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- Feb 3, 2009
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Okay, it's potentially a loaded question, but I'm not looking to start a war between the two camps, and I'm actually looking for some specific information, despite how scattershot this post might end up being.
When I first got into knives about a year ago, the idea of using a knife for anything a hatchet could do--hacking off branches/limbs, bring down small trees, splitting wood--was preposterous. But slowly I came around to the point of view that a proper knife could do those camp chores better, easier, and safer. I even recently bought a Spyderco Hossom Forager to try out a big knife instead of a hatchet for camping. For various, irrelevant reasons, I got rid of the Forager before I ever got to use it. So in the process looking for another big chopper of a knife I came across the Bark River Camp Ax. It looks interesting, and it got me thinking again about the wisdom of using hatchet rather than a knife.
My specific situation for usage involves the following:
--no car camping, long hikes and portages involved, so size and weight are issues
--my camping buddy always has his Sawvivor for bringing down (dead) trees and dismantling larger pieces of wood
--my cheap, old hatchet has always seemed to have gotten the job done fine, but since I've never used anything else I don't really know if things could get done better
--I can't give you the hatchet's weight or size b/c it is presently being borrowed, but I''m pretty sure it's larger and heavier than the Bark River
--cost not really an issue, but within reason: I won't spend $500 on a Busse or even $300 on a custom hatchet/axe... however I would spend $300 on a knife
To replace the Forager, I was considering the RD-7, BK7, RC-6, RAT-7, and Bravo-2. As far as hatchets go, I really have no idea other than the Bark River Camp Ax.
So what am I asking? Good question. I suppose I'm looking for general and specific opinions about using a knife vs. hatchet for camp chores. I suppose I'm looking for those opinions to maybe consider my specific situation that I wrote about. I suppose I'm looking for opinions on the knives I listed (or other appropriate ones I overlooked) for the uses I listed. Also, opinions on the Bark River Camp Ax would be great. And perhaps some suggestions on other high quality and, more importantly, effective hatchets.
I know that's asking a lot, so if you're so inclined than maybe just choose one question to comment on. Big thanks to anyone who does.
When I first got into knives about a year ago, the idea of using a knife for anything a hatchet could do--hacking off branches/limbs, bring down small trees, splitting wood--was preposterous. But slowly I came around to the point of view that a proper knife could do those camp chores better, easier, and safer. I even recently bought a Spyderco Hossom Forager to try out a big knife instead of a hatchet for camping. For various, irrelevant reasons, I got rid of the Forager before I ever got to use it. So in the process looking for another big chopper of a knife I came across the Bark River Camp Ax. It looks interesting, and it got me thinking again about the wisdom of using hatchet rather than a knife.
My specific situation for usage involves the following:
--no car camping, long hikes and portages involved, so size and weight are issues
--my camping buddy always has his Sawvivor for bringing down (dead) trees and dismantling larger pieces of wood
--my cheap, old hatchet has always seemed to have gotten the job done fine, but since I've never used anything else I don't really know if things could get done better
--I can't give you the hatchet's weight or size b/c it is presently being borrowed, but I''m pretty sure it's larger and heavier than the Bark River
--cost not really an issue, but within reason: I won't spend $500 on a Busse or even $300 on a custom hatchet/axe... however I would spend $300 on a knife
To replace the Forager, I was considering the RD-7, BK7, RC-6, RAT-7, and Bravo-2. As far as hatchets go, I really have no idea other than the Bark River Camp Ax.
So what am I asking? Good question. I suppose I'm looking for general and specific opinions about using a knife vs. hatchet for camp chores. I suppose I'm looking for those opinions to maybe consider my specific situation that I wrote about. I suppose I'm looking for opinions on the knives I listed (or other appropriate ones I overlooked) for the uses I listed. Also, opinions on the Bark River Camp Ax would be great. And perhaps some suggestions on other high quality and, more importantly, effective hatchets.
I know that's asking a lot, so if you're so inclined than maybe just choose one question to comment on. Big thanks to anyone who does.
(the knatchet is proof, its their lovechild). Also don't forget about their favorite cousin Machete. He brings a mean game as well and at only a eighth of the cost. 
. That makes me wonder. Hope I just overlooked it in my searching because it is one the contenders so far, although foolishly based only on looks and novelty.
) will make my camping trips into the best camping trips in the history of camping trips... so for the past 24 hours I've been drowning in info and research on Izulas, Bravo Neckers, Becker Neckers... I need some sort of intervention or the services of one of those cult de-programmers.
