the voyagers, I carry a small tin if premade resin in a can Which hags from the short handle thwart… just add heat.

[@milliebanks7209]

I love how you say "a wee bit of history"! And history you know! I thoroughly enjoy your history lessons.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Millie … I do have a wee bit of a passion for history!

[@HallnoutMhall]

The long awaited birch bark canoe video. I'm going to get a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy. Thanks Peter for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

By time I’m done, your going to have consumed a lot of coffee.

[@JeffGloverArts]

I could watch all day. Thank you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindaSee89]

Husband and I enjoyed learning. Looking forward to the next canoe video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks to both of you for your interest. Next episode will come out on Friday.

[@prestonjones7574]

Thank you Woodland Escape for the continous awesome content. What a joy it is to be brought back in time with you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Flattered Preston, thank you.

[@stevefisher2121]

Gonna be a lot of work involved on this one - can't wait!!!!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed but, I love each step of the process.

[@ianandresen2326]

Oh good I have been waiting for this series! First I have to finish the cabin! Then I have the root cellar! When that is done I can start the canoe! You must have been a beaver in your past life!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

An arborist, so I spent my life in trees and felling trees but, I’ve yet to cut one down with my teeth, lol.

[@backachershomestead]

That is the coolest thing to build! When I was a younger man and had a trap line on a couple small drainage ditches, I always dreamt of a birch canoe and trapping on a big creek close by. Thanks for a memory! Can't wait to watch these.!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@mikeduda3173]

You did hold off till spring! Finally... the canoe

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yup, a tad slow but, I generally get around to things. At least I have a start.

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Finally, someone showing how to use a froe in the smart way. Most I see just beat it through the wood, you actually use the leverage provided by the handle.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks.

[@jantrewitt4058]

I think your arms will get very tired as you make all those ribs!! It's a very big job!! Thanks for showing how it's done, Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Slow and steady and before one knows it they are floating on the water.

[@timothylongmore7325]

Glad I found your channel. I've been years sourcing materials. I've watched every video on the subject and yours has eluded my searchs. Can't wait.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you found us Timothy and we appreciate your interest and support.

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks for the reply. I watched the buckskin video because I'm working on some hides. Liked it and found your other content and subsribed on the spot. Can't wait to view them. Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas from across the "big river".

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your clan.

[@8626John]

Should be a fun project to watch. Unlike a lot of videos on KZbin, yours always seem to end too soon. Well done.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Nice compliment, thanks.

[@josephnebeker7976]

I have seen a documentary of a building of a Birch Park canoe once, but it was very short, and seemingly very truncated on the process. I look forward to watching yours.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I hope that I do not disappoint you, Joseph.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! I have never had the opportunity to be in a traditional birch canoe. I love the freedom of being on the water in a canoe. They are a truly remarkable. Looking forward to the build. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The best canoe material by far … like a leaf on the water. As to keeping ones powder dry, we’ll all birch bark canoes will take on a wee bit of water, so keep your powder wher it belongs, over the shoulder, lol.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I have taken a tumble in one at an event in Ohio. Fortunately for me I had my bow with me at the time and not my rifle. How I didn't loose anything is a mystery. Soaking wet leather from head to toe is an experience all it's own.

[@marieleopold1625]

500 hours = YIKES! This is going 2 B interesting in a long line of episodes needed 2 fulfill the fateful launch. Perhaps when U R closer 2 the end U might B thinking of a name 4 it, like naming your musket; Jenny. One name to strike for your canoe is; Titanic. Though, if you like the ring of the name, perhaps U could sub with; The Ol' bannock. It would be a symbol of being; tough and providing. I sense your genuine luv 4 this craft and it was appreciated also by the writer; William Cullen Bryant, who wrote; "The birch-bark canoe of the savage seems to me one of the most beautiful and perfect things of the kind constructed by human art." Like minded I believe U 2 B Peter. Thanks kindly 4 sharing some precious time and many talents and U also Catherine. Health and God Bless!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sweet, Marie … my morning smile and a very usable quote in an upcoming episode. You have yourself a great day.

