In this class we will spend 2 days concentrating on only the skill of Fire making. We will teach both Primitive and Modern methods of Fire making in a progression that prioritizes Fire as a Survival tool. Even if you have no experience in more complicated methods we can teach you to become successful and confident when you enter the woods.
2025 Date: March 15th thru 16th
Class Outline will Include:
- Material Selection for Successful Fire making
- Basics of the Physics and Chemistry involved in Fire making
- Properly processing materials for different Ignition methods
- Proper Fire Lays for different situations
- Hand Drill fire making (direct from landscape)
- Bow Drill Fire making (direct from landscape)
- Flint and Steel Fire making and what it is still relevant for everyday use.
- Solar Ignition and choosing the correct lens.
- Proper use of the Ferro-cerium Rod and tricks for the best success
- The versatility of the Bic Lighter and it’s components
- Kit Based Items that can extend flame in an emergency.
Kit Required:
- Knife
- Folding saw
- Pocket knife or SAK
- 2 Bic Lighters
- 1 roll 1” Duct Tape
- 2 Plastic Tent Stakes (Extra)
- 100’ #36 Bank line
- Old cotton T Shirt or cotton scrap 3’x3’
- Camp Gear for one night (Tent/Hammock etc)
- Clothing for conditions and Season
- Poncho
- Stainless Water bottle and Nesting Cup
- Notebook and Pencils
- Medication (prescription only)
- Food and Snacks
- Camp Stove (ISO type)
Meeting Location - Click Here
Cabin Rentals - Click Here
Age Requirements
- You must be 16 yrs or older to attend this class. Any student under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult registered with that class.
If your child is left in camp repeatedly or left alone to be cared for by staff, you may be asked to leave the class.
If you bring a minor that is not your child, you must have a signed Emergency Care Authorization form filled out by that child's parent(s) or legal guardian. Reference your Confirmation email for this document.
Port-a-Pots are located approximately 400 yards from the base camp near the parking area.
Water will be available from jugs located in Base Camp. We continually check the water supply to make sure it is readily available.
We do not allow anyone to remain at camp without an instructor present
If you suffer from a medical condition that requires medication, please bring your prescribed medicines with you. If you undergo surgery or a hospital stay within 30 days of the class, DO NOT attempt this course.
Cancellation Policy - Click Here
About our School:
- Fully Insured
- Red Cross Certified Training Facility
- EMT’s and Paramedic’s on Staff
- AED on Location
- Epinephrine on Location
- Instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid Red Cross Certified
- Low Student to Instructor to create a Pedagogy learning environment.
- Most Instructors either former Military, EMS, or LE
- Dave Canterbury is NASAR Advanced Search and Rescue Certified
- Dave Canterbury is Certified Expert Trapper by Fur Takers of America and a Certified Intermediate Herbalist by the Herbal Academy International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences
- All Instructors are equipped and licensed in HAM radio as well as PLB SAT comms for emergency communications away from classroom area.
- Training area is over 4500 Forested Acres
Disclaimer:
Please make sure you take all gear with you at the end of the class. If gear is left behind, we will not be able to ship it to you, and will be considered abandoned.
Due to property insurance restrictions: There will be no camping on the school property prior to the start of the class or after the classes conclude.
Each class is instructed by highly trained and professional outdoor/wilderness instructors. Each instructor teaches the Pathfinder School system and is authorized by Dave Canterbury. Instructors, including Dave Canterbury, can vary class to class.
Shipping Charges are calculated at checkout.
Within United States:
We offer the following options:
- UPS SurePost
- UPS Ground
- UPS 2DAY
Outside the United States:
Shipping charges DO NOT INCLUDE any duties, taxes, and/or import fees imposed by your country's custom and/or clearance offices.
We offer the following services to most areas:
- DHL Express
- USPS (Canada only)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation? Customer Service is open 9am to 3pm EST Monday thru Friday (we are closed all major holidays)
Do you have a retail store? No, we are online only.
Can I request personal modifications or customizations on a PKS Knife?
We are sorry but no.
What time zone is your sales and promotions based on?
Eastern Standard Time.
Do you offer Rain Checks or Extend Promotional Prices?
No, sale prices are only available during the promotional period.
How do I cancel an order?
