How to Make a Fuzz Stick
A fuzz stick is a small piece of wood which has had slices cut in the sides to create small shavings. Ideally, the shavings should remain attached to the stick, but if they are accidentally removed, that is ok too. Because the shavings are thin, they are easy to ignite. Because they are attached to the larger stick, they in turn ignite the larger host stick.
To make a fuzz stick safely, choose a piece of dry wood, preferably a dry, dead stick from an evergreen. The stick should be about the size of a pencil, or a little little larger.
Place one end of the stick against a firm surface for stability, such as a log or a rock. Next hold the upper end with your left hand, and hold the knife in the right (or the other way around if you are left handed).
Carefully slice into the stick with a downward, diagonal motion, maintaining even pressure. Stop before the knife reaches the center of the stick. Take another slice a little higher up, and repeat until the stick is covered with the slices of “fuzz.” Turn the stick over and make more shavings on the other side.
Having a sharp knife makes the process much easier as does soft wood from an evergreen tree like pine, fir, spruce or hemlock. Always slicing away from your fingers. Think at all times about where the knife blade will go if the shaving breaks off, or the knife slips. Make sure that none of your body parts, friends, or anything valuable are all clear of the blade.
Several fuzz sticks make a good first layer of kindling, positioned atop the tinder. If you are using good dry wood, the fuzz sticks might be all you need to get the fire started.
Choose Wood for the Desired Fire
Conifers (pine, fir, spruce, etc.) or evergreens contain a lot of highly flammable sap, so it burns both hot and quick. Great for starting a fire and for warming up. However, conifers or evergreens do not leave a bed of coals, so these woods are unsuitable for camp cooking.
Most hardwoods will leave a good bed of coals, but hickory, mesquite, and oak, are among the best choices. In BC most trees are evergreens but hardwoods can be found for campfires.
