BK9 or hatchet/small axe?

M

matthew.brian.smith1

Joined
Jun 20, 2012
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Ok, so I'm the kind of guy that generally likes to have this tool for this job, that tool for that job. I.E. I doubt I'll ever plan on skinning a squirrel with a machete or chopping a tree down with my BK11. Not that I wouldn't if I had to, but you get the point. If I go out, I'll generally have at least 2 4-5" blades (including my 2), likely a couple of 3 inchers and something for the bigger chopping. I've got the first two categories squared away between my 2 and another bushcraft knife, as well as my leatherman and bk11.

Now, I'm looking for a heavier chopper, something to handle the jobs that are too big for the 2 to easily accomplish. Why should I go with a BK9 instead of a hatchet or small axe? Pictorial evidence to support your opinion is always appreciated. Thanks!

mbs
 
I've not used a 9 yet, but I do have a Gerber hatchet that works wonderfully. It'll be interesting to see where this convo goes.
 
Hatchet will out chop and BK9, but it also weighs more. BK9 can also do more tasks than a hatchet. I would carry a BK9, one or two smaller fixed blades in the 3-5" range and a leatherman. I've also seen guys who carry a bow saw blade and improvise a bow saw if they need it. Pretty easy to do actually.

You need a BK9. You can't not have a BK9.

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Yeah, it's a matter of do you want a knife and a chopper or just a chopper? I like having a hatchet if I'm not packing it all over creation. If carrying less is important, than I'll take a blade that can multitask.

Oh, and by all means, get a 9 and use the heck out of it. It's a fantastic blade.

p87complete_zps946b67af.jpg
 
Sure a hatchet is a good way to go, but if you want a good hatchet like a wetterlings or a gransfurs bruks your going to spend over a bill. You might be able to find a good old head/hatchet second hand. Yes there are other options out there, but this is a good example. A lot of people attest to using a hatchet outdoors instead of a large knife, and who is to say they are not right? Many of those folks can carve and do other things with their hatchets/axes and that is fine too. Then some people prefer a large knife to use instead of an hatchet, and who is to say they are not right? Really it amounts down to personal preference and what the user is comfortable with. There are a lot of variables to consider, but honestly those can only be answered with dirt time. Time out testing, camping, and using different cutting tools until you decide what fits you best.

Now on to the good part. The BK9 is no slouch. It will chop, split, and carve with relative ease. The larger blade imo is not cumbersome at all. It will fit your bill with ease. Heck you might even find that you do not need to carry the 2 with you, or you might find that you absolutely hate it. Either way buy you a 9 and get out there and use it.

This is my favorite pic of my 9 after it cut down a tree... easily...


Here is another, no sweat.


These were all creek trees that just fall down in a light breeze and break stuff if you dont cut them.


who needs a chainsaw? :D
 
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Both. They have different uses where one will work best for each tool. I always prefer a hatchet for splitting and perpendicular chopping of logs. It just makes faster work with less effort. BUT if you are gonna use a blade for chopping, the Condor Boomslang outchops the 9, imho.
 
How did I know that most responses would be something to the effect of, "It depends. But you gotta get a 9." That's about what I figured, and that's why I asked for photos. Might as well see some pretty sharp things. It's likely I'll end up with both.

mbs
 
Yah, seriously a lot of this is opinion... but if you like knives, and you like to use them, you have to have a 9...
 
I always carry a Fiskars hatchet in my truck. When I bought it I put it in the truck and it has always been there. I'll use it in the winter to cut dry limbs for a fire. The thing is surprisingly sharp. But when I'm moving about in the woods and not worried about weight I'll carry the BK2 or 9. If I'm more in the backpack or hiking mode I carry something lighter. Ounces count in the long haul, and small knives are capable of large jobs. It's a matter of compromises. Ha, ha, that doesn't help much does it?
 
The choice is mostly up to personal preference.

Axes and hawks tend to have more chopping power, but also tend to require a greater amount of skill to use effectively and safely. The smaller cutting edge of an axe requires more accuracy than the long edge of a knife. An axe head, with its greater mass, also has more momentum than a knife blade and will be more difficult to stop. This leads to the argument that a knife will be safer than an axe. The knife can also be batoned, which should be safer still.

I like and use both. I usually make the choice based on what I intend to be cutting. For large diameter wood and weight not being a concern, I'll bring the axe.

Wetterlings12.jpg


When wanting to carry less weight but still intending to be cutting wood, a tomahawk.

hawkvsknife2.jpg


Axes do not do well with small, springy, flexible stuff. If I need to cut herbaceous or small diameter limbs, I want my BK-9.

hawkvsknife8.jpg
 
I have a cs pipe hawk that I take out with me. I suppose I would also take a 9 if I had one. Because, I can ;)
 
I carry whatever carries easiest. For me, knife carry has come down to whatever carry system is available for the tool. If it is convenient and works well, I carry it. If it doesn't, I tend to leave it at home, because I'm not big into having to buy aftermarket carry systems for my tools. All that being said, between the 9 and pretty much any hatchet or axe I've seen, I'm going to carry the 9 and make do with it.
 
You guys have convinced me. As it stands, I haven't any funds to throw towards a new knife, so I'll be trying to trade for a 9. That thread can be found here. We'll see if I can get lucky!

mbs
 
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