Big Knife versus Axe/ hatchet

[The Government]

>>>>>>I am curious if anyone can post links to online videos or detailed write-ups on the “Knife versus Axe” dilemma. I am looking for non-biased objectivity if at all possible. I am personally stuck between the two tools. I think both tools serve the user very well –yet they function in very different ways and systems. I am interested in the subject matter rather than “what should I get query.” For me this will be like coffee table reading.

I have searched you tube and did not come up with much. Any sources you all have that are not easily search-able would be great. Idealy, this thread could serve as a bibliography on the subject. Now that I think about it, history would be interesting too (who used what when and where).

Thanks


Threads I have already found:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=632159
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-split-wood-using-an-axe-or-a-knife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-M78KIy19E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TVCTUwp99o

P.S. I know this comes off like a can-o-worms thread but I just find the topic interesting either way. I have tried searching but found nothing to my liking. Not really interested in starting a debate, just a library of reading material or resources. Again thanks.

 

[babakanoosh45]

I don't know of any videos or articles but I have several axes and hatchets as well as a Busse CGFBM. If I were splitting wood I generally use the axe/hatchet just because it's hard to beat the swedge of the blade doing the splitting. If I were chopping branches and small shrubs or even 4 or 5 inch trees out of trails I like the FBM because the blade surface is greater. I enjoy using the FBM for making kindling or splitting dried larger pieces of firewood. I have been on several trips in the last couple of years where I was to bring an hatchet and only brought the Busse and it did everything I needed, but the same can be said about my double bit belt axe. I have a customized SOG hawk as well and it is a versatile tool. I think with me I just like the feel and the heft of the larger knives when doing camp or utility chores. This is just some personal thoughts on the subject. Cool thread subject though.:thumbup:

 

[ieraseu]

In general I would say that a good hatchet is going to give you more chopping power due to all the weight being forward in the head, as well as the fact that it transfers all that energy to a smaller cutting surface so you have more penetration per cut in comparison to a knife.

What the knife does is give you a bit more versatility in exchange for chopping power. You get more blade to work with so cutting smaller limbs is easier then it would be to say hit a .5" limb with a 3" cutting head on a hatchet. It is also more efficient at clearing green vegetation and many consider it easier to split large pieces of wood using a knife with a baton then it is with a hatchet where you would probably cut wedges and hammer them into the wood.

 

[The Government]

Thnaks for responding guys, I was starting to think this thread would slide into the archives.

One thing that inspired this thread is that I am going to buy a top of the line (IMO) axe for camping and hiking. I have big fixed blades as well and I feel like the choice of what to bring is very dynamic.

Here is the axe I am looking to buy: http://www.ragweedforge.com/r850.jpg
splitting power > http://www.ragweedforge.com/roselli-wedge.jpg

Any links that may be posted -I will put at the top for reference.

Thanks