Writing with charcoal pencils

Make Your Own Charcoal Pencils

Welcome to your exclusive bushcraft instructions, created for Victorinox by bushcraft expert Mike Pullen. Below, you’ll find the full video tutorial, detailed step-by-step guidance, and a downloadable PDF – ideal for crafting at your own pace, whether outdoors or at home.

Prefer carving? Learn how to carve your own wooden yo-yo with a Swiss Army Knife™.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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STEP 1 Cut a straight stick about 2 cm in diameter into pieces roughly 7–8 cm long.

STEP 2 Use the blade to carve a pointed tip on one end of each piece.

STEP 3 Place the sticks inside a small metal tin suitable for use on a fire.

STEP 4 Use the reamer to make a small hole in the lid so gases can escape safely.

STEP 5 Set the tin on the edge of hot coals, not directly in the flames.

Let the fire do the work.

STEP 6 Leave the tin on the coals for about 10–15 minutes. Thick smoke will appear at first.

STEP 7 When the smoke becomes thin and wispy, remove the tin from the heat.

STEP 8 If flames appear, briefly block the hole and move the tin slightly away from the fire.

STEP 9 Allow the tin to cool completely before opening.

STEP 10 Carve the charcoal sharper for fine lines or flatter for shading.

Want to keep it for later?

Get the PDF version to save or print – ideal for carving on the go.

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