Cutting bamboo

[Digby]

Bamboo is a great material for improvising structures. What is the best way to cut it without cutting yourself?

[Scott]

You are going to need a decent parang/machete check out www.valiantco.com (http://www.valiantco.com) This is the most dangerous tool used in the outdoors because of the length of the blade so you are going to need to know how to use it properly before setting out.

[Ollie]

Any reccomendation on how to learn?

[Scott]

Well like with everything, it's easier to learn if you are shown it. I seem to remember a parang demonstration on tv recently I can't remember where though let me get back to you.

[grummit]

there is a demo on one of the ray mears dvd;s be careful it is not under tention as it can explode and shatter with some nasty splinters :)

[Ollie]

Explode!?!?

[Scott]

Yeah that's it grum Ray Mears Bushcraft series 1, there's abit on parangs in the rainforest episodes and more in the extras on the dvd (not available on video)

[Superslogger]

Marmot's exploding compression sacks, now exploding bamboo! It's a dangerous world!

[Marmot]

You should never try and snap bamboo by bending, or by hitting across your knee, bamboo splinters are dangerous and can cause serious, serious injury. I was speaking to one of the coolest guides in South east asia - called Henry, and he said that most of the injurries he has to deal with when he takes people out trekking are due to the hazzards of bamboo.

When using a parang the most important thing to remember is that if you miss the target on a swing, that all body parts are out of the way.

[Ollie]

I was speaking to one of the coolest guides in South east asia - called Henry, and he said that most of the injurries he has to deal with when he takes people out trekking are due to the hazzards of bamboo.

Remarkable. Sod all the supposedly dangerous creatures and creepy crawlies - it's the bamboo you have to look out for!! :eek:

[David]

Don't throw it into the fire either (more explosions!). As far as I can remember you need to cut down across it at an angle (if it is standing) or like you are using an axe if is laying down.

[carbon]

just take care really...shards can be razor sharp.The husks at the base of bamboo stems can carry small stinging hairs that can be very irritable and annoying.Just have a good sharp blade.