Bushcraft Cutting Tools

An important part of Bushcraft is having a reliable and sharp cutting tool.

The Machette

American and European Bushcrafters have a leaning towards an axe as the main chopping tool. This is primarily due to the nature of their Ecological Territories where they enjoy large forested areas with numerous tall and thick trees. In Africa, this is not always the case and most of our indigenous trees are relatively small with thinner branches. The main functions of the axe would be the use in the preparation of shelter materials and fire wood. Like wise in Africa, the Machette's primary purpose is the same with an added function of cutting a path through jungle growth or thick bush and grass.

Traditional Machettes have a long straight blade with a slight curve towards the tip and is considered the all pupose tool of many native peoples. The Khukri style Machette also offers an all pupose blade for Africa. Although shorter in length than a traditional machette, its continuous curved blade allows for differing sharpness and different work areas.

Benefits of the Khukri:

• The curve closest to the hilt is kept very sharp and is used for fine work and as a "drawing" blade for shaping or straightening wood and debarking branches.
• The full belly curve is the chopping edge and the curve allows the blade to "grab" the wood making more of a cut for less effort.
• In clearing out undergrowth, the shape of the blade in relation to the wrist allows for a more natural cutting action and wrist movement as opposed to a full arm swing
• The tip of the blade is again, very sharp and can be used for stabbing, prying and skinning.

Some modifications can be made to the blade and these will be detailed in a separate post.

The Folding Saw

The folding saw is a lightweight and compact general wood cutting tool that is used in shelter construction and animal preparation as it will cut through bone as well. Small to medium sized branches and trees can be processed with this with the added advantage of giving more precision in work such as nothing out of wood when constructing other tools or shelters or securing lines to trees and so on. Deeper cuts with less effort can be made. This is an essential tool to carry.

The Bush Knife

This is the primary tool of Bushcraft and if you had to choose just one blade it would probably be this although the Khukri performs the functions and more of a Bush Knife. Small, compact and very sharp and always at hand. Some pointers for choosing a Bush Knife:

• Buy the best you can afford. Very good blades can be had for a modest sum. The one pictured has given a good many years of service in the field, in hunting, game preparation, wood battoning and only cost ZAR 100.00 (@ $9.00 US)
• Make sure that the tang is "full". In other words, the blade and the section that the handle is attached to, are all one piece through to the pommel (the end of the handle). Some Bushcraft and Survival knives have a hollow handle where you can store items. This means that the tang can not go all the way through to the hilt and there is always a risk of the handle and blade separating ways at some point. Rather safe than sorry
• The back of the blade should have a wide section relative to the sharp edge so that it can be hit with a log in battoning (splitting wood)
• Blades will be in stainless or carbon steel. Most carbon steel blades have a coating on to prevent rust as it will rust compared to the stainless steel blades. In my opinion, carbon steel blades can be sharpened easier and quicker in the field than a stainless steel one. Carbon blades need to be oiled while stored in their sheaths and a bit of cooking oil can be used for this. Machine oil can also be used but may transfer to ffod being prepared.
• Handles come in a variety of materials from man made plastics and rubber to natural materials like wood. My preference is for wood which has a good feel, wont blister a hand as easily as some synthetics and could be replaced in the field if needed
• Finger guards should be present, a small indentation that will accomodate your forefinger should be sufficient to prevent your hand from slipping onto the blade while working, especially in cleaning animals
• Sheaths must have a solid belt loop or loops to attach to the belt for carrying. Sheaths come in three main materials namely leather (formed or not), cordura (synthetic canvas) or a materila called Kydex which is heat shaped over the knife itself forming a tight fit for the knife in a similar fashion as that of formed leather. The other important consideration is the knife retainer. Some sheaths have a separate strap for this while form fitted leather and Kydex do not, relying on a friction fit to keep the knife in the sheath. If your chosen knife is of this type, check that it is retained sufficiently by turning it up side down and giving it a good shake. If it falls out, move on

Multi-Tool & Folders/Pen Knives

A multi-tool type knife is an indispensible little work horse and should be kept on the person in a pocket attached to a lanyard or in a backpack. Selection will be based on price and functions offered and a small 2 blade pen knife will suffice. The one pictured above is the Swiss Champ and comes with a belt pouch and it is probably my most used tool around camp, from carving small tools and implements, cordage, tin opening, cleaning and maintaining firearms, opening fruit and seed pods and even sharpening other blades.

