I split firewood and stack it in a circle - holz hausen. I use turf and modern tarps as roof. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: March 2026

Day: 15°C (59°F)
Night: 6°C (42.8°F)

Hours of daylight = 16

Location:
My proterty in west Denmark. Lakes, sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deer etc. No bears, only a few wolves.
_________________

Consuming:

Coffe.
_________________

A few questions:

1. Did you buy a new forrest property? And how large?
Yes - 1 hectare/2.5 acre. Small, but part of one of the largest forests in Denmark.

2. Why stack firewood in a cirkle?
Stability and fast drying.

3. What splitting axe did you use?
DSI (Danish Steel Industry) splitting axe. Not produced any more.

4. What type of tarp did you use?
600g/m2 PU coated tarp from Biltema (Swedish hardware store)

5. Why cover the tarp in turf/moss?
Protects the tarp from sun/UV and strong winds.

6. What was traditionally used for the roof?
Wood shinkels, bark and or staw thatching. Maybe a future video at some point.

7. Why the stone foundation?
To avoid the wet ground rotting the firewood.

8. What wood did you use? And how long before dry/ready to use?
Spruce. Takes just one summer to dry.

9. How long does this amount of firewood last you?
About 3 years of full time hot tent living.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Boots = Lundhags Forrest II
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 2.0
Wool shirt = Aclima Grandad
Raindeer skin = unknown from Sapmi
Kettle = Eagle 1.5L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon Z 40mm 2
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Hot tent basecamp - making an axe block, cooking tripod, washing clothes, cooking meat, making firewood etc. Open the full video description for more information. .

----------------------------

Date: February 2026

Day: -2°C (28.4°F)
Night: -8°C (17.6°F)

Hours of daylight = 9

Location:
Scandinavia, west Denmark. Sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves. You need to be the owner or get the owners permission if you want to do similar bushcraft in Denmark.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and pork steak

_________________


A few questions:

1. Who made the tent?
Tschum 2P SOSWA (made in Germany by a small family company) https://tschum.de/en/Tschum-2P-SOSWA.html

2. Who made the stove?
Poshehonka S (made in Russia) https://tschum.de/en/Poshehonka-Wood-Stove-Removeable-Shields.html

3. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Homemade Karelian axe - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 55cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

4. What type of knife are you using?
Homemade. A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc

5. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

6. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

7. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish.

8. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

9. What drill did you use?
Unknown old auger.

10 What saw did you use?
Silky Bigboy blade and a homemade ash handle.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tent = Tschum schum 2P SOSWA
Stove = Poshehonka S
Axe and knife = homemadeAuger = unknown
Saw = Silky Bigboy (homemade handle)
Boots = Jörnkängan Antifrys
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 2.0
Wool base layers = Aclima
Sweater = Devold Svalbard
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Raindeer skin = unknown from Sapmi
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Survival One
Kettle = Eagle 1.5L
Pot = Eagle 10L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon Z 40mm 2
Nikon Z 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Hot tent basecamp - making a saw horse, fire wood, cooking tripod and roasting bacon etc. Open the full video description for more information. .

----------------------------

Date: January 2026

Day: -2°C (28.4°F)
Night: -8°C (17.6°F)

Hours of daylight = 9

Location:
Scandinavia, west Denmark. Sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves. You need to be the owner or get the owners permission if you want to do similar bushcraft in Denmark.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and coffee

Smoked bacon steak roasted over the campfire.

Thin bacon slices roasted over the campfire and mashed potatoes (potatoes, butter, salt).

_________________


A few questions:

1. Who made the tent?
Tschum 2P SOSWA (made in Germany by a small family company) https://tschum.de/en/Tschum-2P-SOSWA.html

2. Who made the stove?
Poshehonka S (made in Russia) https://tschum.de/en/Poshehonka-Wood-Stove-Removeable-Shields.html

3. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Homemade. A classic russian axe design. C45 steel. 700 grams (including handle), 10.5cm cutting edge, 57cm handle, 14.5cm from pole to cutting edge. Here is how I made similar axe head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaYCA13j1rE

4. What type of knife are you using?
Homemade. A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc

5. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

6. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

7. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish.

8. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

9. What drill did you use?
Unknown old auger.

10 What saw did you use?
Silky Bigboy blade and a homemade ash handle.

11. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tent = Tschum schum 2P SOSWA
Stove = Poshehonka S
Axe and knife = homemadeAuger = unknown
Saw = Silky Bigboy (homemade handle)
Boots = Jörnkängan Antifrys
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 2.0
Wool base layers = Aclima
Sweater = Devold Svalbard
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Binoculars = Celestron Outland 10x25
Raindeer skin = unknown from Sapmi
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Kettle = Eagle 1.5L
Pot = Pathfinder bushpot 4L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon Z 40mm 2
Nikon Z 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

I am making an axe block, splitting kindling and cooking on a wood stove. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: Oktober 2025

Day: 5°C (41°F)
Night: 0°C (32°F)

Hours of daylight = 9

Location: Somewhere in Sweden. Clean and classic northern nature. Fresh water rivers and lakes. Pine, spruce and birch forest etc. Mountains, bears, wolves, eagles, reindeers etc. You need to take some care regarding animals, but in general no problems.

----------------------------

A few questions:

1. Why put legs on a axe block/chopping block?
Makes it more stable especially on uneven ground and it last longer before rotting. Also quite lightweight/mobile and you have no "stump" getting in you're way if you want to stand very close to the axe block while doing sloyd.

2. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 55cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

3. What drill did you use?
Unknown old auger.

4. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

5. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

6. What cabin did you use?
Borrowed a friends cabin for most of oktober. I have stayed here a few times before. Quite remote and great nature.

7. What stove did you use?
Unknown old stove made for cooking and baking.The cabin has another wood stove for heating.

8. What saw did you use?
Silky Bigboy saw blade with a homemade wood handle.

9. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Sweater = Devold Svalbard
Saw = Silky Bigboy (homemade handle)
Axe = Homemade
Auger = Unknown

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 24mm 1.7
Nikon 12-28mm 3.5-5.6
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip. Making spruce bed and roasting meat etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: November 2025

Day: 2°C (35.6°F)
Night: -2°C (28.4°F)

Hours of daylight = 8

Location:
Scandinavia, west Denmark. Sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves. You need to be the owner or get the owners permission if you want to do similar bushcraft in Denmark.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and spruce tea.

Pig meat roasted over the camp fire.

_________________


A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
Tschum in Germany. I am using an early prototype - here is the final version https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What type of axe are you using?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 55cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

3. What type of knife are you using?
Homemade. A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc

4. How long does it take tome a large piece of meat like that over the campfire?
About 2 hours.

5. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

6. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

7. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish.

8. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade and update the question section in the video description.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Jörnkängan Antifrys
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 2.0
Wool base layers = Aclima
Sweater = Devold Svalbard
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Kettle = Eagle 1.5L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 24mm 1.7
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip in Sweden. Hiking from lake to lake, making 3 camps, two nights sleeping in a canvas tent and one night sleeping in a public free log cabin. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: Oktober 2025

Day: 5°C (41°F)
Night: 0°C (32°F)

Hours of daylight = 9

Location: Somewhere in Sweden. Clean and classic northern nature. Fresh water rivers and lakes. Pine, spruce and birch forest etc. Mountains, bears, wolves, eagles, reindeers etc. You need to take some care regarding animals, but in general no problems.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and coffee.
Deer meat and onions.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tent?
Tschum 2P SOSWA (made in Germany by a small family company) https://tschum.de/en/Tschum-2P-SOSWA.html

2. What was the stump you used for lighting fire?
Fatwood (dead pine full of resin).

3. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Homemade. A classic russian axe design. C45 steel. 700 grams (including handle), 10.5cm cutting edge, 57cm handle, 14.5cm from pole to cutting edge. Here is a video showing how I make similar axe head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaYCA13j1rE

4. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

5. What happend to the fish you caught?
I let it go. It was a pike and to small too keep.

6. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

7. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

8. What is you're bowl made from?
Birch. Homemade.

9. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

10. What cabin did you use?
One of the many public free cabins here in Sweden. Some of the cabins are easily accesable and some are very remote. All are made for travelers safety and comfort.

11. Where did you get the deer meat from?
Roe deer road kill found on the side of the road while traveling to do this trip.

12. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tent = Tschum Sowana 2P
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Anorak = Fjällraven Vardag
Wool hoodie = Aclima Reborn Terry
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Backpack sack = old Tentipi tent sack.
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Survivor One
Cooking pot = Eagle 1.5
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi
Fishing rod = Abu Garcia Diplomat V2 5-21g 7'

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 24mm 1.7
Nikon 12-28mm 3.5-5.6
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

3 days solo bushcraft trip with a canvas tarp. Making reflector walls, roasting meat, baking bread, gathering mushrooms etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: September 2025

Day: 18°C (64.4°F)
Night: 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = 13

Location:
Scandinavia, west Denmark. Sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves. You need to be the owner or get the owners permission if you want to do similar bushcraft in Denmark.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and spruce tea.

Pork roast cooked over the camp fire.

Pork, mushrooms, tomatoes and onions grilled over the camp fire.

Bread baked on stiks over the camp fire (yeast, 1/3 coarse flower and 2/3 fine flower).

Potatoes (with salt and butter), onions and marinated cow meat cooked in the campfire coals.

_________________


A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
Tschum in Germany https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What type of axe are you using?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 55cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

3. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

4. How long does it take to bake potatoes like that in the campfire goals?
About 30 minutes.

5. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

6. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

7. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

8. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish.

9. What did you use for making the fire?
Ferro rod and feather stiks.

10. What roots did you use as cord?
Spruce roots. Relatively strong and flexible when fresh/wet.

11. Why make the walls?
Shelter from wind and reflects heat and light.

12. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 2.0
Shirt = Aclima granddad
Hoodie = Aclima terry
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = Pathfinder Bushpot 4L
Headlamp = Petzl active core

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 24mm 1.7
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip with a canvas tarp. Reed deer mating season, making ajustable pothanger, making soup and roasting a hole chicken over the campfire etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: September 2025

Day: 18°C (64.4°F)
Night: 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = 13

Location: Scandinavia, west Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves. You need to be the owner or get the owners permission if you want to do similar bushcraft trips in Denmark.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and spruce tea.
Soup (bacon, potatos, onions, garlic, salt).
Chicken with salt cooked over the campfire.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
Tschum in Germany. I am using an early prototype - here is the final version https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What type of axe are you using?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 55cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

3. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

4. How long does it take to cook a hole chiken over a camp fire like that?
About 2 hours.

5. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

6. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

7. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

8. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish and gather mushrooms.

9. How do you store/prevent the chicken from going bad?
Just kept it in a plastic bag under wet moss on the ground in the shade.

10. How long was the trip? And how did you get there?
The video shows 3 days. The trip has so far been one week. The plan is four weeks in total. I did get here on a Bullitt cargo bike.

11. What did you use for making the fire?
Ferro rod and featherstiks.

12. What made the hole in the fallen tree?
Woodpecker.

13. What aninimal are making the noises doing the night/early morning?
Red deer mating call. A lot of red deer in this forest area.

14. What roots did you use as cord?
Spruce roots. Relatively strong and flexible when fresh/wet.

15. In the previus 3 videos was you traveling in Sweden - how long was the trip and how far did you travel?
3 months and I did travel about 2500km on a Bullitt cargo bike (From Denmark to Jämtlands län and back to Denmark). Great trip.

16. What did you use on the boots?
Leather grease made by “Silver”. But most work just fine just remember to spend a few minutes working the grease into the leather.

17. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 2.0
Shirt = Aclima granddad
Hoodie = Aclima terry
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = Pathfinder Bushpot 4L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 24mm 1.7
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip in Sweden. Hiking and fishing, making 3 camps, two nights sleeping in a canvas tent and one night sleeping under the stars. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: June 2025

Day: 20°C (68°F)
Night: 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = 17

Location: Sweden. Clean and classic northern nature. Fresh water rivers and lakes. Pine, spruce and birch forest etc. Mountains, bears, wolves, eagles, reindeers etc. You need to take some care regarding animals, but in general no problems.

_________________

Consuming:

Water, coffe, chaga tea and spruce tea.

Chorizo sausages and perch cooked over open fire.

Bacon, onions, potatoes, garlic, tomato and salt cooked to a soup.


_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tent?
Tschum 2P SOSWA (made in Germany by a small family company) https://tschum.de/en/Tschum-2P-SOSWA.html

2. What did you use for lighting the fires?
Usnea ("old mans beard") and fatwood (dead pine saturated with resin) ignited with a ferro rod.

3. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 60cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

4. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

5. What type of fish did you catch?
Perch.

6. What animal was the dung from?
Moose.

7. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

8. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

9. What is you're bowl made from?
Birch. Homemade.

10. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

11. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

12. Was it a duck nest on the ground?
Yes. I almost stepped on the nest while hiking. It's well camouflaged amount all the blueberry plants. The mother flew away but came back soon after.

13. Where are you? How did you get there?
I am somewhere in Sweden traveling on a Bullitt cargo bike and wild camping. Just getting started - About 7 weeks so far.

14. What if I want to do the same but it is illegal on public land in my country?
Ask land owner for permission, buy land or travel to another country.

15. What do you do to avoid ticks and mosquitoes?
Ticks don't like me and I do nothing to avoid them. Mosquitoes like me but wind, campfire and clothes (long pants and hoodie) helps a lot.

16. How do you store the fishing rod while traveling?
In a hard plastic pipe. My fishing rod are made for traveling - it comes apart in 4 short sections so it easily can hit inside my backpack.

17. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tent = Tschum Sowana 2P
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Wool shirt = Aclima Granddad
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Backpack sack = old Tentipi tent sack.
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = modified Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Kettle = Eagle 1.5L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi
Fishing rod = Abu Garcia Diplomat V2 5-21g 7'

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip in Sweden. Hiking from lake to lake, making 3 camps, two nights sleeping in a canvas tent and one night sleeping under the stars. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: June 2025

Day: 18°C (64.4°F)
Night: 7°C (44.6°F)

Hours of daylight = 17

Location: Sweden. Clean and classic northern nature. Fresh water rivers and lakes. Pine, spruce and birch forest etc. Mountains, bears, wolves, eagles, reindeers etc. You need to take some care regarding animals, but in general no problems.

