Dave Canterbury “Bushcraft – Everything depends on the equipment”

In dialog with Bushcraft and Survival expert Dave Canterbury

The right attitude is what counts when it comes to Bushcraft and Survival

Whether Bushcraft beginner or advanced: Those who want to experience outdoor adventures need a feel for nature, a good grasp, and some manual skills. Where can I set up my camp and how can I build a permanent shelter? How do I live with my natural environment and what equipment do I need? These are the key questions that come with an original Bushcraft experience. It’s an advantage if you’re already mentally prepared for it, as Dave Canterbury confirms. He’s often asked the question about how he understands Bushcraft and what matters in nature.

Petromax: When you are interested in the history and techniques of the Bushcraft, you will often come across the term “Woodcraft”. What’s it all about?

Dave Canterbury: I am often asked this question. […] When Richard Graves wrote his book “BUSHCRAFT” in 1973, he wrote it against the background of his position as an Australian Air Force Survival Trainer. The term was therefore probably inspired by his homeland, as the Australian outback is also known as The Bush. Originally, Bush Craft describes the manual production of utensils from natural resources of its environment and in the best case […] with only one source tool. […] on the other hand, in the American English, the term “Woodcraft” is used. The techniques were taught at the scouts and several tools (knife, axe, saw, etc.) are used and taken on planned stays in nature. […] Both directions apply techniques of track reading, botany, fire making, shelter building […], trapping, etc. The difference is that one [Bushcraft, PX] is based on a survival situation and the other [Woodcraft, PX] is based on planned excursions. […] The term Bushcraft is now generally used, although according to Graves the original idea today probably goes more in the direction of survival. […]“

Reliable equipment for Bushcraft

Petromax: What tool has literally helped you out of a tight spot before?

Dave Canterbury: My Swiss Army Knife is my constant companion. […] Once I was out and about in uninhabited woodland. Since it was only planned as a day trip, I didn’t pack much equipment, not even my Survival Knife. I had walked too far into the forest and it was already dark. So, I had to set up an improvised camp in the wilderness. With my Swiss Army Knife, I could build a shelter and – together with a stick flint – light a warming fire.

Petromax: Which equipment to you use the most?