How to make Charcloth for Flint and Steel MerkWares 2020-10-06 | Here is a quick and dependable way to make charred tinder, or char-cloth, for your flint and steel fires.If you'd like to check out the Fire Steel I make go here: emberlit.com/collections/emberlit-flint-and-steel
Shemagh Trick MerkWares 2020-07-20 | I carry or wear a shemagh whenever I'm out and about. Here is just one of a million uses for this versatile cloth. For more ways to use a square piece of cloth to carry things look up the Japanese art "furoshiki"
Ice Fishing at Flaming Gorge with Cabuya Handlines MerkWares 2020-02-05 | Ice Fishing 2020. We used our Cabuya Handlines to catch some Burbot and Lake trout. We are pretty new to the whole ice fishing scene, but it has become a winter favorite. www.cabuyafishing.com
How we heat treat and fit our Blanket Pin Strikers. MerkWares 2019-11-29 | Because of the nature of these pins, I have personally heat treated and fit each Blanket Pin Striker. As such no two are perfectly identical and come with an oil finish. When hardening I only quench the striking edge at first. This leaves the rest of the buckle soft. Then I let some of the residual heat seep back into the hardened portion of the buckle creating a gradual tempered transition. And finally I dunk the whole thing to arrest the tempering process. If you are interested in one check them out here: emberlit.com/products/emberlit-flint-and-steel-blanket-pin
How to Wear a Blanket Pin MerkWares 2019-11-29 | This is just a quick video on how to wear our Blanket Pin Flint and Steel Strikers. Now you can be stylish and start your camp fires in a cool way. If you'd like one they are are available here: emberlit.com/products/emberlit-flint-and-steel-blanket-pin
Blanket Pin Striker and Campfire Cooking MerkWares 2019-11-29 | We decided to get out of the shop and test out one our Blanket Pin Strikers. Nothing like cheddar bratwursts cooked on an open fire. If you are interested in a Blanket Pin Striker check them out here: emberlit.com/products/emberlit-flint-and-steel-blanket-pin
Testing a prototype of the Cabuya Frog and Fish Gig MerkWares 2019-08-03 | Testing a gig prototype on carp last march. If it will hold a fish like this it will hold a frog.Here is video of the final gig and how to haft it: youtu.be/GyRsUDKhuU4These Survival Frog and Fish Gigs are now available at emberlit.com/products/survival-frog-and-fish-gig
How to Haft the Cabuya Survival Fish and Frog Gig MerkWares 2019-08-03 | Available on http://www.cabuyafishing.com These survival gigs are designed for frogs and small fish, though they will hold onto much larger critters. They are fully hardened and tempered AEB-L stainless steel for maximum durability and rust resistance, not cheap wire. Made right here in the good old USA.See me field testing a prototype on carp: youtu.be/_lSvWteBmjw
How to tie the Carolina Rig MerkWares 2019-03-23 | www.cabuyafishing.com This rig works great against wary fish. Since the fishing weight is allowed to slide on the line the fish don't feel it when taking the bait and are less likely to spit the hook.
How to tie the Uni Knot MerkWares 2019-03-22 | www.cabuyafishing.com The Uni know is an important one to know. It is somewhat of a do-all fishing knot. If you could only learn one fishing knot it should be this one.
How to tie the Palomar Knot MerkWares 2019-03-22 | www.cabuyafishing.com This knot is considered to be just about the strongest knot you can tie. It is also extremely easy.
How to tie the Dropper Loop Knot MerkWares 2019-03-22 | www.cabuyafishing.com The Dropper Loop is a part of a great rig. This knot is used to create a loop that sticks out at a right angle from your main line.See how to make the "Dropper Rig" here: youtu.be/eKDh7dkKeZc
How to tie the Dropper Rig MerkWares 2019-03-22 | www.cabuyafishing.com This is a great rig to use with your Cabuya. It is probably the easiest rig to cast and it is wonderfully effective. It was the first rig I learned to tie as a child and I use it still.
Attaching line to the Cabuya MerkWares 2019-03-22 | www.cabuyafishing.com The title says it all. Though the Cabuya comes with about 25 yards of line to start with, eventually you'll need to change it out. I've got a surprising number of requests to show how I do this.
Pocket Super Shelter FIeld Testing. MerkWares 2019-02-09 | Check it out here: emberlit.com/pages/the-pocket-super-shelter
Catching Carp with Cast Nets MerkWares 2018-08-14 | We went down to a country reservoir that is sometimes completely drained this time of year to try and net some carp. The dwindling water was cloudy with silt but we caught plenty of fish. We think that these hogs were too large to fit through the grate on the dam and were stuck in this small pool as the reservoir emptied. Rather than let them die and rot later in the summer we took what we could. Much to our excitement we discovered that they are excellent eating.
