Bow
This primitive technique for starting fires will connect you with something very ancient. Known as the bow drill method, you need the following equipment:
Hearth board: use your bill hook, axe or knife to split a 30cm (12in) length of willow, sycamore, lime or poplar twice. This will leave you with a straight, flat piece that is 2–3cm (approx. 1in) thick. Carve a V-shaped notch into it.
Drill: use the same wood as your hearth board to make a straight length, 20–25cm (8–10in) long and 2–3cm (approx. 1in) thick. Using your knife, carve a point at one tip and round the other end.
Bow: a curved green (live) stick as long as your arm, tied with string, paracord or natural cordage.
Bearing block or palm stone: either a piece of green hardwood with a dip carved into it, or a stone with a natural hollow.
Ember pan: something to catch the embers. This could be another piece of wood or even a piece of bark (birch works well).
Bow
Hearth board
Drill
Bird’s nest
Bearing block
Ember pan
1. Make your bow and wrap the cord around your drill.
2. Hold the bearing block or stone in your hand and put downward pressure on the pointed end of the drill. Place the rounded end of the drill into the hearth board, with the ember pan below.
3. Maintain downwards pressure from your bearing block and move the bow back and forth. When you see the first wisps of smoke, carry on until a steady stream of smoke rises. Then stop and let the ember sit for 10–30 seconds to let it grow.
4. Tip the glowing ember into a timber bundle or ‘bird’s nest’ and blow until a flame appears. Now feed that fire with more fuel!