_________________

Consuming:

Water, spruce tea and coffee.
Bacon cut thin and cooked over a fire.
Chorizo sausages cooked on y-branches.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tent?
Tschum 2P SOSWA (made in Germany by a small family company) https://tschum.de/en/Tschum-2P-SOSWA.html

2. What was the scrapings you used for lighting fire?
Fatwood from dead pine branches ignited with a ferro rod.

3. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 60cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

4. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

5. Did you catch any fish?
No.

6. What animal was the skull from?
Moose.

7. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

8. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

9. What is you're bowl made from?
Birch. Homemade.

10. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

11. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

12. What do you do for a living?
Youtube.

13. Where are you? How did you get there?
I am somewhere in Sweden traveling on a Bullitt cargo bike and wild camping. Just getting started - About 5 weeks so far.

14. What if I want to do the same but it is illegal on public land in my country?
Ask land owner for permission, buy land or travel to another country.

15. What do you do to avoid ticks and mosquitoes?
Ticks don't like me and I do nothing to avoid them. Mosquitoes like me but wind, campfire and clothes (long pants and hoodie) helps a lot.

16. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tent = Tschum Sowana 2P
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Wool shirt = Aclima Granddad
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Backpack sack = old Tentipi tent sack.
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = modified Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi
Fishing rod = unknown, 210cm 10-30g

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip in Sweden. Hiking from lake to lake, making four camps, two nights sleeping under the stars, one night sleeping under a canvas tarp, carving a spoon, fishing and cooking pike etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: May 2025

Day: 18°C (64.4°F)
Night: 7°C (44.6°F)

Hours of daylight = 17

Location: Sweden. Clean and classic northern nature. Fresh water rivers and lakes. Pine, spruce and birch forest etc. Mountains, bears, wolves, eagles, reindeers etc. You need to take some care regarding animals, but in general no problems.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and coffee.

Bacon cooked on Y-branches over a fire.

Bacon, onions, garlic, potato, red lentels, salt and chili cooked together in a pot.

Pike cooked on a branch over a fire.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
Tschum in Germany. I am using an early prototype - here is the final version https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What was the scrapings you used for lighting fire?
Fatwood from dead pine branches ignited with a ferro rod.

3. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Homemade. A classic russian axe design. C45 steel. 700 grams (including handle), 10.5cm cutting edge, 57cm handle, 14.5cm from pole to cutting edge. Here is a video showing how I make similar axe head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaYCA13j1rE

4. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

5. What fish did you catch?
Pike.

6. How long does it take to cook a fish over a campfire like that?
About 1 hour.

7. What animal was the skull from?
Wild boar.

8. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

9. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

10. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

11. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

12. What do you do for a living?
Youtube.

13. Where are you? How did you get there?
I am somewhere in Sweden traveling on a Bullitt cargo bike and wild camping. Just getting started - 4 weeks so far.

14. What if I want to do the same but it is illegal on public land in my country?
Ask land owner for permission, buy land or travel to another country.

15. What do you do to avoid ticks and mosquitoes?
Ticks don't like me and I do nothing to avoid them. Mosquitoes like me but wind, campfire and clothes (long pants and hoodie) helps a lot.

16. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Bläklader (unknown model)
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Wool shirt = Aclima Granddad
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Binoculars = Celestron Outland 10x25
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = modified Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi
Fishing rod = unknown, 210cm 10-30g

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

I show my SCO Short John cargo bike from the 1960's - it has been my main way of transportation for the last two years. No car. My bike are a great help for transporting all kinds of things - food and equipment on the bushcraft trips... firewood and water to my tiny nature property etc. Open the full video description for more information.



----------------------------

Date: May 2025

Day: 15°C (59°F)
Night: 8°C (46.4°F)

Hours of daylight = 15

_________________

Location: My property in northwest Denmark.

_________________


A few questions:

1. Who made the small cargo bike and how do I get one?
Mine is made by "SCO" and the model/type is called "Short John". A lot of different bike makers did produce this cargo bike design here in Denmark. SCO have made bikes for about 100 years and they still make the Short John model and the bigger brother the ""Long John" model. My recommendation if you want one would be to travel to Denmark and buy an old one - they are all over Denmark and they are very cheap... and the older once are build better than the new once. It was a very popular bike for small shops delivering all kinds of things and for transportation on large production factories. My particular bike was one of many used on a shipyard in Denmark building container ships for "Maersk". It is a very simple bike to maintain and it is very strong - all the firewood and logs you see in the background did I transport on the bike. A traditional Short John like mine do though mainly shine on shorter distances - it rides great but defiantly rides like an old heavy bike. For bushcraft trips have I only used this bike in Denmark, not abroad and I have usually traveled most of the way just bringing the bike along on public trains.

2. Who made the large cargo bike? And why upgrade to something modern?
It is made by "Harry vs. Larry" and the model is "Bullit Classic". It is also a danish company. I bought it used just a few days ago. I bought it mainly for traveling to Sweden for longer wilderness trips. Hopefully a modern bike like this shines on long distances.

3. What will happen to you're old small cargo bike?
I will keep it and mainly only use it on my little nature property for getting water and firewood and local errands.

4.What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Small cargo bike = SCO Short John
Large cargo bike = Harry vs. Larry Bullitt Classic
Boots = Duckfeet Roskilde
Pants = Bläklader (unknown model)
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Cooking pot = Eagle 10L

________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Solo bushcraft trip. Making a primitive A-frame shelter. drying meat and baking bread, building a fire reflector, walkabout looking for antlers etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: April 2025

Day: 10°C (50°F)
Night: 0°C (32°F)

Hours of daylight = 13

Location: Scandinavia, west Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and spruce tea.
Pork/pig cooked in coals.
Pork/pig dried/smoked with salt.
Bread baked in coals (water, yeast, flower)

_________________

A few questions:

1. Is the shelter water proof?
No - moss is only good enough if you expected relative dry weather.

2. What type of axe are you using?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 60cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

3. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

4. How long does it take to cook a stake on the coals like that?
1-3 minutes on each side. The coals need to be quite hot - the meat juices will cool down the coals.

5. How long does it take to bake bread in the goals like that?
3-5 minutes on each side. The coals need to be relatively cold or the bread surface will burn before the center of the bread is done.

6. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from you're face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

7. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

8. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

9. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

10. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish and gather mushrooms.

11. How long was the trip? And how did you get there?
Two weeks. This was my second campsite on the trip and my second video made on the trip. Here is the first video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzUrWaldNys I did get there by train and cargo bike (SCO Short John from 1960's). I did also meet up with DonVonGun and we did an overnight trip together and he recorded it. Here is DonVonGun's video from the trip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxM48Zt1y3Q

12. Why make the wall next to the fire?
Protects the fire from wind and reflects/light In this case mainly for smoking/drying the meat.

