Nessmuk Trio Revisited!!

[valcas1]

I am always arranging and re-arranging my woods bumming gear like most of the posters on here and would like to discuss the Nessmuk trio.

I have been thinking of changing my typical trio of Wetterlings large hunter, Koster Bushcraft, and VIc farmer. As I Re-think the trio I have a few questions and would like to have input form fellow forum members.

Would it make more sense to carry a Silky saw and a large 8-9" blade along with my Koster bushcraft. Now don't get me wrong I love axes just like the next guy, but here is my thinking. Silky saw and large blade= less chance of injury when you are out in the sticks. If the need was there to cut wood lets say 6-8" then the silky saw would do that task safely. Also to use the large blade to baton and split wood that size again it would be safe and I actually think it would be more effective then using my small wetterling axe. Have you every tried to split 6-8" logs with a wetterling, I have it aint easy. When you get the head stuck in the log the only thing that you have to beat on is the handle, and the weight of the axe head doesn't create enough force to cleanly split the wood like a spliting maul would.What say you on this topic?

Why do I carry a small folder? I don't actually know... I think it would be better to carry a small neck knife that is easy to get to and there is no chance that it would close on your fingers.

As a side note a large knife can be utilized as a draw knife much more effectively. Are there any things that a small axe will do better and safer than a large, stout camp knife?

So please help me out here with your thoughts.

Thanks in advance

Paul

 

[pitdog]

I agree with your thoughts 100% bro !!!

I have often hit the same problem as you when trying to split logs with a small axe and find it a much easier task with a large knife and batton yet on this forum some people always respond as if I'm stupid. It makes me wonder if those same people ever actually try these things for real ?
For backpacking and camping I think a large knife is a far more versatile tool and will suffice for any type of shelter building other than a log cabin !!!!!
Regarding a SAK v Neck knife, that's a tough one, I have settled on a multi-tool as it offers a few more options than a single bladed neck knife and can be used to repair gear etc. Also if your saw were to break or get lost at least you would have a little back up one on your multi-tool/SAK.

 

[IH8U]

I have several set ups depending on the situation. If I going to be camping for a good few days then I will take a Estwing campers axe, my big blade (6.75") and a SAK champ +. If I go out riding in the desert then I usually just take the leatherman and a smaller fixed blade, usually the Koster Bushcraft. If Its a day hike I take a small fixed blade (4") and a SAK. If I go backpacking then it usually is the Bark River Bravo and Mikro slither, a folding saw and SAK.

There are a million different scenarios and a million different combos you can come up with, but it all depends are your needs at the time.

 

[sodak]

I've been less than impressed at times with my Wetterling also. For usable sizes of wood, a large knife works better for me. For really large logs, I prefer a Swede saw or equivalent. I'm starting to leave the hatchet more and more at home.

 

[cybrok]

The kit I actually try to built consists of a SAK One-hand trekker, a 15" Khukuri and ?


still searching for the ?

I think the khuk has a lot to bring to the trio, especially in the easy to carry tek-loked kydex sheath.

To me the point of a SAK like the trekker is to have those others tools you might need. Like the saw. That one also has a locking blade.

 

[valcas1]

Sodak,

I don't think the Wetterlings are a bad purchase. I am just thinking that you can do the same and more with a large blade compared to a small axe. going to look into the swede saw a little closer.

Paul

 

[valcas1]

Pitdog,

I agree with you.

type of shelter building other than a log cabin !!!!!

I got news for you I wouldn't want to build that log cabin with my Large huter axe either.

 

[Wabajack]

I preffer an axe/hatchet to a large knife, my fiskars hatchet (for example) is much more efficient when it comes to chopping and splitting wood for me than those dang prybars p). Now that that's out of the way, moving along;

Small trip - SAK (maybe a Bahco Saw)
Larger Trip - 3.5-4.25" fixed blade and usually a Bahco Saw or an axe/hatchet if I feel like carrying the extra weight (maybe a SAK thrown into the pack).
3~Weekish Canoe Trip or other long stay in the bush- 3.5-4.25" fixed blade, collabsible bow saw, hatchet/axe and a SAK.

