WILD CHILD

Arecurring cast member on Discovery’s Naked and Afraid, Laura Zerra is a New Hampshire survivalist and an expert in primitive techniques and adventure travel. Born in western Massachusetts, Zerra spent her childhood exploring abandoned coyote dens, stalking deer, and crawling through swamps in whatever “wild” lands she could find in her suburban hometown. Today, the backcountry guide and survival instructor counts tracking, foraging, bow building and knife making among her many skills. Last year, she published a book, A Modern Guide to Knifemaking: Step-by-Step Instruction for Forging Your Own Knife From Expert Bladesmiths, Including Making Your Own Handle, Sheath and Sharpening (Quarry Books). Harrowsmith had the chance to chat with the fascinating Zerra, who spoke about falling in love with nature and pushing yourself beyond limits.

Harrowsmith: How did you become this incredibly independent, self-sufficient person?