13. What did you use for making the fire?
Ferro rod and dry grass.

14. What bird was it in the tree?
A Black Woodpecker working on a nest/home for mating.

15. From what animal was the antlers?
Red deer.

16. Can you twist all branches into rope like that?
Yes. Need to be green. Heat from the fire makes it easier to twist.

17. What roots do you use as cord?
Spruce roots. Relatively strong and flexible when fresh/wet.

18. How long did it take to smoke/dry the meat? Why not add branches to the tripod?
About 6 hours. I did let the fire be quite hot to speed up the proceess. I didn't add branches to the tripod (for trapping smoke and keeping flyes away) because it is early spring, too early for flyes and leafs on trees.

19. What will the next few videos be about?
A short video about my cargo bike, one or two bushcraft trips in Denmark and when a long bushcraft trip in Sapmi.

20. What if I want to do the same but it is illegal on public land in my country
Ask land owner for permission, buy land or travel to another country.

21. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Bläklader (unknown model)
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = modified Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

3 days bushcraft trip. Making a primitive lean-to shelter. Cooking a hole chicken over the campfire, building a fire reflector, walkabout looking for antlers etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: March 2025

Day: 10°C (50°F)
Night: 0°C (32°F)

Hours of daylight = 12

Location: Scandinavia, west Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming:

Water and spruce tea.
Roasted chicken with salt.
Soup with left over chicken roast, onions, potato, garlic.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Is the shelter water proof?
No - moss is only good enough if you expected relative dry weather.

2. What type of axe are you using?
Karelian axe. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 60cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge.

3. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

4. How long does it take to cook a chicken over a fire like that?
2-3 hours.

5. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from your face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

6. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

7. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

8. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

9. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish and gather mushrooms.

10. Is it safe to be in the forrest when the wind are so strong?
No and yes - on this trip was the wind quite strong at times but if you take the time to proper check for widow makers/problem trees/branches before choosing a camp site are you likely to be fine despite some strong winds. Needs to be a hurricane/serious storm before the forest becomes a dangerous place to be camping like this in.

11. How long was the trip? And how did you get there?
So far has the trip been one week. The trip will be 2-3 weeks in total. I did get there by train and cargo bike (SCO Short John from 1960's).

12. Why make the wall next to the fire?
Protects the fire from wind and reflects/light.

13. What did you use for making the fire?
Amadou tinder, flint and homemade steel striker. Here is how I forged the steel striker and prepare the amadou tinder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM9xlJ0vrLI

14. From what animal was the skull?
Deer. I guess a small red deer but not sure.

15. From what animal was the antler?
Red deer.

16. Can you twist all branches into rope like that?
Yes. Need to be green. Heat from the fire makes it easier to twist and in case you use spruce branches like I am in this video does the fire also burn away the sharp points on the spruce needles.

17. Why add the spruce branches under the reindeer skin?
It ads warmth and padding. Also protects the skin from wet ground.

18. Is it patches on you're reindeer skin?
Yes - it did get too wet on a previous trip. Reindeer skins are very durable when dry but then soaked/very wet are they fragile. Usually not a problem to keep then dry enought on trips.

19. What sleeping bag are you using?
Carinthia Defence 4. I use it as a quilt because the zipper are broken.

20. The sound issues at 23:50?
Yes - sorry about that. Did accidentally turn on the safety channel function on my microphone and it took a bit before I realized it. I can't change it in my simple video editing software. Sorry - will hopefully not happen again.

21. What if I want to do the same but it is illegal on public land in my country
Ask land owner for permission, buy land or travel to another country.

22. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Bläklader (unknown model)
Anorak = Fjallraven Vardag
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Cooking pot = modified Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Hand forging a Russian axe head from a single piece of C45 steel. This is how I make most of my bushcraft axes. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: March 2025

Day: 08°C (46.4°F)
Night: 0°C (32°F)

Hours of daylight = 11

Location: My property. Scandinavia, northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Dimensions and weight:

Made from a 140mm long piece of 20x40mm C45 tool steel.

12cm cutting edge, 15.5cm from pole to cutting edge and 700 grams. A future handle would be about 55-60cm long.


_________________

A few questions:

1. What are the function of the spike on the axe?
Protects the axe handle and add more contact area (making the axe head less likely to work itself loose).

2. What fuel are you using in the forge?
Charcoal. Homemade from birch and poplar wood. Just made in an 200L oil drum.

3. What anvil are you using?
Home made - made from a large fortlift fork. Cut with an angle grinder and heat treated like a normal anvil.

4. What hammer are you using?
Homemade - Now a days offen referred to as a "Japanese style hammer" but this style of hammer are/was used by many. The main advantage of a hammer like this with only one face are that you can keep the balance point (the handle) way off center making the hammer natural wanting to fall straight and able to self correct if not straight to some degree. By far my favorit blacksmithing style hammer.

5. What forge are you using?
Homemade bottom blast forge. Made from random plumbing parts from a scrap yard. The air blower are from the danish military - if you want similar try to google "hand cranked forge blower" or similar. You can get a better look at my specific forge blower in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWgESobxudc

6. Why heat treat in water?
Some steel are supposed to be hardened in oil and others in water. C45 steel are supposed to be hardened in water. Personally do I like water hardening steels - no flames that can burn you and no smoke making it harder to see what you are doing.

7. How did you heat treat the axe?
Normalizing once, hardening the cutting edge area in water and using the heat in the rest of the axe for tempering to a light yellow collar. The final step was to add oil and let it burn onto the hot surface leaving a black fishing and a bit of rust protection.

8. Why use the top fuller tool at 04:23?
To avoid getting a cold shut (in preparation of bending/raising up the spike).

9. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

10. What are the two other axes show in this video?
Another Russian axe design and a Karelian axe design. Homemade, also made from C45 and with the same blacksmithing tools as shown in the video.

11. Why so many hammer marks on 02:58?
Because I am using the corner of the hammer to make the axe blade wider and not longer (a alternative to use a cross pen hammer).

12. Is it a hot tent in the background?
Yes - a 4 person lavvu/hot tent. Just made from spruce poles, plastic tarps and nails.

13. What will the next video be about?
Primitive bushcraft trip with primitive natural shelter building.

14. What if I have a question that are not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days and update the video description with the most asked questions.


_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

Enjoying a few days hot tent camping next to a large fresh water lake. Lots of birds. Making firewood, carving a spoon, cooking food, bird watching and sharpening tools etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: January 2025

Day: 08°C (46.4°F)
Night: 02°C (35.6°F)

Hours of daylight = 8

Location: Scandinavia, northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming:

Tea (juniper).

Soup (onions, potato, garlic, bacon, salt).

Oatmeal (raisins, walnuts, salt).

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tent?
Tschum 2P SOSWA (made in Germany by a small family company) https://tschum.de/en/Tschum-2P-SOSWA.html

2. Who made the stove?
Poshehonka S (made in Russia) https://tschum.de/en/Poshehonka-Wood-Stove-Removeable-Shields.html

3. How did you make the new frame saw?
The frame is made from oak and the saw blade is made by Bahco. I will make a video showing how I make similar frame saw in the future... But it is pretty much just the same as shown in this video about how I make my old/"classic" frame saw design... same joint etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl-_n2yM8c0

4. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Homemade. C45 steel and ash handle. Classic Karelian axe - a design from the Karelian people in Finland and west Russia. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 60cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge. Will make a video showing how I make similar axe at some point in the future.

