Old Debate, Any New Thoughts? Big Knives vs Axes.....

[Shotgun]

I prefer a small hatchet, GB mini to be exact. Really, I carry it because I like using it and not so much that I need it. I think if we were honest with ourselves, I would say most of us don't NEED any kind of chopping tool but bring them because they're fun. To me large knives are really awkward for any kind of fine cutting. The mini with it's large beard is actually fun to use for fine cutting IMO. I've even used it in the kitchen.

 

[SouthernCross]

Horses for courses :thumbup:

Personally my horse is a GB mini


Kind regards
Mick

 

[Fonly]

Before this one gets out of hand I throw in my choice.

I like big knives in the sense of machetes. I dont like the 8" plus Tops or blackjack style knives. I do however like a belt knife thats above 4", something 5-7" that way, when I dont have an axe my folding saw and knife can cover it. On a canoe trip, or car camping I will take an axe. But over all, a folding saw and a fixed blade works fine.

 

[kgd]

I think if we were honest with ourselves, I would say most of us don't NEED any kind of chopping tool but bring them because they're fun.

Need of the tool is based on the job at hand. Going on a no-trace hike doesn't necessitate a chopping tool, true. But there are lots of folks who own their own land and maintain trails on their property, who fell trees from their property for firewood and who heat their homes with wood. The one thing that rings true with me is that if you NEED an axe, there is very few other tools that will do the required job as well as an axe optimized for the purpose.

Something that keeps ringing true in this forum is that we tend to try and pigeon hole everybody doing the same kinds of things that we do personally. The reality is that this is an international forum with members spanning almost every continent and doing very different kinds of outdoor activities. Tell the guy who actually builds his survival shelters out of wood that he doesn't really need a chopper, and he will tell you what he doesn't need is a guy with a nylon backpack telling him what he needs.

 

[eastr77]

well for speed i would say a big knife cause then you get the full length of the blade for reach across the desired object. but for fun can't beat a good hattch or axe. i mean even i big axe only has like a 4 inch cuting surface while a big knife has 7-12 inch of cutting surface you dont have to go around the object to cut the width and couple the big knife with a good baton and some know how theres no need for a axe and besides i dont like clearing trails with and axe. IMO i love all tools thats why i have axes hattch's and big knifes

 

[Shotgun]

Need of the tool is based on the job at hand. Going on a no-trace hike doesn't necessitate a chopping tool, true. But there are lots of folks who own their own land and maintain trails on their property, who fell trees from their property for firewood and who heat their homes with wood. The one thing that rings true with me is that if you NEED an axe, there is very few other tools that will do the required job as well as an axe optimized for the purpose.

Something that keeps ringing true in this forum is that we tend to try and pigeon hole everybody doing the same kinds of things that we do personally. The reality is that this is an international forum with members spanning almost every continent and doing very different kinds of outdoor activities. Tell the guy who actually builds his survival shelters out of wood that he doesn't really need a chopper, and he will tell you what he doesn't need is a guy with a nylon backpack telling him what he needs.

True and I'm not really one who tells people what they should and shouldn't do. My point is that for survival an axe or a chopper knife only speeds up survival tasks. It's possible to build a survival shelter without chopping wood, it just takes longer.

 

[Jason Magruder]

I prefer a big knife to an axe or hatchet. The only big knife I have is REALLY big 18" blade 24" oal. A little overkill for most things and just on the edge of carryable but the fun factor is unbeatable My big knife is faster than an axe on anything up to about 4 or 5 inches thick. If you've got something solid to whack on the axe will penetrate better but when the tree has a little give to it when you hit the knife wins every time. I don't think I've ever had to cut anything thicker than about three inches for firewood while camping. Most of the time I just use small sticks that I can break by hand for a small cookfire. Shelter is usually a couple of 2-3 inch pine trees and a lot of small limbs.

For what I do a 10 inch blade would be more than enough. I just happen to have this monster knife. An axe is pretty much never needed. A hatchet would be just as good for chopping the bigger stuff that I use (2-3") but would fall flat on it's face when it's time to clear brush from the trail or cut lots of pine boughs quick for bedding. So I carry a big-ass knife. I also carry a 3 inch fixed blade for the more delicate tasks.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Need of the tool is based on the job at hand. Going on a no-trace hike doesn't necessitate a chopping tool, true. But there are lots of folks who own their own land and maintain trails on their property, who fell trees from their property for firewood and who heat their homes with wood. The one thing that rings true with me is that if you NEED an axe, there is very few other tools that will do the required job as well as an axe optimized for the purpose.

Something that keeps ringing true in this forum is that we tend to try and pigeon hole everybody doing the same kinds of things that we do personally. The reality is that this is an international forum with members spanning almost every continent and doing very different kinds of outdoor activities. Tell the guy who actually builds his survival shelters out of wood that he doesn't really need a chopper, and he will tell you what he doesn't need is a guy with a nylon backpack telling him what he needs.

k, I have to admit, you broke me up with that (probably the vodka helped a bit ) but you are dead on. We all have different tastes, skills and requirements. The OP said it was an old debate, so why do we have to keep revisiting it? If it works for you, great. If not, improvise.