In Closing

Carrying the above will give you flexibility in functionality while offering some form of redundancy should a blade be damaged or lost. The Khukri is available in most countries and is from Cold Steel. The saw can be obtained from gardening shops (go for a folder as it is compact and protects the blade when not in use). Carbon steel blades can be sharpened with the usual sharpening implements but a fine file can also be used as can rocks and concrete. Buy the best you can afford and preferably from a reputable and established manufacturer. Go for function over form, there are many "cheap" but very good looking knives available and these probably wont stand up to rigorous use in the field

Emergency Survival Kits

Purpose of an Emergency Survival Kit

The contents of the Emergency Survival Kit are not for using as part of your everyday Bushcraft kit and is essentially a back-up system that, for whatever reason, you get separated from your main equipment. You could be out setting or checking on a trap line when a stream that you crossed an hour before is now a raging torrent, cutting you off from your camp site and all of your equipment and supplies. By keeping this on you, you will have the rudimentary items required to get you through this scenario until you can return to your camp.

Make or Buy?

There are very good kits available on the market today and these vary in price. They all have basic items in them and I view these as good Starter Kits. Climatic Zones and Ecological Terrains vary around the world and resulting in a difference in the survival techniques and equipment required to survive in these areas. Any purchased survival kit can be added to to suit these requirements and all kits should have sufficient items to cater for the 5 Basics of Survival:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Fire
4. Shelter
5. Rescue

The kit should be compact enough to fit in a glove compartment in the instance of vehicle travel, attach to a belt or fit in a secure pocket. Note that I have left out putting it into a Rucksack pocket as this is not advised for travel on foot in case you and your pack part ways, such as in crossing a river. By having it on your belt or in a pocket, it is ALWAYS ON YOU.

The Kit in the photos can be assembled through some purchased items or from scrounged items around the home or workshop. This kit covers the 5 Basics and the main components are detailed below:

1. Water (You need to know where to find water and Knowledge is the most important component not in the kit)

The tin itself can be used for collecting water as well as boiling it up. There are waterpurification tablets in the small clear plastic tube in Pic 3

2. Food

The para-cord and snare wire can be used for trapping and snaring. There are 5 fishooks of various sizes as well as sinkers and 4meters of line in the clear plastic tube in pic 3. Fish hooks can be used for catching birds in more arid areas that dont support aquatic life.

3. Fire

A good fire lifts the spirits, boils your water, cooks your food, warms you and is an aid in signalling for rescue. There is one book of matches, a water tight red plastic tube which contains waterproof matches and a striking pad and a magnesium flint. use the flint first and keep the matches for a last resort especially with difficult tinder types

4. Shelter

A space blanket will keep you dry, warm and can be used for signalling as well as improving a natural shelter. Laid on the ground in snow and on a sunny day, snow can be melted on it. It can insulate you from the ground in cold environments.

5. Rescue

A folding signal mirror, the means to make fires and the space blanket are all useable for signalling. A compass is also in the kit should you need to carry out your own rescue.

Other usefull items:

In my kit I have added a couple of useful items which have multi-purpose functions:

• A nail which can be used in trapping or as an awl
• Some duct tape for repairs to clothes, shoes and kit
• Band-aid dressing in various sizes
• Steri-wipes
• Some parrafin impregnated fire cubes
• A razor blade
• Cotton thread
• A large darning needle
• 2 small normal needles
• Safet pins, 2 of in different sizes
• Some additional cordage

To summarise:

The main considerations for an Emergency Survival Kit are:

1. It should contain items that are suited to the Ecological Territory you will be in
2. It should have items that cover the 5 Basics of Emergency Survival
3. The items should have more than one function
4. It must be on securely on your person at all times and you should never be seperated from it
5. If you do have to delve into it at any time other than in an Emergency, always replace the items immediately and when you can

So, if you dont have one already, now is the time to purchase a basic kit and add to it or to start building your own from scratch. You never know when you may need it.