5. What type of knife are you using?
Homemade. Puukko - classic nordic knife. Spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is a video showing how I made the puukko https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

6. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

7. What wood did you burn?
Oak.

8. What wood did you use for making the spoon?
Birch.

9. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

10. Is the lake water safe to drink?
Yes - this lake is clean (no filter or boiling needed).

11. What did you use for sharpening axe and knife?
A stone made by Gränsfors Bruk and a homemade strop (leather with sharpening compound).

12. What leather grease did you use?
Not sure - just something from a local store. All works just fine - the important part is not the brand but that you spend the time rubbing it into the leather (friction/heat).

13. What if I have a question that are not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I usually read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade. If I don't see it - maybe someone else knows and is kind to answer. After the first few days do I update the video description with answer to some of the most asked questions.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tent = Tschum
Wood stove = Russian
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest II
Pants = Klättermusen Gere II
Anorak = Fjallraven Vardag
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Binoculars = Celestron Outland 10x25
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sack = old packsack from a tentipi tent
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Pot = Pathfinder Bushpot 4L
Kettle = Eagle 1.5L
Raindeer skin = unknown from Sapmi
Sharpening stone = Gränsfors Bruk

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

3 days solo bushcraft trip - new homemade axe, canvas tarp, roast over camp fire, reindeer skin etc.

3 days under a canvas tarp, sleeping on reindeer skin and spruce branches, making a roast over the camp fire, building a fire reflector etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: January 2025

Day: 08°C (46.4°F)
Night: 02°C (35.6°F)

Hours of daylight = 8

Location: Scandinavia, west Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming: Water, spruce tea, roast (pork), soup (onions, potato, garlic, bacon).

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
Tschum in Germany. I am using an early prototype - here is the final version https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What type of axe are you using? Weight? Dimensions?
Homemade. C45 steel and ash handle. Made it just before this trip. Karelian axe - a classic design from the Karelian people in Finland and west Russia. 900 grams (including the handle), 8cm cutting edge, 60cm handle, 16.5cm from pole to cutting edge. Will make a video showing how I make similar axe at some point in the future.

3. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc&t=713s

4. How long does it take to cook a pork roast over a fire like that?
2-3 hours.

5. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from your face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually only use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

6. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

7. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

8. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

9. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store. I only fish.

10. What did you use for sharpening after the stone?
Leather and sharpening compound on a wooden stick.

11. How long was the trip? And how did you get there?
4 days in the forrest and 3 days visiting DonVonGun's hot tent camp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTP-WUNhBgY&list=PL9mrE9ZPHkyO8gH58axW7Kx1fT6lq04Wq&index=1 I did get there by train and cargo bike (SCO Short John from 1960's).

12. Why make the wall next to the fire?
Reflects heat and light back towards the tarp and protects the fire from wind.

13. Why bother making kindling and featherstiks for lightening the camp fire?
Most branches was soaked and in general was the forest damp.

14. Why no snow?
No garanti for snow here in Denmark but we usually get some.

15. Will you do more blacksmithing videos?
Yes.

16. Where and how do you live?
I live in a hot tent in a nature reserve in Northvest Denmark. Bought a tiny part of the naturereserve a few years ago and have been living here since when I am not traveling/doing bushcraft trips. It is just a homemade 4-6P lavvu made from spruce poles, tarps and nails. I just use the same gear at home as in the bushcraft trips videos - the small russian wood stove, the reindeer skin and the sleeping bag etc. The latest blacksmithing videos is made on the property.

17. Why add the spruce branches under the reindeer skin?
It ads warmth and padding. Also protects the skin from the wet ground. A reindeer skin ang skin in general losses a lot of tear strength if it gets soaked.

18. What if I want to do similar bushcraft but it is illegal on public land in my country?
You have a few options. 1. Ask land owners for permission. 2. Buy you're own land. 3. Look up the laws for public land in you're area and read the actual law text... Maybe you have some options you didn't know. 4. Travel to other contries with different laws for the wilderness experience. I personally do all 4 options.

19. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade. If I don't see it - maybe someone else knows and is kind to answer. After the first few days do I update the video description with answer to some of the most asked questions.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Anorak = Fjallraven Vardag
Sweater = handmade by local (not selling)
Binoculars = Celestron Outland 10x25
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Sharpening stone = Gränsfors Bruks
Cooking pot = modified Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon Z30
Nikon 40mm 2
Nikon 50-250mm 4.5-6.3
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

4 days bushcraft trip - beach and forrest, canvas tarp, reindeer skin, fatwood, spoon carving etc.

3 nights under a canvas tarp in the forrest and one night under the stars on a beach. Collecting mushrooms, carving a cooking spoon, cooking meat and bread etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: September 2024

Day: 20°C (68°F)
Night: 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = 14

Location: Scandinavia, west coast of Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming: Water, coffee, fish (salmon), steak (pork), soup (onions, potato, garlic, bacon, chanterelle, cow cream), bread.
_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
Tschum in Germany. I am using an early prototype - here is the final version https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What did you use for making fire?
Fatwood (dead pine wood full of resin) and ferro rod.

3. What type of axe are you using?
A classic russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel, sheath and handle made from ash.

4. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc

5. Why use wood between the cord and tree (for setting up the tarp)?
Protects the tree. A canvas tarp is heavy and regular cord (like I am using in the video) will cut into the bark and no guarantee the tree will recover.

6. How long does it take to cook a steak over a fire like that?
2-3 hours.

7. How long does it take to cook bread on the coals like that?
5-10 minutes.

8. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from your face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

9. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

10. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

11. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

12. Do you hunt?
No - all food is from a local store.

13. Any ticks in Denmark?
Yes - but I am lucky that ticks don't like me... so no problem for me.

14. Who made the wooden bowl?
Homemade - I made it in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0FAfKnO3yU&t=1419s

15. Who made the eating spoon?
Homemade - I made it in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq4sqCvvPJs

16. What was the gray you added in the pot before the flower then making the dough?
Yeast.

17. What do you do for a living?
Sometimes blacksmithing and sometimes youtube.

18. Will you make more blacksmithing videos?
Yes - but first will I be traveling for a few months making bushcraft.

19. Why did you're old cooking spoon brake?
Not sure - maybe I stepped on it or packed it poorly in the backpack. It lasted two years.

20. What sea/ocean is it?
North Sea. Straight across the water is England and Scotland.

21. What did you use on the boots?
Just something from a local store called "Kløver Vaseline"... Not sure how common it is outside Denmark. I usually use something called "Golden Quality"... But I believe all the mass produced options works just fine - just remember to put some effort into working it into the leather (rub it to make heat/friction).

22. What did you use for sharpening after the stone?
Leather and sharpening compound on a wooden stick.

23. How long was the trip?
The video shows 4 days of a longer trip. So far have the trip been one and a half month. Will stay out here for at least a few more months. I am traveling on a cargo bike (SCO Short John from 1960's) with tarp and tent.

