Batoning wood: opinions/debate

[keyfit]

I doubt that using a knife in this manner would hurt any knife. I batoned with a 12" cheap machete once and it did just fine.

 

[Ebbtide]

I started batoning for "safety" reasons.

When using a hatchet to split off kindeling there is a tendency to hold the log with one hand (usually midway or toward the top of the log) and swing the hatchet with the other. Especially if the log is unstable and won't stand on its own. I did this for years without serious incident.

OK Dag, Not picking on you.
Just thinking of all the beginners and folks that come here to learn.

NO! NEVER!
Never hold the piece of wood you're going to split with an axe or knife.
Please, please, please (even pretty please )
Use another piece of wood to hold the piece to be split in place.
It only takes once to ruin you.

As to batonning, I think the words "fun", "play" and the phrase "another tool in the box" apply.

It is not a must have criteria when I pick up or purchase a knife.
For me.

 

[Ankerson]

When I go in the field I only carry a knife, I try to travel light as possible with out carrying a lot of heavy stuff.

A good fixed blade IS the do everything tool, Axe, Hatchet etc.

Yes I believe it is a necessary task in the field unless you BUY your firewood.

 

[wally@ferguson]

There is never enough time on a canoeing trip to fool around batoning wood for your evening meal. I can chop branches/split wood/strip bark/shave a fuzz stick and get a fire going in wet or dry in less time than batoning.

An axe is the original one piece multi-tool. It can chop and cut and skin a deer. Think Ulu or meat cleaver. A folder fits in your pocket better, but has limitations.

 

[kgd]

There is never enough time on a canoeing trip to fool around batoning wood for your evening meal. I can chop branches/split wood/strip bark/shave a fuzz stick and get a fire going in wet or dry in less time than batoning.

An axe is the original one piece multi-tool. It can chop and cut and skin a deer. Think Ulu or meat cleaver. A folder fits in your pocket better, but has limitations.

Both can do the job, but convincing an axe user to use a knife is as hard as convincing a knife user to use an axe. They both work, have different advantages and both can be used as multi-tools. I'm not sure why certain axe users are so insistent that everybody should use an axe. It works for them so that is great. For some folks a knife works great too. Some folks even like to sit on the fence and choose one tool over the other depending on the situation. I call that flexibility and kudos to them for having the open mind and skills to take advantage of all that is available. We can put saws into the mix here as well.

Different strokes for different folks - why is that controversial? This is the heart of the batoning debate and why it always confuses me about people who so vigorously object to the process and then suggest - 'you should carry an axe' or 'use a saw'. I don't have to carry anything I don't want to and if my skills allow me to use an alternative route why does somebody have to criticize me for it? Maybe I only have a knife. Maybe I don't want to buy another tool.

P.s. I like axes and knives (I find sawing through wood rather boring to do even if effective) but I rarely take an axe unless I'm really serious about processing a lot of wood. A nights campfire takes so little effort, often times it doesn't even require a tool, but that fraction of time you need one you should be able to have something on hand and make do with it.

 

[wally@ferguson]

Yes, batoning is a nice skill to have.

I am still waiting to read the post where someone has enjoyed themeselves batoning enough fire wood to get AND keep a fire going...especially if it's wet or damp.

I have done my fair share of batoning (when I forgot the axe). Batoning works well for splitting ....especially when available wood is in conveniant camp fire lengths. Practicing in your back yard doesn't count. Try batoning through a springy 2-3 in dead branch on a blow down about 4 ft off the ground.

I have acquired the skills to start a fire with my SAK, zipper pull flint (front of my jeans)which never gets lost and dryer lint. Poor planning !

My posts on this controversial thread are meant as advice....been there..done that. The only time an over night camp fire took no effort or tool was when some some previous camper/hiker left an abundance of extra fire wood.

 

[kgd]

Edited - I'm just going to let this one pass......