Hi Dave I really enjoy all your videos but there is one I find that you haven't gone over, what is in your pack and could you do a review of the shotgun that you use.
No need to worry Dave about needing Chaga. My buddy Steve that owns all that Acreage in Michigan with the thousands of Birch Trees has become addicted to your videos and is so grateful for you, that he said he would send you some for free if you ever want some. Just drop me a note @ jrham1108@aol.com and we'll see to it that you are always 'in supply'. God bless ya, and thanks again Brother.
Here we usually make AMADOU ffom horseshoe fungus, instead of chaga. Prepping it to extremely good amadou, requires bit more work, but the results are good too. Both of these funguses, have been used, in past, also as needlepillows and for knives as they contain some anti-corrosive stuff, that makes also some patina.
I found some bracket/shelf/horse shoe fungus on a black locust tree yesterday. Can i process like chaga and use for a coal extender or is this what they call strop fungus? I did use it as a strop and the results werent great but useable...i just always get them confused...
i wish this stuff grew around california, but i figure it's too hot here, i'll have to look for an alternative though, which i'm sure is around, thank you
awesome video. thank you very much. i love using traditional gear like my kentucky long rifle and flint and steel. please keep these videos up. and your store is awesome, i've never had such a good ordering experience, everything i got is very high quality and for a very good deal, thank you.
Thanks again Dave. Haha I wish I had this video 5 years ago I had to learn all that by trial and error on my own. You better watch out. You are going to save a lot of lives with your material at some point.
Dave, great video as usual! I get the reason tgis tinder fungus is useful with a flint and steel. But why would a guy use it with a ferro rod? Couldnt you just light some woods shavings or feather sticks and skip the tinder fungus? Or is there an advantage to starting it with the fungus? Just curious.
figures this grows only in the north...I carry dryer lint in a ziploc whenever i go out to the woods as a substitute. Gotta be fast with the tinder and twigs but a good substitute i suppose
Fantastic vid Dave! Is there anything down here in the Central Florida swamps we could use like what you have shown here? Enjoying everything you pass on to us! God bless and continued success!
Can't say enough good things about your vids, Dave! Now a small request, you mentioned "carrying fire". Was wondering if you would do a video on that subject? I've read about it several places, but, what type of vessel was constructed for the purpose, how was it packed and ventilated? I have taken some of the fungi we have here in North Florida, and will be experimenting with them as soon as it dries out. Thanks.
You know Dave-- Every day here can be a positive learning experience for us. I have been aware of this stuff's great characteristics for many years and I've even seen it used when people would shake it out of their fire-kit or a pouch. BUT to be quite honest, right now I cannot remember ever seeing it in the raw clump state nor was I aware of where were best places to harvest it .
Absolutely superb video Dave. I have often wondered about where to find this stuff. I have a friend in Michigan who has literally TONS of birch trees with this on them, on many acres of his land. Birch trees EVERYWHERE. I am getting him to send me some, proto (now that I know how to utilized it correctly.). Thanks so much, Brother.
"hey Dave I've been trying to find a nice hand forged flint n steel who makes the one you have in this video is it from canteenshop or something different even on eBay they seem to lack quality!!!"
Hey Dave, I envy your work, keep up the education! Next time you come through Michigan I'd like to host a fresh fish fry for you. I'm getting discharged from the USMC here soon. I hope to be home soon in the GREAT Michigan wilderness. Thanks Dave.
Great video. I really enjoy watching. I also enjoy that you fully explain everything so well. One question though, the knife you used to spark the rod is beautiful, could you share where you got it?
Good video on True Tinder. In Ontario, we have it too but it is not plentiful. I find the larger pieces have the nice brown and spongy center. Without a fire to dry the tinder, crushing it and putting it on a rock in the sun will do too (summer time).
Some people ask if it hurts the tree to remove it. By the time the tree has fungus growths on it, the health of the tree is in question. Also, the sap does not run when the fungus is removed so the tree is not damaged.
Also in an emergency situation when cell phones are down Sat Phones Are Up, I take mine everywhere I go, and there not that expensive if you only use it in an emergency
Hey Dave Just want to say I love your videos, but I have a question, you teach survival and you did a video on your EDC but you never once spoke about the most important tool in any survival situation and that's a SAT PHONE that you can use to call for help anywhere in the world because thats your main objective in that situation is to get rescued correct?
@sabr686 I don't know about using fungus in the Pac NW but I always found that with the abundance of ceder it wasn't a problem. You can always find pine pitch build ups very easy also and with that combo you can start a fire in the rain. (grew up a few hours south of Seattle)
Just curious is this similar or the same as "Echinodontiaceae > Echinodontium tinctorium" also known as "Indian Paint Fungus" in the pacific northwest?
Dave i know this is a little off-topic but i was thinking about making a beeswax/vitE/spearmint lip balm and maybe adding a few other ingredients but was wondering if i could still use this in my trap kit as snare wax or if the scent would deter animals any experience on this?
Hey Dave, Will you be doing a video on the medicinal uses?? I wonder what does chaga taste like in a tea? Are there any more new Dual Survival episodes coming out? By the way I bought the Sling Bow and three piece arrows, really accurate. Bought a few other other items got to say all quality stuff (Mora knife et,) and great customer service. Thanks gerry
what is the largest knife you carry in the field? I've ready that nothign less than a 9" knife. The knife I carry knife is around 5", 5 "SRK. Is this big enough to baton wood?
