EASY DOES IT

5 PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD QUICKLY WITH A KNIFE AND A STICK

- REUBEN BOLIEU

I am a firm believer that in the school of the woods, simple is better. I’d rather make it than take it. Here are five projects to try out next time you want to get some dirt time and create something useful.

1. GRILL

A grill made from sticks is one of the most useful and easy camp kitchen implements that’s fun to make. Utilizing green wood from a freshly blown down tree, a thicket of witch hazel, willow, or alder, procure a branch with a natural Y. Thin and springy is what we’re looking for, and if it has three separate branches like a trident, it makes it easier.

These parts should be thin enough to tension cut with a sharp knife by bending the branch/ sapling and placing the blade at a 45-degree angle. Cut it by rocking the blade firmly against the fibers until it cuts through. If any, I try to trim the smaller offshoots and leaves and join the two Y pieces to form a hoop by entwining them. Friction should keep them together; however, natural cordage can be used.

If the branch does not have a natural middle piece (like a trident), use another stick wedged in the middle. Using thin sticks or a larger piece that has been split, start inserting sticks alternating, going over and under the middle piece. All pieces need to be green for this project. NOTE: This type of grill is better for cooking over coals than an open flame. Do not use oleander.

2. WOODEN MAUL