Ideal blade length for batoning?

P

pinkfloyd101

Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
187
I was wondering what your opinions are for the right sized batoning knife. I know it depends on how big or how small the logs or branches are, but shoot me some ideas. What is your favorite batoning knife and why? What blade steel do you like and what about the edge profile?
 
Not less than 4-5'' blade for me to baton useful sized logs. You can baton virtually even with a one inch blade, but would that be of any use?
I take that measure because 6'' is my personal border measure for chopping capability, so less than 6'' is just for batoning. But that's me. ;)
 
My Busse Battle Mistresses are mine, but then they have 10" or longer blades. ;)

The longer the blade the more leverage you have on it to baton with.
 
I have a Spyderco Hossom Forester and Becker 9.
The Forester is probably the better splitting knife since the spine is rounded, though it is stainless so I wouldn't push it too hard.
The Forester is a beautiful knife, and went for about $230 new. Now that they've been discontinued you can find them for around $150.

The Becker 9 is my favorite bush knife right now. The edge is ground thin from the factory, so it chops very well out of the box. The 1095CV steel should be able to handle batoning pretty well (I've seen one story of a BK9 breaking during batoning, but the warranty should cover it). Some people don't like the handle, I don't mind it though.
You can get the Becker 9 for about $70.
 
Most batoning I do is on smaller pieces of wood. Usually 5 to 6 inch diameter or less. Anything bigger is best left to the axe. I prefer a 4 1/2 to 6 inch blade. Width, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch. Any good grade steel will work, stainless or carbon. I like A2 or O1 for hard use. My edge preference is convex micro bevel. Cuts better and is strong.
Scott
 
Depends on your definition of ideal.

I have batoned with a RAT RC4, Fallkniven F1, and BRKT Gunny (approx. 4.5-5.0" Blade) and they work well.

But I prefer my Fallkniven A2 or BRKT Bravo 2 (approx. 7.0 -8.0" blade) because the longer blade gives a bit more length out the backside of the log which means you can baton further back on the spine, away from the tip.

Just my preference, but you can baton successfully with any sturdy knife.

Kevin
 
I've seen guys baton with a 3 1/2" Mora on small branches, but I'd rather have at least a 10" blade that is a 1/4" thick for batoning.
 
4-5" minimum for me. Anything bigger than that is going to perform better, but when we start getting into the 10" range, I prefer an axe. I think a 6 or 7" blade is my favorite size for batoning and general use.
 
I've had no problems batoning with a $6 Tramontina machete. They're the ideal knives for such things, as they're tempered for toughness and durability, they're long and wide.
 
The blade I baton with is only 5", but it's attached to a 36" handle. It's called an axe.

Batoning wood: just one more thing I don't understand.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top