Lycopodium clavatum (wolf's-foot clubmoss, stag's-horn clubmoss or groundpine ) has flammable spores used in early photography, also can be used as a fire starter
I was reading the posts earlier and someone had made a referance to the fact that it grows on the coast of NC. I have done some research and found that this fungus does grow in the mountains of NC so I would imagine it to be plausable that it could also be found in eastern NC.
Great video (as usual) Dave, thanks. I just wish that I would have know that you were in here in Michigan last week. I would have really enjoyed driving out to meet you.
@Campcomp00- I live in west GA. I have found a fungus that grows off the roots of dead oak in my yard. It has made a coal from a magnifying glass for a fire. I have not tried flint or ferrocerium rod. I'll try to get to the master gardeners at the AG center to find out.
Thanks for sharing Dave. I've never found real chaga here in west Georgia but like you said other shelf type /polypore fungus will work. Not quite as good though. I find some that I think are called false tinder fungus that grow on a variety of trees. Also, there is much written including medical studies about chaga tea being used to treat cancer. To get the good stuff I might have to buy some on e-bay.
I've also found that I can take a piece of dried chaga and gently scrape the top of it with my knife to create a bit of dust on top. That takes a spark with a flint a steel real easy and will start a great, slow burning ember on your chaga chunk.
This is so funny, my grandfather used to have my brother and I collect these from birch trees in NH for him as kids. He would store them up by the roof in his cabin.He always used to light his fires with an orange-yellow powder and I never made the connection. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and making us remember what we have forgotten.
Hello Dave, I would really enjoy meeting you, got a daughter and grandkids in Michigan that it would make thier day. As a loyal and decent minded viewer, I apologize for the rude and childish comments some of these wanna be's posted.
Do tender fungus grow on any one type of tree or are they sporadic ? Also will it degrade over time , if so how would you go about its preservation for future use ? As always great vid and thanks Dave !!!
Really enjoy the videos, thanks. Some comments are okay, but I don't know how you can even tolerate most of it. "Dave, how do you maintain white teeth while in the bush...Dave, how do you shield your eyes from the sun.....Dave, I looked up the definition for spongy layer, and it didn't say anything about tinder fungus.....Dave, how do I wipe my .....Dave, is that a Timex Ironman 7......" Seriously, I'd block all comments, I don't know how you even stand it.
Dave, I am in Georgia and found something like this on a tree at my aunt's pond. It was in MUCH smaller chunks, but I chopped it off, took it home, got the orange core out of if and dried it. It worked every bit as well as what you have there. I'm not saying we have it here. I'm saying we have an alternative that works as good. I have some in all my fire making kits now.
I will note next time I am there and tell you what the tree was.
@wildpanthercutlery Yep. Could have been either one. (They are so hard to find around here) ;) It looks just like this stuff, but it starts easy with a spark and burns like a coal for a LONG time. I cut some during a dry spell and was able to light it rather easily with a spark.
@danmo43 lol i know what you mean you bout cant walk round barefoot without steppin on them d*mn sweetgum balls around my woods lol, my favorite tinder to start a fire with is still good fat lighter :) ive got bout 7 or 8 stumps of it in the woods by the house with the smalest weighin about 125, looks like candy when you split it :)
David, I am really glad you shot this video. I would have tried and tried, and would have got very discouraged using the flint and steel method, had you not explained this to us. I love it when I learn something from you, instead of being in a survival situation and not understanding tinder fungus, when my life could be on the line. Thank you so much. "Knowledge is Power"
Great Video Dave! Learned a lot. Want to thank you for what you do. Can you get a spark on saddle mushrooms that grow on trees? Polyporus squamosus? Just seeing if you have tried it.
I wonder if I was drying this at home if I could just use my dehydrator I use to make jerkey? Just make sure the wife does not see :) yeah never living north of Indiana and presently in Louisiana I've never run into any real tinder fungus. Just read about it and seen videos, but it appears to rock.
Great info Dave. One trick I have used for a long time having a woodworking background is I have carried a pocket plane (stanley model 21-399) in my kit for making tinder shavings of all sorts of materials from hardwood on down. They make an even smaller pocketable device that works about the same (model # 21-115) both cost under $10 don't weigh much and make a great efficient way to shred almost any material into fine combustible shavings without taking it down to dust. As for it being a multi
I was just thinking.. if it were to catch fire, would it be possible to place them in a small tin, that I could place in my pocket and warm my hands? That might be worth inventing something like that..?
Hey dave im worried about my knife i just got it in a mora classic will it get loosened if i hit the back of the blad to chop stuff and how can i resharpen it after its dull pls respond
When making tinder, fruiting body pound out and is soaked in the lye, and then is dried. The tinder simmers away to several hours, and directly shall existing terms of been used recently in also a campfire the transfer of destination for second. Of the same kind of purpose has been used in Finland arinakääpä(Phellinus igniarius). Alps was founded at the prehistoric Ötzli was fire making equimpent's with Polyporaceae.
Polyporaceae(Fomes fomentarius) have had before will also be a valuable benefit of fungal: by name in accordance with the tinderfungus is prepared by taulaa, ie tinder, which is used making campfire for firesteel. This is also suggested its scientific name. Taula.
Dave....For the flint and steel...Just use the tip of your knife on the expose area of the chaga that you are aiming at and create small trenches on the surface. The pores have to be opened. This way you will be able to get a spark going from the chaga without powdering it. Great vid.
