Small metal rods with plastic handles laid out on an orange cloth
The Best Ferro Rod? Insights From My Experience

The Best Ferro Rod? Insights From My Experience

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In this article we examine common questions about ferro rods. These simple devices have become a mainstay of outdoor fire-lighting, especially in bushcraft, and a key component of many modern survival kits. Yet, ferro rods are not all made equal. We need to be selective about the ferro rods – and associated strikers – we choose to rely on. In this article – and embedded video – I share some insights gleaned from many years of experience relying on ferro rods in the wilderness, along with countless interactions with my students when they learn ferro rod techniques. Foremost I try to share the qualities and features to look for in a dependable ferro rod. However, I also offer some top picks from the available brands. These picks promise consistency, durability, portability and, of course, that vital spark when you need it most…

Paul Kirtley answering questions about Place for Larger Knives, Firesteel Material Choices, Alternatives to Square Lashings and Collabs
#AskPaulKirtley 86 – The Place For Machetes, Parangs and Larger Knives, Ferro Rod Material Choices, Alternative Knots to Square Lashings

#AskPaulKirtley 86 – The Place For Machetes, Parangs and Larger Knives, Ferro Rod Material Choices, Alternative Knots to Square Lashings

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In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer your questions about collaborations with other bushcrafters, the place for larger knives, machetes and parangs, alternative knots to square lashings and what are the best materials to look for in a firesteel or ferro rod?

Orange lighter, whistle, knife, saw, ferro rod and match safe
The Value of Visibility: Considering the Colour of Critical Kit

The Value of Visibility: Considering the Colour of Critical Kit

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In the bushcraft world, we tend to like muted, natural colours. These mirror the colours of our local natural environment, typically shades of green and brown. I think there’s a strong argument for important pieces of equipment being brightly coloured. The items of equipment I particularly have in mind are critical on-person items. These are both important and typically small, thus relatively easy to mislay or lose outright. I expand on this idea in this article, which also contains a video with me discussing particular pieces of equipment…

How to filet a pike and remove the Y-bones
How To Fillet A Pike (And Remove All The Y-Bones)

How To Fillet A Pike (And Remove All The Y-Bones)

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On a recent winter camping trip in Canada I was shown a really great way of filleting a pike. If you’ve ever prepared a pike for eating, you’ll know these fish contain awkward Y-shaped bones that are hard to remove from the flesh. I was recently shown a superior method of dismantling a pike, which involves tidily removing the Y-bones and minimal waste of the flesh. Full details are in this article…

Two umbellifers with clusters of white flowers, from members of the carrot family or Apiaceae
Discussing Problems Presented By The Universal Edibility Test

Discussing Problems Presented By The Universal Edibility Test

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The Universal Edibility Test, while having its place, presents problems. These problems largely fall into two categories; 1) problems caused by the way this test is commonly presented, especially on the internet, and 2) shortcomings inherent in the application of the the test itself, even when fully presented and properly applied. There are also a number of issues caused by the popularity of the test. Gordon Dedman of Bushcraft Survival Australia and I discuss these problems and some solutions in the embedded video…

man sitting on rock overlooking lake in Canadian Shield wilderness area
Berens River Wilderness Solo Canoe Trip

Berens River Wilderness Solo Canoe Trip

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The Berens River is a wild river, running through remote, untamed wilderness. This waterway starts in north-western Ontario, Canada and runs westwards, soon entering Manitoba, ultimately flowing into the vast Lake Winnipeg. There are several rivers in this area of the country running into the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg, including the Berens. All…

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Man staring into distance while riding along on the back of a boat in the wilderness
PK Podcast 54: Dave Holder, Wilderness Living Skills Instructor and TV Survival Consultant

PK Podcast 54: Dave Holder, Wilderness Living Skills Instructor and TV Survival Consultant

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Dave Holder is a wilderness living skills instructor and wilderness guide based in Canada. He is also a TV survival consultant, being the lead survival and safety consultant on the Alone show on The History Channel. In this podcast episode we get into a wide-ranging conversation which should provide you with insights into long-term survival situations, psychological factors for success, skillsets required, equipment, nutrition and more.

Two men sat on benches in the woods talking about bushcraft
The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Learning and Teaching Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills

The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Learning and Teaching Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills

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Gordon Dedman, lead instructor at Bushcraft Survival Australia returns. He was keen to discuss a number of questions with me, particularly in light of some of his observed developments in the instruction of bushcraft and survival in Australia, along with potential parallels with what we have already experienced in this field in the United Kingdom. Moreover, there were a number of inter-related topics that were top of mind following the 2022 Global Bushcraft Symposium, which had happened a few weeks before we had this conversation. In particular the keynote presentations from David Wescott and Cody Lundin, respectively, provided some valuable points of reference for this conversation. His questions also referred back to my keynote at the 2019 Global Bushcraft Symposium, and specifically my referencing of the Dunning-Kruger effect therein. In terms of how we approach our learning and development, there is something for everyone here….

Paul Kirtley answering questions about water purification and compasses with magnetic declination adjusters
#AskPaulKirtley 85 – Water Purification Systems for Journeys; Magnetic Declination and Compass Choice

#AskPaulKirtley 85 – Water Purification Systems for Journeys; Magnetic Declination and Compass Choice

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In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about water purification for self-propelled journeys such as back-packing and bike-packing. I also answer a question about an often misunderstood or ignored area of navigation related to magnetic variation and the necessary compass adjustments…

people out at sunset in the short days of the year
Ideas For Extending Your Bushcraft Year Through The Autumn

Ideas For Extending Your Bushcraft Year Through The Autumn

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Autumn brings golden leaf hues, low sun angles, casting long shadows in the afternoon, cold, crisp air as night falls, and Orion coming into view above the horizon, as the skies darken. In my book, these are all aspects of the season to be savoured, positive reasons to be outside, not inside and, yes, even camping. More specifically, if you want to continue to extend your bushcraft knowledge and skills, even as summer is left behind and autumn progresses into winter, there is much to be done. Furthermore, keeping your existing skills honed over the darker and colder months of the year will mean by the time spring comes you won’t be rusty. This article contains of ideas for extending your bushcraft year, getting the most out of your time outdoors in autumn and, through this continued focus, expanding your bushcraft skills and knowledge….