[@johnclarke6647]

500 hours is a reasonable amount for a birch bark canoe. I would probably spend twice that amount because I do not have Peter’s experience nor all of the tools necessary for the job. For someone, like you who abbreviates every word or phrase that they can, I see this would be a problem. The canoe you might build would probably best named Titanic, but I am sure that Peters will float, perfectly.

[@marieleopold1625]

@@johnclarke6647 My comment was for Peter, sir...and 'he' was pleased. No one obliges you to read the comments, so 'why' the attitude?

[@johnclarke6647]

@@marieleopold1625 it comes with who I am

[@allenenabnit7078]

My grandfather was a smith and made many tools and worked with wood he made a vise from wood to shrink wagon wheels when they got loose I helped one time wish I could have spent more time learning from him I really enjoy watching the old ways of doing things. I’ve always wondered how a birch bark canoe was make can’t wait to watch and learn.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Your grandfather sounds like a skilled fellow. I think most people wish they had spent more time with elders but, sadly we don’t realize it until we too are old.

[@ebony5766]

I always love your "wee bit if history"

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@unpredictable913]

3:02 I agree, we are finally in Spring, yeah! Looking forward to the greenish landscape.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Me as well!

[@leeburke4060]

I'll be watching this one....thank you.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

WOW cant wait for the next one this will be amazing!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Lawrence.

[@kendallsteckel711]

congrats North fork Beauty! on the steckel Name. Im from Illinois, but ancestors came out of Pennsylvania area!

[@Ron.U1]

Great stuff, thanks for letting us tag along. looking forward to watching the canoe build.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Ron.

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Off to a great start! I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Me to and I love each step in the process.

[@jasonhammond4640]

Oooo this is going to be good. I have a few cedar and canvas canoes I've restored and paddle. It'll be as close to a birch bark canoe as I'll ever get. The drawings of Edwin Tappen Adney from "Bark and Skin Boats of North America" is a wonderful source of info.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very true Jason, it is the Bible of canoe building. There is a companion book … essentially a coffee table book with pictures of most of his models.

[@timothylongmore7325]

Love the Old Townes. I have several myself and going to look at another. I've a sailing model waiting to be restored. Tappens book is indeed the bible of canoes of north America.

[@jasonhammond4640]

@@timothylongmore7325 Oh that's cool. Glad to hear of someone else who has a few classics.👍👍 I have two canvas Oldtowns; a Guide and a Charles River, and I have a Thompson Bros, Hiawatha and a Huron/Bastian Bros. canvas canoe. Of all of them I think the classic Oldtown designs are the best. Though I've never paddled a classic Chestnut, a Prospector might rival an Oldtown.

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@jasonhammond4640 Wow, sounds like quite a fleet. I paid way to much for my first Old Town. I knew nothing at that point , lol. I think I paid 125 for a " real" old town sail boat.. Needs canvas and some slight repairs but on the whole the hull is in better shape. Got a line on an Alder Creek that looks pretty good for 500. Can't wait to check her out.

[@OpenAirOutdoors]

This is going to be fun to watch come together🇨🇦✌

[@dougm5341]

Peter, I am looking forward to watching you progress in the building of the canoe. 🤞

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Doug, hope I don’t disappoint.

[@beverlymichael5830]

Going to be great to follow along on the build. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Beverly, I hope I don’t disappoint.

[@yurim2000]

Какой модный и своеобразный дедушка в меховой ковточке!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Yuri.

[@terihomer5316]

This is going to be a great series. Years ago I built a cedar strip canoe, glassed, and it was a dream to use in the BWCAW. I always wanted to know how the native American people built their canoes.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It will take a while, Teri, I hope I don’t disappoint.

[@kathmandu1575]

Excellent - I'm looking forward to seeing this!

[@markaugustus621]

Looking forward to the build. Thanks

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Me too … now that I’m started, I get pretty excited about the whole process.

[@theun4giv3n]

Same where I am. Thought Spring was well under way and then it went to 0oC out of no where over night. Hedgehogs came back inside and killed some of my Garlic that had just been put out from the greenhouse! xD

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Seems that spring is having a good laugh at us. Gotta love the 4 seasons.