Curious question Dave, however, off topic. I know you are all about multifunctional items but you carry plastic tent stakes. Why not aluminum stakes? I can think of at least 10 different things you can use metal stakes for that you could not use plastic ones for and they really don't weigh that much more, if any, than the ABS ones you carry/sell. Is there a specific reason that I missed for using plastic instead of metal?
Dave, in in the mountains of NC. I find tree fungus here, but will this stuff work? Im south of you, but my altitude is a bit higher. Also whats the difference between chaga and amadu?
I live in North America (Canada) near Niagara Falls it stays pretty decently chilly here year round do you know if Chaga grows here? To be more specific I live in St. Catharines if anyone lives here and has found it. I'm going to go looking for it after my ice fishing trip but we don't have many birch in my area. They're more scattered.
Just got my pathfinder plsk1 knife today if anyone has been having second thoughts about buying one, all I gotta say this knife is legit the real McCoy just like Dave thanks again and for the great vids you do for us!!!
"just got my pathfinder plsk1 knife today if anyone is second guessing buying this knife absolutely "go for it this knife is the real deal, just like Dave" thanks again and great video!!!you people will not be disappointed!!!
Thanks for the video, im going to keep my head up to look for some of this stuff in NYC. We have a lot of weird things growing in the trees over here! Thanks again Dave!
With apologies for posting off topic, do you know why the PLSK Scout isn't available on the BHK website? PLSK 1 & 2 are available, but not the Scout. Many thanks, sir.
Do you have king Alfreds Cakes / Cramp Balls is the US these will take from a flint and steel fresh off the tree. If it has not been rained on or land on wet ground.
@RichTheRidgeHunter Why would you want to waste a whole piece for one fire? with a chunk that size you could use it for a dozen fires, and he explains while he's doing it with flint and steel ( to get more surface area to catch a spark). Rather than showering sparks down on one chunk you can throw your sparks over pile and get it to catch in multiple spots and ultimately get you tinder to light faster. It's not a must though, as you've seen in other videos, just his way of doing it.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
@Jrsdrums I think I can talk to Dave without your help. I have talked to him on here and on the phone. (also on FaceBook) I have not needed your help yet, If I do.... I'll call ya.
@RichTheRidgeHunter Eventually it would probably light as a whole but why do you need that big chunk on fire? Much easier to make smaller oieces and increase surface area for catching sparks easier it only makes more sense and it is quicker this was. IMO-
No birch where I live, but we do have cotton wood and aspen in the high country. Next time I'm up there I'll look for some fungus and see if it will work.
Also here in Texas we have creosote bush.are broom weed. I have taken this stuff and ground it up into a dust and WOW that stuff take a spark like gas.
Dave i was out last week cutting fire wood for my home and I noticed and lot of rotten wood in the pile i was cutting so i split it and in the center of that log was rotten pulp wood i guess. But after watching this video,wouldnt that pulp wood be kind of like that fungus.
some basic web searching resulted in the health benefits in different areas. In that discussion, they said that the fungus uses characteristics from the parent birch tree. Birch bark and sap is highly combustable already. It makes sense that the fungus will be also. similar to fat wood in that regards.
Totally blown away Dave, I had never even heard of chaga being referred to as tinder fungus. Looks like near instant fire. I'll be adding this to my kit for sure. Thanks.
Hey Dave, are you going to show how to make a rakovalkea? It's a Finnish style of fire that's pretty self-sustaining. I couldn't find any YouTube videos on it, though.
I have been using this stuff for over 35 years now. I could easily harvest 100 pounds of it in an afternoon within 2 miles of my house, but I only keep about 1 or 2 big ones at any given time.
Hi Dave I really enjoy all your videos but there is one I find that you haven't gone over, what is in your pack and could you do a review of the shotgun that you use.
NSHunting 4 days ago
No need to worry Dave about needing Chaga. My buddy Steve that owns all that Acreage in Michigan with the thousands of Birch Trees has become addicted to your videos and is so grateful for you, that he said he would send you some for free if you ever want some. Just drop me a note @ jrham1108@aol.com and we'll see to it that you are always 'in supply'. God bless ya, and thanks again Brother.
FacetsOfTruth 5 days ago
Here we usually make AMADOU ffom horseshoe fungus, instead of chaga. Prepping it to extremely good amadou, requires bit more work, but the results are good too. Both of these funguses, have been used, in past, also as needlepillows and for knives as they contain some anti-corrosive stuff, that makes also some patina.
Perkele1976 5 days ago
"its worth its weight in gold" kinda looks like it too..
hypock1 2 weeks ago
@waderobertsnchunter1. They look like issue bandanas or triangle bandages to me...avail at your local mil surplus, us cav, sportsmans guide, etc
anubis1335 2 weeks ago
I found some bracket/shelf/horse shoe fungus on a black locust tree yesterday. Can i process like chaga and use for a coal extender or is this what they call strop fungus? I did use it as a strop and the results werent great but useable...i just always get them confused...
anubis1335 2 weeks ago
i wish this stuff grew around california, but i figure it's too hot here, i'll have to look for an alternative though, which i'm sure is around, thank you
Pilgrim041588 2 weeks ago
awesome video. thank you very much. i love using traditional gear like my kentucky long rifle and flint and steel. please keep these videos up. and your store is awesome, i've never had such a good ordering experience, everything i got is very high quality and for a very good deal, thank you.
