#AskPaulKirtley 82 – The Changes In My Bushcraft Philosophy, Rubbish Firesteels, and Book Writing
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about whether I will ever write a book, why some ferro rods or firesteels don’t work very well, and whether my bushcraft philosophy has changed over the years…
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What Is #AskPaulKirtley?
#AskPaulKirtley is my Q&A video and podcast series that aims to answer your questions about bushcraft, survival skills and outdoor life.
The idea here is partly to take the strain off my email inbox and get answers out to people in a more timely fashion.
Rather than send an answer to just that one person, I’d like others to benefit from the answers too. So, just in the same way I’d previously write an email answer, here I’m going to speak the answer (which is much quicker than me typing out an answer, so I’ll get more questions answered as well as benefiting more people).
Click here to find out the different ways you can ask me a question.
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Whisky, Water & Wilderness Axe Skills – Kevin Callan Interviews Me About My New Book
12 thoughts on “#AskPaulKirtley 82 – The Changes In My Bushcraft Philosophy, Rubbish Firesteels, and Book Writing”
This book is an excellent addition to anyone who is serious about partaking in any bushcraft/wilderness activities involving an axe. With all the social media, You Tube and such, many unskilled persons out there assume to post what they consider axe use, which are very, very dangerous applications, or, at the very least incomplete. Misleading, or incomplete videos or articles about axe use can lead to deadly results and serious injuries and amputations. Paul covers the important safety aspects, as well as very useful methods and applications of axes. As a bonus, it includes other sharp objects: knives and saws, and their proper usage. It also covers ropework, and bushcraft goodies. It is well worth owning one.
Marcel
Thank you Marcel 🙂
Glad to have you back Paul! Amongst other things it jogged my memory to buy your book. The question about “Bushcraft Philosophy” got me thinking about my own approach to the subject. At first it was an interest that didn’t really seem to me to have any relevance in how I went about going out and about in the countryside. Thinking about it 3 things have changes that in me. First was the tracking course I did with Frontier, secondly was the Intermediate Bushcraft course with Frontier and finally my Journeyman Course, with Woodlore, (which I only had the confidence to try after the Intermediate Course). After the first something “switched on” with me about what I was learning. and that it DID have relevance, not only in the woods and outdoors in general. Between them they gave me an inner confidence to be able to go out and have a reasonable idea what I was doing, how to do it safely and, more importantly, the knowledge to know my own limits! I put that down to the teaching from teachers with respect, knowledge and proper understanding of their subject. Other students also played a big part in their approaches too. I do give you, and the others credit for this when banging on to people about the subject! So finally, just a big thank you for waking me up!
I had trouble getting a spark from a fire steel I bought some time ago, and found that by filing some fine teeth into the striker it worked better.
I loved the “you die” answer to the “what do I do if I fall in a cold lake” question. There are always some risks in life; the important thing is to be aware of them.
Hello Paul. I didn’t know where to contact you and found this. Thank you for the book and message that was very kind. I have just started reading it. I haven’t had that much experience with axes yet as I just use my knife and Laplander saw. And dads scared I might chop his hand off again. I have got a little outdoor axe from Ray Mears, which is a weird name as I don’t think there are any indoor axes are there. It’s a bit gloomy today, but tomorrow I will take your book into the woods and read it all. Thank you again, I will keep up my insect and spider interest as that is what I want to study and travel all over the world to find new ones. And my bushcraft interest too, I need that when I’m looking for them. Tracking is my favourite thing before anyone else wakes up and treads all over them. Thank you again. Poppy xxxxx
Dear Paul
Its always good to catch up and view one of the your AskpaulKirtly. 82. I will put an order in for a copy of the book.
It would be good to update some of my skills and spend a bit more time out doors.
Take care
Stewart
Paul, I’m the innovator of heat reflective clothing.
Would you be interested in trying my heat reflective, breathable, wind and water repellent Anorak. It weighs a mere 3.06 ounces and potentially a 5 hour wet out. Curious of your thoughts for it, a 1.25 ounce shoulder cloak, beany, fingerless glove, mittens, rain/snow pants and leg gaiters. All heat reflective, breathable, wind and water repellent.
It sounds almost too good to be true Stuart. But I’m always happy to help prove a concept and move things forward. Let me know how I can help.
Warm regards,
Paul
Paul, I failed to mention that I made a 4.7 ounce Dynemma tent, 5 ft x 9 ft x 4.5 ft high. A true ultralight shelter as well the ultralight heat reflective clothing previously mentioned.
Hi Paul,
Love your excellent book, which is extremely good value for the content.
I have a query about mauls on p22.
I understand that you should never hit a hammer with another hammer because as they are both hardened, there is a risk of bits shattering and flying off. For this reason, I wouldn’t consider hitting a maul with a hammer (a copper hammer would probably be safe). Wedges are safe to hit because they are not hardened on the striking surface.
Am I wrong in this thinking with a maul?
Paul buddy love the book, but I didnt get half way through without having to make myself one of those awesome bahco belt sheaths. Jokes aside, individuals such as yourself make this community what it is. Wonderful thank you for all that you do Paul, your brawdy Kelso
Hi Kelso, thank you for your kind words. 🙂
Warm regards,
Paul