Batoning 1\8th inch thick FB in VG 10

upnorth

upnorth

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Nov 25, 2006
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Would you feel comfortable batoning a 1\8th (or three mm I believe) 6 inch FB in VG 10 steel ? I am in no way trying to demean a product or brand, which actually has the highest respect in the knife world. But to say it straight, I'm worried about batoning a new Spyderco Rock. I think that the new Rock is a really sweet outdoor knife. But, I have concerns as said about batoning it to split hard dried wood. If my concerns are unfounded please enlighten me. I love Spyderco products including the new Rock, but part of my requirements for the outdoors is knife batoning. Maybe I'll have to use my thicker 1095 steel FB's............... If the Rock wasn't meant for batoning, fine, I can still appreciate it. I just don't want to bust one all to hell if I spring for it and exceed its design parameters. This is not a bash, just honest questions. Thank you.
 
I think you would be fine, with that knife's grind. The swedge will chew up your baton, looks that way at least.

I beat the hell out of my 1/8" thick Ontario Cutlass machete. It has a different grind, but just avoid knots.
 
It must be OK. It is a full tang after all. If anything happens to it because of batoning - I think Spiderco will have to send you the replacement.
 
I've used large butcher knives to split wood with no issues. Like most everything in life, it's all about using the proper technique. I used knives 1/8" and thinner all of the time.
 
Poez said:
It must be OK. It is a full tang after all. If anything happens to it because of batoning - I think Spiderco will have to send you the replacement.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure they would say beating on your knife with a club constitutes abuse and is not covered by warranty. But they've also replaced quite a few of their knives that have died of stupidity, so they might replace it anyway. I'd suggest investing in a hatchet instead.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'll go with my gut on this one and err on the no battoning side. The Rock is attractive in many ways but likely not suitable for my purposes. I don't always feel like humping a lot of weight in the bush so I often want a knife to multi task.
 
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