Pilgrim041588 2 weeks ago
hey dave what bandanas or dorags do you use and where do you get them
waderobertsNChunter1 2 weeks ago
almost like god created the fungis in the colder north for a reason, huh :P
Takiado 2 weeks ago
Thanks again Dave. Haha I wish I had this video 5 years ago I had to learn all that by trial and error on my own. You better watch out. You are going to save a lot of lives with your material at some point.
Aboscout 2 weeks ago
frist time watching your videos...there great thanks for the info..
terry1967ful 2 weeks ago
Dave, great video as usual! I get the reason tgis tinder fungus is useful with a flint and steel. But why would a guy use it with a ferro rod? Couldnt you just light some woods shavings or feather sticks and skip the tinder fungus? Or is there an advantage to starting it with the fungus? Just curious.
RealitySurvival 2 weeks ago
figures this grows only in the north...I carry dryer lint in a ziploc whenever i go out to the woods as a substitute. Gotta be fast with the tinder and twigs but a good substitute i suppose
s1l3nze 3 weeks ago
great vid dave
MrColoradosurvival 3 weeks ago
Fantastic vid Dave! Is there anything down here in the Central Florida swamps we could use like what you have shown here? Enjoying everything you pass on to us! God bless and continued success!
TheMongo1357 3 weeks ago
Chaga is awesome stuff....love the smell of it....
kingtut1964 3 weeks ago
HEY DAVE! HOW ABOUT DIRT DOBER NEST? MY GRANDMOTHER USED THEM FOR ALL KINDS OF THINGS LIKE BOILS TO POP THEM AND A SPRAIN ANKLE OR JOINT?
bushmaster1226sere 3 weeks ago
hey dave can you tell me the place where you got that steel for the flint and steel with the extra metal
TacticalMedical 3 weeks ago
Can't say enough good things about your vids, Dave! Now a small request, you mentioned "carrying fire". Was wondering if you would do a video on that subject? I've read about it several places, but, what type of vessel was constructed for the purpose, how was it packed and ventilated? I have taken some of the fungi we have here in North Florida, and will be experimenting with them as soon as it dries out. Thanks.
eyewasthere 3 weeks ago
looks like a big brick of hash
ridgetownpimp 3 weeks ago
You know Dave-- Every day here can be a positive learning experience for us. I have been aware of this stuff's great characteristics for many years and I've even seen it used when people would shake it out of their fire-kit or a pouch. BUT to be quite honest, right now I cannot remember ever seeing it in the raw clump state nor was I aware of where were best places to harvest it .
THANKS FOR THE LESSON !!
Rivieratime 3 weeks ago
Absolutely superb video Dave. I have often wondered about where to find this stuff. I have a friend in Michigan who has literally TONS of birch trees with this on them, on many acres of his land. Birch trees EVERYWHERE. I am getting him to send me some, proto (now that I know how to utilized it correctly.). Thanks so much, Brother.
FacetsOfTruth 3 weeks ago
Very well delivered, thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills Dave, much appreciated.
- Ashley Cawley.
NaturalBushcraft 3 weeks ago
help me
Intellectophobia 3 weeks ago
"hey Dave I've been trying to find a nice hand forged flint n steel who makes the one you have in this video is it from canteenshop or something different even on eBay they seem to lack quality!!!"
HDoctane 3 weeks ago
Hey Dave, I envy your work, keep up the education! Next time you come through Michigan I'd like to host a fresh fish fry for you. I'm getting discharged from the USMC here soon. I hope to be home soon in the GREAT Michigan wilderness. Thanks Dave.
Michigander79 3 weeks ago
Great video. I really enjoy watching. I also enjoy that you fully explain everything so well. One question though, the knife you used to spark the rod is beautiful, could you share where you got it?
Cheers
Harley
Ghillie999 3 weeks ago
You did a much better job of instruction than what Mitch did..
BumperHunter71 3 weeks ago
Can chaga be processed in the same way as cotton is for char-cloth with the heat w/o oxygen method?
skeczy 3 weeks ago
Was I just forced to watch a commercial to see this video?
APCPscorp 3 weeks ago
Good video on True Tinder. In Ontario, we have it too but it is not plentiful. I find the larger pieces have the nice brown and spongy center. Without a fire to dry the tinder, crushing it and putting it on a rock in the sun will do too (summer time).
Some people ask if it hurts the tree to remove it. By the time the tree has fungus growths on it, the health of the tree is in question. Also, the sap does not run when the fungus is removed so the tree is not damaged.
ChadHClifford 3 weeks ago
Also in an emergency situation when cell phones are down Sat Phones Are Up, I take mine everywhere I go, and there not that expensive if you only use it in an emergency
vaughnburrows 3 weeks ago
Hey Dave Just want to say I love your videos, but I have a question, you teach survival and you did a video on your EDC but you never once spoke about the most important tool in any survival situation and that's a SAT PHONE that you can use to call for help anywhere in the world because thats your main objective in that situation is to get rescued correct?
vaughnburrows 3 weeks ago
Very interesting video. Must find the generic equivalent here in the Northwest (WA/BC).
sabr686 3 weeks ago
@sabr686 I don't know about using fungus in the Pac NW but I always found that with the abundance of ceder it wasn't a problem. You can always find pine pitch build ups very easy also and with that combo you can start a fire in the rain. (grew up a few hours south of Seattle)
ninjadlscrat 3 weeks ago
Cool.. I am going to have to scout around for some next time I am out.
