Survival Blog
Here is where I discuss everything related to survival, bushcraft, and Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute.
Cutting Edge: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Bushcraft Blade
Embarking on an adventure in the wilderness requires the right tools, and the most important one is a good knife. When deciding on a bushcraft knife, you want to look at the following qualities: full-tang, preferably no coating, no serration (no saw teeth on the spine), 90-degree spine, 4.5-6” blade length, high-carbon steel, and a … Read more
Unleashing the Power of Yucca: Nature’s Secret Weapon for Survival and Sustainability
Yucca (Adam’s Needle, Yucca filamentosa) is a plant that can be found from the South up to the eastern United States, as well as in northern regions like Michigan and Canada. The root contains saponin, which can be used to make soap for washing the body, hair, and clothing. The stalk produces edible white … Read more
Primitive Power-Lighting a Fire with Tinder Fungus and a Ferro Rod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqzzTJOKROY In this video, I show how to light a fire with tinder fungus, a ferrocerium rod and the spine of my knife.
Rust Busters: Revive Your Knife with Baking Soda and Vinegar!
Rust Busters: Revive Your Knife with Baking Soda and Vinegar! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=768pSyPwz8A&t=28s
Wild foraging in july
Today in late July I did a plant walk, in which I found Ghost Pipe, Mullein, St. John’s Wort, and Rose Campion. I posted a YouTube short giving a brief overview of their medicinal qualities. I will admit I was a little surprised to find Ghost Pipe this late in the season as I usually … Read more
Survival weekend-may 2024
My mid-May 2024 weekend survival class was quite an adventure! Shout out to Tammy, Steve and Aaron. The weekend was packed full of valuable skills and memorable experiences! Students learned essential survival techniques in a fun and engaging environment, showing once again that Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beginners alike. … Read more
Survival Workshop-Camp Miniwanca May 8, 2024
On Wednesday May 8, 2024 I went up to Stony Lake and taught a one day survival course at Camp Miniwanca. In attendance were ten eighth graders all the way from Kansas City. It was a good experience. We covered survival needs in the wilderness, safe knife handling, primitive fire, shelter building, tripod building and … Read more