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Paul Kirtley

Wilderness Bushcraft. Survival Skills. Outdoor Life.

PK Podcast 039: How Many Knives? Alternatives To Birch Bark; Sharpening Spoon Knives; Plant Toxins In Water; Bushcraft Benefits To Woodland.

PK Podcast 039: How Many Knives? Alternatives To Birch Bark; Sharpening Spoon Knives; Plant Toxins In Water; Bushcraft Benefits To Woodland.

Paul Kirtley Comments 8 comments

In this Paul Kirtley Podcast I return to Q&A, answering listener questions on a range of topics – Is there an issue with collecting water from streams or ponds containing poisonous plant species such as hemlock water dropwort, Oenanthe crocata? What are the benefits or disadvantages to a woodland if it is being used for bushcraft? How many knives is too many knives? Is a belt knife and a pocket knife enough for a wilderness trip? How to sharpen spoon knives? How to tell the difference between birch species? What are the alternatives to birch bark for lighting fires with sparks from a ferro rod?

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Links Mentioned In This Podcast

paulkirtley.co.uk/ask-paul-kirtley/

How to sharpen a spoon knife with Ben Orford (part 1)

How to sharpen a spoon knife with Ben Orford (part 2)

The Easy Way to Use Fomes Fomentarius as Tinder

#AskPaulKirtley Archive

Thanks For Listening!

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Related Material On Paul Kirtley’s Blog

PK Podcast 035: Anna Lewington On Adventures In Ethnobotany And The Bounty Of Birches

PK Podcast 038: Justin Barbour On Exploring The Wilderness Of Newfoundland And Labrador

#AskPaulKirtley 80 – Inspiration In Wild Places, Carrying A Lock Knife, Canoeing Bags, Wild Berry ID

#AskPaulKirtley 76 – Inner Bark Tinder Bundles; Reducing Campfire Smoke; First Aid Training For Kids

Catkins In Common: Distinct Features Of Three Widespread European Trees

 


The Paul Kirtley Podcast
Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, cat-tail, cramp balls, cumbungi, Daldinia concentrica, downy birch, Fomes fomentarius, greater reedmace, hemlock water dropwort, horse's hoof fungus, Iris, Iris pseudacorus, King Alfred's cakes, Oenanthe crocata, silver birch, Typha latifolia, Yellow Flag Iris

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8 thoughts on “PK Podcast 039: How Many Knives? Alternatives To Birch Bark; Sharpening Spoon Knives; Plant Toxins In Water; Bushcraft Benefits To Woodland.”

  1. Adrian Spring says:
    at 09:34

    Hi Paul, It’s been a while. Thanks for answering my question, I guess the ability to step lightly and have good plant ID are paramount as always.
    I think the online courses are really something amazing, so much information that’s relevant and important to anyone that loves Bushcraft or the outdoors.
    A big thank you for all your hard work.
    Regards Adrian

    Reply
    1. Paul Kirtley says:
      at 11:50

      Indeed it has been a while Adrian but good to hear from you. Always a pleasure to receive and answer your questions.

      Thanks also for your positive words regarding my online courses. I’m happy you are finding these resources so useful.

      Warm regards,

      Paul

      Reply
  2. Neeman Callender says:
    at 08:35

    Paul
    I am constantly amazed by your measured and educated response
    A refreshing change from many other people
    Please continue from strength to strength

    Reply
    1. Paul Kirtley says:
      at 18:03

      Hi Neeman, it’s good to hear from you and thank you for your positive words. They are most appreciated.

      Warm regards,

      Paul

      Reply
  3. Bob Lever says:
    at 19:53

    Another splendid podcast, Paul.
    Thank you for making a deferential reference to the traveling community regarding the word “gipsy”.

    In the UK, the word “Gypsy” is regarded as fine and PC when written thus. Whenever you write the word, use a capital G and all the y’s, and you (hopefully) won’t offend anyone in the UK.

    Reply
    1. Paul Kirtley says:
      at 19:02

      Thanks Bob.

      Reply
  4. Nigel Gregory says:
    at 09:07

    Thanks Paul, not heard this before so appreciate the link, your bit about the use of woodland was almost a Kirtley Rant, but nothing like the tarp rant, I don’t think you can beat that one, keep the family and friends safe.
    Many thanks.
    Nige.

    Reply
  5. Marcel Lafond says:
    at 23:44

    Gentlemanly, and well presented as always.

    As a Metis, I am aware that using nature and all its appurtenances in various seasons gives us an appreciation for it. In Canada, although Kevin Callan has been labelled as nefarious for helping create many parks in Ontario, the canoeing community has grown in the past few years. There are many ‘non-operating’ parks, which allow Crown Land access to Canadian residents for free, up to 21 days in one campsite, and these assure that no ‘nefarious’ wood cutting, or mining activities, or urban settlements will take place within these parks. We do need to experience nature to love it.

    Cheers,
    Marcel

    Reply

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