COMMENTS FROM 2005 - 2008
Hello Dino;
I just received my thumb loop hand drill. It is almost too nice
to use. On my first try I got a ember to form, my second was even
faster. I think it's even faster than the bow drill I have.
Thank you,
Shannon E.
Fort Bragg, California
Hey Dino;
This summer I will be introducing the drill at Camp Chrysalis
in the Sierras.
Naturally,
David S.
El Cerrito, California
Dear Mr. Dino Labiste,
Thank you so much for sending me the kit.
Unfortunately, however, I couldn't succeed in making fire with it . . . . Smoke started to come out soon after 2 or 3 seconds, but couldn't maintain twirling the spindle bit for as long as it was necessary to make a fire. Guess I lack the strength needed for the job (am I getting old or what?). I felt a twinge of jealousy when a younger friend of mine succeeded on his second trial!!! (So it shows there's nothing wrong with your kit; the problem is with my physical strength!)
As to the hearthboard, I was quite surprised at its excellent quality: it's so light and produces lots of spindle powder with ease (am not sure from where the powder comes from, but am assuming that it mainly is produced from the hearthboard).
Anyway, I did have lots of fun with it and am surely going to try it again and again, until I succeed in making fire with it!!!!!
Thank you, again, for your kindness.
Best wishes,
Masaaki M.
Tokyo, Japan
Got it last night. Cool! Thanks. Got a little blister and got lots of smoke and punk but no coal yet. I'll keep hard at it.
Darren B.
Madison, Wisconsin
For years, I've attempted to demonstrate the creation of fire-by-friction
utilizing traditional techniques. I have practiced until I had
blisters upon my blisters. However, due to my small hands and
physical stature, I was able to produce heat and smoke, but never
fire. However, with the Thumb Loop Hand Drill, I am now capable
of producing enough downward force to create the ember which can
then be blown into a fire. Besides finding a lot of personal satisfaction
in my accomplishment, it has made my demonstrations much more
effective and memorable. Instead of just talking about the process
and producing smoke, I can actually make fire! The thumb loop
method enables more of us to be successful and will save many
hands from blisters!
Cindy T. (Park Naturalist)
Sunol, California
Hello Dino;
I received the Thumb Loop Hand Drill and it is "beautiful".
I hope that is a good enough word for the set.
This is all new to me, but I'm learning more all the time. I have not used it yet. I'm waiting for next when I will be spending some time with my nephew in the pine barrens of New Jersey, showing him how to call down the sun.
Thanks again,
Mark B.
Maplewood, New Jersey
Dino;
. . . . Incidently, I have been wanting to thank you for the amazingly
clever and beautiful thumb loop hand drill I ordered from you
sometime back. It's a work of art and a tribute to the pride and
affection you show in producing such a fine quality article. It
was far beyond my expectation. I haven't gotten a fire with it
yet, but I'm working on it. I think the atmosphere is too damp
at present for me to coax a fire. I'm waiting for the humidity
to drop and a drying east wind. . . .
Thanks,
Andy B.
Ojai, California
Dear Mr. Labiste;
I wanted to take some time to tell you that I recieved, just the
other day, the hand drill I ordered and was able to twirl up an
ember within the first few tries. As soon as the callouses on
my hands grow thicker I'll make the jump to trying to use the
hand drill without the thumb loops. Let me compliment you on your
craftmanship. I'm thinking that soon I'll want to decorate the
drill somewhat. . . .
Once again let me thank you for the wonderful work you are doing and let you know that you've help to push my [primitive skills] interests further along.
All good medicine,
Michael L.
North Hollywood, California
I got it today, it works great. I got fire on the second attempt.
And now the blisters start in earnest.
Doug N.
Macon, Georgia
COMMENTS FROM 2013
I wanted to thank you for the fire drills. They are tools and works-of-art!
Both my father and I were very impressed with the workmanship and appreciated the listing describing various woods to use. Since he lives in the mid-west, scoping out local wood sources has given him a good project. He was successful with a fire.
I recently banged my shoulder in aikido and have not had the opportunity to use the drill as yet, though I am eager.
Thank you,
Mark H.
Eugene, Oregon
Dino. I received your hand drill & after I admired your incredible craftsmanship I took it outside & spun an ember the 1st time in under 30 seconds. Perfect length for drill & loops & very comfortable. I hope to have this drill for years. Thx again Dino.
Yea man!!!
Andy B.
Brampton, Ontario
Canada
COMMENTS FROM 2015
Aloha Dino!
As usual it took one extra day for the package to get here. Received it Monday. Had my first fire within an hour. Took me two tries. First try I was losing too much dust around the lip of the hole. Adjusted the notch and on the second try . . . Bam! Fire! Love it. It was easier than I had anticipated.
Nice craftsmanship . . .Very nice.
Thanks Dino!
Paul S.
Kamuela, Hawaii
© KAHIKO Arts 2015