20 Beginner Bushcraft Mistakes Tips
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Date: 2025-03-14
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Comments and reviews: 20
falsename2285
1 prep feather sticks at the fire ring, makes those loose pieces that fall off end up right there to be a tinder bundle in like 2 seconds. 2 practice building small sustained fires, its much harder but you learn a lot about the feel of tending a fire, ex maintain a fire that is only about 4 inches wide and a 6 inch flame, the type you could just stomp out in like 2 seconds, and keep it going and cook with it etc. 3 firestarter aid thats light a highly portable, 1 cardboard egg carton bottom, fill the egg pocket 'cells' with dryer lint, pour a small amount of wax or tree resin on each 'cell' segment, add a wick if you desire, each cell will give you a solid helping hand on lighting a fire, and if its not quite enough and about to go out, add another and they light super easy, also pre char your wick material and it will ignite at a much lower temp, like charcloth vs cloth, just light it count to 2 and tap it out, way faster to light, also therefore saving your lighter or ferro rod etc.
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1 prep feather sticks at the fire ring, makes those loose pieces that fall off end up right there to be a tinder bundle in like 2 seconds. 2 practice building small sustained fires, its much harder but you learn a lot about the feel of tending a fire, ex maintain a fire that is only about 4 inches wide and a 6 inch flame, the type you could just stomp out in like 2 seconds, and keep it going and cook with it etc. 3 firestarter aid thats light a highly portable, 1 cardboard egg carton bottom, fill the egg pocket 'cells' with dryer lint, pour a small amount of wax or tree resin on each 'cell' segment, add a wick if you desire, each cell will give you a solid helping hand on lighting a fire, and if its not quite enough and about to go out, add another and they light super easy, also pre char your wick material and it will ignite at a much lower temp, like charcloth vs cloth, just light it count to 2 and tap it out, way faster to light, also therefore saving your lighter or ferro rod etc.
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StevanOutdoor
Good instructions video for beginners. Another way of a feather stick without having to turn the wood constantly to find the next sharp angle is by using your wrist tilting the knife slightly tip up, straight, tip down, straight, tip up, etc. This way you create new angels without turning the wood. Another mistake people often make is building to big a fire for it's purpose. Be careful with boiled linseed oil on a camp knife you use for food prep since it's often not food safe. The Hultafors RFR and Mora Basic 546 I find very good for food prep since they are stainless steel with all plastic so knife and sheath are easy to clean. Of course you can use them for all small camp tasks but if you want to use them striking a ferro rod you will have to file the spine entirely or partially to get that 90 degree angle.
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Good instructions video for beginners. Another way of a feather stick without having to turn the wood constantly to find the next sharp angle is by using your wrist tilting the knife slightly tip up, straight, tip down, straight, tip up, etc. This way you create new angels without turning the wood. Another mistake people often make is building to big a fire for it's purpose. Be careful with boiled linseed oil on a camp knife you use for food prep since it's often not food safe. The Hultafors RFR and Mora Basic 546 I find very good for food prep since they are stainless steel with all plastic so knife and sheath are easy to clean. Of course you can use them for all small camp tasks but if you want to use them striking a ferro rod you will have to file the spine entirely or partially to get that 90 degree angle.
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Ingeb91
I identify with all of these mistakes. The first few trips, you go through most of these. Good to have a single place people can come back to, to fix them once they've made them. Tip for newbies out there. Save videos like this, because you WILL make many of these mistakes, and it's good to come home and watch it again, while the mistakes are fresh in your memory.
Also, you're allowed to practice feathersticks on your porch and in your backyard. It's hard to do, it takes practice, and most importantly, it takes a really sharp knife.
A bare minimum is shaving sharp. Even better is hair whittling sharp. Learn how to sharpen your knives properly, and the learning process for other bushcraft things will be faster and smoother.
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I identify with all of these mistakes. The first few trips, you go through most of these. Good to have a single place people can come back to, to fix them once they've made them. Tip for newbies out there. Save videos like this, because you WILL make many of these mistakes, and it's good to come home and watch it again, while the mistakes are fresh in your memory.
