GB Wildlife or CS Trail Master?

[baxter_ny]

I'm new to this forum and am trying to decide between a GB Wildlife Hatchet and a CS Trail Master as a camping/survival tool. Camping and backpacking has become a family activity for me, and I'm wondering about the way kids and other parents (not to mention my wife) would react if I pulled a 9.5 inch bowie like the Trail Master out of my pack to baton some wood. I can see a lot of people agreeing with Nessmuk that bowies are "murderous-looking" compared to a hatchet like the GB Wildlife, which is no less dangerous, really.

I've preferred axes since reading D. Cook's axe book years ago. Still, I can see the advantages of the large bowie + folding saw combination for cutting and batoning wood when weight is an issue. Am I crazy for thinking about a tool like the Trail Master around women and kids? On the other hand, if a large chef's knife is ok in the kitchen, why not a Trail Master at camp? Just wondering.

 

[DWK2]

For car/truck camping, I bring at least one axe, several knives, and at least one saw. I don't see a big need to make a choice there, unless you have unusual weight and space constraints.

For backpacking, I generally won't carry more than a Silky Super Accel 210mm folding saw, a small fixed blade knife, and a Victorinox SAK Rucksack folder. Depending on circumstances, I might leave one of those behind. I'm not as young and fit as I was when I started backpacking so I usually can't bring myself to pack the weight of an axe or Trail Master. [I have a bunch of GB axes/hatchets and two Carbon V Trail Masters, so I'm familiar with the comparison.]

With regard to your other issue, I was once on a camping trip where a member of the large group was having a birthday. Nobody had a knife to cut the cake so I whipped out a Trail Master. It caused a bit of consternation and a few odd looks. So I don't think your concern about reaction to the big knife is without foundation. However, I just calmly explain its utility and hope that solves most of the problem.

And Welcome Aboard!

DancesWithKnives

 

[DWK2]

By the way, if you post this over in the Wilderness & Survival forum, the responses will probably go 3-4 pages.

DancesWithKnives

 

[baxter_ny]

Thanks very much, DWK2, for the response and for suggestion about the other forum. I'll try posting my question over there as well. I didn't know about the Silky saw; I've been using a Sawvivor for several years but find taking it down and putting back together repeatedly while on the move is a nuisance. A folder is probably better.

I agree with your setup or something similar for true backpacking where every ounce counts. We've come to avoid car camping - too many bad experiences with drunks and loud radios - and hike/paddle in a mile or two to our camp for a little more peace and solitude. In that situation, I can afford to carry a small axe or camp knife.

As for the birthday party... I can just picture it.

I may end up with the GB because my experience with their products and customer service has been outstanding, but I'm still curious about CS Trail Master. Obvious solution: get both!

 

[DWK2]

Sounds good.

Over in W & S there's also a current thread on folding vs. collapsible saws and another on types of collapsible saws, as well as one on pocket chainsaws. If you consider a Silky, try www.knife-depot.com. www.benmeadows.com also has 15% off sales periodically but they sometimes don't stock the Super Accel 210. I think it is way better than Silky's Pocketboy 170mm at only about 1 1/2 oz. extra. Kershaw/Bahco also make a very nice folding saw. For canoe/raft trips, I like the Silky Zubat 330mm fixed blade saw at around 18 oz., with sheath.