I have lost a lot of sleep the past few nights watching your videos. I am 69 and I have wanted to do what you are doing all my life. Now I am too old but I think you and your family is on the right track. God Bless and good luck with every thing you do

In no way am I trying to speak for Cody, but I keep seeing people commenting about how, "Power tools would be quicker." or "Time is money." "Chainsaw would make quick work of that." etc etc... It's true, power tools would make it quicker. Some people even enjoy creating things with them. But I believe the point with this, is Cody isn't trying to get it done quickly. He's not trying to knock this out, and move on to the next job. This is a labor of love. He may, and I could be completely wrong, is also not busting up the peace of the forest with a chainsaw's roar. He's likely not close enough to an outlet to run cords so he'd have to have a generator running, (even one of those MOST EXCELLENT Honda generators I've seen him using make some noise, lol) and electric saws scream and whine too. While doing that job the way he is by hand with hand powered tools, he's doing so many things, I'm sure I'll miss some but I'll try... He's learning the uses of those tools in the event he should suddenly NOT HAVE the option of power tools. He's creating something with the power of his body and his skill, for the benefit of himself, and that of his family. So much more rewarding than working for a paycheck. Like he often says he's likely marveling at the creations of his God. How many of us can say we get to experience the peace that Cody likely got to feel when honest labor met with beautiful location in a peaceful way? Sharing with all of us, his ideals, knowledge and hopes for a better world than the one we're currently on track to leave behind. Sorry if I overstepped myself, or if I'm completely off, but sometimes I just don't know how folks miss the point.

I just came across this channel and there is something about this video that gives me the most calming sense. Something about the note of the axe hitting the lumber, the tools and operators abilities to gracefully work with no complaint. The sight of the wood chips gathering on the grass, it's almost like you can smell the cool wind in the video. I'm not sure why I even came across this but I'm glad that I did. There is just something about it, something right.

I'm not sure if you read comments, especially on an older video, but you have touched me in you approach to life, and the way you view things. You have helped me keep my respect for tools, and helped me see them as tools, not weapons. I appreciate you not keeping your faith hidden and being proud of it. You have helped me learn skills associated with becoming a man, and helped me keep a simpler view on life. Thanks for everything you do

The sound the wood was making whilst sawing at 8:00 reminded me of my grandmother, she always said that was the wood talking to you, it was asking what it was going to be made into, what new purpose it's life was to fulfill and it asked to not be wasted away for its life was not yet over but only starting a new. Love the videos as always -Miss you granny, we will meet again soon.

Basics is truly needed among so many. To many people have forgotten or have never experienced the frosty morning air, the rich aroma of fresh cut fir or pine, the newly rising sun over a mountain, or the way a good pair of boots feel as you start on a days work. They've traded it for all the trash on tv, or a run at the "big time". I believe God placed us on this earth, aside from glorifying Him, to truly enjoy what he has created for us. Thanks for the inspiration Cody, God bless brother!

Your preparation for felling the tree tells so much about you, and your approach to tasks and life. You check the area for other people (and the dog?), you check above for hazards, you test your footing, check the length of the stroke. You get yourself set, both physically and mentally, without rush, and THEN you take the first swing. Lovely. Thank you.

Cody, your videos are truly a work of art. Years ago i was just another fat kid who passed the bible off as a hoax, playing violent video games for hours on end eating fast food. But now i am in the shape of my life thanks to you and other channels. And its not just about my health, it so much deeper than that. Unlike most kids in high school my age, i am truly happy. I have answered the call of Nature and through it have become a reader and believer in the Holy Bible, new and old testaments. Ive learned how to use my old american and swedish axes through trial end error. As well as taken the new art of traditional building skills under my belt of growing wisdom. Ive grown crops, learned to ride horses, and have taken up the spirit my Grandfather left behind for me of "If your going to do it, do it right, and always have something to be doing." It is thanks to you that i have been saved from the sinful life so many teenagers take nowadays spending 500 dollars on iPhones. But i digress. Thank you cody. I mean it sir, i thank you from the pit of my heart for taking YOUR time to make these videos for me and other young or older men who seek the light. You saved me cody. THANK YOU

The back to basics series truly speaks to the heart of what I loved so much about this channel. We all grow in life. We all change. It is great to see the Wranglerstar channel grow and change, but this series makes me think of the holidays. It makes me think of the woods. It makes me happy.