24. Will future videos be 4k?
Maybe - I just upgraded my camera from a Nikon D7000 (2010) to a Nikon Z30 (2022) able to record 4K. Handlening 4K do though come with difficulties - so only maybe I consider it worth it... But regardless of 4K versus 1080, will the new camera in general improve the video quality.

25. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I usually read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade. If I don't see it - maybe someone else knows and is kind to answer. After the first few days do I update the video description with answer to some of the most asked questions.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Hoodie = Unknown
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Sharpening stone = Gränsfors Bruks
Cooking pot = Pathfinder Bushpot 2L
Raindeer skin = unknown, from Sapmi

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 35mm 1.8 DX
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
Macbook 2011
iMovie

4 days bushcraft trip - canvas tarp, fatwood, mushrooms, wild berries, carving eating spoon etc.

4 days with rain and sun under a canvas tarp. Collecting wild berries and mushrooms, carving a eating spoon, cooking meat and bread etc. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: September 2024

Day: 20°C (68°F)
Night: 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = 14

Location: Scandinavia, west coast of Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves. You need to be the owner or get the owners permission if you want to do similar in Denmark.

_________________

Consuming: Water, coffee, pine tea, flank steak, soup (onions, potato, garlic, bacon, chanterelle), bread, oatmeal with blueberries.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
The tarp is made by Tschum in Germany. https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. What did you use for making fire?
Fatwood (dead pine wood full of resin) and ferro rod.

3. What type of axe are you using?
A classic russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel, sheath and handle made from ash.

4. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, offen referred to by the finnish name "Puukko". Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc

5. Why make the wall next to the fire?
Protects the fire from wind and reflects some heat. It is offen referred to as a "fire reflector". Can also just make a camp more cosy - giving a feeling of space, a place to hang things and the wall brighten up from the campfire light doing night etc.

6. How long does it take to cook a steak on the coals like that?
3-10 minutes.

7. How long does it take to cook bread on the coals like that?
5-10 minutes.

8. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from your face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

9. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl. Homemade.

10. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

11. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

12. Do you hunt?
No - all food was bought in a local store before the trip. I only fish.

13. Any ticks in Denmark?
Yes - but I am lucky that ticks don't like me... so no problem for me.

14. Who made the wooden bowl?
Homemade - I made it in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0FAfKnO3yU&t=1419s

15. What was the gray you added in the pot before the flower then making the dough?
Yeast.

16. Why add the mos on the table?
Keeps the branches/sticks in place, prevents things falling though the gabs in-between the branches/sticks and evens out hight and low spots.

17. What do you do for a living?
For a living do I sometimes make axes and sometimes youtube.

18. Will you make more blacksmithing videos?
Yes - but first will I be traveling for a few months making bushcraft.

19. What if I want to do similar bushcraft but it is illegal on public land in my country?
No problem - It is the case in most of the world including here in Denmark. You have a few options. 1. Ask land owners for permission. Use you're network - friends and family. Most knows somebody who knows somebody who owns land. Maybe offering money or a helping hand with something. 2. Consider trying to save up money to buy you're own land - even a tiny piece of land can offer a lot of bushcraft freedom. 3. Look up the laws for public land in you're area and read the actual law text... Maybe you have some options you didn't know. No matter what, accept the laws and just make the best out of what you are allowed to do. 4. Travel to other contries with different laws for the wilderness experience. I personally do all 4 options.

20. What if I have a question that is not included in this video description?
Consider leaving a comment - I usually read all comments made within the first few days of a new uploade. If I don't see it - maybe someone else knows and is kind to answer.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots = Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Hoodie = Unknown
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Sharpening stone = Gränsfors Bruks
Cooking pot = Pathfinder Bushpot 2L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 35mm 1.8 DX
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

4 days solo bushcraft trip - canvas tarp, rain, homemade axe and knife, carving eating bowl etc.

4 days with rain and sun under a canvas tarp. Cooking a duck and collecting wild berries, making fire with flint and steel, making a fire reflector and carving a bowl etc. Open the full video description for more information.


----------------------------

Date: August 2024

Day: 20°C (68°F)
Night: 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = 14

Location: Scandinavia, West Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming: Water, coffee, duck, wild berries (crowberries), oatmeal, soup (onions, potato and left over duck).

_________________

A few questions:

1. Who made the tarp?
The tarp is made by Tschum in Germany. I am using an early prototype - here is the final version https://tschum.de/en/tarp156x300.html

2. Why dig the fireplace and why add sand?
Fire safety. It has been dry for a while leading up to this trip. In this area is there no larger stones, only sand.

3. Why use wood between the cord and tree (for setting up the tarp)?
Protects the tree. A canvas tarp is heavy and regular cord (like I am using in the video) will cut into the bark and no guarantee the tree will recover.

4. What did you use for making fire?
Flint, homemade fire steel and homemade amadou tinder. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM9xlJ0vrLI

5.What type of axe are you using?
A classic russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel, sheath and handle made from ash.

6. What type of knife are you using?
A classic nordic knife, globally mainly referred to by the finnish name Puukko. Homemade - spring steel and birch burl handle. Here is how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKF7oDsugYc

7. Why make the wall next to the fire?
Protects the fire from wind and reflects some heat. It is offen referred to as a "firereflector".

8. Why heat the spruce branches before using them to tie the fire reflector?
Fire burns off the sharp points of the spruce needels... The heat also makes it easier to twist the branches into "rope".

9. How long does it take to cook a duck like that over the fire?
2-4 hours.

10. Why do you sometimes hit with the side of the axe instead of the poll?
Keeps the cutting edge away from your face and the larger surface area makes you less likely to miss. I usually use the side of the axe in the beginning (when things can be unstable and or I don't need to hit hard).

11. What is you're kuksa/drinking cop made from?
Birch burl - made it just before this trip.

12. Who made the chisel and gouges?
Homemade - made them just before the trip.

13. Can I buy an axe, knife etc. from you?
No.

14. Why sometimes the black smoke from the campfire?
Fatwood - most of the pine tress in this area is full of resin/fatwood.

15. Who made the cooking pot?
It is a modified 2L Pathfinder Bushpot. Only the handle is homemade.

16. Did you hunt the duck yourself?
No - all food was bought in a local store before the trip.

17. How do you live?
For the last few years - tent or tarp depending on the season. I own a tiny part of a larger nature reserve in Northwest Denmark - I have a permanent basecamp on the property (off grid) with a lavvu/tent (with a wood stove) and a outdoor blacksmith setup. Sometimes it is tent on my property and sometimes is it tent/tarp traveling. I did own a car for a while and it made it easy traveling in Sapmi... For the last few years has it been public transport and a cargo bike (SCO Short John from 1960's).

