How to Make a Fire by Rubbing Wood

One of the most archaic and best known methods for starting a fire is the friction method. Seen in media ranging from textbooks to cartoons, the image of a character rubbing a stick on a plank of wood is a common one. The friction method is very effective in fire starting, especially when matches or other aides are unavailable. However, this method does require a great deal of work and perseverance on the part of the fire maker.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Flat board
  • Kindling
  • Stick
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Instructions

  1. Starting a Fire

    • 1

      Cut a small hole, with a knife, through the flat board, approximately 1/2 inch from the long edge of the board. Cut a triangle adjacent to the hole on that edge of the board.

    • 2

      Place kindling beneath the board. Gather dry grass, moss or leaves into a small pile under the hole in the board.

    • 3

      Find a stick that is as straight as possible, and is still strong. It should be of a manageable size, no more than 10 inches in length. The wood should not be rotted or very easily broken. Using the knife, whittle a pointed tip on one end of the stick.

    • 4

      Start the fire by placing the stick into the hole, and begin rubbing it between your hands. Begin slowly, rotating the stick back and forth between your palms until you are ready to speed up. Rub the stick as quickly as you can, while pressing it into the hole. Look for signs of fire such as smoke or black dust. Stop once you have created an ember.

    • 5

      Feed the ember. Using the kindling, crowd the ember until the kindling begins to catch fire. Move the starter to your desired fire location, and continue to feed it with kindling and firewood.