Pocket SuperShelter with Norseman from Survivology 101 MerkWares 2018-02-27 | I spent a week in the woods testing the Pocket SuperShelter with Norseman from Survivology101. It was cold. So very cold. But the shelter did great and we had a good time. Click here to check out the project: http://kck.st/2Gxs1IPNorseman's Channel: youtube.com/user/Norsemanlvmc
Pocket Super Shelter Setup and Features MerkWares 2018-02-25 | Update: The project was a success. We are working on getting more shelters made. Covid has put a strangle hold on supply chains for now. Watch the Kickstarter Promotion for the Shelter Here: youtube.com/watch?v=sN4ieYcI7SsClick here for the project: http://kck.st/2Gxs1IP
Introduction the Pocket Super Shelter MerkWares 2018-02-25 | Click here for more information: http://kck.st/2Gxs1IPThe Pocket Super Shelter Kickstarter project is live!
Emberlite Test Video MerkWares 2018-01-25 | This is the very first video I made of the Emberlit back in 2011. I had just got home with a prototype I had cut with BYU's water jet from some sheet metal I bought at Lowes. I was even still calling it the EmberLite... I later changed to Emberlit because emberlite.com was already taken. It may be a little boring to watch but it was the beginning.
How to stow your handline. MerkWares 2017-10-11 | This is a clever trick to tying up your handline so you don't get a hook in your clothing.If you'd like to get one of these handlines click the link below:www.cabuyafishing.com
Pocket Tackle Box... Survival Fishing Gear MerkWares 2017-05-01 | This is a look at the mini tackle box I take with me whenever I'm out and about. You could almost call it an EDC Tackle Box. Since I use it all the time I prefer to have a little more comprehensive kit than the standard "survival" tackle box.I use this in conjunction with my Handlines. Check them out here: kickstarter.com/projects/1621478444/cabuya-casting-handlines-fishing-made-simple
Cabuya Kickstarter Promo MerkWares 2017-04-10 | New on Kickstarter. If you love fishing you'll love these! Support us here: kickstarter.com/projects/1621478444/cabuya-casting-handlines-fishing-made-simpleTell your friends :)
Emberlit Smores! Vintage footage MerkWares 2017-03-26 | This is second video I had made of the Emberlit. Originally I wanted to call it the EmberLite stove but that web domain was already taken, so I went with Emberlit. This video was made just a couple weeks before I announced the stove on youtube and some forums. My wife wanted some S'mores. But it was way to windy to make them outside so I loaded up one of my prototype Emberlit stoves with charcoal and made them inside. I'm feeling a little nostalgic and thought I'd share. We have grown so much since then. Thank you for the past 6 years.
How to make a bamboo Rat Trap - Tilong Rat Trap MerkWares 2017-03-12 | Step by step process of making a bamboo, or "Tilong", rat trap. This is a very effective trap that can be scaled up depending on the target animal. Once made they last a very long time and can be used over and over again. Traditionally made and still used today in SE Asia and the South Pacific.If you'd like me to make you one visit my etsy shop:etsy.com/shop/MadeByMerkSee it in action here: youtu.be/0yWfuuNPhzUSee my video on how to make one from trash:youtu.be/hzmqe8GxnyoWhere I learned how to make this trap:youtube.com/watch?v=rBucs3ephNQ - the original youtube.com/watch?v=JmPBlTXDWJ8youtube.com/watch?v=Gchmu44iLsgvimeo.com/57751667Where I got the bamboo: http://www.bamboogarden.com
Quick Tinder Trick... Flint and Steel MerkWares 2017-02-25 | Just a quick video on two forms of tinder for flint and steel. My favorite charred non-cloth tinder is charred punkwood from a dry rotted cotton wood tree. The other method is using a Inonotus munzii fungus. The fungus does not need to be charred and takes a spark very well. Much thanks to Tom Wax for sharing this method with me.
Collecting Obsidian in Utah MerkWares 2016-08-16 | We went hunting obsidian near Milford, Utah. It turned out to be a great adventure. We found plenty of obsidian for making arrowheads and knives this winter. At least I plan to try.
Range Day 2016 MerkWares 2016-05-15 | Utah Shooters put on a range day. Some 40 vendors were there letting people try their wares. I sooo want a suppressor now. I had a great time with my boy. Nothing but smiles and memories, one cartridge at a time. Now he gets to show off the video to his friends (hence the epic music).
BOB thing 2015... Dogsledding...Need more dogs! MerkWares 2016-03-23 | Finally got around to editing some footage from our Canadian BOB trip Feb 2015. We got to go dog sledding. It really was fun. I just wish they had set me up with a couple more dogs. To watch Norsemans' video of the dogsledding click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwsPS...
