Learning Woodcraft

Lawdog is giving instruction on how to light a fire using common tools, some steel wool, and a battery. I quit scouts after WEBELOS, largely because the full boy scout troops in my area were a bit shady. As a result, I really don't have much firelighting ability. The apartment has a fireplace and even with modern tools including a blow torch, I can't keep the damn thing lit for any length of time. One of these days I'll have to get a weber kettle grill for the house and teach myself some essentials with it.

Lighting a fire with simple tools is just about the most important survival tool you can have, by the way. Human beings are ruled by the law of threes: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Making fire is an important component of getting the heat and shelter you will require should you experience anything from ill-timed car trouble or the end of the world as we know it.

Oh and Mr. Dawg also has useful instruction in basic self defense. His advice? Get your hands in front of your chest. If you're under threat the only time your hands shouldn't be in front of your chest is if you're using them defensively or offensively elsewhere. Don't keep them at your sides where they are useless.