The 4x4 Survival Reference Manual

In response to numerous requests by the Off-Roading Community, we will be putting together a 4x4 Survival Reference Manual. This will include the following sections which are in draft form at the moment:

Chapter 1: Wilderness Preparation

Introduction to Wilderness Preparation

Climate Zones

Ecological Territories

Chapter 2: Vehicle Preparation

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle Awareness

Communications

Navigational Equipment

Vehicle Equipment & Accessories

Recovery Equipment

Vehicle Spares

Vehicle Tools

Off-Road Driving Tips

Chapter 3: Wilderness Survival

Introduction to Wilderness Survival

Risk Identification – Breakdown, Getting Stuck, Damage, Accident

Planning & Preparation

Psychological Aspects of Survival

Survival Strategy – Stay or Go?

Elements of Survival

Prioritising the Elements of Survival

The Survival Plan

Chapter 4: Survival Equipment

Introduction to Survival Equipment

Vehicle Survival Kit

Individual Survival Kit

First Aid & Medical Kit

Chapter 5: Survival Techniques

Introduction to Survival Techniques

Water

Food

Shelter

Fire

Signalling

Navigation

Chapter 6: First Aid

Introduction to First Aid

Temperature Related

Chapter 7: Checklists

Vehicle

Tools

Vehicle Survival Kit

Individual Survival Kit

A Handy and Versatile Little Tool: Toggles

Pictured is a 2in Pine Toggle. Toggles are a multi-tool with a variety of uses and can be made up at home from wood, bone or horn. Here are some of the uses for these handy tools:

1. Use in the Larks Head Knot
2. Use to hold your fishing line while fishing
3. Great for inserting in the rings on a wire saw and protecting your fingers
4. Attach to the ends of cords for getting a better grip when twisting rope from cord strands
5. Insert in holes in skins with cords attached at the ends to hold the skin for stretching
6. Handy Trap and Snare Triggers
7. As fasteners with loops for Ditty Bags or replacement buttons

I would recommend that the ends have a slight taper and the end edges are given a chamfer which prevents the Toggle from splitting and chipping. The above has a small "V" notch cut as a locator for fishing line or wire saw rings. When I use them as fasteners, I groove the center all the way around to house the attaching thread.

These can be any length so long as they are of a corresponding thickness for the job on hand. I usually prepare quite a few of these before hand so I have them when I need them and I give them an oiling to nourish the wood but, they are quite easily prepared in the field. As a camp fire activity they are great to make while you are waiting for your meal to cook.

Bushcraft Wilderness Ranger Course Overview

We have identified the key components of Bushcraft and consolidated these into a comprehensive training course with International relevance and one which reflects our views on what Bushcraft is.

We view the True Bushcraft Practioner as a Wilderness Ranger who is the Custodian of the Body of Knowledge (Bushcraft) of our Fathers, Aboriginal and Native Peoples and who has both a responsibility and duty to learn and practice the skills and knowledge gained and to pass these on to others, to understand the Wilderness Environment and to act as a Guardian of these places.

The Course consists of 8 Modules with an Online Theoretical Component and a Practical Demonstration Component which can be submitted by email and or posted on a Blog or You Tube for assessment.

The course structure is as follows:

Module 1: Understanding Wilderness Areas
Components:

• Intro to Wilderness Areas
• Climate Zones
• Terrain
• Climate/Soil/Vegetation Interrelationships
• Ecological Relationships
• Understanding Weather
• Buschcraft Fitness - Physical and Mental

Module 2: Equipment
Components"\:

• Intro to Equipment
• Emergency Survival Kit - Equipping to Survive
• Essential Bushcraft Kit - Equipping to Sur-Thrive
• Bushcraft Clothing
• Bushcraft Nutrition

Module 3: Protection from the Elements
Components:

• Intro to Protection from the Elements
• Bushcraft Shelters
• Bushcraft Fires and Fire Lighting

