Bushcraft for Beginners: Learning to Use Your Tools

Bushcraft is the art of surviving and living free in nature, using what the environment offers.

by Alice Yang

If you are the nature and camping type and interested in living off the land, then a few
bushcraft basics will add some self-sufficiency and self-confidence while outdoors. Beginners can learn how to stay calm by knowing how to use tools — knives, axes, or matchboxes.

What is bushcraft?
Bushcraft is the art of using survival skills, navigation techniques, shelter building, food sourcing, etc.

Survivalism usually considers cases of emergency. Bushcraft is the art of being at
one with nature and using all available resources to be comfortable within it. It is the ability to
forage for food, build fires, fashion shelters, and navigate the wilderness.

1. Why is Learning to Use Tools Important?

Tools, especially for beginners, are indispensable bushcraft components. One cannot
do shelter work, fire starting, and cooking unless you have the right tools.  Familiarity with your tools gives confidence to deal with any other situation in nature with relative ease.

2. Essential bushcraft bools for beginners

Before heading into the bush, know the necessary tools that should be taken along. You will need:

Knife: Bushcraft knives come in many shapes and forms, and you will have to decide which one works best for you. In particular, look for a comfortable handle, quality steel and a safe way to carry it. Check out how to choose a survival knife.

Any cutting tool will have to be sharpened at some point, so make knife sharpening a priority on your to-do survival list.

The Hatchet

Axe or saw? An axe can be a very important tool for chopping firewood, clearing brush, or building temporary shelters. But give careful thought before including one in your gear.

A full-sized axe works very well for splitting firewood.

An axe or hatchet cuts by velocity – i.e. the harder the swing, the more the tool cuts. Many beginners today don’t have the eye/hand coordination yet to use an axe or saw safely. Practice this skill set by hammering nails into a board until you hit the nail on the head every time.

For the novice, a small and relatively lightweight, bushcraft hatchet may do. It provides a fair balance between utility and ease of carrying.

The Saw

A foldable saw is necessary for efficiently cutting larger pieces of wood compared to using an
axe. Some instances make it more amenable to cut through smaller logs or branches.

A compact foldable saw with a strong, durable blade is most appropriate. The blade length
should be around 10-15 inches.
Cut long, controlled strokes with the saw, allowing it to do the work and use the least amount of
pressure.

Fire-Starting Kit

Keeping warm, cooking food, and signaling for help may be the difference between life and
death in survival situations.
A basic campfire kit may consist of a starter (a ferrocerium rod or magnesium block), matches, and tinder (cotton balls or dry grass). Sparks are produced when a metallic striker scrapes the Ferro rod to ignite the tinder.

Rope and Paracord are useful for making shelters, fixing gear, and creating animal snares.
Paracord is one of the best choices for bushcraft uses because it is lightweight, durable, and can be used in any constructive ways (tearing individual strands of paracord will provide you with sewing, fishing line, or even snares). Practice relatively straightforward knots like the square knot, the bowline knot, and the clove hitch, without which bushcraft would be far less efficient.

Using Your Tools Safely and Effectively

Tool Maintenance

• • Establish a quick routine for sharpening and maintaining the edge of cutting tools to ensure continued excellent performance. It is best to opt for a whetstone or any sharpeners specially devoted to sharpening tasks whenever necessary.
  • Always wrap your tools in protective covers, sheaths or pouches when not in use. This prevents damage to the edges of these tools and protects the users during transport.
  • Clean tools after every job to remove dirt, sap, and rust. Cleaning tools extends
    their lifespan and makes them ready for the next use.

Safety Tips

• • Always use gloves when you handle an axe or a knife to minimize minor cuts. Also, a good rigid belt sheath for your knife is an important safety measure.
  • Don’t rush! Proper technique, not speed, contributes to the effective and safe use of tools. Handle each one with care.

Conclusion

Bushcrafting is a rewarding skill that can teach you much about nature, survival, and self-reliance. If you learn to use your tools like a pro, not only will you put yourself in a much stronger position to survive in the wild, but you will also build an even deeper connection with all the natural things around you. Start with the basics, keep practicing, and do not be afraid to make mistakes!
Every small step forward is a valid lesson!

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