To cancel an order please call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time). Once an order has been processed for shipment (meaning a label has been created), it cannot be canceled. Sending an email will not guarantee it will be canceled prior to shipping.
Can I add to an order?
If your order has not started to be processed through our shipping department, you can modify the order. However, you must call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 to make modifications. Once an order has started processing through the warehouse, it cannot be modified, only canceled.
What cards do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay.
Do you accept check or money orders?
Yes, we do. Make checks out to The Pathfinder School, and mail to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203.
If we do not receive your payment within 14 business days, your order will be canceled.
Are orders shipped insured?
Yes, all orders where product total equals $25 or more are shipped insured. For more information about the insurance and claim process, please click here.
How long does it take for an order to ship from the warehouse?
Orders typically take 2 to 5 business days to process through our shipping department. During the holidays or during high-volume order influxes, it may take up to 7 business days. UPS 2-DAY orders will be processed the next business day.
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
Once it leaves our warehouse, it will depend on the shipping option you choose.
What shipping options do you offer domestically?
Economy Shipping
UPS Ground
UPS 2-Day
FedEx Ground.
What international shipping options do you have?
UPS
FedEx
DHL
USPS (Canada ONLY).
To learn how to sign up, earn points, and redeem points, please click here.
Can I send it back for an exchange?
No, but you can send it back for a store gift to use towards your next purchase. Include a copy of your receipt or email confirmation and indicate what you wish to get as a store gift card. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
How will my refund be processed?
Domestic customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
International customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
Refunds on returned merchandise will be processed within 7 business days upon receipt of the returned merchandise.
Can I return an unwanted item?
You may return any unused item (in its original packaging) within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Drop ship items are not returnable. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
What is the warranty on your products?
Most products (except PKS Knives & DIY Blanks) carry a 1-year warranty. View the Pathfinder Promise for our Pathfinder Stainless Steel gear - click here.
Does your PKS DIY Blanks have a lifetime warranty?
No, since they are a DIY item and an unfinished knife, blanks come with a 6-month warranty.
What is the warranty on PKS Knives?
All PKS knives (except DIY blanks) come with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
In this class we will spend 2 days concentrating on only the skill of Fire making. We will teach both Primitive and Modern methods of Fire making in a progression that prioritizes Fire as a Survival tool. Even if you have no experience in more complicated methods we can teach you to become successful and confident when you enter the woods.
2025 Date: March 15th thru 16th
Class Outline will Include:
- Material Selection for Successful Fire making
- Basics of the Physics and Chemistry involved in Fire making
- Properly processing materials for different Ignition methods
- Proper Fire Lays for different situations
- Hand Drill fire making (direct from landscape)
- Bow Drill Fire making (direct from landscape)
- Flint and Steel Fire making and what it is still relevant for everyday use.
- Solar Ignition and choosing the correct lens.
- Proper use of the Ferro-cerium Rod and tricks for the best success
- The versatility of the Bic Lighter and it’s components
- Kit Based Items that can extend flame in an emergency.
Kit Required:
- Knife
- Folding saw
- Pocket knife or SAK
- 2 Bic Lighters
- 1 roll 1” Duct Tape
- 2 Plastic Tent Stakes (Extra)
- 100’ #36 Bank line
- Old cotton T Shirt or cotton scrap 3’x3’
- Camp Gear for one night (Tent/Hammock etc)
- Clothing for conditions and Season
- Poncho
- Stainless Water bottle and Nesting Cup
- Notebook and Pencils
- Medication (prescription only)
- Food and Snacks
- Camp Stove (ISO type)
Meeting Location - Click Here
Cabin Rentals - Click Here
Age Requirements
- You must be 16 yrs or older to attend this class. Any student under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult registered with that class.
If your child is left in camp repeatedly or left alone to be cared for by staff, you may be asked to leave the class.
If you bring a minor that is not your child, you must have a signed Emergency Care Authorization form filled out by that child's parent(s) or legal guardian. Reference your Confirmation email for this document.
Port-a-Pots are located approximately 400 yards from the base camp near the parking area.
Water will be available from jugs located in Base Camp. We continually check the water supply to make sure it is readily available.
We do not allow anyone to remain at camp without an instructor present
If you suffer from a medical condition that requires medication, please bring your prescribed medicines with you. If you undergo surgery or a hospital stay within 30 days of the class, DO NOT attempt this course.