Also, you're allowed to practice feathersticks on your porch and in your backyard. It's hard to do, it takes practice, and most importantly, it takes a really sharp knife.
A bare minimum is shaving sharp. Even better is hair whittling sharp. Learn how to sharpen your knives properly, and the learning process for other bushcraft things will be faster and smoother.
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ForgotTheMachete
12: 00 - A potentially useful side note on Boiled Linseed Oil rags;
Make sure you never leave the rags you use scrunched up as they can be prone to spontaneously ignite.
A good practice is to lay them out flat and let them dry. Then put them in an airtight container,
If your going to throw them out, lay them out flat, then saturate them in water. This ensures the rag can not ignite spontaneously.
For added protection, keep these water saturated rags in a sealed container as well. That part is self explanatory if you decide to do that.
Stay safe and enjoy keeping your wood furnished tools maintained: )
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12: 00 - A potentially useful side note on Boiled Linseed Oil rags;
Make sure you never leave the rags you use scrunched up as they can be prone to spontaneously ignite.
A good practice is to lay them out flat and let them dry. Then put them in an airtight container,
If your going to throw them out, lay them out flat, then saturate them in water. This ensures the rag can not ignite spontaneously.
For added protection, keep these water saturated rags in a sealed container as well. That part is self explanatory if you decide to do that.
Stay safe and enjoy keeping your wood furnished tools maintained: )
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brainplay8060
Mistake #1: Making feathersticks when surrounded by dry leaves and small branches. Feathersticks on only useful in areas that don't have that or in wet environments.
Mistake #2: Not knowing how to make a teepee shaped kindling stack. Way way way too many survivalists just throw kindling and larger on a fire requiring more wood to keep it burning before getting to the larger stuff. If you stack your wood angled up like a teepee or tent, in the order of Tinder>Kindling>Medium fuel>Logs, then the fire will not only grow faster but will also dry out any wood above it fairly quickly.
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Mistake #1: Making feathersticks when surrounded by dry leaves and small branches. Feathersticks on only useful in areas that don't have that or in wet environments.
Mistake #2: Not knowing how to make a teepee shaped kindling stack. Way way way too many survivalists just throw kindling and larger on a fire requiring more wood to keep it burning before getting to the larger stuff. If you stack your wood angled up like a teepee or tent, in the order of Tinder>Kindling>Medium fuel>Logs, then the fire will not only grow faster but will also dry out any wood above it fairly quickly.
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MuzzleMike
In my everyday carry. I carry a magnesium block with flint, a. Feral rod and 2 knives. That is in my pocket with my keys. If I go anywhere. I have water proof matches. I use to carry a lighter but found that the fuel never stayed in them. I also carry my uhf/VHF ham radio. In that pack I have shelter stuff. Along with my simple cutlery. You have to be ready for anything. I like riding a duel sport and you just never know where you will be putting you head down at night. It is always good when you have the Lord at your side to help.
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In my everyday carry. I carry a magnesium block with flint, a. Feral rod and 2 knives. That is in my pocket with my keys. If I go anywhere. I have water proof matches. I use to carry a lighter but found that the fuel never stayed in them. I also carry my uhf/VHF ham radio. In that pack I have shelter stuff. Along with my simple cutlery. You have to be ready for anything. I like riding a duel sport and you just never know where you will be putting you head down at night. It is always good when you have the Lord at your side to help.
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MaximusArurealius
Feather sticks are a waste of time and effort. I've been building fires for 60 years and never needed at feather stick. When I went through The Travis York and Son's fishing and hunting guide school they made me make feather sticks. I never understood. I gather dry dead sticks that are about 18 inches long from the lower branches of trees. Much easier and just as effective. The other way is to use fat wood or pine pitch from pine trees. Birch bark is most useful and easier than a feather stick.
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Feather sticks are a waste of time and effort. I've been building fires for 60 years and never needed at feather stick. When I went through The Travis York and Son's fishing and hunting guide school they made me make feather sticks. I never understood. I gather dry dead sticks that are about 18 inches long from the lower branches of trees. Much easier and just as effective. The other way is to use fat wood or pine pitch from pine trees. Birch bark is most useful and easier than a feather stick.