[@jimc4731]

Wondering, does that wood have a nice aroma as does western red cedar? This will be a nice project to follow. Keep up the good work! JIM 🤩

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It does indeed Jim, in fact it is so nice it is rather addictive.

[@richardliles4415]

This will be a very interesting series, looking very forward to it. Thanks you two for the work you put into these videos for us.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Richard.

[@plutosbestpal3060]

Im excited about this series!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, hope I don’t disappoint.

[@plutosbestpal3060]

@@TheWoodlandEscape You, disappoint? Impossible!

[@archie7212]

Great stuff Peter, looking forward to the build :-)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pretty excited as well to be starting a new one.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pretty excited as well to be starting a new one.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pretty excited as well to be starting a new one.

[@jeffgrier8488]

I'm looking forward to following along on this build, the birch bark canoe has always interested me.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I hope you enjoy, Jeff.

[@kingrafa3938]

It's going to be interesting watching this build step by step.

[@billhatcher2984]

That's a lot of work but most things that are worth having are worth working for

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A very true statement Bill.

[@kimsutton2268]

Thanks for sharing and for the history and wood working lesson blessings to all

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Kim.

[@kirkterwilliger6407]

I can't wait for this tutorial, it's going to be very interesting. Thanks again for your knowledge Mr. Kelly.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is our pleasure Kirk, appreciate your interest.

[@greywindLOSP]

It's on me bucket list! Well done sir....ATB

[@nomadsurvival4952]

Will be interesting to see the progression of the canoe build.

[@waltsimonson2556]

I've been waiting a long time for this one , can't wait to see the rest of the build . And some more we bit of history . Thank you so much for doing what you do. I love it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate that Walt.

[@handsomedan1997]

Thanks for making all these vids. Top notch sir. Great stuff.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@moecantileverjr]

Good show!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Moe.

[@rocar716]

That looks like a very satisfying job. Made a couple powder kegs once. Some times i wonder if its just the satisfaction of a sharp tool and making wood shavings.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I can relate, watching curls of shavings pulled out by a sharp blade has a certain satisfaction to it.

[@tammyevans7333]

What a awesome thing to b uild, always dreamed of one of m y own, thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I built lots of things but, nothing brings more pleasure than a finished bark canoe.

[@stephencritchley9355]

This will be fascinating to watch. What magnificent timber your country provides & I guess that determines the life style of & speed of development of the new world. I would not enjoy trying this with our tough, narly eucalyptus - although the Huon pine from Tasmania provided a great working timber - but that's a small, isolated area & was very inaccessible. Anyway, back to the larder of the America's!!! Best of luck.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Ah but you live in a beautiful part of the world.

[@heru-deshet359]

That's quite the rugged outerwear you sport, Sir.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yup and function to boot!

[@markbir7979]

So looking forward to seeing your process. I know it will be as historically accurate as possible. Always looking forward to your next adventure. I am about your age but lack your skills in buchcraft.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Mark. As to my skill set, most just take a wee bit of effort to master.

[@charleslamica5123]

I've built half a dozen wood strip canoes, but have long wanted to build one of birch bark. Unfortunately, I live in the Pacific North West and suitable birch bark is not available. Looking forward to this series!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Charles. Have you considered spruce bark. The Northern Cree often used spruce because the birch did not grow big enough that far north.

[@charleslamica5123]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I had not consideredspruce bark, but I'm going to research that possibility. Thank you!

[@jamesvatter5729]

That froe work is something. I'm curious what the indigenous natives used to split the canoe ribs prior to getting access to iron or steel tools. Any ideas, Peter? I guess I asked the question too soon. Bone? That would be something to see.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They used stone splitting axes as well as hardwood wedges and for the finer splitting either bones or flint napped knives. Perhaps I’ll see if I can do a demonstration .

[@karenhummel49]

So interesting and such a beautiful area. I've been up by the St. Lawrence River in Ogdensburg NY. Looking forward to see this built. Thanks 😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. We are not all that far, just on the north side of the river.

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I'm near watertown ny and wondered about scarcety of good birch. Would you guess it could be over harvesting due to the fur trade traffic through this area?

