I just watched a bunch of try stick videos that were so boring… I almost took a nap.
So let’s fix that.
In this video, I break down how to make a try stick the right way—clear, practical, and actually useful.
A try stick isn’t just a carving project… it’s a test of your knife skills.
I walk through 10 essential notches and techniques that directly apply to real-world survival:
• Beaver Chew
• Chamfering
• Tri-End
• V-Notch
• Square Notch
• Seven Notch
• Bail Notch
• Round Reduction
• Drilling
• Bow Drill Divot
These aren’t just for practice—they translate into building shelters, making containers, traps, and improving fire craft.
I also use hard maple instead of softer woods to show what these techniques look like under more demanding conditions.
For this test, I used my Predator HD knife to demonstrate an important point:
In survival, you don’t always get the perfect tool—you use what you have.
Most instructors recommend specialized carving knives, but skill and experience matter more than gear alone.
Whether you’re testing a new knife, building real skills, or just looking for a solid project to do with your kids, this is one of the best ways to improve your capability.
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