Ok... regarding this whole batoning thing... I'm convinced.
I'm searching through the archive and on the web. Finding lots of pros and cons. Some good advice, which makes sense to me, especially regarding not trying to do too much with too little knife as a way of avoiding breaking a knife. Respecting the limits of gear is something I understand.
But, I would love to find some more concrete tips on how to baton with a full length, but not full width tang knife without busting it.
Here's some of the full story...
My buddy and I went out for an overnight ski tour up in New Hampshire. Nothing epic but at our age, just getting out is an accomplishment. The old logging roads and rail beds make for good ski touring.
Spring touring by Pinnah, on Flickr
We were in an area where fires were allowed. I had a small folding saw an my old H-15. It's an older knife. 5" blade but not the full width tang favored today.
h-15-sheath by Pinnah, on Flickr
We camped near this river and had an early supper along the river.
East Branch Pemi by Pinnah, on Flickr
Despite the sunny skies and taking old dead fall from past storms like Irene that was up off the ground well above the super wet snow, much of the wood was damp due to the recent snow. I stuck to relatively small wood and kept the fire relatively small (enough to cook hot dogs!). But, and this was the a-hah moment for me, splitting some of the wet wood really made the difference in getting a fire going solidly and without struggling with a smoking mess.
Streamside fire by Pinnah, on Flickr
I think the H-15 has earned its way into my pack. This is a big deal for a guy who's relied 100% on his Svea 123 and a pocket knife for decades.
I've found the advice to avoid letting the handle drop below the level of the blade.
But I would love to hear some specific advice on how to baton without busting knives like this H-15.
Thanks,
I'm searching through the archive and on the web. Finding lots of pros and cons. Some good advice, which makes sense to me, especially regarding not trying to do too much with too little knife as a way of avoiding breaking a knife. Respecting the limits of gear is something I understand.
But, I would love to find some more concrete tips on how to baton with a full length, but not full width tang knife without busting it.
Here's some of the full story...
My buddy and I went out for an overnight ski tour up in New Hampshire. Nothing epic but at our age, just getting out is an accomplishment. The old logging roads and rail beds make for good ski touring.
Spring touring by Pinnah, on Flickr
We were in an area where fires were allowed. I had a small folding saw an my old H-15. It's an older knife. 5" blade but not the full width tang favored today.
h-15-sheath by Pinnah, on Flickr
We camped near this river and had an early supper along the river.
East Branch Pemi by Pinnah, on Flickr
Despite the sunny skies and taking old dead fall from past storms like Irene that was up off the ground well above the super wet snow, much of the wood was damp due to the recent snow. I stuck to relatively small wood and kept the fire relatively small (enough to cook hot dogs!). But, and this was the a-hah moment for me, splitting some of the wet wood really made the difference in getting a fire going solidly and without struggling with a smoking mess.
Streamside fire by Pinnah, on Flickr
I think the H-15 has earned its way into my pack. This is a big deal for a guy who's relied 100% on his Svea 123 and a pocket knife for decades.
I've found the advice to avoid letting the handle drop below the level of the blade.
But I would love to hear some specific advice on how to baton without busting knives like this H-15.
Thanks,
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