batoning

[Myal]

I got to admit , Im not about to change what I call it , Im interested to know what skammer defines it as tho .

the sharing of ideas is very enlightning .

 

[Davyd]

Fair enough

It just does not seem to be used much here so curious why people use the technique.

Myal agree - I think the chopped firewood in the bush here has a lot to do with people wishing to play with their axes hatchets (of which I am very guilty) harking back to a need to bash things - like in the scene from Arthur C Clarkes 2001. An issue for all ages - I actually hired a cottage on 3000 acres next to lake Eucumbene specifically so my 3 year old could bash to his hearts content without me having to tell him to stop. The only things I asked him not to bash were the cars, his sister and any snakes

 

[Myal]

Im as guilty as anyone of messing around cutting stuff for fun

I made a couple knives especially for splitting wood and doing hatchet duty before I came here and found out about batoning ...

I worked a job where I was sledge hammer operator for 12 hours at a time , I reckon after 4 yrs of that , I got the urge to bash out of my system

 

[runningboar]

And neither can I grasp why you don't "get it" and, in fact, seem offended because so many wish to mention/discuss it.

I also have rarely needed this technique -- nor greased cotton balls, my first aid kit, a whistle, or CPR. Never in fifty years have needed my PSK 'cause I never lost my backpack. But The God Murphy is out there waiting. So IMO, we can validly discuss "in case" techniques and gear.

Or shall we discuss only those survival skills -- and gear -- actually needed most of the time we go into the woods? If so, it's going to get quiet around here.

Offended no, sick to death of talking about it yes. Seems to be thought of as the holy grail of bushcraft or to display a knife's toughness, which again, as we all know, is something I don't understand, I certainly don't use one of my snap on wrenches as a pry bar just to see if it can.

Anyway, your point was made and there is a lot of interest in it whether or not I undestand it, so I will stay out of batoning threads. Chris

 

[Brian Andrews]

To be honest with all you guys, the thing that ticks me off the most really has nothing to do with batoning.

Take a look at the original question in the post. He is asking a very specific and pointed question. Give the poster some credit that he has thought about alternatives, maybe even tried them, but still wants some advice. Hence, the very SPECIFIC question. Instead of getting any useful feedback, he is told to use a saw.

If you don’t have anything meaningful to add to the topic at hand, stay the heck out. You don’t seem me jumping in saying “That is dumb to do. I cut all my firewood with a chainsaw, and split it with a maul.”

The other thing that bugs me is the need to bash the practicing of a different skill. Everyone is right, splitting wood to obtain dry wood it is not very often needed. Obviously this is for starting fires in wet conditions. Even if it is wet out, there are still other alternatives, depending on what the woods are like in your general area. If it is available, it is probably much easier and quicker to gather dead branches shelter under a pine tree. If you don’t have that available, you might actually have to split some wood.

The actual need for doing this is compounded by the fact that most people can make arrangements for their firewood to not get wet. They camp in a car, have a tarp or table available, they have firestarters that can start wet wood, have newspaper and lighter fluid, etc. Very few seem to camp well away from such conveniences and every little thing that bring becomes added weight.

So, please don’t bash a person for practicing a skill that is not very likely to be needed. I carry a lighter and a ferro rod with. But, I still know how to start a fire with a bow and drill. How come we don’t make fun of all these people and say how it is very rare for them ever to “have” to do that.

So you think a hatchet is better for the job? Good for you. I am glad that is your conclusion. How does that add to this thread, and the original question? If you found something that works for you, then great. But please encourage others to experiment to come to their own conclusion.

One final point….no matter how rare the instance that this skill is needed, it is good to give your equipment a try. If you are going to forsake carrying all kinds of crap with you and replace it with knowledge, it is good to know your stuff works before you need it. It is like buying a new lighter, and never sparking it up to see if works until you are alone in the woods and need it. Go ahead, use your toys, and see what they can do, or not do. But in the end, please don’t discourage people from experimenting.

 

[Brian Andrews]

So i have been praticing batoning and was wondering what you guys prefer: going straight through the piece of wood or cutting a v (like when using an axe). I am talking about going through the grain, I'm not talking about splitting it.

In order to get the thread back on track.......it is my opinion that if you are going to do as you suggested, your cuts should be at angle. It is more efficient to not cut exactly perpendicular to the direction of the grain. That is the same reason you are advised cut like that with an ax as well. The same physics apply with a knife. That is my opinion....your mileage may vary.

Brian

 

[andrew7978]

I agree with a few people on this thread. It is just fun to practice skills even if they are never needed. People like destroying things, and what better way to do that than chopping wood with a big knife. Another reason I like this skill, is I like to pack very light when I go camping/hiking. I do not often carry an axe, and was debating the carrying of a saw depending on where I am (maybe I could just get away with a wire saw, but that is a different thread).

Again, like others have said I have never once needed my first aid kit, or 5 ways to start a fire, but I like to know how to do it.


now back to the actual topic at hand in this thread....

In order to get the thread back on track.......it is my opinion that if you are going to do as you suggested, your cuts should be at angle. It is more efficient to not cut exactly perpendicular to the direction of the grain. That is the same reason you are advised cut like that with an ax as well. The same physics apply with a knife. That is my opinion....your mileage may vary.

Brian

Brian,

I appreciate your effort to return this thread to its original question. I have had several threads on this forum get changed around into discussing something completely different. I figured also after reading up on batoning you must hit the knife spine perpendicularly with your baton otherwise the force is not being directed right into to wood. Without this direct transfer of force, you stand a greater chance of breaking the knife.

 

[Brian Andrews]

I figured also after reading up on batoning you must hit the knife spine perpendicularly with your baton otherwise the force is not being directed right into to wood. Without this direct transfer of force, you stand a greater chance of breaking the knife.

That is absolutely correct. But, that does not mean the the knife can not be at an angle to the wood itself. So, knife angled into the wood, but spine and baton perpendicular. Think about how you would use a chisel and a mallet. You don't care what angle the chisel is coming into the wood, you still hit it square with the mallet.