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Larger blade? or just a hatchet or hawk

forestnomad

forestnomad

Joined
Jan 9, 2009
Messages
226
I recently got the RAT Izula, and I love it. It is the perfect knife for me. However, I was thinking of pairing it with the RC 4, and got to wondering- can you guys think of anything that I would need a larger knife for (short of cleaning large game) that couldn't be handled with either the Izula or a hawk/hatchet? (my usual woods combo).
 
The only reason I think you might want a larger knife for would be for alot of carving. Even cordwrapped, a skeletonized handle will not be nearly as comfortable as a fully rounded wood, micarta, or other material handle like those found on most bushcraft knives.
 
Clearing vegetation and tall grass is of course best suited to a larger blade and would be very difficult to accomplish with a hatchet + small knife.

Limbing is also easier with a larger blade unless the limbs are so thick that the blade needs several strikes to go through them. Many people also find it easier to baton large logs using a knife, rather then making wedges and hammering them into the wood as you would do with a hatchet.
 
Right now I carry my Horton Chopper and a Leatherman Wave when I'm backpacking/camping. I use my Horton to make tent pegs, tarp support poles, chop firewood, camp kitchen duty, etc. The Horton does everything a hatchet can do plus a few things that would be difficult with a hatchet. I have posted the below picture before, but I made the these tongs in just a couple minutes with the Horton (the people we were camping with brought corn, but didn't realize they didn't have a way to rotate them until after they were in the fire)..


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Funny I was going to post the same question.

I love the Izula and was going get a bigger knife for camping. Although I was able to baton wood for a campfire, it took a little longer than usual. I was looking at a tomahawk since it might be fun to throw around. But I am not sure if it would be able to split wood as well as batoning a larger knife.
 
ieraseu said:
Clearing vegetation and tall grass is of course best suited to a larger blade and would be very difficult to accomplish with a hatchet + small knife.

Limbing is also easier with a larger blade unless the limbs are so thick that the blade needs several strikes to go through them. Many people also find it easier to baton large logs using a knife, rather then making wedges and hammering them into the wood as you would do with a hatchet.
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I live in Maine, so while certainly a possibility, clearing vegetation and grass isn't really a necessity.

As for limbing and splitting large logs, I've found my tomahawk does an excellent job clearing limbs, and I almost never split large logs if I'm traveling with my hawk (I tend to keep my fires small, just as a precaution). If I'm car camping, I'll have an axe or a saw.
 
I can see no reason buddy.This little one of mine has been the only knife I have been carrying lately and can notch and shape wood just as easily as my knives that are an inch or more longer...

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In our New England woods I am just fine with a small knife + hatchet.

We really don't need to hack our way through vegetation. Dead wood is easy to gather for fire, so I don't find myself chopping much. Splitting is rare for me as well.

Although like siguy I do prefer a knife with a hand filling handle.

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Todd A said:
In our New England woods I am just fine with a small knife + hatchet.

We really don't need to hack our way through vegetation. Dead wood is easy to gather for fire, so I don't find myself chopping much. Splitting is rare for me as well.

Although like siguy I do prefer a knife with a hand filling handle.

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Sounds about right to me :thumbup: You guys have a good point about the hand-filling handle... hopefully RAT will come out the handle scales for the Izula sometime soon ;)
 
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Todd, if you don't stop posting images and raving about this blade, you're going to cost me some more $. :D

Jeff
 
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Nothing wrong with an izula/hatchet combination. I like the izula a bunch (I have two of them), however, what I like best about this little necker is its compact carry which makes it especially great for EDC.

As a camp blade it just isn't my choice. I prefer a longer blade, perhaps not out of necessity, but I like a 3-5" blade because that it what I prefer. When I close my eyes, I usualy have an idea of where the point on my knife is because I'm used to using ones of a certain dimension. As mentioned before, food prep is one area where length tends to help. Cutting an onion with a 2.5" blade isn't going to be fun (it might even make you cry, yuk..yuk...yuk).

The other thing about the izula is that I don't find the handle that comfortable even when wrapped. Mind you as far as neck knives go the ergo's on the izula are some of the best of skeletal knives that I have handled. However, it certainly isn't comfortable compared to something like the RC-3 or a full handled belt knife. When using the knife for carving, notching that bare handle can quickly generate hot spots in the hand. So when I'm out in the woods, I usually end up having a larger belt knife with me and my izula sits in the pack or in my pocket as a backup.

When I'm in the city, I pretty much only take the izula or another EDC. I don't have to deal with the negative public connotations of fixed blade carry wth the little blade. In this environment, the small loss in handle comfort is weighed against the convenience and social norms of pocket carry.
 
jds1 said:
Todd, if you don't stop posting images and raving about this blade, your going to cost me some more $. :D
Jeff
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Just order one already.:cool:

It will be the last knife you ever buy.:D

(Yes it is that good.)

(Seriously, I haven't bought a knife for myself since I got it , 2 months ,10 days and counting.:thumbup: )
 
I'm with kdg on this, when around town or at home I carry a 2.5 - 3" blade. However, when in the woods I like a 3.5" blade for gen purpose and a small hatchet. The Poll side of the hatchet is very important to me (driving stakes, crushing, etc. )

I think some folks will recommend a big knife simply because they like huge knives, I've found them to be too cumbersome and any benefits are negated by that fact.

I think you should start with the small knife/hatchet combo and see how that works for you.
 
I EDC my Scrapyard SOD and ZT 0200, i dont find them heavy at all. In fact, i find other knives too light by comparison.

gimmie an ax, chopper, medium knife, small knife and i'm good to go.
 
"Need"--No...

"Want"--YES.

I like taking several Big Blades out when I'm hiking-as I get a great deal of fun chopping things.

I have a few Axes--but like Chopping with Blades 7" and longer just for the Fun of it.

Depends on how far I'm going and what is available to chop.

I do not "need to" take the Larger ones I have--But it just makes the trip a lot more enjoyable when I can.

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