[@chesterwatkins9265]

Looks like a time consuming project, but it's worth the effort...

[@blackspruceroutes]

thank you for tge good reliable no nonsense information! esp here on highland or lowland cedars..

[@johnpotter8039]

Now we know what happened to David Carradine. I'd recommend the remarkable book by John McPhee, "The Survival of The Birch Bark Canoe", about another colorful canoe builder and a canoe trip in the Maine woods in the finished product.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We will definitely look up that book. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@Tossdart]

Some history of cedar being used as bows, sinew backed & of course arrows. Have you tried a bow. Would be very light. I have a few clear 3 foot red cedar straight grain boards I have had maybe 40 years now. I may try. I have bad osteoarthritis in my neck rather stopped me on anything including kayaking or canoe, sigh. Still tie a few flies. Going to watch your playlist still though.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve made several traditional bows , but never from cedar. I don’t believe White Cedar would work. I’ve heard of Red Cedar being used which is actually not a cedar, but it is in the Juniper family of trees. You’ve got yourself a lot of viewing … I believe we’ve created over 175 episodes. Thanks for your support.

[@denislosieroutdoors]

Going to be an awesome series there eh! Been waiting a long time for this, building a birch bark canoe is a life long dream of mine after finishing my log cabin of course lol... Thanks for sharing

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good to have lots of project on the go. Hope the series will help with your dream.

[@kevinharding2099]

Wow! Five to six hundred hours is impressive. Given that time commitment, would the ‘average” settler make their own canoe or buy one from a specialist who made canoes for a living?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A lot of people on the frontier would no doubt have the skill but, time was another thing. I suspect batter would have been common.

[@kendallsteckel711]

interesting Peter! im gonna follow this. would like to try one myself!

[@karenhummel49]

Steckel is my maiden name.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A bark canoe aside from being a pretty thing to look at, handles amazingly well.

[@geoffmeek2437]

I'm looking forward to the canoe building series. Where does one get a froe that size?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I make them myself, Geoff, in my blacksmith shop. A leaf spring from a small trailer is a good size to start with in terms of the size. Car and truck springs need a lot more hammering. Spring steel also has excellent carbon quantities for the tool.

[@geoffmeek2437]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks for the reply. I do have a froe I bought from Lee Valley, but its kinda big. I don't have much time to use it, living in the city.

[@jasonborn867]

Really looking forward to your canoe build, and was especially impressed you're not using manufactured materials or modern tools on the project. What method was used to separate your rib planks from the original cedar log? Thanks for all your time, work and expertise!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate your interest. There is one titled “ Continuing work on the cabin and starting a birch bark canoe.”

[@jasonborn867]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Yes, sir, I watched that video before and remember you splitting the log for gunnels and some other parts, but the ribs weren't discussed hence my follow up question today. What method was used to separate your individual rib planks from the original lumber?

[@waynebayer3144]

older then thousand years my elders say

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is believed to be about 3000 years. They started building them approximately 1000BC.

[@stevenshanofski6801]

Very fascinating. I can see why it takes 500+ hours. Looking forward to more of the build. Wondering if you are aware of Eric Sloane’s writings? I just read his Diary of an Early American Boy for the 5th or 6th time. A bit later than what you portray but interesting reading none the less.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Steven, I’ll be adding Mr. Sloane’s work.

[@2gpowell]

Hi, Peter! Great job and ss always, I really enjoy your videos just My kind of style ! 👍By the way, the flute music on some of your videos cant find it on youtube and leads ?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Al and Richard are a couple of musical friends and are pretty much unpublished. Odd you bring it up as I’m on route to Nova Scotia to jam with them.

[@2gpowell]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Awesome ! Be safe have a great time !

[@HallnoutMhall]

@The Woodland Escape do make a video!

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

Any reason why you did not turn a new handle for the draw knife? I would think the time you save with two handles would outweigh the time it would take to make one. Great video. I will be following the whole series.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yup, your absolutely right. I get some project in my mind and I’m off in a tangent, lol.

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Well there is the saying. "When the sun is shining, make hay." I think that would apply to doing things when your in the mood for them too.

[@waynebayer3144]

been building them for 42 years now

[@manuelwebe]

It is so interesting the easiness of the technic you use to split the wood to make the ribs for the canoe. I wonder if it is a matter of technic or it is due to the white cedarwood properties? Can you elaborate on that please? Cheers!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A wee bit of both. If it is really strait grained it makes the job easier but, it still takes some practice to get it down. Taking a small cut it the bark and loosening a strip,followed by a quick pull upwards will show if the tree is strait grained. If the strip pulls strait up the truck, cut and take her home. If the bark spirals around the truck, leave it and keep looking.

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Peter what a gift you are explaining and showing the ways of natives and early explorers of that time you bring us back to that time and it makes it feel so real thank you for your gift and your time and your knowledge of that. Of History always looking forward to your videos I wouldn't miss one for the world love always take care Freddie

[@manuelwebe]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Brilliant! Thank you for the explanation! All the best.

[@stevehems3078]

A question from Ironbridge, Shropshire England: In Canada are there today any decendants/indigenous people/persons involved in doing what you are doing i.e. keeping their native skills and knowledge alive, just as you are doing with this canoe build, AND in your many other video diaries where you refer to, or demonstrate native skills, now most generally lost or at least declining in our 21st century?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

There is a resurgence in out indigenous people the revive there traditional skills but, sadly due to colonization and residential schools, much is lost forever.

[@timmynormand8082]

What kind of fur is the jacket ( coat ) your wearing SIR. ?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Coyote.

[@rogerclyde2720]

I should know this but what kind of Rifle do you carry? Will be interesting watching the Canoe take shape, how long do they normally last? We’ve heard for years about natives and the use of Bear Grease anything other to it as far as protecting the skin in many ways?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I carry a 62 caliber smoothbore … early English trade musket. As for protection, birch bark is full of its own protective oil, so one never puts anything on the bark. I use a small amount of bear fat mixed with rendered down spruce gum for the pitch. My first build is 17 years old and still going strong. They must be stored indoors in the winter or you have kindling in the spring. Natives sank theirs to the bottom of rivers or lakes over winter and retrieved them in the spring.

[@rogerclyde2720]

@The Woodland Escape Wow! Had no idea they had that kind of life span. Thank you for your wonderful videos, I hope people are sharing them with their children.

[@vonscheer5492]

your handle was gone on one end of your drawknife was that on purpose or?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very observant and no, not on purpose, simply haven’t gotten around to whittling a new one.

[@johnclarke6647]

I have heard that you do not peel bark on any month that has an R in it. Is that correct?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Any month works, but those are the really easy months.

[@beardedmisanthrope9274]

Is this song available to purchase anywhere?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is just a couple of my fellow musician friends that recorded the music we use and I don’t think they have ever published it. Funny you ask as I’m half way to the Nova Scotia to visit and play with them.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is just a couple of my fellow musician friends that recorded the music we use and I don’t think they have ever published it. Funny you ask as I’m half way to the Nova Scotia to visit and play with them.

[@swhod2190]

I was wondering how you were riving that cedar so true at the start of the video, but you explained that later. It was well you were instructive as to froe manipulation. Good video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@SteveeCee]

Peter, wish you were as lucky as Erik Grankvist at finding Birch bark. Take a look at this video at 51 mins 20sec - bark galore!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGmph4mmh9uKn5Y

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for sharing. It is not a problem to find bark as we have lots. It is finding the quality required for canoe building. The good quality gene pool was destroyed when they found birch made good veneer, leaving poor seed stock at best.

[@guysview]

You would benefit from making a riving brake. Just sayin. 🙃

[@judyjenson2918]

FUN. Can I have your vest?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Easy enough to make, just need about 3 coyotes.

[@judyjenson2918]

LOL, Well can I have your gun then?

[@sandydaviswhytelewis5387]

🙌 Yay🛶🕯🙏🙏🙏🎶❣

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Sandy.

[@sandydaviswhytelewis5387]

@@TheWoodlandEscape You da Best 😊❤