With some searching, I believe this song to be "Enemy" by Jesca Hoop.

Nicely done. While our generation has lost many skills, we also have gained many that didn't exist 30-40 years ago. Your channel is a prime example. The opportunity to share your belief, and your skills with some 60+K subscribers would have been improbable 40 years ago. Anyway, I hope you are building the cabin again.

I truly enjoyed your video, as always. I really just envision myself out there with you then kick back, relax and take it all in! Really a highlight to my day and can hardly wait to see what you'll be doing next!

This is a work of art. No unnecessary words, fancy lighting/camera work. Just a man out in the woods doing what humans should be doing.

Decided to start rewatching all the old videos, because now getting close to buying my land finally, doing what ya'll are.

Cody, your channel is an inspiration to me. Especially your axe videos and diy projects. I found a nice Collins double bit head and a Kelly Works Michigan pattern axe at a flea market. Using your knowledge as a guide I restored them. They are now prized possessions that I will give to my sons. May God continue to bless you and your family.

These videos remind me of my dad. He's a forester, I was able to watch him from time to time use an axe and other various logging/forestry tools. It was pretty neat to see how efficient an experienced person can be with manual tools like that.

Wow I found this... I was stunted in my development to knowing the world by being sheltered in my young age. Then rebelled in my teens and was lost in early adult hood.. I'm in my early 30's now. And I'm sad I'm just finding you. This video was absolutely amazing. Thank you for bringing me here.

i was bought up in the city and never seen stuff like this - great video. shared

Nice to see an old video. I was here back then. I’ve been a fan of this channel for a long time. I’ve learned a lot from Cody and can relate to a lot of his stuff being an outdoorsmen and in the trades. I hope his success continues

My Dad was a machinist. Sharpening things by hand he was real good. He only had one axe. And it was one both sided or double bit axe. Thanks for the memories

I really enjoyed this video Cody, more videos like this please. I like your other material as well, but videos like this would have to be my favorite. I've always enjoyed your forestry,axe, and boot care videos.But the thing I really love about the WS channel is the variety of videos.From removing the trans in a Cat TD20 ,changing the ball joints on your f-250, hiking Mt St. Helens, to just having fun with Jack.

I find these back to basics videos refreshing. I enjoy making furniture using older hand tools and no sand paper. Time well spent Sir!

I love to see how they used to do stuff before modern tools were available. Its good to know you can still harvest wood with out gasoline if you must. It looks like super great exercise too. Thanks for showing. When a guy built a cabin he really put a lot of his self into it. I like the wood piece at the end to help separate the wood for the saw. Any time you want to save gasoline and get some exercise you can do this for fun. Now all you need is a mule to to drag the logs home.

I really only watch Wraglerstar because I enjoy it so much. Keep it up.

my grandfather used to cut firewood with a crosscut saw for profit with his father and brother they switched to chainsaws as soon as reliable ones came out. even then he was keeping the saws sharp and running along with maintaining a few cat crawler tractors constantly. he was only like 13 or 14. he was also their best mechanic. oh how times have changed.

There is something soothing about the rhythmic working of a woodsman. Well done!

Thank you for all your hard work putting these kinds of videos together. They are a pleasure to watch.

does anyone else love the sound of the tools and the bark crackling?

Re: your freezing water problem: as mentioned below turn your container upside down because the frost starts at the top. Also, have a wide mouth container so you can poke something through the frozen crust to get at the unfrozen water. Starting with warm water and an insulating cover will also help some. Eventually you will end up with a frozen bottle and that is no good. Better to put a lanyard on it and keep it inside one of your outer layers. Radiant heat and your constant movement will help prevent freezing. Have a well sealing container however because getting wet at those kind of temperatures can be dangerous.

