BK-9 or a hatchet

[James Martin]

I've been looking at the BK-9 just out of curiosity and I was wondering why you would buy that knife instead of hatchet? The difference in weight isn't that much (around 1 and bit pounds each) and I can't think of use reason for the BK-9 other that a hatchet can't do (Splitting wood, chopping, i've even made feather sticks with a hatchet before, although not ideal) so why would you use BK-9 instead of a hatchet when a hatchet is better designed for chopping than a knife.

I'm not trying to insult anyone who has used the BK-9, I know it's a great knife, but I was wondering what people prefer and why.

Cheers
-James

 

[jfk1110]

Gimme a hatchet please. Preferably a roselli ax.

 

[Guyon]

You're absolutely right. For most wood prep chores, the hatchet will serve you perfectly. However, splitting wood with a hatchet, as opposed to a full-size axe, is never as efficient (or enjoyable). In some such instances, especially with smaller limbs, I'd rather just baton a knife like a BK9. Also worth considering... if it's all you've got, the 9 is still a pretty functional knife. Try cleaning a bass or doing draw cuts with a hatchet. In those types of scenarios, I would be glad to have a knife. Hatchet and a small knife though? You're pretty set.

 

[GIRLYmann]

Being a large camp knife, the bk9 is a knife which could double up as a hatchet.
It is in no way a knife built to perform like a hatchet.
When using a hatchet, one is less worried about the condition of the edge being able to hold up to the required task.
a knife like the bk9 is tough as nails but there are limitations to certain forms of usage.
strangely enough I would figure the much shorter bk2 as a better hacker.
Thanks to its thicker stock and overall hefty weight
along with its shorter manageable length for overall general usage.
but yeah, a longer blade would mean having a longer blade reach
and probably a nicer placed sweet spot for better knife handling quality when chopping.

 

[jdk1]

I've not owned a BK9, but have had a Junglas and myriad khukuri. Many of them can also clear brush well, and some can slice weeds and briars. Axes and hatchets don't do well at those tasks. So, the camp knife can add some versatility.

 

[22-rimfire]

Personally, I think it is a matter of what you have gotten used to using. I don't own a BK-9. Figured it would just sit at home like so many other larger knives. But I do own short machetes like the Condor Pack Golok and Village Parang. I would rather have either of these than a hatchet for chopping, but they are larger than the BK-9. The other side of the coin is the hatchet is handy for hammering something with it's flat edge and if your use might involve needing to pound something (like stakes, a chisel, wedge) I would choose the hatchet personally over the blades. These tools are always paired with a smaller knife for more detailed cutting or slicing.

 

[collim1]

I like the BK9. I was impressed with mine and it's ability to chop while still being "knife like".

A hatchet wins for chopping no doubt.

The BK9 and hatchet most often get left at home when I head out.

 

[22-rimfire]

The BK9 and hatchet most often get left at home when I head out.

There lies the rub with both the BK-9 or a hatchet unless you know you need them. The same applies to my preference for the Condor Pack Golok or Village Parang. They are both pretty heavy and seldom get carried unless I do intend to do some chopping. Both of these are also somewhat handy for chopping flexible vegetation at least some but not so much briars where my Condor El Salvador machet (18") wins every time. Love the El Salvador machete and it has gotten more use than any of my other machetes since acquiring it last year. It does a reasonable job chopping larger stuff too, but I wouldn't want to make a career of it.

I tend to lean toward a 4-5" bladed fixed blade paired with a folder in the woods. I have my preferences as do most. But that is where I have landed in the practicality side of things even though I am not always practical when I see a big knife. My eyes sort of light up. The Blackjack 1-7 is another larger bladed knife that I love, but I just seldom use it for anything.

 

[Favorite Blade]

I would prefer the hatchet but only if paired with a smaller knife. I like a 5 to 6 inch blade for my main carry outside since I am much more likely to carry it. I have a hatchet in camp for heavier chores. One thing here to think about is that the hatchet, if you have a good one, can do many of the things a large knife does. The edge on my Wetterlings hatchet is shaving sharp and can be used to carve and even clean game. It might be a little more difficult to do but it isnt going to be easy for that huge 9 inch knife either. Try pounding in tent stakes with your knife.

 

[22-rimfire]

One thing that you seldom see here is a distinction between chopping hard wood versus soft wood or dead wood versus live wood. In the case of hard wood or dead wood, certainly a more rigid blade is going to be better.

 

[Charlie_K]

so why would you use BK-9 instead of a hatchet when a hatchet is better designed for chopping than a knife.

In my case it's because the BK9 rides better on the belt than any hatchet will. And the hatchets locally available aren't all that good for edge since they're made of soft steel, as par for the course with more hardware store choppers. If I want a hatchet that matches the BK9 in terms of quality then I need to get an Estwing, which means more weight, and reduced carry options in my case.

The BK9 also has greater maneuverability, and it's lighter so you don't tire out as quickly from swinging it.

 

[co556guy]

So, if you are just car camping and aren't really into much besides splitting wood for fires.....a hatchet/axe is probably more efficient.

The big knife isn't as good of a wood splitting implement, but it has advantages outside of firewood prep. The steel on a lot of hatchets also leaves a lot to be desired unless you are reaching into big knife territory.

In the end, it's a preference thing. It also depends on what your typical tasks are. I hardly ever split sawed logs for firewood. In my use, the hatchet/axe is actually less useful because they are more awkward for smaller chopping tasks that I tend to find myself wanting an edged tool for.