Making a Baton for camp use

[k_estela]

Here is the first of a few short photo tutorials I plan on doing. Most people know how to baton but not everyone knows how to make a comfortable baton to keep around the camp. Here's how it is done.

On a snow day just the other day, I decided to go out in the woods to practice skills. In an emergency, you have no control over weather conditions.

With me always is my Fox River on a paracord baldric. Perfect for winter carry outside of bulky clothes.

Partnered with my Fox is a Bahco Laplander saw. This was just what I needed to saw through a beech tree that snapped and was bent over.

I cut off more than I needed. It is much easier to cut material off than it is to put it back on!

Taking my saw, I scored a section of the limb and used the wear mark on the blade as a reference point.

Taking my Fox River, I batoned down from one end to the scored section removing material. This is the handle of the baton in an early state. After initial material removal. Simple shaving down of material is done until a comfortable diameter is achieved.

I remove the bark to prevent it from "gunkin'" up the spine of my blade and softening the blow.

I like to round all sharp edges. This prevents them from splitting and prolongs the life of the tool.

After all edges are rounded and most of the bark if not all the bark is removed, the tool is ready for use. Ideally, this should be allowed to dry and if possible, fire hardened to maximize impact resistance.

Hope this helps you guys out!


SNEAK PEEK: WHAT WILL THE NEXT PROJECT BE?

 

[mtnfolk mike]

great stuff Kev...:thumbup:

 

[j williams]

Good stuff Kev! Thats pretty sweet!!!!

 

[bearthedog]

Good stuff! I really like that Barkie, I have never held a Fox River or North Star. Looks loved!

-RB

 

[KuRUpTD]

That fox river is sweet ... good stuff .

 

[Rockywolf]

Very cool. Will you be making a spoon or ladle next?

 

[akabu]

rabbit stick

 

[Joezilla]

Sweet write up kev! i really love that jacket you have on there! We had some white stuff on the ground here but I was too scared to go outside and investigate what it was. The weatherman said it was called "snow" but I never believe him.

I've learned a few tips from some warn out batons, that I like to do personally, and by no means should you be expected to do 'em. But me likey these so here goes:

Bevel the edges on the top and bottom by cutting the edges of the end. It keeps it from splitting.


Photo courtesy Woodsmonkey

To make the mallet part, use a deep cut to kind of "scoop" out the wood, that way you don't make a little breaking point. You can then work on the handle using that as the taper point.

Also I like to cut across the knot to remove it. Knots make the fingers bleed

 

[k_estela]

The jacket is a dimension parka from Patagonia. Got it for $85 from the site marked down from $275. Thanks for the replies so far guys!

 

[akabu]

good points Joe and aye yah on the knots

 

[Stormstaff]

noob question. How do you fire harden the baton then?

 

[Md 25v]

Rabbit stick?

 

[k_estela]

Fire hardening is the process of removing moisture through heat. To fire harden, build up a large pile of ash in your fire. Note I said ash, not coals. Bury the tool ( I said "bury the tool" hehe) in the ash and allow the heat to rapidly remove the moisture. You'll know it is adequately dry when the tone of the wood changes from a dull thud to a sharp rap. Don't let the tool burn, just let it get hot.

 

[Kismet]

Uh...

I'm old. So bear with me, please.

As I read it, you used a saw and a knife

to make a stick?

Just how tough are the outdoor regs in CT?










Kis
enjoy every sandwich

 

[tonym]

Nice tutorial Kev!

Your next project looks like a throwing stick.

 

[k_estela]

Kismet,

You can use a regular old log if you want but grasping something with a large diameter is fatiguing. By taking it down, it makes use much easier. Camp tools are also easier to identify when a little flair is added to them. You're not as likely to throw this in the fire as you are a regular old log.

kev

 

[andrew7978]

Nice tool Kev! A lot of work, but it would be great to have around the house or on a length camping stay.

 

[Joezilla]

kismet, its an excuse to use a knife AND a saw! How dare you !!!!!

 

[brians]

That score done by the laplander is a great idea and is called a "stop-cut" in the artistic carving world.

 

[kgd]

Great tutorial Kevin. I did sort of chuckle at the though of batoning your baton but it makes a lot of sense to make a nice baton and use it at the base camp rather than using just any old thing you happen to find.