Doc

 

[attej]

Im more used to carrying an axe; the largest knife I own is a 6" blade Sissipuukko. But, usually I carry neither. A foldable saw and a 3-4" knife is plenty. Ive dragged an axe on many trips, and found at the end that the only time Ive even used it was to split some firewood; a task thats on this environment pretty much unnecessary. Theres small wood always to be found. In that sense the question "which chops better" is irrelevant for me personally; I cant think of anything to chop to begin with

 

[attej]

Something that keeps ringing true in this forum is that we tend to try and pigeon hole everybody doing the same kinds of things that we do personally. The reality is that this is an international forum with members spanning almost every continent and doing very different kinds of outdoor activities.

Well said :thumbup:

 

[Gossman Knives]

Being the hardhead I am, I'm set in my ways and will always carry a large fixed blade, an axe and a saw. I EDC a smaller fixed blade all the time so that will be on me.
Scott

 

[silenthunterstudios]

OK,

I love these threads, because I usually end up learning from all your perspectives....

So, this is my starting point.

I carry a big knife, a chopper, unless I will need to procure LARGE amounts of wood.

I like axes, but I dislike hatchets/axettes, and really dislike the double bit.

This should be a great discussion.

Marion

In between sneezing and scratching my eye balls out yesterday (cutting grass, this isn't my season for allergies), I took down a couple limbs on some pine trees, and busted up some blow down in the woods. I had a great opportunity to get the camera out. My Gossman Kephart, and Dozier Wilderness would have been great to use.

But, because of the possibility of pine sap, I just used my Estwing hatchet and camp axe. Too lazy to grab the chainsaw, extension cord etc.

Single bit for me.

 

[hollowdweller]

For chopping only I have never found a big knife that will chop as well as a hatchet OF THE SAME WEIGHT. Also after using both A LOT. I can say for me at least that a hatchet is MUCH easier on your arm and shoulder than a big knife, especially if it is FULL TANG.


That said if you are going to be chopping AND clearing brush and small saplings a big knife is a better all around tool.

 

[MBTull]

I am in the Rocky Mountain region. Lots of downed and dry-rotted pine limbs here. In a pinch, I could get by with my SAK Huntsman for shaving kindling and a pair of leather gloves and heavy boots for snapping sticks into firewood sized pieces. But that's not much fun. I carry a Gerber Gator pocket ax, it is light and I can use it like a chopper. It is a little more Sheeple friendly. I also carry a Fiskars folding saw and take some time to sharpen the teeth and make sure they are set on a regular basis. With this trio (saw, SAK and hatchet) I can do fine work, cooking chores, cut tarp pegs and ridge poles, process firewood, whittle a dibble (sounds nasty, basically carve a digging stick for a fire pit and sanitation) etc.

Recently I have started whittling whistles. I use this combo to harvest the wood, skin the bark, chop off any branches, smooth knots, make stop cuts and carve notches. I figure the more I can use the tools, even when I cannot get out, the better I will be with them in the wood.

 

[wildmanh]

When I go camping I normally have a folder, my SOG Powerlock Multitool, a 5 to 6 inch fixed blade and a Large knife. The large knife ranges from 9" bladed Bowies (SOG Tigershark, BK-9, Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie), to Medium sized Khukuris. It all depends on where I'll be, what I want to try out or practice with and what I plan on doing while I'm out in the wilds. And I normally have a 5 to 9 inch folding saw also.

A hatchet would work for all my chopping needs and have carried a Hatchet and Saw for all my wood gathering needs. I found that I was also carrying a chefs knife in my grub box to cut up Mellons, various foods and light brush. When I discovered Himalayan Imports back in 2001 I started carrying Khukuris on my outings and find that the hatchet stays home.

2 years ago I was on a church Picnic in the Mount Nebo Wilderness area. Before dinner I went on a hike, used the saw on my Seal Revolver to cut some wood for walking sticks and back at camp I harvested wood for the fire with my 20" Sirupati. Then for dinner I cleaned up my Sirupati and used it to cut up the water mellon. Would not have been able to do that with the hatchet.

A few times in the past I've had the chance to do some trail clearing for the forest service. Sometimes we are breaking new trails and sometimes maintaning old ones. My Khukuris come with me just in case and have come in handy a time of two. Was clearing brush on the Boneville Shoreline Trail here in Utah County (North Central Utah) with clippers. Things were going pretty good for a while till we had to cut a trail through a grove of trees. It was mostly new groth so green wood of Scrub oak, Quakies and a few other brod leafed trees randing from finger thick to about 4 inches. I could have gone in there with my clippers but instead I desided to wade through it with my 20" Sirupati. That thing cut most of the trees with one swipe and sometimes would take out multiple trees per swipe. Took way less time to blaze the trail then the clippers and an Axe would have.