Cancellation Policy - Click Here
About our School:
- Fully Insured
- Red Cross Certified Training Facility
- EMT’s and Paramedic’s on Staff
- AED on Location
- Epinephrine on Location
- Instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid Red Cross Certified
- Low Student to Instructor to create a Pedagogy learning environment.
- Most Instructors either former Military, EMS, or LE
- Dave Canterbury is NASAR Advanced Search and Rescue Certified
- Dave Canterbury is Certified Expert Trapper by Fur Takers of America and a Certified Intermediate Herbalist by the Herbal Academy International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences
- All Instructors are equipped and licensed in HAM radio as well as PLB SAT comms for emergency communications away from classroom area.
- Training area is over 4500 Forested Acres
Disclaimer:
Please make sure you take all gear with you at the end of the class. If gear is left behind, we will not be able to ship it to you, and will be considered abandoned.
Due to property insurance restrictions: There will be no camping on the school property prior to the start of the class or after the classes conclude.
Each class is instructed by highly trained and professional outdoor/wilderness instructors. Each instructor teaches the Pathfinder School system and is authorized by Dave Canterbury. Instructors, including Dave Canterbury, can vary class to class.
Shipping Charges are calculated at checkout.
Within United States:
We offer the following options:
- UPS SurePost
- UPS Ground
- UPS 2DAY
Outside the United States:
Shipping charges DO NOT INCLUDE any duties, taxes, and/or import fees imposed by your country's custom and/or clearance offices.
We offer the following services to most areas:
- DHL Express
- USPS (Canada only)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation? Customer Service is open 9am to 3pm EST Monday thru Friday (we are closed all major holidays)
Do you have a retail store? No, we are online only.
Can I request personal modifications or customizations on a PKS Knife?
We are sorry but no.
What time zone is your sales and promotions based on?
Eastern Standard Time.
Do you offer Rain Checks or Extend Promotional Prices?
No, sale prices are only available during the promotional period.
How do I cancel an order?
To cancel an order please call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time). Once an order has been processed for shipment (meaning a label has been created), it cannot be canceled. Sending an email will not guarantee it will be canceled prior to shipping.
Can I add to an order?
If your order has not started to be processed through our shipping department, you can modify the order. However, you must call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 to make modifications. Once an order has started processing through the warehouse, it cannot be modified, only canceled.
What cards do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay.
Do you accept check or money orders?
Yes, we do. Make checks out to The Pathfinder School, and mail to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203.
If we do not receive your payment within 14 business days, your order will be canceled.
Are orders shipped insured?
Yes, all orders where product total equals $25 or more are shipped insured. For more information about the insurance and claim process, please click here.
How long does it take for an order to ship from the warehouse?
Orders typically take 2 to 5 business days to process through our shipping department. During the holidays or during high-volume order influxes, it may take up to 7 business days. UPS 2-DAY orders will be processed the next business day.
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
Once it leaves our warehouse, it will depend on the shipping option you choose.
What shipping options do you offer domestically?
Economy Shipping
UPS Ground
UPS 2-Day
FedEx Ground.
What international shipping options do you have?
UPS
FedEx
DHL
USPS (Canada ONLY).
To learn how to sign up, earn points, and redeem points, please click here.
Can I send it back for an exchange?
No, but you can send it back for a store gift to use towards your next purchase. Include a copy of your receipt or email confirmation and indicate what you wish to get as a store gift card. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
How will my refund be processed?
Domestic customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
International customers: Refunds (including canceled orders) will be processed by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested.
Refunds on returned merchandise will be processed within 7 business days upon receipt of the returned merchandise.
Can I return an unwanted item?
You may return any unused item (in its original packaging) within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Drop ship items are not returnable. Return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
What is the warranty on your products?
Most products (except PKS Knives & DIY Blanks) carry a 1-year warranty. View the Pathfinder Promise for our Pathfinder Stainless Steel gear - click here.
Does your PKS DIY Blanks have a lifetime warranty?
No, since they are a DIY item and an unfinished knife, blanks come with a 6-month warranty.
What is the warranty on PKS Knives?
All PKS knives (except DIY blanks) come with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
PCI compliant and a Verified Authorize.net Merchant
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, and PayPal
We are American Owned & Operated since 2010
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