Making a fire by rubbing two pieces of wood truly is a magical experience. Much has been written on primitive fire-making... some good some bad. After much encouragement from friends, I have decided to write about the hand-drill.
What qualifies me to write about the hand-drill, you ask? Well, at the time, quite a few years ago, according to many people, I held the world record for getting a coal with the hand-drill--six and a half seconds-- and I was featured in an article in the last issue of American Survival Guide. In many people's eyes, that qualified me as an expert.
When I finally decided to write the manual, I took a different approach; different than many of the how-to books out there. I wanted to share with everyone how I use the hand-drill and how I consistently get coals within 8 to 15 seconds. Yes, I cover the basics such as wood selection and making the notch, but I also cover other things which have never been covered before...things that will improve your chance of success. You will learn why doing the hand-drill certain ways is not necessarily the best way. I have even given a clear explanation on the esoteric skill of floating. I am sure you will find this information like no other information on this subject.
A few years after the writing of the book, someone else, who I consider a friend, beat my record and produced a coal in five seconds. Not one to take a backseat, I managed to comeback and produce a coal in four seconds. This friendly back and forth competition ultimately led us to each produce a coal in 3.5 seconds.
I've also been featured in one of Ron Hood's videos, "Woodsmaster Vol. 15 (Sticks, Stoves, and Stitches)." The Hoods are dear friends, and for some top notch instruction, I recommend you get their instructional videos at Survival.com
During this time, I've also traveled parts of the country giving personal instruction on firemaking and teaching basic outdoor survival.
I also became a field editor for "Wilderness Way" magazine, and founded Dirttime.com along with Dude Mclean and Christopher Nyerges
I am a certified instructor and authorized provider for the American Red Cross, and I am an emergency response team member for Los Angeles County CERT.
I get many emails requesting help or better understanding with the handdrill and other techniques, and I find that personal instruction can not be replaced with anything. So, in an effort to provide that personal instruction, I am now offering classes to those who would like to take them. I'm based out of Southern California, so the majority of the classes will be in and around my area of operation. I will, however, also include dates and locations to where I'll be teaching when I'm out of town.
Finally, I am going to try and maintain the articles and add new ones on a regular basis. Articles will range from some of the things I've written for "Wilderness Way," to exclusive articles written for the sole purpose of this site. However, schedules being how they are and life being how it is, there may be times when I simply can't keep it growing on a consistent basis.
I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and wish you all the best.
Alan Halcon
Copyright 2007