 

[tarmix101]

The question you're asking as going to be best answered by you. There are always going to be factions on what is the best to take with you for heavy duties.

Axe vs. large fixed is an argument that will never be solved really.

Pitdog is not correct...... nor is he wrong. A large fixed blade is what works for him, and what he has found useful and comfortable to use. It's pretty obvious that in the right hands a large fixed blade is capable of just about anything you would need in the woods.

I'm not correct..... nor am I wrong in carrying a hatchet, or axe for heavy use. The axe has been around for thousands of years and proved it's self one of the most important tools IMO.

The best thing to do is try them all out, and decide for yourself what is best for you.

BTW...... you should keep your axe.

 

[GEC]

Okay I get what your saying now. I have used both techniques to split wood.
I have fiskar hatchet also and I had it get stuck a lot when splitting large logs. I found that if you try to split it from the side on it side instead of down the middle and upright worked pretty good. I also used or actually made a couple wedges to help it along too.
I have also used a large FB to split wood and I found it can seriously put a strain on the blade when you hit a serious knot. This where you have to have a decent quality blade to prevent failure for lateral stress IMO. I found that you still had to use a wedge of some sort to free it when it gets stuck. Then the wedge would finish off the rest of the splitting.
As said before, I think you should try both ways to see what you are more comfortable with. But I would keep the hatchet so that you have the options to go back and forth.

 

[valcas1]

Wabajack and Tarmix,

What kinds of large knives have you used to compare to your axes. I would appreciate your experiences. Do you feel that the axe is as safe or safer than a large knife for these tasks? Would it be more efficient to use the Saw to crosscut or you feel you be better off with the axe?



Also let me be clear, I have no intention of letting my axes go up for sale. I will keep them.

Tarmix,

I understand what you are saying about me being the final judge on what works "for me" I just enjoy using the vast resources of the forums to get input form people like yourself. I believe it makes the learning that much faster.


Thanks for the give and take on this subject. Keep this one alive.

Paul

 

[tarmix101]

Wabajack and Tarmix,

What kinds of large knives have you used to compare to your axes. I would appreciate your experiences. Do you feel that the axe is as safe or safer than a large knife for these tasks? Would it be more efficient to use the Saw to crosscut or you feel you be better off with the axe?



Also let me be clear, I have no intention of letting my axes go up for sale. I will keep them.

Tarmix,

I understand what you are saying about me being the final judge on what works "for me" I just enjoy using the vast resources of the forums to get input form people like yourself. I believe it makes the learning that much faster.


Thanks for the give and take on this subject. Keep this one alive.

Paul

Scott Gossman Tusker was one of them. By all account Scott makes a premier outdoor blade to be sure. His fit and finish, convex grinds, and heat treat on good carbon tool steel is beyond repute.

I liked the knife. However I found it awkward for me. Don't get me wrong, the knife was a workhorse. I am more adept at using a hatchet, or medium axe over the large blade. I personally found it took more effort to split wood by batoning over a axe.

Safety can be an issue with either. This is where your own technique, training, or whatever you would like to call it comes in. An axe is what I'm used to, and I'm comfortable with them.

A good folding saw (especially on day hikes) is an indispensable tool. Paired with an axe to buck long poles into splittable lengths, you would be very well equipped with nothing else IMO.


Edited to add: This thread needs pictures.......

 

[Noshtero]

I did a rather extensive personal test of a fixed blade against a hatchet against a khukri. In my very controlled test, I found a hatchet to be of most use. Now... that's in a "carry one tool to be ready for the most I can be ready for" type situation. I don't carry my hatchet when I go hiking. I have almost zero use for it.

As lame as it sounds, it really is just personal preference. If a chopper was the correct answer, then Wetterlings would be out of business. I'm a firm believer that all three wood destroying tools (chopper, hatchet, khuk) will work. They all... in fact... destroy wood. If you want to believe one is more efficient, lighter weight, more robust, more sheeple friendly, cooler, easier to maintain, safer, etc....then carry that one

The only thing I won't carry is a khukri. It scares the crap out of people, and for me is very cumbersome to chop wood with. If I was tasked with chopping people however, I would pick the khukri.

