Feather sticks

A feather stick is a branch shaved into thin curls that stay attached — tinder you carry already made, stuck to a handle.

How to cut one

hold the stick    brace the tip on a log, knife away from you
cut long          long, thin curls, not chips
keep them on      leave the curls attached at the base
make a handful    a dozen curls catch in seconds

Why it matters

Once you can cut a good feather stick, every fire gets easier. It's the single skill that separates people who stay warm from people who get cold.