are bushcraft knives over built?

[SouthernCross]

G'day HD

True. I really like the bushcraft knife shape with the scandi grind and fine point for butchering game. Easy to get between the ribs and cut all the meat out of the tight corners.

Whilst I haven't used a scandi grind for 20+ years (due to the nature of the wood I use), I agree that the "bushcraft knife shape" is usefull for game processing :thumbup:

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Kind regards
Mick

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day CP

Thanks for the response

The pic you included in your response made it clear the type of mini hatchet you were referring to :thumbup:

.....I would classify the GB Mini as the bottom of the useful range. It has enough haft to grip at the end and get a good snap to it to chop above it's weight. I would, however, classify the Wildlife as much more useful for not too much more weight. If I NEED a lightweight axe, I'd rather take a light tomahawk like a CS Trail Hawk on a long haft, to use speed to make up for the lack of mass, than take a short axe.

The term usefull, by necessity, is entirely related to the use you have for it.

I'm the first to acknowledge that the GB mini is no chopping powerhouse :thumbup:

But going by the absolute lack of posts on all intenet forums that show members in environments and locations that need a lot of chopping power (be honest, how many posts can you recall that show members in true wilderness areas in the middle of a Nth Hemisphere winter?), I have to question whether or not the need for a chopping power house isn't more theoretical than actual?


I know for a fact the GB mini can split seasoned Aussie hardwood for kindling...

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I also know for a fact that the GB mini makes a pretty mean carver....

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.... that can also act like a wood plane ....

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Heck, I also know for a fact that it can even be used to strip bark from downed trees to make shelters....

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...and at a pinch can be used to drive in tent pegs.....

The lack of chopping power isn't really an issue for me (but then again, I also acknowledge that whilst wilderness areas have deadfall in abundance, those who aren't fortunate enough to have access to these sort of areas might have to face competition from others for wood). If I have a need to break up longer wood for the fire I can use the fork of a tree (which BTW is the single most energy efficent way there is to break up wood for the fire)...

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.....and if it doesn't easily break I can simply feed it onto the fire as it burns ....

When you regularily venture into this type of country where the only tracks are left by animals (sorry mate, but this area doesn't have any maintained trails ) .....

....and I can carry these three for less than the weight of the GB Wildlife

.... and your trying to tell me that the GB mini is at the bottom end of the usefull scale, sorry mate but I can't help but lmfao.




Kind regards
Mick

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day N2S

.... I would hope that we could do more to train anyone who is interested in how to use edged tools in the outdoors.....

I couldn't agree more :thumbup:

IMO, the most important thing in this type of "training", is whether or no those who wish to learn actually understand that skills are just as important as the equipment that is used



Kind regards
Mick

 

[Cpl Punishment]

.... and your trying to tell me that the GB mini is at the bottom end of the usefull scale, sorry mate but I can't help but lmfao.

Yep, and I'm sticking to that opinion.

Bottom of the useful range means. . . . .wait for it. . . . .it's useful.

Meaning it CAN do those things.

I'll also stick to the opinion that the wildlife, or even better, the Small Forest can do them better.

If, for some reason I'm pysically unable to carry anything but the lightest implement I can find, I'd once again pick a long-hafted tomahawk over a small axe.

Different choppers for different whoppers.

 

[spraay]

I have to think that most people won't need the extra heft and strength in an 'overbuilt' knife. I'd rather have a little more, than a little less, if the chips are down and I'm relying on my knife to help me get out of a hard spot.

SP

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I'm going to see how my 3/32" knives fare hunting next month, and I am planning up to 4 days in the bush. I understand both sides, but tend to the thin myself. My thicker knives end up going less often for some reason, even the ones that are ground properly and sharpened well.

 

[blgoode]

Brian Goode's work for example is nice and thin ground. They cut!

Thanks for the thumbs up buddy!!:thumbup:

 

[sodak]

.... and your trying to tell me that the GB mini is at the bottom end of the usefull scale, sorry mate but I can't help but lmfao.

Actually, I would put it at the top of the useless scale, right below useful - based upon my own experience, I would like something a little longer. The Wetterlings at about 19 inches is about what I would want as a minimum.

Laugh all you like, it doesn't matter to me.

 

[hiwa]

A survival knife in my opinion is a knife that should function as a stand alone tool.. One that can fill many niches thou none of them perfectly

That stood out for me in the OP's original post. Because of that , it implies to me that one knife is all i'd have with me. Not a short hatchet or a longer axe ,or a machete. ONE KNIFE. As long as that knife has all the basics of good construction ; for me that would be good steel , adequate blade length ( I prefer 4-6") , full tang construction , tough and impervious to the elements handle grips , easy to sharpen , and a well constructed sheath for carry....those would be my major requirements in a stand alone knife.
There are a ton of knives that fall into this category. Different thicknesses of blade ,handle design, steels.... most of these things are personal preferences.
Because one knife cannot perform all bush tasks perfectly , herein lies the need for other tools. Tools specific to your geographical region in regards to what you have to cut. I've been in the Philippine jungle a few times and a machete was by far the most useful tool to use. If it was constructed poorly ( underbuilt) and failed , I'd be SOL. Same goes here back home in the boreal forest. If I broke my 6" survival knife out here in the bush , I'd be in the same amount of trouble... blade-less. That's why quality of construction is paramount , regardless of what tool you are using , being it an axe, machete or a knife.