Large Knife vs Hatchet vs Axe

[IronSteve]

If i go camping, i always bring my cold steel latin machete and supplement that with a fixed blade. A friend usually brings a hatchet. But i prefer machetes over hatchets in the wilderness, just personal preference although they take up more space then hatchets. But for you, who has such a good fixed blade, i suggest the axe.

 

[EdD270]

For cutting large pieces of wood, say 2" or more, into some specified length, I prefer a saw. They don't split wood well, though, but in the boondocks I don't bother with splitting it anyway. I like the little cheap plastic handle foldink saws and really love the copllapsable Sven saw. A hatchet would be my second choice, a Gerber/Fiskars 14" or similar, light but adequate for the job. I like to not use my knife for gross chopping or hacking chores, but try to save the edge for finer work. Hope that helps.

 

[longbow50]

I havn't seen any of his videos to know for sure, but I think that Ron Hood gets by with a large knife and he lives in Idaho. Of course, his skill levels are off the chart, so YMMV. Your S1 should be plenty of knife for your needs.

Myself, I would prefer a threesome of edged tools and maybe add a small saw to make it 4. Again, like was mentioned, terrain rules and in a heavily wooded area, I would want my Wetterling 19" limbing axe, which lies between a hatchet and full sized axe. Or, if less heavy chopping is to be done, then maybe a Fiskars 14" hatchet. It will double as a knife if needed, cause it can be made very sharp and will handle all your lite wood working needs. I also like the Fiskars sliding blade saw. Less than 4 ounces and is a heck of a little saw, so why not stow one away in the pack. Under $10.00 at our OSH (hardware). Carry both of the Fiskars tools and you have a great, inexpensive combo that will get the job done. Add a folding knife of some kind and you're set.

 

[King Bear]

A large knife can do the job, but lacks the versatility of a hatchet/medium-small knife combo.

I lived most of my life in the north, and found a hatchet to be indispensable. I'm particularly fond of the Snow & Neally Penobscot Kindling Axe. It's a large, very nice hatchet, but it take some time to reprofile and put a good edge on it. Gransfors costs more, but they tend to come sharp.

 

[JohnnyO]

If I anticipate chopping a hatchet comes along. Otherwise, a knife that can handle battoning, along with a folding saw is part of my day pack.

 

[udtjim]

I guess I just responded to this on another subect but once agiain, I started using a ax/hatchet at age six around the farm and never really used a big knife for chooping until the military. I am still much more at home chopping with a small ax/hatchet or short Machete vs big knives. However to each his own and whatever works for you can't be beat. For you.

 

[collecter]

I guess I just responded to this on another subect but once agiain, I started using a ax/hatchet at age six around the farm and never really used a big knife for chooping until the military. I am still much more at home chopping with a small ax/hatchet or short Machete vs big knives. However to each his own and whatever works for you can't be beat. For you.

Same as I. I used to take my fathers hunting knife and his hatchet and be gone from dusk till dawn. That and hand full of nails and we would build some outragous forts/tree houses. I wouldn't let my kids do that today and sometimes wonder how my parents let me go. I must have been around 6 or 7 when my friend and I started playing in the woods with knives, hatchets and fire. I supose you can't equal those adventures and learning experiences with any modern day course. The good ol days!