#AskPaulKirtley

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, I respond to five new questions from the community. I explore the potential use of the adze in bushcraft, how long a bow drill hearth board will last, and the best wood conditions for creating fire by friction. I also discuss how to physically prepare for a Canadian canoe expedition, and finally, I reflect on some of the wilderness skills I’m currently pursuing more deeply, including basketry and lithic technology.

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about why my podcasts play too fast, some thread for fixing gear and for use as fishing line, the expected lifespan of a Bahco Laplander saw and when to upgrade from a Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe?

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer your questions about collaborations with other bushcrafters, the place for larger knives, machetes and parangs, alternative knots to square lashings and what are the best materials to look for in a firesteel or ferro rod?

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about water purification for self-propelled journeys such as back-packing and bike-packing. I also answer a question about an often misunderstood or ignored area of navigation related to magnetic variation and the necessary compass adjustments...

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about forest access and fire rules, how to deal with the issue of kit and clothing getting wet, and suggestions for setting up tarp lines at head height, along with some thoughts on knot repertoire....

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions on getting fit for backpacking, keeping leather boots in good condition when out for a while, and which is my go-to bivvy bag.

Answers to questions about whether I will ever write a book, why some ferro rods or firesteels don't work very well, and whether my bushcraft philosophy has changed over the years...

Answers to questions about the effects of Covid/lockdowns on the bushcraft industry, office to outdoor career transitions, how to remember bushcraft and survival uses of plants, and how to promote good outdoor ethics, including leave-no-trace, to people outside of the usual outdoor community.

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, I answer questions on what’s inspirational about wild places, carrying a lock knife for bushcraft, why use two bags for canoeing and a bit of tree and plant ID on some berries in Quebec.

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about axe stones and keeping them in shape, using a parang in the boreal, quilts vs sleeping bags. demographics of bushcraft course participants, when to use the finer side of a sharpening stone, visiting North American bushcraft festivals and shows. At the beginning of the show there is an important announcement and part way through I also have a bit of a rant….