The bow drill is an ancient and primitive method of starting fire without matches or a lighter. It consists of a bearing block or handhold, a spindle, a hearth board or fire board, and a simple bow. It’s a method that applies friction to generate heat. The heat eventually produces an ember in the burnt wood dust. The ember is tiny and fragile. Once it is formed it is carefully placed into a "tinder bundle" commonly called as a bird's nest where it is carefully nurtured and coaxed into flame. Once the tinder bundle bursts into flame, it is placed into the fuel that has been assembled ready for ignition.

These Fire Boards are made from Cedar, Sotol and Cottonwood. You get to try all three types of wood as a hearth board. They are processed by hand. Because of their low ignition point, I've found that it's very easy and fast to make an ember with them. When using Cedar, Sotol, or Cottonwood, prepare for success in creating a coal with the bow drill method.

About your Cedar and Sotol Fire Boards: