spruce root friction fire

[treefrog]

When I was a kid I recall using a spruce root and another piece of wood to make a friction fire. More specifically,
I don't remember actual flames, although it may have happened, but at least there was smoke and ember.
I would stand on a stout piece of branch, say 2 inch diameter, hook a length of spruce root under said stick,
then pull up on either end of the root alternately to create the friction. Don't recall if I learned this somewhere
or just happened upon it; anyone ever tried this method or seen it done?

[Bernie]

I have seen it done on a video someone made. I'll see if I can find it...

:( Can't find it.

[AdrianRose]

It sounds very much like a primitive fire lighting technique called "Fire Thong" to me.

Seriously, it's not a joke name. Mainly used these days with Rattan due to its durability and flexibility but I see no reason why it wouldn't work with a spruce root.

Hope this helps.

Ade.

[JEEP]

"Fire Thong" - sounds like an 80s female wrestler :p

[GaryBeaner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uktK0098Srw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnLByXGO8o

Does this look a little, slightly, vaguely familiar?

[Metal mug]

"Fire Thong" - sounds like an 80s female wrestler :pIt'd be an even better username. :) On topic, it sounds a great firelighting method.

[treefrog]

I knew I could count on you guys to come up with something. Thanks, Gary, those videos were really interesting.
When we were messing around doing it as kids we never put much thought to the science of it, it was just cool
to see the smoke. Must try this again to see if spruce root is in fact a viable tool. Any thoughts on what type of wood
might be best for the board?