Recent content by Grey Owl

Reading and enjoying and looking forward to the updates.

It is very like other fire starting methods, mostly parlor tricks and stunts. Once you know any primitive method, matches and lighters become pretty attractive. On the other hand, they build ones confidence and improve your skills regardless of the methods you choose in the end. However, I...

Bigbear, we definitely need pictures of that event.

I was challenged over a knife I was carrying, believe it or not, in the good old US of A back in 1995. My girlfriend (now wife) and I would spend our spring break from university busking in the downtown Washington DC area. After performing for the lunchtime crowds, we would close the cases...

Season 4? Good gracious, I still haven't gotten around to watching season #2. Oh well, there is still time. As mentioned above, don't take it too seriously, and have a bit of fun watching. There is almost always something to be learned, either from how something is done, or not done.

I'm always a bit of a sucker for things like this. At some point I will probably fall victim to this one. Like I need another knife.

On a recent course one of the students had one on their belt. Being a bit of a sucker for a new blade, I asked to hold it. Once it was in my hand I realised there were many many better ways to spend my coins. Couldn't wait to put it down, and the owner also felt some regrets on their...

I've got 2 fully constructed and thoroughly field tested 3m sleds, as well as parts for a third sitting in the shed. Could likely let one go, or loan out. But it seems as though the shipping might be a little cost prohibitive. Just make one up, it'll be worth the time and effort.

On the cover shot of the website http://www.ratobor.com/alone.html approximately half way down on the right hand side is an interesting image. It appears that someone is shaving the trama layer off of a false tinder fungus, or a similar fungus. Could anyone enlighten me about the russian...

Thank you for providing one of the most beautiful pieces of writing that this forum has ever experienced. Something that many of us can relate to, and can understand a little better because of you sharing your experience. Even over here in Alberta I could feel the emotion and importance of...

23-25 August 2013 A casual event open to all interested lovers of the outdoors. Typical attendees would include guides, outfitters, outdoor educators, bushcraft instructors, flint knappers, former and future students of Mors Kochanski, and a couple of stray dogs. The agenda is always...

Many nice things in these pictures, chain mail, antler work, leather work. But the comb make me think of the flea combs we would use on the dogs. Then again, that may be the concern my wife has over my winter beard. Hmmmm, important thoughts.

Vapour barriers are a contentious issue, some despise them, some admire them. Before I launch into my opinion on them, I'd like to thank rg458 for articulating a great response. Although I respect the opinion/experience of a couple other folks that have responded, my intention is to offer some...

Brilliant thank you, that gives me a much better idea on how these structures are constructed. The first shelter, image and description were easy to understand, the next one still has me scratching my head. The image in the lower left I believe is the tactical style, low angle lean-to. The...

Thank you to both of you for finding the thread and Southey for being willing to answer additional questions. Where we live in Alberta, we get plenty of snow and cold weather and I'm excited to learn some shelter/construction techniques that are not commonly used out here. If not making use of...