I hope there is some in Washington state.
markshmily 3 weeks ago
this is a great video thanks for postin
Mr420rush 3 weeks ago
Just curious is this similar or the same as "Echinodontiaceae > Echinodontium tinctorium" also known as "Indian Paint Fungus" in the pacific northwest?
spiralcosmosart 3 weeks ago
Dave i know this is a little off-topic but i was thinking about making a beeswax/vitE/spearmint lip balm and maybe adding a few other ingredients but was wondering if i could still use this in my trap kit as snare wax or if the scent would deter animals any experience on this?
evanyandibory 3 weeks ago
does new jersey have chaga?
MrPoopInChest 3 weeks ago
Dave like infernape425 said you are my HERO!!!
MrPoopInChest 3 weeks ago
where can i get flint and steel like yours?
aaronsname 3 weeks ago
Great video Dave, God bless
Mstull68 3 weeks ago
Hey Dave, Will you be doing a video on the medicinal uses?? I wonder what does chaga taste like in a tea? Are there any more new Dual Survival episodes coming out? By the way I bought the Sling Bow and three piece arrows, really accurate. Bought a few other other items got to say all quality stuff (Mora knife et,) and great customer service. Thanks gerry
geremi140 3 weeks ago 5
@geremi140 Thanks Brother, our customer service works very hard.
wildernessoutfitters 3 weeks ago
@geremi140 chaga tea has no taste
trapperadam1 3 weeks ago
you are my hero and the reason i am rejoining scouts
infernape425 3 weeks ago
hey dave look at 6:25 at the fungi on the stump it have a face ! but really cool jod bro thanks for posting max
AZcamoOutdoors 3 weeks ago
I'm on a stight bubget is the reason for the queionsl,
campcomp00 3 weeks ago
what is the largest knife you carry in the field? I've ready that nothign less than a 9" knife. The knife I carry knife is around 5", 5 "SRK. Is this big enough to baton wood?
campcomp00 3 weeks ago
I appreciate all the work you do, Dave. I always find these videos very informative and interesting. I also can't wait for season 3 of Dual Survival.
JTNugget 3 weeks ago
@JTNugget I didnt know there was even a season 2, I havent seen it on netflix
datcuserida 3 weeks ago
@datcuserida It ended last July, bro.
JTNugget 3 weeks ago
Do you have to process the fungus over heat to dry it or can you air dry it as well?
maryhyphenkay 3 weeks ago
Lycopodium clavatum (wolf's-foot clubmoss, stag's-horn clubmoss or groundpine ) has flammable spores used in early photography, also can be used as a fire starter
Silverstile 3 weeks ago
I was reading the posts earlier and someone had made a referance to the fact that it grows on the coast of NC. I have done some research and found that this fungus does grow in the mountains of NC so I would imagine it to be plausable that it could also be found in eastern NC.
shadetreerodder 3 weeks ago
very cool!!
genxtell 3 weeks ago
I'll have to keep an eye out for tinder fungus the next time out.
zeltarstormrun 3 weeks ago
Great video (as usual) Dave, thanks. I just wish that I would have know that you were in here in Michigan last week. I would have really enjoyed driving out to meet you.
Cayoot 3 weeks ago
awesome tip
sahlaboohlas 3 weeks ago
@Campcomp00- I live in west GA. I have found a fungus that grows off the roots of dead oak in my yard. It has made a coal from a magnifying glass for a fire. I have not tried flint or ferrocerium rod. I'll try to get to the master gardeners at the AG center to find out.
Good Journey
Sunblade / Richie
sunbladerr 3 weeks ago
where can i get a hat like that
wildernesspursuit 3 weeks ago
Great knowledge and a splendid way to explain things. A big thanks to you and the school.
Greetings from Germany !
sergiudec 3 weeks ago 9
what are fungus available for the southeast US?
campcomp00 3 weeks ago
Thanks for sharing Dave. I've never found real chaga here in west Georgia but like you said other shelf type /polypore fungus will work. Not quite as good though. I find some that I think are called false tinder fungus that grow on a variety of trees. Also, there is much written including medical studies about chaga tea being used to treat cancer. To get the good stuff I might have to buy some on e-bay.
HikerJohn316 3 weeks ago
Why would some retarted idiot hit the dislike button?
mesa401 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
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louisbrassyyy 3 weeks ago
Frikkin' awesome videos, btw. Thanks for sharing all this fantastic knowledge with us.
Kerouac2k1 3 weeks ago
I've also found that I can take a piece of dried chaga and gently scrape the top of it with my knife to create a bit of dust on top. That takes a spark with a flint a steel real easy and will start a great, slow burning ember on your chaga chunk.
Kerouac2k1 3 weeks ago
interesting.Video thanks for sharing
bluetunder40 3 weeks ago
interesting. thanks for sharing
GWHcraig1088 3 weeks ago
awesome,Dave!
tibee47 3 weeks ago
I'll have to keep an eye out for that stuff. It really goes for a long while.
flyfishscm 3 weeks ago
Enjoyed yet another vid.from the UK. Thanks
doublegit 3 weeks ago
We have tinder fungus her in Sweden to. I really have to try this out. Thanks.