I absolutely love your videos Cody. Can't wait to see what you are making. Thanks for sharing.

I have recently finished reading a book called "The Village Carpenter" by Walter Rose. Not fiction. It is a short book written by a man who was a village carpenter his whole life in the 1800s and he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He talks about the very same subjects as you, and even then he was lamenting the loss of skills and techniques which when he was learning them were already centuries old. He does say however that he never met a sawyer (working in a traditional saw pit) who wanted to go back to the days of cutting every plank, board and even veneer by hand in a pit with two men and a saw!

Hey Wrangler, I remember you talking about that book 'Back to Basics', and while browsing through a used book store, I found one for $1! I took it to the register and the man volunteering there smiled and said, 'That's a really good book. Good to know that people are still interested in learning how to do work.'

Cody, The camera angels you use make the videos so fun to watch. I have been a subscriber for awhile now, and your filming skills have much improved!

This is my 3rd time watching through "Back to Basics" and it never gets old!

I think the last 15 years have been rough. Western countries more or less stopped making things altogether and this led to, or co-incided with people adopting a consumer mindset rather than a creative or industrious one. I think its coming back - weirdly, via a platform that is very much modern - the internet. Its coming full circle. We all ran off about 15 years ago and got lost in the conveinience of it all - never to be bored again! But lots of guys are getting called back outdoors now through little bits here and there found on the net - like your channel.

I appreciate how well you care for your tools. Now, all you need is a pair of draft horses to complete the totally off grid (after the collapse) image. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed watching. Brum

FANTASTIC, wow what a great video! Thank you so much for sharing, can't wait to see the next one.

Finally a video with all of these tools we've been seeing all put to use at once! I've been fascinated with these types tools and techniques for some time now. Ever since I picked up the book "The Old Ways Of Working Wood" by Alex W. Bealer several years ago, my interest in learning more has been peaked. Thanks a lot for the videos dude. Some of us get a lot out of them.

Thanks a lot. Pulling out that one man Bucky tooth made my hands hurt. We used it for fence posts. Then split them. Sharpen them. Dig the post hole. Drive the post, keeping it plumb. Then string the wire. You'll have to excuse me now. I'm tired. Thanks again.

Very inspiring. You have made me go out to the woods and work hard to be a productive young man.

I totally agree...my parents and grandparents had many life skills that I wish I had today. They could fix 90% of everything that ever broke around the home, grew thier own food and knew how to cure hams and can vegetables. My Father built our family home. He literally wore out two Plumb brand hammers in his lifetime and carpenty wasn't even his profession. Now If I go to grocery store and bank in same day I need a nap! I really enjoy your channel and my skills are improving. Thanks

love it. I'm a big proponent of hand tools. The sound and feel of working with them is second to none -- very 'zen' kinda feeling.

I'm finally watching this series and love it. Great work.

Take heart in knowing that you are showing a younger generation the knowledge that we had lost.

army trick I learned. store your canteens/water bottles upside down, so when they freeze you can turn them right side up and drink still. also keep them closer to your body.

Great work on the log dogs Cody! Refreshing to see some proper old school methods. God Bless!

I would watch honest hard working videos like this one anytime ! Man and his tools … nothing more to be said

Everything about this video was so amazing and well put together I really appreciate your content.

Have binged on your videos for about eight hours looking for advice on a hatchet for bushcraft I am beginning a journey back to the out doors love your videos if you ever get tired of any of those great tools send one my way lol

I approve of the music choice

Wow, I love that hand saw. The cuttings look more like grated cheese than sawdust. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for one of these saws I can restore, I would love to have one.

Good stuff. Went from ‘Back to Basics to sadly ‘Amazon Basics®️

OMG that saw was moving through that log like a hot knife to butter. I may have missed one but I think that was the first time I've seen it used since you posted the vid of its clean up. Its beautiful.

thank you so much for sharing this. we have a saying in my country: "this goes right to the soul's house" roughly translated :) thank you again, and keep up with the great videos, I've been watching a lot of your videos which are awesome! best of wishes and good luck!

Aa kid my grandfather, a woodsman like yourself; taught me to use a one of those old misery whips. One thing he always stressed was to always take the bark off around your cut to help keep the saw sharper longer.

This music is so haunting. Plus you create some excellent images on film. Well done.

Out of over 200 channels that I am subscribed to, this one is definitely the most interesting.

you are absolutely right on that one. Some of this has to do with the world we live in I am fortunate enough to be retired at a early enough age where I can take the time to do things in the manner that I want.. I also thought you may be interested there was a elderly man in my town that use to mow an old grave yard a couple times a year with a hand scythe. When he was done it look like a lawn. Not one blade of grass was left around a stone or post and he never hit one

This is beautiful. Could you make a longer version please? I've watched it three times already. :D

I really do enjoy seeing how it "use to be done". I'm a city slicker so I don't have the chance to do some of the things you do. I'm living vicariously through you. Also, your video production has really started to shine with the thoughtful camera angles, etc. I really enjoyed being attached to the tree when it fell.

There is no better feeling in there world, than the water break after some good ole fashioned work.

Great video . Thats how I did it for a year and 1/2 in 1972 when i got out of the service , the axe and crosscut saw cutting and selling fire wood to support my family until i could get a chainsaw.

Loved it, as a boy I spent many a day playing in an old shed with many hand tool that belonged to my grandfather and great grandfather. With the progression from forestry and milling to the oil boom a generation of knowledge was lost and the race for the almighty dollar began. Anyway my parents generation did their best to assure their children were to have a better life and after the passing of these old timers so died the knowledge. So sad, I don't blame them (my parents) it's just what seemed the right way to them. What I'd give to have a few tools from my grandparents generations, my parents saw no use for them and got rid of them. Ok, official ramble, I love these videos.  Whit

I loved the whole concept behind this video. Great job Cody!

you have a real knack with cinematography! love the close ups and detail shots emphasizing technique. your vids are more like documentaries of 'how it's done' or 'how it's made'. thanks very much for sharing your time with us.

Simple video.......other than the falling tree cam. I am assuming it was attached to the tree kind of a cool perspective, great idea. I am enjoying your projects quite a bit. Thanks for all the great information.

This video makes me want to cut down a tree just to really feel the workout on my back. I want my kids to grow up learning to appreciate the satisfaction of hard work.

Something really enjoyable about watching this.

Great vid- nice sheaths for the tools from different materials. Thanks for posting your channel is a great resource

This is my favorite Wranglerstar series.

Great video Cody I wish more people would have a willingness to not lose the old ways

I really like these Back to Basic's video's. Keep them coming.

Absolutely fantastic to see your ingenuity and mind in action!

Great video and well said- hope you're all staying warm. It's been pretty chilly down in Portland at night, can't imagine how low it gets up in your neck of the woods.

this way you can actualy enjoy much more being outside in the woods and work itself...love it

Its Friday evening the start of the Sabbath for us and this video was such a nice way for it to begin. A gentle, well filmed video that reminds us that the old ways nourish the mind body and spirit.

Same work I do daily as a young man, it's a nice soundtrack and enjoyable to watch.

We gotta get +Wranglerstar a team of mules. Imagine what he'd do!

i really like these types of videos when you're working in the forest and do it the old way

Great video. The music was wonderful to work to.

these are the videos that set you apart. i see improvement in the production of your videos on a weekly basis. thanks cody

The song is Enemy by Jesca Hoop for those interested.

Good informative video. I love the videos about living and working on your homestead using basic hand tools.

I remember my first tree I cut. No gloves. Blisters for days. Can’t wait to share with my son.

What you did right at the end with that chip, looks like you were going to use that as a wedge. I was splitting wood at my folk's place just the other day again with only my felling axe. I couldn't seem to get far with one chunk in particular so I used a long slim wedge like chip and pounded it in to split. Mighta been along with a little curiosity too but it worked well.

Just beautiful. Looking forward to the next one!

