Mastering the skill of making fire by friction (bow drill)

Part of my interest for adventures in Malaysia is also to learn traditional skills and indigenous knowledge. This interest has been fueled further by knowledgeable Pak Abu (Bod) who has shared many things with me. One of the things that he has taught me before is making fire by friction more specifically…the bow drill.

So, recently Meun helped to record my practicing this skill of making fire using a bow drill. And the best thing is that I got it on my first try, which is great compared to the numerous times it took me the last time.

I have set my next challenge. I am thinking of walking into the jungle one day and attempt to make fire using exactly this method but utilizing materials from that jungle only. I think this would be a great challenge as it will be in a real rainforest environment, with high humidity and rain.

Anyway, would appreciate comments, suggestions and ideas about how to improve my methods.

Our Malaysia fire piston video

This is a video Meun and I made on the fire piston we got from the Orang Asli (Indigenous people). We were really amazed how well it worked, even on the first try!

We are really impressed what this block of wood can do. Thanks to Pak Abu for sharing this information with us. Otherwise we would have never known about it.

Click here for more pictures on our Malaysia fire piston.