Northern Bushcraft: Expanded Edition

If you interested in knife and axe work, this book will show you more than you want to know. The only comment I would give is that it doesn't take into account traditional nautical methods, but that is covered in books of a completely different nature. The woodsmanship sections are pretty good too.

Northern Bushcraft is not a complete "Survival Manual" sort of book, it does not pretend to be an encyclopedia. In format and focus I would most closely compare it to Angier's How to Stay Alive in the Woods, though it is much more focused in its consideration of a smaller number of skills which the author considers critical. The chapters on the safe use of the axe and knife are the best I have ever read and either could stand alone as a separate book. I would call this book a great value in consideration of the gravity of injury which reading it just might prevent, and I believe it of general interest to the wiider audience of outdoor tool users rather than just Northwoods types.

This is a must-have book for all 'serious' wilderness travellers. Goes way beyond the current thinking in politically-correct non-impact camping (neccessary is highly used parks, etc.) and every recent survival manual ('gotta getta gadget to meet any outdoor eventuality'). Clearly presents truly useful information on selecting & fully using the knife, axe & bow saw (do you know how to fell a live wrist-thick tree in less than 1 minute with a 10cm/4" knife?) Also the most complete & accessible explanations of firelighting (with match, flint & steel, and the bowdrill), fire use for heat & cooking, all-season shelters from natural materials. As an outdoor survival instructor I will attest that most survival books are full of BAD even DANGEROUS misinformation; current authors either regurgitate someone else's bad ideas without fully testing the theories or operate under the "well, this idea didn't kill me over the past 24 hours so it must be okay" notion. If you would like to really know how to build a conifer bough lean-to with bed & fire that will keep you sleeping at -40 degrees C/F, buy this book!