18. Will you be hunting in future videos?
Near future - no... Maybe at some point.

19. Will you do more videos in Sapmi?
Yes - hopefully next year (spring time) and stay for a few months.

20. Any ticks in Denmark?
Yes - but I am lucky that ticks don't like me.

21. Will you do more blacksmithing videos?
Yes - but first will I be traveling in Denmark/doing bushcraft for a few months.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

Tarp = Tschum
Cuting tools = homemade
Boots - Lundhags Forest
Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
Hoodie = Unknown
Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe f1
Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
Sharpening stone = Gränsfors Bruks
Cooking pot = Pathfinder Bushpot 2L

_________________

Video gear:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 35mm 1.8 DX
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

Making nordic bushcraft knife - blacksmithing, leather sheath, burl handle, fishing trip

Making and using a nordic bushcraft knife. I forge the blade from coil spring, carve the handle from birch burl, make the sheath from leather and use the knife on a fishing trip. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: June 2024

Day: about 20°C (59°F)
Night: about 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = about 16

Location: Scandinavia, Northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________


A few questions:

1. What steel did you use?
Spring steel - coil from unknown farming equipment.

2. What wood did you use for the knife handle?
Birch burl.

3. What wood did you use for the leather sheath?
Birch.

4. How did you heat treat the knife blade?
Normalizing in air, hardening in oil, tempering over the forge (charcoal) to a light yellow collar.

5. Did you drill a hole in the handle before burning the final fit?
Yes.

6. What glue did you use?
Epoxy.

7. Why make the leather wet?
Makes it softer/easier to shape.

8. Why use water on the anvil?
It helps removing scale/keeps the steel cleaner. Scale is hard and will be forged into the surface leaving a rough finish.

9. Is the blacksmith setup inside a tent?
Yes - or rather it was. A large lavvu/tent. Just made from cheap tarps, spruce poles and nails. Nothing fancy. It was my home and blacksmith shop for a few months. Meanwhile recording this video did I remove the tent and reuse the materials to make a new home/tent (about 6P lavvu). Going forward will the blacksmith shop just be outdoors - better space for eventually stand up and working instead of sitting down.

10. What blower do you use in the blacksmith shop?
One made in Denmark for the danish military. Similar is common for blacksmithing - if you want one try to google "Hand crank forge air blower" or similar.

11. What oil do you use for wood?
Usually linseed oil or tung oil (but in this case just rapeseed oil).

12. What axe are you using?
Classic Russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle..

13. Where did you get the anvil from?
Homemade. Forklift fork, cut with angle grinder and heat treated like an anvil.

14. Why the hole in the bottom of the sheath and wooden inlay?
Water drain for for whenever the knife/sheath gets soaked - heavy rain, fishing etc.

15. Why not forge weld?
It is future videos. In this case did I want a hard spine for ferro rod firelighting.

16. Where is the woodpecker nest?
Near the blacksmith shop. The woodpeckers have now left the nest after a succesfull breeding.

17. Do you sell?
At the moment do I only sell locally here in Denmark and only very limited amount. I am currently considering making a a website and starting selling global (though still very limited amount). I am also considering doing giveaways here on youtube.

18. What do you do for a living?
Making axes, wooden spoons and youtube.

19. Where do you live?
In a tent/lavvu in a nature reserve in Northwest Denmark.

20. What oil do you use for hardening steel?
Rapeseed oil.

21. What materials are you're old bushcraft knife made from?
Spring steel, birch burl and leather. Made it a few years ago.

22. Can you tell me more about the sheath?
Yes - I usually use a wooden inlay made the same size as the knife handle (makes the sheath slim like my old bushcraft knife). This time did I experiment with a wooden inlay that is wider than the knife handle (can be aesthetic pleasing and functional, but in this case did it turn out a bit too bulky for my liking). The benefit with a wider wooden inlay in the sheath is that it makes a narrowing in the middel of the sheath (preventing the wooden inlay from working itself lose over time) and that you can cut a larger opening in the wooden inlay (making it easier to get the knife in the sheath in a hurry).

23. Can you tell me more about the knife design?
Yes - just a typical nordic/scandinavian knife - for wilderness and general crafting. The narrow blade makes it good for general crafting and wilderness tasks. The wooden inlay in the leather sheath protects the user. If you want to know more - try to google ""puukko".

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

1. Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
2. Boots - Lundhags Forest
3. Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe F1
4. Fishing rod = unknown

_________________

Camera gear:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Nikon 20mm 2.8
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

Making carving knife - blacksmithing, bark sheath, burl handle and bushcraft trip

Making and using a carving knife. I forge the blade from coil spring, carve the handle from birch burl, make the sheath from elm bark and use the knife on a bushcraft trip. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: June 2024

Day: about 20°C (59°F)
Night: about 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = about 16

Location: Scandinavia, Northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________


A few questions:

1. What steel did you use?
Spring steel - coil from unknown farming equipment.

2. What wood did you use?
Birch burl.

3. What bark did you use?
Elm.

4. How did you heat treat the knife blade?
Normalizing in air, hardening in oil, tempering on a hot piece of steel to a light yellow collar cutting edge and a blue collar spine.

5. Did you drill a hole in the handle before burning the final fit?
Yes.

6. What glue did you use?
Epoxy.

7. Can you tell me more about the knife design?
Yes - just a typical scandinavian sloyd knife - for general crafting/wood working.

8. Why use water on the anvil?
It helps removing scale/keeps the steel cleaner. Scale is hard and will be forged into the surface leaving a rough finish. No problem doing the rough forging, but for the final heats is water on the anvil a great way to achieve a smooth forged finish

9. Is the blacksmith setup inside a tent?
Yes - a large lavvu/tent. Just made from cheap tarps, spruce poles and nails. Nothing fancy... Made it last winter.

10. What blower do you use in the blacksmith shop?
One made in Denmark for the danish military. Similar is common for blacksmithing - if you want one try to google "Hand crank forge air blower" or similar.

12. What axe are you using for making the handle and spoon?
C45 steel, oak handle and oak sheath. Made it a few weeks ago - Here is a video of how I made it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKrGGrvxJ9U&t=629s

13. Where did you get the anvil from?
Forklift fork, cut with angle grinder and heat treated like an anvil.

14. Do you sell?
At the moment do I only sell locally here in Denmark and only very limited amount. I am currently considering making a a website and starting selling global (though still very limited amount). I am also considering doing giveaways here on youtube.

15. How did you learn blacksmithing?
I learned the basics from watching youtube videos - trial and error. Also learned from a few skilled local/danish blacksmiths. It was my fulltime job for a few years and on off is it still my job. My father/grand father was not blacksmiths. Still a lot to learn and a lot to try for the first time.

16. What is you're full time job?
Youtube and on off making and selling axes and wooden spoons.

17. Where do you live?
At the moment is my home the tent/blacksmith shop shown in the video. The tent is on my own property - a tiny piece of a larger nature reserve in Northwest Denmark.

18. What have you been up to the last two years?
Just enjoying bushcraft trips in Denmark and simple living. Living in a tent/lavvu makes all mundane household tasks take a lot of time time. On off making and selling axes and on off doing youtube. A few trips to the Italian alps to help a friend renovating a traditional stone cabin.

19. Why not forge weld?
It is future videos.

20. What materials are you're old carving knife made from?
Laminated blade from mild steel and an old file. Birch burl handle and birch bark sheath. Made it a few years ago.

21. Where is the woodpecker nest?
Near the blacksmith shop. In the footage can you see the male giving way for the female - both parents is very busy feeding the chicks. Soon the chicks can fly and will leave the nest.