MrLoiti100 3 weeks ago
Do trees in Northern California have any mold that would be useable?
oriontuber 3 weeks ago
Thanks Dave and a well described video it was. ;-JJD
USMC65UH34D 3 weeks ago
Im going to go try this tomorrow. Hah I can see tinder fungus from my window. Thanks for sharing.
nolanofeast 3 weeks ago
great video, you're really good with framing the picture to make it feel like I'm next to you.
aletoledo1 3 weeks ago
This is so funny, my grandfather used to have my brother and I collect these from birch trees in NH for him as kids. He would store them up by the roof in his cabin.He always used to light his fires with an orange-yellow powder and I never made the connection. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and making us remember what we have forgotten.
kyadak 3 weeks ago
Hello Dave, I would really enjoy meeting you, got a daughter and grandkids in Michigan that it would make thier day. As a loyal and decent minded viewer, I apologize for the rude and childish comments some of these wanna be's posted.
God bless you and your family
olegrayheadedfart 3 weeks ago
dave what kind of tarp is that. thanks for the vids god bless
chunkchunk79 3 weeks ago
@chunkchunk79 a cheap camo one you can get them at hardware stores I think its the same one he bought in his discount bushcraft kit vids
dexterlexter123 3 weeks ago
Do tender fungus grow on any one type of tree or are they sporadic ? Also will it degrade over time , if so how would you go about its preservation for future use ? As always great vid and thanks Dave !!!
cavemanNCC1701 3 weeks ago
Really enjoy the videos, thanks. Some comments are okay, but I don't know how you can even tolerate most of it. "Dave, how do you maintain white teeth while in the bush...Dave, how do you shield your eyes from the sun.....Dave, I looked up the definition for spongy layer, and it didn't say anything about tinder fungus.....Dave, how do I wipe my .....Dave, is that a Timex Ironman 7......" Seriously, I'd block all comments, I don't know how you even stand it.
Gunzshow55312 3 weeks ago
Dave, I am in Georgia and found something like this on a tree at my aunt's pond. It was in MUCH smaller chunks, but I chopped it off, took it home, got the orange core out of if and dried it. It worked every bit as well as what you have there. I'm not saying we have it here. I'm saying we have an alternative that works as good. I have some in all my fire making kits now.
I will note next time I am there and tell you what the tree was.
Thanks for the vid!!
danmo43 3 weeks ago
@danmo43 ive seen some like this around here on sweetgum and some dead oaks that are still standing,....im in middle georgia
wildpanthercutlery 3 weeks ago
@wildpanthercutlery Yep. Could have been either one. (They are so hard to find around here) ;) It looks just like this stuff, but it starts easy with a spark and burns like a coal for a LONG time. I cut some during a dry spell and was able to light it rather easily with a spark.
danmo43 3 weeks ago
@danmo43 lol i know what you mean you bout cant walk round barefoot without steppin on them d*mn sweetgum balls around my woods lol, my favorite tinder to start a fire with is still good fat lighter :) ive got bout 7 or 8 stumps of it in the woods by the house with the smalest weighin about 125, looks like candy when you split it :)
]
wildpanthercutlery 3 weeks ago
@wildpanthercutlery Haven't tried fat lighter. Dave has talked about it. I will have to check it out.
danmo43 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@wildpanthercutlery Haven't tried fat lighter. Dave has talked about it. I will have to check it out.
danmo43 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@wildpanthercutlery Never tried fat lighter. Dave has talked about it. Will give it a try.
danmo43 3 weeks ago
David, I am really glad you shot this video. I would have tried and tried, and would have got very discouraged using the flint and steel method, had you not explained this to us. I love it when I learn something from you, instead of being in a survival situation and not understanding tinder fungus, when my life could be on the line. Thank you so much. "Knowledge is Power"
stephensgate1 3 weeks ago
I would say process some down, and keep it in a water/airtight container...and then you always have some on hand if needed.
Great Vid Dave...Ill be looking for some more soon...about out of what Matt gave me.
MrCableguyken 3 weeks ago
Dave, what are your thoughts on Piston fire starters, and pump drill firestarters? Would love to hear your opinion on them.
GrimLP 3 weeks ago
cool stuff
filmcostar 3 weeks ago
Great Video Dave! Learned a lot. Want to thank you for what you do. Can you get a spark on saddle mushrooms that grow on trees? Polyporus squamosus? Just seeing if you have tried it.
bobaloosb 3 weeks ago
Is that an Under Armour shirt?
b1gje55e 3 weeks ago
wonderful...learned a lot
AccuracyMarked 3 weeks ago
dave...thanks for sharing....jimbo
jmg1957 3 weeks ago
I wonder if I was drying this at home if I could just use my dehydrator I use to make jerkey? Just make sure the wife does not see :) yeah never living north of Indiana and presently in Louisiana I've never run into any real tinder fungus. Just read about it and seen videos, but it appears to rock.
wb5mgr 3 weeks ago
Great info Dave. One trick I have used for a long time having a woodworking background is I have carried a pocket plane (stanley model 21-399) in my kit for making tinder shavings of all sorts of materials from hardwood on down. They make an even smaller pocketable device that works about the same (model # 21-115) both cost under $10 don't weigh much and make a great efficient way to shred almost any material into fine combustible shavings without taking it down to dust. As for it being a multi
wb5mgr 3 weeks ago
Good info Dave. Many thanks.
redrocco44 3 weeks ago
Hey Dave got my plsk1 today noticed on the back of the leather there's a number 12 on the sheath are they numbered by production just curious!!!