If I'm going to cut dry thick wood for my mom's fire place or will be on a campsite for a week or so I like to have an Axe or chainsaw or Bow saw on on hand. But if I need to keep mobile or it's just over night or mostly trail work, give me a Long knife. For shelter building I prefer a saw and Khukuri.

- edited to add : Went camping over the weekend and brought the following: Seal Revolver (5" blade + saw), 16.5" WWII Model Khukuri and my Great River Forge Medium French Hawk. The Hawk saw the most use. All the food was precut (Home made chilli and tinfoil dinners) and the logs only needed splitting so I did that with the hawk. It hasn't seen much use since getting it over a year ago so I thought it needed the chance. Performed rather well for splitting, also used it to pound tent pegs. I'm starting to Collect hawks and not sure if I'll chance what I carry but only time will tell. Right now I think the hawk's will supliment my Khukuris for chopping. -

Hope this helps!

Heber

 

[bigox]

For chopping only I have never found a big knife that will chop as well as a hatchet OF THE SAME WEIGHT. Also after using both A LOT. I can say for me at least that a hatchet is MUCH easier on your arm and shoulder than a big knife, especially if it is FULL TANG.


That said if you are going to be chopping AND clearing brush and small saplings a big knife is a better all around tool.

What he said.

 

[Oregon Knife Guy]

Since this is about survival, survival is about trying to live while consuming the least amount of calories in order to stay alive. In survival/emergency we generally don't have the luxury of easily inputting large doses of calories....so we don't have the luxury of burning any more calories than we absolutely need. If we need to burn them then we need to invest them wisely into appropriate tasks.!

That is absolutely correct.
I am a fan of an axe. I know most of you, including me, have the knive that is capible of chopping through a downed tree, no problem. But, you burn so many precious calories doing so, it almost isn't worth it.
Last night I was watching a recorded episode of the alaskan experiment where the nine people were dropped off to make it from point a to point b and will take about 30 days to do so. Even with a hatchet, cutting wood for them is a chore. And calories are a huge factor for them. You have to collect so much wood for a few days worth if fire, you simply can't do it with a knife. Even a hatchet is tough. An axe works great.
Also, using a knife for chopping through as much wood as you would need, can eventually potentially damage a knife. Do you want to be in a survival situation and have half of a chopper? I would much rather have a fiskars....

 

[Oregon Knife Guy]

well for speed i would say a big knife cause then you get the full length of the blade for reach across the desired object. but for fun can't beat a good hattch or axe. i mean even i big axe only has like a 4 inch cuting surface while a big knife has 7-12 inch of cutting surface you dont have to go around the object to cut the width and couple the big knife with a good baton and some know how theres no need for a axe and besides i dont like clearing trails with and axe. IMO i love all tools thats why i have axes hattch's and big knifes

No offense, but with a longer cutting surface you will not get as deep penetration. A shorter cutting surface, like an axe will cutt much deeper. Also, with an axe, you get way more force because you have the leverage. Most everyone would agree I am sure a big chopper for fun, an axe to get it done. Anyone who cuts firewood for the home, would agree that you use an axe. I would break thousands of dollars in knives trying to get firewood into my house.

 

[TheGame]

When I am going out, I prefer a big knife. It is more fun to use, and can do more things than an axe. (A person not skilled with an axe, at least) An axe would be better if I were where I needed to process a whole tree, but I doubt that time will ever come.

 

[1Tracker]

No offense, but with a longer cutting surface you will not get as deep penetration. A shorter cutting surface, like an axe will cutt much deeper. Also, with an axe, you get way more force because you have the leverage. Most everyone would agree I am sure a big chopper for fun, an axe to get it done. Anyone who cuts firewood for the home, would agree that you use an axe. I would break thousands of dollars in knives trying to get firewood into my house.

I tend to agree with you about processing large amounts of camp/house wood. But where I disagree is where you atate 'ax' where 'maul' should be IMO/E. A wood maul is specifically designed to bust up log rounds into splits. It has the weight, and shape, behind the head to blast rounds apart. An ax used properly is for felling and limbing trees as I was taught. A saw rounds out the tools by allowing one to cut the main trunk and larger branches into split(able) sizes. Most axes IMO are not designed for splitting wood.

I'm not saying to truck a 6-8lb headed wood maul in your pack on a day hike. But if you are intending to setup any kind of longer term camp demanding lots of split wood, I suggest a wood maul is worth hauling along. I know Fiskers has an ax they offered for splitting, and it's called exactly that, as opposed to a wood maul. I bought one, but have yet to use it this year. It has a MUCH different shaped head than any of their other axes. This one has a face that splays wide right from the get go. Plus it seems to have a bit more weight behind that head.

I think the it's not so much large knife vs ax, as what time frame one is considering to do the wood splitting. Long term a maul or splitting ax is your boy. Overnight, or a few days in buck camp, a large knife is entertaining to sit around batoning some pieces of cut firewood.