My Bow Drill Friction Fire Technique

The creation of fire by friction is the most ancient and primitive technology that changed the future of mankind forever. Fire makes food easier to digest, it provides warmth making it possible to exist in cold climates, it offers protection from wild animals and insects, and it also enables man to create many other technologies, from pottery to computer chips. Making fire from friction was so commonly known and understood but in todays modern world many find it extremely difficult to create fire by rubbing together two sticks in the hand drill method. The bow drill is much easier and for me it is the only method that I have consistent success with. In this video I show the bow drill set that I am currently using to create friction fires. Learning to create fire in this manner has been a long and frustrating process for me and I still have a lot to learn. Fortunately I have found a few mentors online and their videos have helped me to understand how friction fires are made. I suggest you visit their channels and Instagram in the links below.

On YouTube:

*Please subscribe and enable notifications.

** Enable captions in your language

Follow Chad on Instagram @zuberchad

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

Who films you?
I do. I travel alone, shoot, edit, upload, everything.

How many cameras do you use?
Usually I use just one camera. When I have underwater scenes then I also use a GoPro camera. I get different angles by moving the camera around and repeating the action to create a more cinematic viewing experience for the audience.

Where is this place?
In order to protect the integrity of the natural landscape I prefer to be very vague about the locations I use. There are places that I used to visit that were so beautiful and untouched but the consequences of social media brought all kinds of people to visit and sadly some people do not respect nature and have badly damaged these places. Therefore I do not share exactly where I go.

Do you workout?
Yes, I workout, but not in a gym. I have some weights that I use and also do a lot of bodyweight exercises. I also run and sometimes swim. I hike frequently do collect wild foods and to shoot these videos so I'm very active all the time.

Are you vegan or vegetarian?
I wish I could maintain my health on a primal diet that does not include animals but unfortunately that did not work and I ended up with health problems as a result of those attempts. From my studies, observations of nature, and personal experience I have come to believe that the best diet for optimal human health is a primal diet (paleo).

Do you get lonely when you’re alone?
No, I don’t get lonely. I’m actually so busy shooting video, taking photos and doing so many other things like making cordage, cooking, weaving, etc. that I really don’t have time to think about my lonely condition. Sometimes when something profound happens on an adventure I can’t wait to share it with people, but other than that I do not get lonely.

My equipment:

Camera: Nikon D7200
Sound: Zoom H4N
Editing: Final Cut Pro X on MacBook Air
Location: California

Music credits:

[larsmonsen]

Man I have never before seen such a good shot of what actually happens when you use this technique! Gave me a whole new understanding of how this works! Awesome stuff man! Thank you!

[rafacoronel]

Great technique, Chad!!! One of the best tutorials I've seen lately!!! Thanks!!!

[darriendastar]

Many, many thanks for taking the time to show the rights and wrongs of how to make a fire and make it work.
Much appreciated. Thank you.
Even if I never use this, I feel a better person from just knowing the technique and the problems.
Many thanks again.

[trailtrashoutdoors]

Always willing to learn new friction fire techniques! Thanks for sharing

[noonenowhere]

His legendary Bushcraft skills are the stuff of legend.

[sonofabear]

Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks! I suck at friction fires, all I get is a lot of smoke haha,

[LilMatrixBeats]

There was a deep sense of relief and satisfation when you burnt it. Imma try it.

[nuriqbal]

This channel is addictive and gold plus this man look like a tarzan👍❤️

[joeyanimations]

Dude I like your channel I learn something new and useful for surviving imma smash the like button

[nicolasfigueroa]

that´s the best way to get fire, thank you for the demostration keep the good vibes :D

[williamandshannongodfrey]

wow thanks so much! ive been wanting to make fire with a bow drill and this helps so much!!! i always enjoy your videos so much

[deansanwirja]

Love ur vids man this may sound weird but they just are perfect right before i sleep

[desimaulita]

Mister Chad, you have become my favorite Youtubers, because I really like nature, and adventure in the wild, I often try to live a primitive life like you, the difference is that I don't have a camera, and I'm not as brave and totally as you are. You are cool.

[dongbeirenazhang]

The ancient way of making fire is troublesome but very interesting👍

[ЛэйдАрмстоун-эщ]

Ждал видосик наконец-то вышел 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😁👍🏻👍🏻

[broly]

It's really informative thanks dude.

[AmauriPoyntz]

Awesome job on the vid Tarzan that fire is burning bright good for those cold nights too

[ArrowIIIRailfan]

Nice video chad I love the desert ecosystem so different and diverse compared to the forest in New Jersey

[Horazzio]

Magistral, lleva años perfeccionar esa tecnica claramente!Excelente chad!

[djmowcow]

Yay a fire making vid, hopefully in the future u can try one of the harder methods, hehe