Image of fatwood before carved.
The Fatwood
About
What is Fatwood?
Fatwood, also known as “pine knots” or “pitch pine ” is found anywhere there are pine trees growing.
Fatwood is the resinous remains of a pine tree that has died. You probably have heard of pine tar, which is a by-product that has been used throughout history to preserve and waterproof all types of items.
Outdoorsmen refer to fatwood as a survival wood because it will light with any spark, even when wet, and burns long and hot. . .It’s nature's fire starter.
I explain fatwood to everyone like this: If you have ever bent a nail hammering it into a 2x4...that’s a pine knot.
Generally, a pine tree takes 100-150 years to grow to its maturity and can live up to 500 years. Then, one day, it dies and falls over. All the resin runs to the heart of the tree, its stump, and also the base of all branches (pine knots).
Then, lying on the forest floor, it will take up to another 100-150 years give or take to decay to the point where the only thing is left is the Fatwood.
Where do I find Fatwood?
The Fatwood I find and use is mostly found buried in forest floor. I will hike areas with large pines and fire cuts looking for mounds or knots sticking out of ground.
I probe the ground with my walking stick until I hit something hard and then dig it out. I will usual leave the wood out in he forest to dry if it’s been dug out and come back on a later day. I have piles of Fatwood all over the forest.