I wrote an article called “Crossover Tools And Applications” where I described my experience of shopping in a beauty supply store and found resources that worked well as survival tools. Similarly I stopped in a pet store and was surprised to find items that could be used for primitive tools and associated projects.

There were elk antler pieces stocked for prairie dog chews that I could use for flint knapping billets and points for pressure flaking. Short to long tendons were stocked as dog chews that could be hydrated and stripped for binding cordage or for stitching thread. Different sized bones were stocked that could be used as tools for digging or as a weapon such as a club or broken into shards for use as projectile points or as a fish gorge. There were also cattle and sheep hooves meant as dog chews that could be used for primitive ornamentation or made into a bell for ceremonies or as a trip line motion alarm. Raw hide sticks (not shown) can be re-hydrated and cut into strips for lashing or for forming knife sheaths.

These are a few suggestions for resource applications. I would love to hear about your applications for these resources or suggestions for other similar resources not mentioned.

During a lunch break you can take a pair of drugstore reading glasses, 2 1/2 power or higher preferred, and head outdoors for a little solar firecraft practice. You can’t really focus on fluff, so pinch the pencil shavings into a tight clump, then focus the lens on it. When smoke appears, blow lightly and keep the focal point on the edge of the new ember to increase it’s size. To stay focused on the same place may just consume that spot and not build. I’ve also used pencil shavings with a light-bulb filament to start a fire. And of course, a ferrocerium stick works great. If you don’t have a sickle style sharpener, try visiting the local flea market or thrift store and start having some fun.