HDoctane 3 weeks ago
Dave it is this hands-on approach that I just love. No better way of teaching IMO.
SlinkingTiger 3 weeks ago
I was just thinking.. if it were to catch fire, would it be possible to place them in a small tin, that I could place in my pocket and warm my hands? That might be worth inventing something like that..?
platefullofbacon 3 weeks ago
Hey dave im worried about my knife i just got it in a mora classic will it get loosened if i hit the back of the blad to chop stuff and how can i resharpen it after its dull pls respond
survivalishtegame 3 weeks ago
Off topic, but does the wetterlings 19 inch large hunters axe fit in the tomahawk belt loop you sell on your website?
bighog64 3 weeks ago
I hear there are a few houses of tinder fungus growing in D.C. =)
tsnorquist 3 weeks ago
My comment is two pieces. Translation is made partially for google translator (Finnish to English). I hope you get my text, however, clear.
SASSINTIE38 3 weeks ago
When making tinder, fruiting body pound out and is soaked in the lye, and then is dried. The tinder simmers away to several hours, and directly shall existing terms of been used recently in also a campfire the transfer of destination for second. Of the same kind of purpose has been used in Finland arinakääpä(Phellinus igniarius). Alps was founded at the prehistoric Ötzli was fire making equimpent's with Polyporaceae.
SASSINTIE38 3 weeks ago
Hello Dave.
I find this from Wikipedia.
Polyporaceae(Fomes fomentarius) have had before will also be a valuable benefit of fungal: by name in accordance with the tinderfungus is prepared by taulaa, ie tinder, which is used making campfire for firesteel. This is also suggested its scientific name. Taula.
SASSINTIE38 3 weeks ago
Dave....For the flint and steel...Just use the tip of your knife on the expose area of the chaga that you are aiming at and create small trenches on the surface. The pores have to be opened. This way you will be able to get a spark going from the chaga without powdering it. Great vid.
bushcraftbartons 3 weeks ago 12
@bushcraftbartons I will give this a shot thanks for the constructive suggestion brother.
wildernessoutfitters 3 weeks ago 8
i paused and wrote 2 seconds too soon. Pathfinder Illustrated. thanks
FlyingAxblade 3 weeks ago
Vitamin B is super important...it there a video where you show how to medicinalize this stuff?
FlyingAxblade 3 weeks ago
Curious question Dave, however, off topic. I know you are all about multifunctional items but you carry plastic tent stakes. Why not aluminum stakes? I can think of at least 10 different things you can use metal stakes for that you could not use plastic ones for and they really don't weigh that much more, if any, than the ABS ones you carry/sell. Is there a specific reason that I missed for using plastic instead of metal?
peteypab81 3 weeks ago
bottom line is to carry a ferrocium rod instead of the old flint and steel kit!!!!
chrisnelo 3 weeks ago
@chrisnelo
F-E-R-R-O-C-E-R-I-U-M, Ferrocerium.
StoneE4 3 weeks ago
I tried this one, one thing id warn is be careful about breathing in the smoke.
I don't know whats in some funguses but I felt very ill after messing about with some here in the uk.
221Dw 3 weeks ago
LOL. Google ads put an Obama ad on yer channel.
thanson77 3 weeks ago
Do you know of any types of tinder fungus that grows in Ky
teenprepper96 3 weeks ago
@teenprepper96 We dont have tinder fungus here in kentucky but we do have Cattail which can be charred like cotton. Hope that helps.
Whipt 3 weeks ago
thanks. great vid
f60w 3 weeks ago
really wish we had the right trees up here
47trea 3 weeks ago
Dave, in in the mountains of NC. I find tree fungus here, but will this stuff work? Im south of you, but my altitude is a bit higher. Also whats the difference between chaga and amadu?
bberms21 3 weeks ago
Probably one of the coolest guys on youtube...period. Thank you Dave for all you time and hard work. I wish you nothing but the best!
didgemonster 3 weeks ago
Dave, Have you ever thought of having a high carbon steel belt buckle made?
MrEhud77 3 weeks ago
I live in North America (Canada) near Niagara Falls it stays pretty decently chilly here year round do you know if Chaga grows here? To be more specific I live in St. Catharines if anyone lives here and has found it. I'm going to go looking for it after my ice fishing trip but we don't have many birch in my area. They're more scattered.
BeldakSwordhand 3 weeks ago
Thanks Dave, we appreciate you taking the time to do these videos.
judomoose00 3 weeks ago
I love videos like this Dave, is there a natural plant/fungus that grows in indiana/ohio that works as well as Chaga?
nativerobin 3 weeks ago
Just got my pathfinder plsk1 knife today if anyone has been having second thoughts about buying one, all I gotta say this knife is legit the real McCoy just like Dave thanks again and for the great vids you do for us!!!
HDoctane 3 weeks ago
"just got my pathfinder plsk1 knife today if anyone is second guessing buying this knife absolutely "go for it this knife is the real deal, just like Dave" thanks again and great video!!!you people will not be disappointed!!!
HDoctane 3 weeks ago
is this dave from duel survival?
planetchasers 3 weeks ago
@planetchasers Yes
tysy73 3 weeks ago
Thanks for the video, im going to keep my head up to look for some of this stuff in NYC. We have a lot of weird things growing in the trees over here! Thanks again Dave!
tiny11231 3 weeks ago
Wha't up with the cross necklace ?
lKingCobra 3 weeks ago
@lKingCobra It shows his faith and the cross contains fire steel
olegrayheadedfart 3 weeks ago
With apologies for posting off topic, do you know why the PLSK Scout isn't available on the BHK website? PLSK 1 & 2 are available, but not the Scout. Many thanks, sir.