Improvised Ice Spud using BOB Fieldcraft Knife. MerkWares 2016-03-21 | Back in 2015 we all made our way to the great white north to gain some cold weather survival experience. In this video we decided to experiment with improvising an ice spud by lashing a BOB Fieldcraft knife to a pole. It worked surprisingly well and did not damage the knife in any way.Norseman: http://www.survivalhardwarellc.comRobert: http://www.practicalsurvivor.comCaleb: http://www.canadianbushcraft.ca
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Magnesium MerkWares 2015-12-10 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Many manufacturers include a magnesium component attached to the ferrocerium rod as a source of tinder. Sometimes this leads to confusing magnesium with ferrocerium. Magnesium is a great tinder when used properly. It burns super hot and is completely waterproof. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Paper MerkWares 2015-12-08 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Paper is actually one of the more difficult tinders to light with ferrocerium... unless you know a couple tricks. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Jute Twine MerkWares 2015-12-07 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Jute is a great tinder for spark based fire lighting. I like to cut it into 6 inch lengths and soak it in wax. However it is pretty much waterproof just by itself. Most plant fibers, as well as Jute, readily ignite and are among the easier tinders available. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Dryer Lint and my Sock MerkWares 2015-12-03 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Dryer lint is the old standby when it comes to tinders loved by ferrocerium rods. However, the dryer isn't the only source of lint. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Cotton in a Straw MerkWares 2015-11-30 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Cotton is readily available. It is also a great tinder for use with ferrocerium rods. I sometimes seal a cotton ball inside of a drinking straw to keep it dry.Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Cotton and Petroleum Jelly MerkWares 2015-11-28 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Cotton balls impregnated with petroleum jelly are a mainstay for wilderness ferrocerium aficionados. Sun, rain, or snow, these little fire boogers burn and they burn for a long time. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Demonstration of the Fig 8 Style of slinging.... The original video. MerkWares 2015-11-28 | This is an ooooooold video. This is the original video I shot for the Slinging.org forums to demonstrate the fig. 8 style of slinging. I apologize for the lack of audio, I'm just happy I managed to transfer it from VHS. Just a quick look at the movement. This method was taught to me by Dr. Noall Wollf from Montpelier, ID about 15 years ago. I mention this because I've never met anyone who knew this technique without having been taught by someone else. This leads me to believe that it is a very old method as it is far less intuitive than any helicopter style slinging method. I've been slinging for about 30 years now and It is still a skill that I've yet to really master.If you want a more in-depth video on what I know about slinging rocks, let me know in the comment section.
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Junk Wood and Debris MerkWares 2015-11-26 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Even terrible tinder such as these moist twigs and debris we found laying in the dirt can be lit with a ferrocerium rod with the right approach.Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Pine Fatwood MerkWares 2015-11-22 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Fatwood is resin impregnated pine and a fantastic, waterproof, all natural, and dependable tinder. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Dry Grass MerkWares 2015-11-21 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Grass burns, and not just in Colorado. Still, it takes a little different technique to get it lit as opposed to flame based methods like matches or a lighter. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Birthday Candle MerkWares 2015-11-19 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Hone your ferro skills with this fun game. Light a birthday candle with a ferrocerium rod and everyone at camp will be compelled to acknowledge your dominance. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: Shredded Bark MerkWares 2015-11-19 | Part of our series on on Ferrocerium Tinder Tricks: using ferrocerium fire starters with natural and man-made tinder.Juniper/Cedar bark is available from the west coast to the east. In addition there are many other types of tree bark that shred easily and make great tinder for fire lighting with a ferrocerium rod. Ferrocerium Rods are available on our website as well as traditional flint and steel and the Emberlit Wood Stove: www.emberlit.com
Introduction to Ferrocerium MerkWares 2015-11-05 | This is an Introduction to Ferrocerium. With some practice Ferrocerium can be a remarkably reliable fire starter. In this video I cover the basics of their use and difference from traditional flint and steel. Watch the whole series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC5A7IsftuIdaLEXmPqKZtuzL4D18l3P1We carry a great ferro rod here on our website: www.emberlit.comMusic from Bensound.com
Sprongs kickstarter Promo MerkWares 2015-08-06 | The project is live. Go here to support us on kickstarter: kickstarter.com/projects/1621478444/sprongs-the-perfect-camp-utensil-for-cooking-and-e
Spearing Carp MerkWares 2015-08-05 | See how I made the spear: youtu.be/iB7rk9K5gZ4We used some homemade spears to pile up some carp. We killed about 40lbs worth of these invasive fish. Filleted them all, and eventually plan to grind it all up and make fish cakes. We shot this footage in late spring. At this time of the year that creek is barely a trickle, and the reservoir it comes from is nearly dry.
Theres a Snake in My Boot! MerkWares 2015-05-15 | I came across this little gopher snake (sometimes called bull snake) while out driving. He was sunning himself right in the middle of the road. I wanted to prevent him becoming roadkill so I picked him up for a ride to a nicer place.
Emberlit Tips and Tricks Vol1 MerkWares 2014-10-25 | Some tips on using your Emberlit in wet weather. www.emberlit.com
