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Bushcraft: The Case for Canvas

GET OVER YOUR GORE-TEX March 02, 2016 By Darren Bush In 1969, chemist Bill Gore took some polytetrafluoroethylene, heated it and stretched it, creating a membrane that had 14 million microscopic holes per square inch. The holes were large enough to let water molecules escape, but too small to let liquid water through. Waterproof breathable […]

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Bite Me

Arrow Making

by Jeff Martin Primitive cultures and their means of making bows and arrows have always been an interest of mine. As a young boy, I remember visiting museums throughout the West with my Grandmother, where I had a deep fascination towards the Native American way of life. I always asked my Grandmother where the arrowheads […]

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Where Have All the Axes Gone?

Thank you Tony Nester for sharing this (surprising) article from The Atlantic… Where Have All the Axes Gone? The treasured woodchopper’s talisman is a guide to an almost-lost way of life, an Object Lesson. Last year was, by some accounts, the year of the lumbersexual—big beard, big plaid, big boots. Although not measured by time […]

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Ever Feel Like This Guy?

The Five Dollar Filmmaker

It’s mile 15 and you’ve just realized that 25 pounds of camera gear is actually killing you.  If only you could achieve high quality video and audio without all that damn weight and money. Pull out your iphone (everybody has one) and buy the Filmic Pro app for just $5.oo  $7.99 I realize that since I purchased […]

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Why Carry A Knife (and Fire-starter and Cordage)

There are very few things in this world outside of breathing, eating, etc. that I feel I need to do. Of those few, one of them is carrying a knife. I know I am not the only one, many of you reading this feel just like me. Perhaps it’s in our DNA. Personally, this desire of having […]

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Steve Watts

Steve Watts Flint Knapping Videos

Two great videos of Steve Watts briefly discussing and demonstrating the skills and context of knapped points.   Steve Watts directs the Aboriginal Studies Program and the Traditional Outdoor Skills Program at the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina. Watts is the author of Practicing Primitive: A Handbook of Aboriginal Skills, Gibbs Smith […]

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Blade Show 2014

I believe this is my 11th Blade Show in the last 14 years.  Those first years I attended, I was really into knives, a huge fan of the late Rob Simonich (nicest guy ever, I still carry a Bitter Root everyday).  Nowadays, I am really there just as much for the social aspect, maybe even more. […]

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Bowmaking with Joe Dabill

Bowmaking with Joe Dabill

I had the privilege of taking Joe Dabill’s Bowmaking course at Rabbitstick 2013.  It was a great opportunity for an absolute beginner like myself to actually go through the steps under Joe’s guidance. We talked at length about Ishi and other influences, wood types, personal preferences, arrow making and more.  It was great to see […]

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How To Make a Classic Camping Style Knife Sheath

If you have an hour and would like to know how to build a BSA style clone sheath, this video is for you.  This isn’t as much a how-to as it is a follow along.  I break down each step taken to get the end result along with some of my thoughts on leathercraft and […]

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Knife Sharpening and Care by Tom Ray

Knife Sharpening and Care by Tom Ray Knife sharpening is sometimes thought of as an elusive skill. Actually, once the basic principles are understood, almost anyone can accomplish it.  First of all, it is important to understand that in order to get a long-lasting edge that is shaving sharp, a burr or wire edge must […]

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Camping On A Budget

Camping Gear On A Budget: The Do’s and Don’ts

Camping gear costs thousands of dollars for products, that if used enough, are going to fail when you least expect it. Let the hedgerow campers spend all that money on survival gear they don’t need. You’re here because you are camping on a budget. I know.  I’ve had no money and the desire to do […]

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How To Haft An Axe by Dale L. Spaht Jr.

So, you’ve come up with an old axe head, or your current axe has a damaged handle, and you want to get it back into serviceable condition.  Here are the steps involved in taking this project on.  (Figure 1) (more…)

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Custom Carry Axe Sheath

Had the recent pleasure of spending time with my good friends Joe Flowers and Steve Watts.  On this particular day, Steve led a small group of Outdoor Living Skill enthusiasts in the manufacture of a custom carry axe sheath. Have to say, I am very fond of this new way to carry an axe…  Suspect […]

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Machete 101 with Joe Flowers

Introduction to Machetes by Joe Flowers Nowadays, the machete is probably one of the most used edged tools in the world. In this day and age of chainsaws and machines, the machete has held its place in remote countries throughout the globe. The machete is the working classes tool, the poor man’s tool. In places […]

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