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Foxy-h9o
Had to learn several times, a careful preperation of a fire is the most important thing to get it burning.
My pro tip is while starting the fire, always mix in 2 to 3 branches of the next size. So the bigger ones can already warm up and will burn way easier.
Break up branches with bigger diameter so u get ones with smaller diameter. They will burn faster then branches of the same diameter that are still in whole since the ones u broke down have way more surface.
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Had to learn several times, a careful preperation of a fire is the most important thing to get it burning.
My pro tip is while starting the fire, always mix in 2 to 3 branches of the next size. So the bigger ones can already warm up and will burn way easier.
Break up branches with bigger diameter so u get ones with smaller diameter. They will burn faster then branches of the same diameter that are still in whole since the ones u broke down have way more surface.
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mulepowerforge
12: 50 Im a knife maker, and I can say that a strop is a must for maintaining an edge. My personal EDC hasnt been sharpened in over a year probably but just with strop maintenance it still cuts paper pretty well. Its used for pretty much everything from starting fires to food prep and everything in between. That being said you also have to be mindful of what youre cutting and not let it get too dull for it to last that long without actually sharpening.
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12: 50 Im a knife maker, and I can say that a strop is a must for maintaining an edge. My personal EDC hasnt been sharpened in over a year probably but just with strop maintenance it still cuts paper pretty well. Its used for pretty much everything from starting fires to food prep and everything in between. That being said you also have to be mindful of what youre cutting and not let it get too dull for it to last that long without actually sharpening.
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jaymeswheeler
These are great mistakes because just out of laziness or haste or neglect, they are habits’ which can easily be fallen back into if things become too easy or routine. Common mistakes are not necessarily just beginner mistakes.
You’re always so humble and gentle, not offend us expert mountain men who might find ourselves forgetting our common sense.
As always cheers from Utah. You’re welcome at my fire anytime.
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These are great mistakes because just out of laziness or haste or neglect, they are habits’ which can easily be fallen back into if things become too easy or routine. Common mistakes are not necessarily just beginner mistakes.
You’re always so humble and gentle, not offend us expert mountain men who might find ourselves forgetting our common sense.
As always cheers from Utah. You’re welcome at my fire anytime.
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richconroy7267
11: 33 Great video! A word of caution regarding rags soaked in boiled linseed oil. The oil generates heat as it oxidizes and can spontaneously ignite the rags if they are wadded up in a way that can trap the heat. Lay them flat or hang them away from combustibles until the oil has dried fully before throwing them in the trash. Another option is to dispose of them in an empty metal can with a lid (like an empty paint can.
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11: 33 Great video! A word of caution regarding rags soaked in boiled linseed oil. The oil generates heat as it oxidizes and can spontaneously ignite the rags if they are wadded up in a way that can trap the heat. Lay them flat or hang them away from combustibles until the oil has dried fully before throwing them in the trash. Another option is to dispose of them in an empty metal can with a lid (like an empty paint can.
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xSARGEx117x
10: 20 learning some basic metalworking, this can be fixed with any knife you have.
Honestly, a cheap harbor freight/Canadian tire/EU equivalent belt sander with a work plate will be perfect with a higher than 200 grit belt. I like to straighten up my spines with 800 grit just because I like the mild polished look.
It's also doable with a sharpening stone, but not easy to keep a good 90 degree angle.
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10: 20 learning some basic metalworking, this can be fixed with any knife you have.
Honestly, a cheap harbor freight/Canadian tire/EU equivalent belt sander with a work plate will be perfect with a higher than 200 grit belt. I like to straighten up my spines with 800 grit just because I like the mild polished look.
It's also doable with a sharpening stone, but not easy to keep a good 90 degree angle.
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bloofle674
Wow those feathersticks are a great way to make. pointy sticks!
I don't get it. It's a bizarre and inefficient way to start a fire. Just find some small dry stuff and burn it.
If you wanna whittle, just. whittle. But hey, it looks like fun.
It would be better to spend the time and effort learning to make a fire as fast as possible with zero preparation. Three minutes, one match.
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Wow those feathersticks are a great way to make. pointy sticks!
