Large Knife vs Hatchet vs Axe

C

Curse

Joined
Dec 28, 2007
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102
I already have a Fallkniven S1 that I carry in the wilderness, but I was thinking I might want to get something a bit bigger to compliment it for wood splitting etc.

I was thinking something along the lines of the CS Trail Master or Recon Scout (not sure which I'd go with)

OR

Would it be better to carry something like a hatchet or axe to compliment my knife?

I'm mostly hiking/biking with camera equipment, so minimal size/weight is preferred, what do you guys think?
 
Depending on the geographic location that you live in a machete would be best suited for places that has alot of green vegetation and an axe for enviroments with alot of trees.
 
If you decide to go the large-knife route I suggest that you pass on the Coldsteel and drop the extra ~$20.00 (IIRC) on a Ranger. That said; I prefer a decent folding saw to chopping implements though, both faster* and lighter.

*baring of course a full-size axe which would be ridiculously cumbersome when compared to other options, not to mention completely unnecessary.
 
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It depends on were you are. Are you in hardwood forest area, or thick underbrush jungle area? If jungle type area then you would probably be better suited with a machete, or kuhkri.

I'm pretty much an axe/hatchet guy myself, for the hardwood forest area were I live. But for your situation, I think I would actually recommend a saw. It will be lighter than everything else, and I think the S1 is more than able to baton.

But if you're not keen on a saw, then I would say to go with an axe/hatchet, perhaps the Wetterlings small hunting axe, or wildlife hunting axe? Personally I think an axe/knife combo is more efficient than a knife/bigger knife combo. Simply because axes are made and designed to chop and split wood, with all the weight were it should be. That is of course if you are not in a jungle/heavy underbrush area, then you are probably better off with that big knife.
 
Sorry, I should have specified, I live and hike in Idaho, so mostly dry-ish forests.
 
Wabajack said:
If you decide to go the large-knife route I suggest that you pass on the Coldsteel and drop the extra ~$20.00 (IIRC) on a Ranger.
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Who makes the Ranger?

stingray4540 said:
It depends on were you are. Are you in hardwood forest area, or thick underbrush jungle area? If jungle type area then you would probably be better suited with a machete, or kuhkri.

I'm pretty much an axe/hatchet guy myself, for the hardwood forest area were I live. But for your situation, I think I would actually recommend a saw. It will be lighter than everything else, and I think the S1 is more than able to baton.

But if you're not keen on a saw, then I would say to go with an axe/hatchet, perhaps the Wetterlings small hunting axe, or wildlife hunting axe? Personally I think an axe/knife combo is more efficient than a knife/bigger knife combo. Simply because axes are made and designed to chop and split wood, with all the weight were it should be. That is of course if you are not in a jungle/heavy underbrush area, then you are probably better off with that big knife.
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Thank you for the advice, I'll check those out! :thumbup:
 
As much as I love Bowie knives and machetes I would choose a hatchet over them here in the north woods as a survival tool. A hatchet can take much more use and abuse then a knife. Pounding, splitting, chopping with one is easier. Break the handle (wood) you can improvise one. Have a Jet Rocket or Eswing, they are indestructible. I would carry a full size axe only if I had to build something major. The hatchet will build me a great shelter, provide firewood, skin animals and provide defense. (two sided). My SHTF carry: SAK farmer, falkniven F1, Randall 14, and a Jet Rocket hatchet (40 something years old) That's todays carry, It changes every other day!!!!!!!
 
Curse said:
Sorry, I should have specified, I live and hike in Idaho, so mostly dry-ish forests.
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Curse, I'm just over here in the Central Oregon Cascades. Guessing that our environments are about the same (lived and worked in Idaho for a time). For splitting the small dry stuff (we are both dry it sounds like), I simply use a hatchet when in the field. I don't swing the hatchet, I use a cudgel or short large stick to drive the head down into the wood. Being dry, I can split wood MUCH faster with this method than with a large knife (no comparison). Not having to "swing" a sharp tool is a bit safer too (learned this method from a group of wilderness hunting and canoe guides). :)
 
Have you checked out the GB Mini? It's light, small and very well made. This little hatchet does the work of a much larger one.

Jeff
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Here in Utah I normally carry a folder, saw and Khukuri when ever I can. Most of the time I'll also have a medium sized (5" to 6" blade) fixed blade. I figure that should cover all the bases. Sometimes when I don't want to lug a Khukuri around I'll carry a Becker BK-9, An older SK5 SOG Tigershark or Kabar Heavy bowie along with a saw and folder. Ever since I got into Khukuris back in 2001 I have not carried a Hatchet.

To each there own! :) Find what works for you and stick with it.

-added- When backpacking in Wilderness areas that fires are prohibited I still carry my BK-9 or 15" Khukuri. It's seen as a general use tool instead of a firewood gathering implement. I can dig a hole potty hole, cut stuff or chop wood. No one has ever had problems with them on my trips.

Heber
 
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i would opt for the axe personally. GB makes great stuff, as mentioned. if that is more than you want to spent, look at fiskars and wetterlings.
 
Thanks for all the great info guys!

I can't seem to find any place locally that carries the Fiskars 14'', but there is a store that has an Estwing e24a (sportsmans axe)..... but its $40 :x

I leave for Stanley tomorrow, may have to go without this time, shouldn't be an issue I think (hope)
 
Curse,

I picked up Fiskars for my son at Meijer's for $20 a couple of weeks ago.

Jeff
 
Considering what you are teaming it with I'd say hatchet by default. I've nothing against either of those CS choices but let's consider the range. If you were starting with something like an F1 or one of the little Barkies even adding the Scout will give you a good range let alone something big like a Trailmaster. Although adding a hatchet would obviously give even greater range you may well not require that amount of headroom for what you do. A range from small to medium could be enough, I know it often is for me. But using the S1 as a starting point sets your floor at medium, so to get a wide range you need greater headroom, and for that something hatchet / axe is in my my opinion the best idea. Although we could rank order the chopping performance of the F1, RS, TM, you'd have a great deal of convergence and overlap in the middle. For me its all about ranges. Smallest to greatest, Smallest to medium. Medium to greatest. All these are good. Given the S1 is a splendid mid size knife economically I'd be wanting to team it with something like the little Fiskars hatchet.
 
If you see a cat who really know's how to use an axe you can gain a whole ne perspective on it's versatility as a tool..
 
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