i decided to do a silky saw fine vs. medium teeth comparison since i haven't seen anyone do it yet...not sure if this log is maple or beech but it's well seasoned...in short, i prefer the medium teeth for all-around hardwood use (we mostly have oak, maple, beech, some hickory and cedar here). if i was cutting bamboo though i prefer the fine teeth.
the rain started just as i finished my fire prep.
the only cutting tools i used for this trip since i already had a good stash of wood from previous trips.
poplar bark was damp and refused to light with a firesteel no matter how fine it got from rolling between my hands. this is why rain or shine i almost never use natural tinder, preferring instead to make feathersticks fine enough to light with just a firesteel - i get enough practice so i know i can do it when i really need to!
after i threatened to use my featherstick instead the poplar bark finally gave in and lit.
thanks to reuben and that survival russia dude for showing me the siberian firelay.
the gates of hell!