Module 4: Natural Resources
Components:

• Intro to Natural Resources
• Water
• Food, Food Preparation & Preservation
• Animals as Food
• Plants as Food
• Useful Plants

Module 5: Navigation
Components:

• Intro to Bushcraft navigation
• Navigation Tools & Techniques
• Natural Navigation

Module 6: Emergencies
Components:

• Intro to Emergencies
• Basic First Aid Procedures
• Temperature Related Emergencies - Hypo and Hyperthermia
• Venomous Animals, Poisonous Plants
• Dangerous Animals
• Natural Emergencies
• Psychology of Survival

Module 7: Campcraft
Components:

• Intro to Campcraft
• Identifying Camp sites
• Camp Types - Short, Medium and Long Term Camps
• Camp Tools and Utensils
• Camp Waste - Camp and Human
• Breaking Camp

Module 8: Bushcraft Skills & Activities
Components:

• Intro to Bushcraft Skills
• Nature Observation & study
• Bushcraft Mapping & Orienteering
• Bushcraft Knots
• Bushcraft Cordage
• Environmental Activities
• Animal Tracks, Signs and Tracking
• Conservation of Wilderness areas
• Bushcraft Journal: Body of Knowledge (BOK)

On completion, the Bushcraft Student will be able to:

• Appreciate the scope and implications of Bushcraft in Wilderness areas
• Identify different types of Wilderness area based on Climatic and Terrain Factors
• Identify the Ecological Relationships within specified Wilderness areas
• Prepare for a Bushcraft excursion into a specific Wilderness area
• Identify the appropriat Survival equipment requirements for a specific Wilderness area
• Identify the appropriate Bushcraft equipment requirements for a specific Wilderness area
• Determine the appropriate Bushcraft methods of protecting against the elements within the specific Wilderness area
• Identify the nutritional requirements needed for activities within a specific Wilderness area
• Produce fire using Bushcraft Techniques
• Identify possible water sources within a specific Wilderness area, find and purify water
• Identify usefull animals and plants within a specific Wilderness area
• Produce food from animals and plants within a specific Wilderness area
• Navigate within a specific Wilderness area
• Identify potential hazards and the appropriate first aid actions within a specific Wilderness area
• Identify suitable and un-suitable camp sites within a specific Wilderness area
• Plan and run a safe and comfortable low impact camp within a specific Wilderness area
• Plan and cary out Bushcraft skills activities within a specific Wilderness area

The course has four levels of progression with Certification for each module completed. Students can complete the course at their own pace to suit time and budget constraints.

This course structure is currently being reviewed and we hope to have it finalised before January 2012. On-line components will be accessible 24/7 via the Internet, materials can be downloaded and component tests undertaken On-line.

Please follow this Blog for updates

Bushcraft Plant for December

The Ximenia caffra of Sourplum will be comming into fruit in December. (See picture below). The branches of this small shrub have spines and they can be found in Bushveld, Rocky Outcrops and hillsides, Mountains and Coastal Bush.

The fruit is high in Vitamin C and although sour, can be mashed up into a pulp which can be shaped into sticks or discs and sundried. The nut has a very high oil content which can be used as an ointment and helps in softening animal skin. A Bush Beer can be made from fermenting the fruit in water.

Bushcraft or Survival?

Many times I get asked to differentiate between Bushcraft and Survival. In many respects, they are very similar but this is how I define the two:

1. Survival is where you find yourself in an unplanned situation.
A survival situation is short term with an objective of being rescued or rescuing yourself through the use of knowledge, skills and tools.

2. Bushcraft is where you plan to live in a natural environment.
 Bushcraft is long term with an objective of learning about your environment and where you use your skills, knowledge and tools to utilise resources to sustain you during that period.

Priorities for the Survivor and Bushcrafter will be very different. Learning Bushcraft will prepare you for Survival if the situation arises. Learning Survival will prepare you for Bushcraft if you make the decision to transition.

Bushcraft also entails the "re-learning" of the knowledge and skills of our ancestors and possibly more importantly, the passing of these on to the next generation.