Wilderness Survival - Fire

Favored by hand drill practitioners because it allows your upper-body weight to bear down onto the spindle.

[Speaking of pressure, I performed hand drill (Mule Fat on Sotol) a few times on a doctor’s scale to measure the downward pressure necessary to generate an ember. Using the regular technique—7.8lbs. Using solely the floating method—4.4 lbs.]
 

Although it takes more exertion to generate an ember in this position, some folks (like myself) find this more comfortable.

Notice how the “working end” of the spindle nestles into a pre-drilled socket (carved by a stone knife or quartz crystal-tipped hand drill). The removed wedge provides a place for the char, or disintegrated wood powder, to accumulate.

These two photos illustrate the fluid, alternating, U-shaped motions that the hands perform in order to sustain spindle-rotation—which may result in quicker ember formation.

The miracle of friction fire reveals itself. Transfer this fire-egg to a tinder nest and hatch it into flame.