Two Ways you can Start a Fire using a Rasp

One of the most basic and important survival skills is how to start a fire.

One of the methods I especially like is using a rasp, which, I admit requires you to actually have a rasp handy... but has the added advantage that you can make a fire even in the rain and using wood that is partially wet (although not waterlogged wood, that would be well nigh impossible).

Note - See the second video below for the method that allows you to start a fire using damp wood. The first video does not show that.

Plus rasps are an useful tool for bowmaking, so another bonus.

Method #1 to Start a Fire

The video below demonstrates one way to use a rasp to start a fire - with help from a rock. And despite a bit of clumsiness on his part, he does manage to start a fire. Proof that anyone can do it.



Method #2 to Start a Fire

The second video below demonstrates how to turn an old rasp into an useful knife, which likewise can be used as both a knife and as a rasp - and for making fire, using a slightly different method of producing a spark. So triple the usage. The video below is from "Outdoor Boys".

Useful and Cool Knots for Survivalists and DIYers

I learned knot-making back in Cub Scouts when I was a kid. Roughly 30 years ago.

Since then I have never really had a problem with making my own knots, untying knots, and have frequently taught other people how to do two of my favourite knots:

• The Reef Knot
• The Surgeon's Knot*

* Which if you know anything about knots, the Surgeon's Knot is basically just a modified version of the Reef Knot - although it should be noted that there are different variations of the Surgeon's Knot. The version which was taught to me was one used by two surgeons who were archery students of mine, so I trust that their version is an "Authentic Surgeon's Knot" even though I have seen other variations of how to do a Surgeon's Knot. All this really shows is how much I like the Reef Knot.

Still, I do enjoy learning new types of knots... especially those knots which are especially useful and easy to remember. And they are handy for a variety of purposes, whether it be DIY projects, survivalism, and as an educational tool for both adults and children. You can be certain I will be teaching my son knot-making as he gets older.

Fortunately I am not alone in this belief. Luke from Outdoor Boys (the YouTube channel) also shares my interest in knot-making and in passing on his knowledge. So here are two of his videos on the topic:

Restoring a Ben Pearson Colt 707

Found this YouTube video today. Ended up subscribing to the channel "3D Archery".

The video is a good example of how to restore and "beautify" an old bow. I was looking for videos about repairing bows which had delaminated, but this video was still enjoyable.

I used to own 4 Ben Pearson bows (sold 1 recently so I am down to three Ben Pearson bows). As a fan of the company it is good to see I am not alone in liking Ben Pearson bows.