 

[tarmix101]

The only thing I won't carry is a khukri. It scares the crap out of people, and for me is very cumbersome to chop wood with. If I was tasked with chopping people however, I would pick the khukri.

This........ is sheer poetry..........


LMAO.........

 

[GEC]

I know that you posted to other forum members, but after reading your last post I do feel that using a saw can be better in some aspects. It can be a a lot easier to safely baton a knife through a piece of wood that has square ends. It's safer to use if your coordination is suffering from the cold, an injury, or the lack of light. The only problem that I see about a saw is that it the blade can be twisted or broken.
Sorry if I posted out of line. Just trying to help I'm sure more knowledgeable people will post again.

 

[valcas1]

GEC,

Please no apologies are needed. That is what I like about these forums. Logical input from everyone. I also agree with you that a saw blade can be twisted and or broken.

Paul

 

[Wabajack]

What kinds of large knives have you used to compare to your axes.

I've used a convexed Ranger RD9, a Ratweiler and a few others.

Do you feel that the axe is as safe or safer than a large knife for these tasks?

I don't really have a safety preference between the two, it's all about technique.

Would it be more efficient to use the Saw to crosscut or you feel you be better off with the axe?

I usually carry a saw instead of an axe/large-knife, splitting wood I've found is usually an unnecessary process and cross cutting is at least as efficient if not more so with a good saw. Splitting can make life easier when it's damp or when there's snow, but usually that added weight isn't worth it for me since I‘m used to gathering dry materials in less then ideal whether without splitting, so YMMV.

But what is most important is that you have with you what your comfortable with using. For me it's usually a saw, if I feel like taking the splitting advantages of a hatchet I'll drag that along.

Some weight info; My Bahco saw is 6oz (IIRC) and the Fiskars is 19oz (IIRC)and my Gransfors wildlife hatchet (another axe in the Fiskars size frame) is 22oz (IIRC), these numbers where taken from ta' interentz though so I don't know how accurate they are nor am I sure my memory is all that correct. The Bahco is considerably less noticeable to carry than either of the hatchets.

Well, I’m not sure helpful I was if at all, but I think that‘s all.

Cheers,

 

[Gossman Knives]

Here's my take on the Nessmuk trio. Even though I am a proponent for large fixed blades, nothing will replace an axe when it comes to splitting large pieces of firewood. Winter camping IMO, it's a must to have an axe and a large saw. A hatchet or a large blade becomes a personal preference. For me, I'd take a large blade over a hatchet. Some folks are really good using a hatchet, me, I'm better with an 8" camp knife. I'd rather have the large blade because I feel it's more versitile then a hatchet. I add a 4" fixed blade and I'm set.
Thanks for the compliment Tarmix.
Scott

 

[valcas1]

Thanks for the input Scott. I feel that a 8" camp knife is versatile as well. I also can understand that for winter camping a larger axe and saw are a neccesatiy.

Paul

 

[collecter]

My main folder is the vic farmer. I've not found a more usefull combination of tools in one small size package and the quality and price make these things even better.

I have two choppers, a GB SFA and a small hatchet. Depending on the bush I going to I'll take the one that's appropriate.

My fixed blade varies as well. Usually it's a 3.5" stainless blade. I like the stainless because usually this knife sees more cooking duty than wood duty. I'f I'm expecting to be in a forest that has wood cutting opportunities I'll take a larger fixed blade.

There are times when I don't take a trio. I like the 550hg for pocket carry along with the farmer I feel that I have enough cutting tools with me.

I also have a couple saws that are light weight. I like the bahco laplander and fiskars sliding saw. If weight is an issue I'll leave the hatchet behind in favor of one of these. Both are good but the fiskars is a little smaller and lighter making it easier to carry. The bahco might be a slightly better performer.

It's good to have a variety to choose from. The one piece that always goes with me is the vic farmer.