That's the way it goes with friction fire. Sometimes it just won't go. The set doesn't mate well, something is a bit too damp, material too new or old, etc. Was trying out a different pairing for hand drill today, and something was just not wanting to go, close but not ignition. And thus, always good to know multiple ways to get fire.
We worked on the set through out the day and it got better....Hand hewing with just an axe is a challenge in and of itself and we took turns working on it...(I probably created MORE WORK for @Patrick Rollins if the truth be told)...we are going to work on the fitment more. After the ash sat in the sun a bit we noticed some moisture forming on the inside of the bag (greenhouse effect)....it has been EXTREMELY WET down here the last few weeks and while the Ash we used was under an awning...the Ambient moisture is VERY high....We are gonna give it another go and video it as well...
Don’t forget an axe, gotta hit the nessmuk trio! His writings are awesome, have you read his book? If not I’ll mail you a copy tomorrow. He is the ultimate minimalist. I agree about skills and @Strigidae jusg became my new hero lol I also am a gear nut trying to cut down. But things are just so cool. Lol
I'm like a junky working in a pharmacy here! so much cool stuff floating around! Nessmuk Jager Kephart.. so many good ones!
As wet as your guy's neck of the woods is, I'm sure it plays some havoc trying to get an ember. Always impressed when I see A pic from James Gibson after he spun out a hand drill ember. Friction fire and moisture ain't no joke!
I know the feeling want and need are so close to the same thing with gear! Well I’m glad you know the old ways... DC Beard is also a great reference from back in the day...
To be true students of the wilderness we should never stop discovering the knowledge that time has forgotten or evolving it to to create new-old ways of living amongst the trees...
Baby's first fireside nap. Brought to you by my son's Laserstrike, Esee basic fire kit and a buttload of fatwood.