I'm looking to help my son's scout den learn the basics of fire craft. I was horrified that at both the cub scout/webelo, AND boy scout events we've been to this past year or so, the adult leaders started the communal camp fire with a PROPANE TORCH!!! What a lost opportunity to teach basic skills. And for me at least, playing with fire (safely), is so fun and satisfying at some deep down level.
Anyway, I was wondering what you guys would recommend for processing kindling during a scouting weekend. No fixed blades alowed in our Pack/Troop (not looking for the debate of whether that makes sense, or if it's really a scout rule or not; want to abide by the local rule, right or wrong--though I'll probably wear my Mora clipper around my neck under my shirt just in case). I tried batoning 1 inch-ish diameter sticks this morning to see how the folder I was using would handle it, and like you guys might expect, the blade started to get wiggly. I was using a WK-2. http://http://www.cloudberrymarket.com/servlet/the-753/high-carbon-folder%2C-finnish/DetailI hope to be able to tighten it back up. I know there're some safety concerns with batoning w/ a folder, but was wondering if you guys know of a folder that was safe enough, and durable enough to baton with.
Alternatively, I would love an excuse to buy the new little GB Hand Axe. No doubt it's sharp and durable enough for processing kindling. Short handle doesn't maximize the usefulness of a hatchet/axe, but I imagine the weight fo the head would give me enough for processing fine kindling. Small enough to be easily packed. I already have and love the SFA (and large splitting axe), but I think the SFA might be a little large for casual day hikes with the scouts.
Thanks for any suggestions!! William
Anyway, I was wondering what you guys would recommend for processing kindling during a scouting weekend. No fixed blades alowed in our Pack/Troop (not looking for the debate of whether that makes sense, or if it's really a scout rule or not; want to abide by the local rule, right or wrong--though I'll probably wear my Mora clipper around my neck under my shirt just in case). I tried batoning 1 inch-ish diameter sticks this morning to see how the folder I was using would handle it, and like you guys might expect, the blade started to get wiggly. I was using a WK-2. http://http://www.cloudberrymarket.com/servlet/the-753/high-carbon-folder%2C-finnish/DetailI hope to be able to tighten it back up. I know there're some safety concerns with batoning w/ a folder, but was wondering if you guys know of a folder that was safe enough, and durable enough to baton with.
Alternatively, I would love an excuse to buy the new little GB Hand Axe. No doubt it's sharp and durable enough for processing kindling. Short handle doesn't maximize the usefulness of a hatchet/axe, but I imagine the weight fo the head would give me enough for processing fine kindling. Small enough to be easily packed. I already have and love the SFA (and large splitting axe), but I think the SFA might be a little large for casual day hikes with the scouts.
Thanks for any suggestions!! William
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