Hatchet or utility knife baton method?

Doc Ruby

I used to use a hatchet to process wood for fires and splitting timber to drop into the Kelly kettle when there were no handy twigs, but lately I've taken to using a baton or piece of wood on the back of a knife to achieve the same effect.

It was a bit cumbersome at first, but I prefer it now to using a hatchet, being more versatile, plus it saves space and weight.



Anyone else use the baton method or just me?

kildare.17hmr

i use this method when hiking or hunting and want a fire to make tea or food or just to heat up during a break. Iv messed about makin spears for fishin and that too after seein it on tv and it works well

krissovo

Its very rare that I use a hatchet, I have a kukuri that does a decent job with a bit of help from a branch.

I keep looking at the Kelly Kettle, nice bit of kit but I think a bit bulky for my kit. I may ask santa for one.

Hibrion

I will always use a small axe when I can. I don't like battoning like this with my knives unless it is absolutely necessary.

For our climate, I think an axe is a must have on a camping trip. Even something very small will be well worth the extra weight.

I usually like to carry a small fixed blade like a Mora clipper or a scandi along with my GB small forest axe. Theere isn't much you can't do with this duo, in my opinion.

Doc Ruby

Hibrion wrote: »

For our climate, I think an axe is a must have on a camping trip. Even something very small will be well worth the extra weight.

Axes are sound, not a thing wrong with them. I like the way a knife plus baton gives extra functionality from the blade though, always handy to know (and practise) another way of doing things, especially if they seem non intuitive at first.

Deise Musashi

I have batoned knives, but I do think it is borderline abuse. Survival situation it's a good technique though.

I prefer to use a small Wetterlings axe and a folding saw for firewood gathering, I just find it easier and more efficient.

Sometimes I just use a Golok

Hibrion

Deise Musashi wrote: »

I have batoned knives, but I do think it is borderline abuse

I'm inlined to agree with you. I usually have a small fixed blade, and while have used this method, I would prefer to keep a razor sharp edge on the knife and use the axe.

Doc Ruby

Well, use of either a knife or an axe will reduce the sharpness, thats just the nature of the thing, regular sharpening is needed in any case.

Here's a video of the technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvlhXuweBj4

I have to admit I like it, and I'm more comfortable knowing it in particular for situations where an axe might not be available.

Hibrion

I agree, it's a nice skill to know, buut not something I would choose over carrying an axe. It will mean you have to sharpen a knife more often. I can imagine it suiting those who like to carry a larger, camp style knife.

Doc Ruby

Thought this might come in handy, how to split wood with a small knife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-WuP-xYlnc

Basically cut a wedge and use that. Haven't tried it myself yet but I will once this weather clears up.