FEATHER STICK Meaning and
Definition
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A feather stick, often referred to as a fuzz stick or feathered firestick, is a widely employed bushcraft technique used to start a fire, primarily in emergency survival situations or outdoor adventures. It involves fashioning a wooden stick with thin, feather-like shavings to increase its surface area, facilitating faster ignition when exposed to a spark or flame.
To create a feather stick, a seasoned, relatively dry stick is selected. One end of the stick is finely carved using a knife, producing thin, elongated shavings attached to the stick like feathers on a bird's wing. This carving technique aims to expose the dry inner fibers of the wood while maintaining a substantial base for easier handling. The resulting fuzz or feathery appearance increases the stick's flammability as it catches fire more readily and creates a larger flame.
Feather sticks are particularly valuable in damp or wet conditions where it is challenging to ignite firewood directly. They serve as ideal kindling, as the ignited feathered shavings can be transferred to a pile of leaves, twigs, or other combustible materials, promoting the growth and spread of a fire. Furthermore, they can also be used to dry out other damp tinder, aiding the process of fire starting.
The art of creating feather sticks, therefore, falls under the purview of wilderness survival skills and bushcraft techniques, allowing individuals to utilize their surroundings resourcefully, overcome adverse weather conditions, and increase their chances of starting a fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling purposes.
Etymology of FEATHER STICK
The word "feather stick" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is a compound word comprised of the nouns "feather" and "stick".
1. Feather: The term "feather" originates from the Old English word "fether", which dates back to the 9th century. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fethrō" and is related to words in other Germanic languages such as German "Feder" and Dutch "veer". The original meaning of "feather" referred to the plumage or outer covering of a bird.
2. Stick: The word "stick" comes from the Old English word "sticca", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stikkô". It is related to words in other Germanic languages such as German "Stück" and Dutch "stuk".