Cody, I may be wrong but it looks like you are getting set up to start hand hewing. Giving your passion for wood working, old tools and old ways of doing things I have had a feeling that it may be coming soon. As a hewer, I would love to see your approach to this . Your recent uploads have been great, keep up the good work.

Wranglerstar, big fan here. I have a lot of respect for your way of life and all the effort that goes into the channel and your traditional woodworking methods, etc. You seem to have achieved a level of harmony with your family, tools, and environment that is lacking from most people. I too would very much like to turn back the clock and live in a simpler more honest time but am grappling with certain intellectual contradictions. As much as I do like the traditional tools and methods, I'm unable to justify them in the fast paced world we live in. Two lessons that have never failed me in life are 1. Dont be wasteful. 2. Everything in moderation. Not being wasteful applies to everything from food, to supplies, but most importantly time. Do you see the contradiction? I would love to pursue older tools and methods but at the same time think they're not time efficient. The time involved with honing those crafts and the extra time it takes to complete the tasks strikes me as wasteful and a violation of one of my lifelong lessons. Another issue I have is the contradiction of using older tools and methods whilst using all the other modern technology. I use a car, a computer, electricity, running water, etc, etc. So where does one draw the line. It seems silly to use old methods while using all the modern technology we have side by side. Unless of course its a hobby but thats something entirely different. Anyway just curious about your input into these thoughts. Thanks.

mrsargemeister,  I would imagine, that this time of year, Cody has his winter's wood cut. His garden tucked in until spring, and all other preparations required for a Pac-North West winter well in hand. I'm fairly confident in saying that this project is very much a "Hobby" if that's what you need to refer to it as. How many videos has Cody talked about how he and Mrs. W-star intentionally left behind a fast paced lifestyle for that of a homesteader? Cody is the type of person that I've always heard my family talk about as one who "does more work on accident, than most ever do on purpose." How many times has Cody mentioned working more effectively and efficiently. Everything from most recently when plasma cutting out Log Dogs, to how you stack trimmed branches for later coming back to put them through the wood chipper. Cody has never stopped learning how to improve his situation. You speak of contradictions in using modern technology and older tools and methods? Running water, and hand tools? Running water powered the first machinery. Cody made his own water tower. His Ram Pump is based on technology invented in 1796... It seems to blend new and old pretty seamlessly to me. Why does there need to be a line drawn? Why must only one or the other be used? How is there a contradiction? Being prepared and educated in the use of new and old technologies and tools seems to me the wisest of all possible choices. This truly isn't a "calling out" or anything of the nature. I just honestly wanted to comment to you. I couldn't for my life understand how you saw this as wasting time, as you put it. You unlike a lot of those questioning his intentions had a articulate and valid question and not just a "Why not just use the chainsaw?" comment. Much respect to you.

Great to see the tools at work. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing way to learn patients and must be amazing just to be out in the woods where its quiet and peaceful and hear nothing but animals around you and the sound of your axe chopping or your saw sawing.

Love the choice of music and the nod to a simpler time. However to arrive at what is perceived as simplicity often takes hours of effort and constant refinement. This is beautifully illustrated by the number of different and imaginative camera setups you've achieved in a mere 8 minutes. Well done sir, I'm already looking forward to the second part...

I love your choice of music in your videos, any chance one day you can do a selection list of your favourite tracks? Or include the track in the details list? :-)

Hi love the ax and the wood cheps

for most kids my age, this Christmas they will want computers or xbox one or whatever but I want to buy an axe with the money I am thoughtfully given! You have inspired me and I wish you luck with your projects and wish I knew you in person so you could teach me these old tricks and ways.

Great content and I really like the songs you choose for your vids!

Beautifully filmed and an absolute joy to watch... Can't wait for the continuation! *wag, wag, wag...*

The way wrangler star changed his channel. I miss the videos from this time frame and older. I can't do the new ones. The channel changed so much.

Thats a sweet saw you have there - sharp too from the looks of the shavings! Cant wait to see the end product 👍

Awesome!! I'm stoked for the coming videos!