Possible to baton with folders?

J

J1427

Joined
Sep 2, 2013
Messages
171
Hey guys. So I was just wondering is it possible to baton with a folding knife, without damaging the lock? Specifically something similar to the ZT0350. Or is this something that should only be done in an emergency? Out of curiosity, could batoning be done with a SAK (one with a 2.5in blade and a liner lock)?
 
I have done tinder batoning with almost every knife ive owned including slipjoints and friction folders. dont go crazy, avoid knots and dont use another stick, use you palm or hamerfist it, never broke one yet. ymmv
just my two cents,
Paul
 
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Any benchmade axis lock will handle it easy! Wouldn't do it with anything else. I have damaged liner locks before. This picture was yesterday with a 710
 
Yes it is possible, but technique is paramount.

I've done it with a CS Pocket Bushman, and I've seen it done with a SAK as a proof of concept. Just the same, if I were planning to baton I'd plan on taking a fixed blade.
 
It can be done, but I wouldn't do it. If you are going to try to baton with a folder, disengage the lock first. Why are you batoning with a ZT350 BTW?
 
Blade HQ has a video on the Spyderco Manix 2 XL demonstrating batoning. Holds up well. Pivot loosened a bit but that's to be expected in a new knife till it breaks in. I've got one and it's a well built piece.
 
Acesn8s said:
Stout looking knife Alnamvet68, what is it?
Click to expand...

It's an Extrema Ratio RAO. It's billed as a hybrid that uses a removable pin locking system that allows you to carry it open all the time like a fixed blade. Cool looking knife.
 
It is very possible and can be done along with has been. Certain knives are obviously better to do it with than others such as Cold Steels due to their lock, but Benchmades can do it as well such as the griptilian. I have never used a SAK for batoning, but I think a 2.5 inch blade is quite small for batoning but if you use it for small kindling it might be possible but I have never tried.
 
Judging by the frequency of this topic, batoning with suboptimal knives appears to be a popular activity. My question when I read this is "Why?" I understand the appropriate uses of batoning for getting firewood and building shelter, but I have a hard time believing that the forumites here routinely find themselves with unexpected need to baton some wood. I say unexpected because if you are already camping, surely you planned ahead and brought a more suitable tool. Same thing in your car, toss in a hatchet, or a Mora knife.

How often does it happen in real life that you are alone on foot, surrounded by trees, with only the folder in your pocket, and suddenly you need to build a fire or build a shelter? I don't believe it. What happened to planning?
 
Simple answer.... Don't do it.

It's is just not wise to baton with a folder regardless of its lock type. It's nothing more that a quick way to break a perfectly good knife or hurt yourself.
 
You can baton with any folder if you 1) disengage the lock, and 2) keep the tip of the knife the lowest point.

Why you would want/need/have to is another question entirely.
 
Have I done it? Yes . Did I need to? No. Is it abuse? Maybe, depends on the knife, the wood selection, and technique.

If my knife fell apart would I whine, complain, smear the manufacturer all over the internet, or try to use the warrenty? Nope.
 
Break the lock and use the blade only. Depending on the blade size will determine the size logs you can process.
 
Check out Quartermaster knives , you should be able to baton with one of there beasts 5/16" bladestock beefy!
 
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