How to Make Fire With a Bamboo Fire Saw

A bamboo fire saw can create fire when modern conveniences are unavailable.

A bamboo fire saw is capable of creating fire without any of the conveniences that society has come to rely on. Without matches, lighter fluid or charcoal, you can start a fire using items found in nature. Learning how to make a fire with a bamboo fire saw is an essential survival skill.

Things You'll Need

• Knife or axe

Instructions

1. Select a thick, rugged piece of bamboo. Split the bamboo down the middle with a knife. When you kneel on the ground, the length of bamboo should be tall enough to be wedged between your stomach and the ground.

2. Cut a second piece of split bamboo that is slightly shorter than the first.

3. Prepare a place to build the fire. Clear a spot on the ground or find a shallow, dry hole. Place dry leaves and dead wood in your spot.

4. Hold the first piece of bamboo firmly against the ground with one edge wedged against your stomach. Cushion the edge of the bamboo with a rolled-up shirt or jacket.

5. Saw up and down with the shorter piece of bamboo. Hold the shorter piece of bamboo horizontally over the vertical piece. Saw for several minutes until a well-defined groove is created.

6. Peel pieces from the bamboo to create a pile of tinder. Put the tinder inside the piece you are using as a saw. Cut a bamboo shim the length of your hand piece. Hold the shim over your hand piece with a thumb on each end.

7. Continue sawing until a hole burns through the shim. Blow gently into the bamboo to ignite the tinder. Light the leaves and dead wood with the ignited tinder.

Resources

• Wildwood Survival