Makavic1812 3 weeks ago
@Makavic1812 we are changing handle material from maple to brown micarta.
wildernessoutfitters 3 weeks ago
@wildernessoutfitters Excellent. Glad it will still be available. Thanks very much, and best to you and your family.
Makavic1812 3 weeks ago
Are there regulations against collecting chaga from NPS land? I'm just wondering for those of us who may live South of the 45th parallel.
BonnieBlue2A 3 weeks ago
Do you have king Alfreds Cakes / Cramp Balls is the US these will take from a flint and steel fresh off the tree. If it has not been rained on or land on wet ground.
canoebushcraft1 3 weeks ago
could you do a video on what you carry in your haversack?
mattsoutdoors 3 weeks ago
Mitch got it to light as a whole piece, and BushCraftBartons. (Just to name a few who have done vids on this.)
SO I as ....WHY are you telling people they HAVE to crush it?
RichTheRidgeHunter 3 weeks ago
@RichTheRidgeHunter Why would you want to waste a whole piece for one fire? with a chunk that size you could use it for a dozen fires, and he explains while he's doing it with flint and steel ( to get more surface area to catch a spark). Rather than showering sparks down on one chunk you can throw your sparks over pile and get it to catch in multiple spots and ultimately get you tinder to light faster. It's not a must though, as you've seen in other videos, just his way of doing it.
Jrsdrums 3 weeks ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
@Jrsdrums I think I can talk to Dave without your help. I have talked to him on here and on the phone. (also on FaceBook) I have not needed your help yet, If I do.... I'll call ya.
RichTheRidgeHunter 3 weeks ago
@RichTheRidgeHunter WOW! what an Asshole!!
Jrsdrums 3 weeks ago
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@Jrsdrums That would be MR. ASSHOLE. Thank you. You have a wonderful life.
RichTheRidgeHunter 3 weeks ago
@RichTheRidgeHunter Eventually it would probably light as a whole but why do you need that big chunk on fire? Much easier to make smaller oieces and increase surface area for catching sparks easier it only makes more sense and it is quicker this was. IMO-
wildernessoutfitters 3 weeks ago
@wildernessoutfitters Not the whole thing (come on Dave.) but you dont need to make it powder.
RichTheRidgeHunter 3 weeks ago
@RichTheRidgeHunter Agreed as you can see just small enough to increase surface area makes it take spaek a bit better.
wildernessoutfitters 3 weeks ago
does anything like this grow in Washington
zerocool1871 3 weeks ago
it's the bomb!
waynescott1016 3 weeks ago
Thanks Dave
cashcow1981 3 weeks ago
Hi
Is this the same as amadoo(not sure osf the spelling)
I have seen people use amadoo for producing an ember from flint and steel
but, if mempry serves' it looked more like cloth material.
Thanks for the video.
eamonn280958 3 weeks ago
No birch where I live, but we do have cotton wood and aspen in the high country. Next time I'm up there I'll look for some fungus and see if it will work.
predcaller 3 weeks ago
Also here in Texas we have creosote bush.are broom weed. I have taken this stuff and ground it up into a dust and WOW that stuff take a spark like gas.
mogges1 3 weeks ago
Dave i was out last week cutting fire wood for my home and I noticed and lot of rotten wood in the pile i was cutting so i split it and in the center of that log was rotten pulp wood i guess. But after watching this video,wouldnt that pulp wood be kind of like that fungus.
mogges1 3 weeks ago
Brilliant!!
freedom4kaz 3 weeks ago
a good thing to have in your kit is a herb grinder, it can be used for many different medicinal and in this case, fire making implement.
flamedrag18 3 weeks ago
@inquisitivewolf
As long as you have means of building a fire
You can dry it out beside your fire over night
winnipegdiver 3 weeks ago
@winnipegdiver Thanks for the info.
inquisitivewolf 3 weeks ago
some basic web searching resulted in the health benefits in different areas. In that discussion, they said that the fungus uses characteristics from the parent birch tree. Birch bark and sap is highly combustable already. It makes sense that the fungus will be also. similar to fat wood in that regards.
BornRandy62 3 weeks ago
Thank you so much brother. Salt of the Earth.
BernieKohl 3 weeks ago
Excellent!
a2eric1 3 weeks ago
Totally blown away Dave, I had never even heard of chaga being referred to as tinder fungus. Looks like near instant fire. I'll be adding this to my kit for sure. Thanks.
slipdisc 3 weeks ago
The Iceman had a chunk of this fungus with him when he died, 5000 years ago, along with a piece of iron pyrite for making sparks.
Can't get more oldschool than this.
69penetrator69 3 weeks ago
Hey Dave, are you going to show how to make a rakovalkea? It's a Finnish style of fire that's pretty self-sustaining. I couldn't find any YouTube videos on it, though.
Atkrdu 3 weeks ago
I have been using this stuff for over 35 years now. I could easily harvest 100 pounds of it in an afternoon within 2 miles of my house, but I only keep about 1 or 2 big ones at any given time.
mem7048 3 weeks ago
really good and informative, thank you!
alonewolverine1984 3 weeks ago