I grew up from about the age of six in the influence of wild, colonial new world immigrants, pioneers, soldier settlers and bushmen such as the like of Richard Graves of Bushcraft Handbook fame. I've been here for awhile and I now feel motivated enough that I'd like to begin to share some of it with the people in this place! The first things I'd love to talk about are the awesome bits of absolutely free, improvised bits of kit you have at your disposal!
I find it strange that for a Bushcraft Website that there is so much emphasis placed on store bought gear and fashion. Contrast this with the likes of Richard Graves and the Ten Bushcraft Books; There are absolutely no references to store bought gear or purpose made equipment at all!! Everything is improvised through the use of Bushcraft Skills! If you look on this site the reverse is more predominate, the main focus is on equipment, kit and knives over craft and skill by about three hundred to one????
My perception is, be it right or wrong that there is a serious imbalance with this, so I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and contribute some more!!
My first effort will be in the way of the "Forearm Strop" I often laugh when I read about the expensive strops and exotic abrasive compounds that people are carrying and using to bring up their edges. The absolute best improvised strop on the planet if you are a right hander is a BIG GREASY, SWEATY, GRITTY left forearm!!! If you own a Mora, Swiss Army Knife, Woodlore or any two, three, four or even five inch blade then you are going to see that your dirty forearm is an awesome strop! Hold out your left forearm clench your fist to present a taught stropping surface, make sure your arm is suitably greasy, gritty and sweaty and away you go! Now you can seriously screw this up if you are inexperienced and can get yourself a good cut!! So start with a butter knife and practice: - Draw, Turnover, Push, Draw, Turnover, Push, Draw, Turnover, Push, Draw, Turnover, Push. Now go shave some hair with it!!! Try it! Cause then you'll throw away the expensive strop and stropping compound forever!!! This really works!! See how polished and razor like your edge comes up after this treatment!!
I have impressive memories of my grandfather and the sight of his forearm stropping cut throat razors as well as filleting, skinning and butchering knives in the yard after a going over on the stone!
Guys you can all go tell me to jump if you wish, but if you are interested then I'll come back with some more if you are keen!
I find it strange that for a Bushcraft Website that there is so much emphasis placed on store bought gear and fashion. Contrast this with the likes of Richard Graves and the Ten Bushcraft Books; There are absolutely no references to store bought gear or purpose made equipment at all!! Everything is improvised through the use of Bushcraft Skills! If you look on this site the reverse is more predominate, the main focus is on equipment, kit and knives over craft and skill by about three hundred to one????
My perception is, be it right or wrong that there is a serious imbalance with this, so I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and contribute some more!! My first effort will be in the way of the "Forearm Strop" I often laugh when I read about the expensive strops and exotic abrasive compounds that people are carrying and using to bring up their edges. The absolute best improvised strop on the planet if you are a right hander is a BIG GREASY, SWEATY, GRITTY left forearm!!! If you own a Mora, Swiss Army Knife, Woodlore or any two, three, four or even five inch blade then you are going to see that your dirty forearm is an awesome strop! Hold out your left forearm clench your fist to present a taught stropping surface, make sure your arm is suitably greasy, gritty and sweaty and away you go! Now you can seriously screw this up if you are inexperienced and can get yourself a good cut!! So start with a butter knife and practice: - Draw, Turnover, Push, Draw, Turnover, Push, Draw, Turnover, Push, Draw, Turnover, Push. Now go shave some hair with it!!! Try it! Cause then you'll throw away the expensive strop and stropping compound forever!!! This really works!! See how polished and razor like your edge comes up after this treatment!!
I have impressive memories of my grandfather and the sight of his forearm stropping cut throat razors as well as filleting, skinning and butchering knives in the yard after a going over on the stone!
Guys you can all go tell me to jump if you wish, but if you are interested then I'll come back with some more if you are keen!