22. What tarp did you use?
A canvas tarp made by Tschum in Germany. It is a prototype - for more information contact https://tschum.de

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

1. Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
2. Axe and knife = homemade
3. Boots - Lundhags Forest
4. Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe F1
5. Tarp = Tschum

_________________

Camera gear:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Nikon 20mm 2.8
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

Making small axe - blacksmithing, wood carving and bushcraft trip

Making and using a small axe. I forge the head, carve the handle and sheath from wood and use the axe on a bushcraft trip. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: May 2024

Day: about 20°C (59°F)
Night: about 10°C (50°F)

Hours of daylight = about 16

Location: Scandinavia, Northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming: coffee.

_________________

A few questions:

1. What steel did you use?
C45 - about 80mm long piece of 40x20mm.

2. What wood did you use?
Oak.

3. How did you heat treat the axe head?
Normalizing in air and hardening in water - hardening only the cutting edge area and using the remaining heat to temper to a light yellow collar.

4. Did you split the wedge kerf?
Yes - I prefer to make the kerf/opening for the wedge by splitting the wood using a chisel instead of using a saw and removing material.

5. What did you use to get the black collar on the axe head?
Oil on a rack applied while the steel is hot - about 200 -300°C (392-572°F).

6. Can you tell me more about the axe design?
Yes - The sheath design is dating back to the Viking era - similar was/is used in many parts of the world. Not the most convenient sheath to attach, but it works. The axe head design is modern - started gaining popularity in the early 1900 hundreds in Scandinavia because of ease of mass production due to the very basic shape compared to collared axes and other traditional Scandinavian axe patterns.

7. What oil did you use on the handle and sheath?
Vegetable oil/rapeseed oil.

8. Did you use something to color the wood?
No.

9. Is the blacksmith setup inside a tent?
Yes - a large lavvu/tent. Just made from cheap tarps, spruce poles and nails. Nothing fancy... Made it a few months ago.

10. What are you going to use the axe for?
A lightweight option for bushcraft trips and crafting in general.

11. What blower do you use in the blacksmith shop?
One made in Denmark for the danish military. Similar is common for blacksmithing - if you want one try to google "Hand crank forge air blower" or similar.

12. What type of axe are you using to carve the handle for the new axe?
A classic russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle.

13. Where did you get the anvil from?
Forklift fork, cut with angle grinder and heat treated like an anvil.

14. Where can I get similar axe - can I buy from you?
No. My recommendation is to support a blacksmith/axe maker local to you... Or to make your own. "Black Bear Forge" and "Nils Ögren" is great youtube channels for learning blacksmithing. I do sell on off, but only locally here in Denmark and only a very limited amount... So very unlikely you can buy an axe from me. I don't do waiting lists. But I would like to make a few "give aways" every year.... like an axe made by me and a knife made by me etc... - not sure how or when, but I will let you know.

15. How did you learn blacksmithing?
I learned the basics from watching youtube videos. I quickly turned blacksmithing into my fulltime job and learned a lot by trail and error. After a few years did I start visiting other blacksmiths here in Denmark. My father/grand father was not blacksmiths. Still a lot to learn and a lot to try for the first time.

16. What is you're full time job?
Youtube and on off making and selling axes and wooden spoons.

17. Where do you live?
On off tent/lavvu, car or tiny house... At the moment is my home the tent/blacksmith shop shown in the video. The tent is on my own property - a tiny piece of a larger protected nature area in Northwest Denmark.

18. What have you been up to the last two years?
Just enjoying bushcraft trips in Denmark and simple living. Living in a tent/lavvu makes all mundane household tasks take time. On off making and selling axes and on off doing youtube. A few trips to the Italian alps helping a friend renovating a traditional stone cabin.

19. Why not forge weld?
It is future videos.

20. How did you forge the lugs/ears so big?
50% by drawing out with the corner of the hammer and the other 50% by reducing the heigh of the rest of the axe.

21.What are the axe dimensions?
The handle is 34,5cm long. The axe head is 14cm long. Cutting edge is 5,5cm. The pole is 1,5cm thick and 3cm long. The eye is about 3,6x1,4cm. The thickest part of the axe is 2cm.


_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:

1. Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
2. Axe and knife = homemade
3. Boots - Lundhags Forest
4. Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe F1
5. Kettle = Eagle 1.5L
6. Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4

_________________

Camera gear:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Nikon 20mm 2.8
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

Making fire steel - blacksmithing, flint knapping, amadou and campfire.

Making and using a viking fire kit. I forge a fire striker, do flint knapping and processes tinder from the Hoof Fungus... And I use it to make a fire, just like vikings and many others used to do it. Open the full video description for more information.

----------------------------

Date: April 2024

Day: about 15°C (59°F)
Night: about 5°C (41°F)

Hours of daylight = about 15

Location: Scandinavia, Northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.

_________________

Consuming: coffee.

_________________

A few questions:

1. Can you tell me more about processing the fungus?
Yes - I briefly boil the hole fungus, just a few minutes. The heat makes it easier to separate the amadou layer from the rest of the fungus. Many ways to do the separating, but I like to do it by boiling and hammering. You only use the amadou layer/the top layer for tinder - it's okay to keep the hard shell attached to the amadou. When separated do I boil the amadou for a few hours - giving it time to absorb the qualities from the wood ashes. While hot and wet, do I hammer the amadou flat and dry it. If you have limited amount of wood ashes, hard woods makes the best ash, when wait adding the ashes until the amadou is seperated from the rest of the fungus. Amadou is usually only about 5% of the fungus - can though vary a lot. The amount of amadou made in the video is enough to light 50 plus fires.

2. Is the blacksmith setup inside a tent?
Yes - a large lavvu/tent. Just made from cheap tarps, spruce poles and nails. Nothing fancy... Made it a few months ago.

3. What blower do you use in the blacksmith shop?
In my case is it one made in Denmark for the danish military. Bought it local from a private seller here in Denmark. Similar is common for blacksmithing - if you want one try to google "Hand crank forge air blower" or similar. I use the same blower in most of the other blacksmithing videos - I have just made a wooden box for it - keeps it more stable and more quiet. Here is a video showing my blower without the wooden box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWgESobxudc

4. Can you tell me more about the striker?
Yes - the design shape can vary a lot, but the common thing is that it is hard steel. You want it as hard as possible - as hot as possible for the hardening and use water, no tempering. My recommendations would be to use old files or coil springs - in this video did I use a coil spring from some farming equipment.

5. What type of axe are you using?
A classic russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle.

6. Where did you get the flint/stone from?
Here in Denmark do we have flint all over, so no problem for me... Flint is ideal because it is very hard - but you can use other stones as well, the stone just need to be harder than the steel striker.

7. Where did you get the anvil from?
Forklift fork, cut with angle grinder and heat treated like an anvil.

_________________

Some of the gear used in the video:
1. Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
2. Axe and knife = homemade
3. Boots - Lundhags Forest
4. Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe F1
5. Kettle = Eagle 1.5L

_________________

Camera gear:

Nikon D4
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Nikon 20mm 2.8
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie