actually since everyone here seems to really like to be technical, c hughes, paul810's post was much more understandable as non-threatening than yours was. maybe you need to reread the post.. i never said i COULD start a fire without any tools... i said id like to be able to do that... by which i clearly meant if i was without a lighter, or string, or flint or something like that. i took your remarks to be a hostile attack on my ideas and my post.

second, i think its foolish to argue whether or not we should be talking about whether its knowledge or equipment we should be talking about here, it clearly should be both.

the only point i was trying to make was (although im sure people will have technical problems with this also):

equipment and tools are not a substitute for knowledge, and im happy that both are taught here. without a basic understanding of the world around me, the equipment or tools i may have would be a lot less helpful.

that is all.. sheesh

danny