How to Make a Primitive Pine Torch

If you ever find yourself deep in the bush with fading daylight and no flashlight, this old-school torch is not only beautiful—it’s powerful, simple, and made entirely from the land around you. Here’s how I made mine using just a pine limb and wild resin.

What You’ll Need:

A thick, dry pine branch (about 1.5 to 2 feet long)

Knife or hatchet

Several short hard sticks (dry twigs or split branches)

Pine resin (fresh or hardened chunks)

Ash or charcoal dust (optional for texture and cling)

Fire or heat source to soften resin

Step 1: Choose Your Torch Stick

Find a thick pine limb—dry, sturdy, and ideally still rich in resin. Pine works best because it naturally helps sustain a flame.

Step 2: Split the Top Into Quarters

Using a hatchet or strong knife, split the top of the stick down 6–8 inches into four even sections. Be careful to keep the splits as straight and even as possible. Mine was very crooked, but that's OK for first time making it!

Step 3: Wedge It Open

Instead of stuffing the splits, wedge dry hard sticks between them to slightly open each quarter. This allows airflow and makes space to hold the resin. It also gives the torch a more stable flame base when lit.

Step 4: Add Pine Resin

Gather natural pine resin from trees or hardened chunks. Gently heat it by the fire until it softens. Then pack it generously into the open splits, allowing it to melt down into the gaps. You can mix in ash or charcoal powder to help bind and slow the burn.

Step 5: Light and Enjoy

Hold the top of the torch over a flame until the resin catches. Once lit, the torch produces a tall, strong flame that can last 15–30 minutes depending on the amount of resin used.

Wild Tips:

Pine resin burns hot—hold the torch carefully or wrap the base in green bark/moss.

Works best on dry days with still air.

Never leave the torch unattended—this is live fire!

This primitive torch isn't just a light source—it’s a connection to old ways. It’s fire made with your hands, using materials gathered with intention. Whether for practical use or a wildcrafting experiment, it’s a great skill to have in your back pocket.