I don't get it. It's a bizarre and inefficient way to start a fire. Just find some small dry stuff and burn it.
If you wanna whittle, just. whittle. But hey, it looks like fun.
It would be better to spend the time and effort learning to make a fire as fast as possible with zero preparation. Three minutes, one match.
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dwightehowell8179
Use any system you want to start a fire for fun. For emergencies put a Bic lighter and a box of birthday candles in candy tin inside a zip lock bag. A bunch of cotton balls or drier lint saturated with Vaseline works extremely well as tinder and can burn for up to 15 minutes. a squirt bottle full of fuel can get things going as well.
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Use any system you want to start a fire for fun. For emergencies put a Bic lighter and a box of birthday candles in candy tin inside a zip lock bag. A bunch of cotton balls or drier lint saturated with Vaseline works extremely well as tinder and can burn for up to 15 minutes. a squirt bottle full of fuel can get things going as well.
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lawrencemartin1113
Excellent instructional video. As a teacher of over 35 years, it's good to see a 'basics' helpful lesson for beginners (and as a reminder for the more experienced bushcrafter, requiring a top up.
The feather stick section is especially helpful and I wish I had seen such a lesson when I first started!
Well done!
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Excellent instructional video. As a teacher of over 35 years, it's good to see a 'basics' helpful lesson for beginners (and as a reminder for the more experienced bushcrafter, requiring a top up.
The feather stick section is especially helpful and I wish I had seen such a lesson when I first started!
Well done!
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jackypearcejustme
The wider the spine on the back of the blade, the harder it will be to go through wood creating thinner curls for the feather stick. Try it with a couple of different knives, and you'll soon see that the thinner the blade, the easier it is to get thinner curls. It's not the end of the world, but just a little tip.
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The wider the spine on the back of the blade, the harder it will be to go through wood creating thinner curls for the feather stick. Try it with a couple of different knives, and you'll soon see that the thinner the blade, the easier it is to get thinner curls. It's not the end of the world, but just a little tip.
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taitano12
Here's a tip for the oil thing: Soak a rag in the oil till it's dripping, then stow it in a Ziploc style baggie, and take it with you. If you plan on being out There long-term (for a few weeks or months, or there's a high chance of being stranded or lost, bring a small bottle of the oil as well to refresh the baggie.
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Here's a tip for the oil thing: Soak a rag in the oil till it's dripping, then stow it in a Ziploc style baggie, and take it with you. If you plan on being out There long-term (for a few weeks or months, or there's a high chance of being stranded or lost, bring a small bottle of the oil as well to refresh the baggie.
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MrTrevor132323
When I was much younger my Dad showed me a neat trick. He used an old broken hacksaw blade on the rod. The small teeth make more sparks. It's a good way to reuse your broken hacksaw blades. Also I carry a hand held old school pencil sharpener for the branches small enough and dry enough to make kindling.
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When I was much younger my Dad showed me a neat trick. He used an old broken hacksaw blade on the rod. The small teeth make more sparks. It's a good way to reuse your broken hacksaw blades. Also I carry a hand held old school pencil sharpener for the branches small enough and dry enough to make kindling.
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longrider42
I don't know what kind of Pine you where using. But where I live, Lodgepole pines, where nice and straight grained. And used to make the poles the natives used in their Teepee's. Now Cottonwood and Elm, yeah, they are a nightmare grain wise. I've gut and split many a log. I'm glad I don't have to any more.
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I don't know what kind of Pine you where using. But where I live, Lodgepole pines, where nice and straight grained. And used to make the poles the natives used in their Teepee's. Now Cottonwood and Elm, yeah, they are a nightmare grain wise. I've gut and split many a log. I'm glad I don't have to any more.
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ChrisDraussen
Basically when looking for dry wood, your lips are the best tool you have. And your nose. In my humble opinion. And basically. Preparation is key for every fire. But I can tell, my wife can make fire with everything and everywhere anytime. She does not reveal her secret to me
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Basically when looking for dry wood, your lips are the best tool you have. And your nose. In my humble opinion. And basically. Preparation is key for every fire. But I can tell, my wife can make fire with everything and everywhere anytime. She does not reveal her secret to me
reply
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