Uploaded June 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
While the ability to make high quality cordage is a skill worth learning, you don't necessarily have to master reverse-wraps and braiding to be able to use natural cordage for a bow drill.
Some materials will work with minimal processing. Roots are a great example of this. Lately I have been playing with willow bark and have found that by simply twisting two or three strands together on the bow, it is strong enough to work without the time consuming step of processing it into proper cordage.
This time I took an extra couple of minutes to separate the inner bark from the outer for extra flexibility. I have been successful in skipping this step, but it is probably worth taking a little extra time to ensure your success.
I have seen this method demonstrated with a single strand of bark, but I have had much better luck breaking the bark down into two or three thinner strands and twisting together.
When placing the spindle in the cordage, you can choose to wrap it as many times as you like. I initially went for a double wrap on the burn-in, but because I didn't experience any slipping, switched to a single wrap for the actual ember.
Many barks are especially flexible this time of year, so this may be an option with other species in your area. Be sure to experiment at different times of year, as the properties of these materials change through the seasons.
Materials Used...
Bow Drill Cordage: Willow Inner Bark
Bow Drill Set, Tinder Bundle, Kindling: Western Red Cedar Driftwood
Bearing Block: Driftwood fatwood
Knife: Ontario RD7
Music....
NOWË - Horizon
youtube.com/watch?v=g845F6ORCOc
Luca Stricagnoli - Last of the Mohicans Theme
youtube.com/watch?v=6Kbv1OpIpaA
I was first introduced to this concept in this great video by Tom McElroy... youtube.com/watch?v=REZJ0XV95fE
While the ability to make high quality cordage is a skill worth learning, you don't necessarily have to master reverse-wraps and braiding to be able to use natural cordage for a bow drill.
Some materials will work with minimal processing. Roots are a great example of this. Lately I have been playing with willow bark and have found that by simply twisting two or three strands together on the bow, it is strong enough to work without the time consuming step of processing it into proper cordage.
This time I took an extra couple of minutes to separate the inner bark from the outer for extra flexibility. I have been successful in skipping this step, but it is probably worth taking a little extra time to ensure your success.
I have seen this method demonstrated with a single strand of bark, but I have had much better luck breaking the bark down into two or three thinner strands and twisting together.
When placing the spindle in the cordage, you can choose to wrap it as many times as you like. I initially went for a double wrap on the burn-in, but because I didn't experience any slipping, switched to a single wrap for the actual ember.
Many barks are especially flexible this time of year, so this may be an option with other species in your area. Be sure to experiment at different times of year, as the properties of these materials change through the seasons.
Materials Used...
Bow Drill Cordage: Willow Inner Bark
Bow Drill Set, Tinder Bundle, Kindling: Western Red Cedar Driftwood
Bearing Block: Driftwood fatwood
Knife: Ontario RD7
Music....
NOWË - Horizon
youtube.com/watch?v=g845F6ORCOc
Luca Stricagnoli - Last of the Mohicans Theme
youtube.com/watch?v=6Kbv1OpIpaA
I was first introduced to this concept in this great video by Tom McElroy... youtube.com/watch?v=REZJ0XV95fE
