Why the big knife?

G

go2ndAmend

Joined
Mar 8, 2008
Messages
636
At the risk of offending many (whom I respect) here on W&S I am asking an honest question. Why the big knife? I generally carry a fairly small fixed blade (F1) for my cutting needs and a small hatchet (GB Mini) for any chopping needs. I don't know what a big knife would do for me that the above wouldn't do better, except carrying only one tool. What am I missing?
 
If you don't mind my asking, what big knife are you talking about? People carry all kinds of knives in the bush. Some are small, some are larger, but we certainly don't all carry "Big" knives.
 
go2ndAmend said:
At the risk of offending many (whom I respect) here on W&S I am asking an honest question. Why the big knife? I generally carry a fairly small fixed blade (F1) for my cutting needs and a small hatchet (GB Mini) for any chopping needs. I don't know what a big knife would do for me that the above wouldn't do better, except carrying only one tool. What am I missing?
Click to expand...

Most people carrying big knives aren't carrying a hatchet as well...unless ya Bushman who will have 5 big knives , 4 small knives, 6 folders, 2 tomahawks etc, etc !:D
 
pitdog said:
Most people carrying big knives aren't carrying a hatchet as well...unless ya Bushman who will have 5 big knives , 4 small knives, 6 folders, 2 tomahawks etc, etc !:D
Click to expand...

Yeah, but with only those, Bushy feels under knifed.
 
The F1 is a 3 3/4" blade - on the large side for many - I use a 3" blade and others find under 2 1/2" and under fine.
So, why do you need such a big blade?
 
I carry the bigger blades because I find em more useful to me. They fit the roles of cutter and chopper. I can easyily make a big blade perform small knife tasks but it's hard to strech a small blade into a large chopper. Some techniques like batoning do help out the small blade , but it will not replace a big blade for me. Oh and I simply like big blades more :D
 
On a multi-day outing, you could eliminate both the small blade and hatchet and do the same work with one item. Less weight, less mass to haul around.
 
go2ndAmend said:
At the risk of offending many (whom I respect) here on W&S I am asking an honest question. Why the big knife? I generally carry a fairly small fixed blade (F1) for my cutting needs and a small hatchet (GB Mini) for any chopping needs. I don't know what a big knife would do for me that the above wouldn't do better, except carrying only one tool. What am I missing?
Click to expand...

Hey go2ndAmend,

People shouldn't be offended by a sincere question. Normally for a day hike, about the biggest knife I would carry is a Bravo-1, unless I was looking for some wood.

Canoeing, camping, that kind of thing, I carry a Becker Machax for chopping, batoning etc. I don't carry a hatchet, although I used to own some, but for my purpose, I find they can be hazardous to use, especially when tired or cold. A big knife has a lot longer cutting edge that is less likely to glance off, or more probably, miss your intended target, at least, IMHO. I've heard many stories over the years that related this kind of accident, and miles out in the bush, your day could get really messed up.

An axe would be a much better chopper, but I have back issues that would preclude using an axe, so a large chopper is my best choice.

Obviously, YMV.

Doc

Oh, and like Bill, I like 'em. :D
 
i carry a big fixed blade like a battle mistress or over the past year a traditional hand forged bowie backed up by a slip joint pocket knife.

i find i can do all i need to with this combo. it doesn't weight me down like a small axe does either allowing me to travel at a better pace. granted a small axe chops better and makes quick work but they are too heavy for me to carry.

on another note with the right sheath a larger knife with say an 11" blade for me is easily concealed which depending on where i'm at is a good thing. pure versatility is what the large knife is about imo.
 
It's fun :D

I would say the main argument is lighter weight and more versatile. A CS Trailmaster is only 16oz, but very effective (for it's weight) at chopping and batoning wood.

IMO, it also takes more skill to be really good with an axe and not hurt yourself. I don't really have that skill, so for now I stick to blades...
 
I usually carry a small slip-joint pocket knife, a Buck 112, a five inch fixed blade, a 14 inch bolo and a Silky SA 210. That combo works for me.
 
I carry a range of blades ranging from a small slippy up through a large machete. I only carry an axe when I plan on doing a lot of dedicated felling or splitting. If I really had to pare it down I could do everything I needed with a Mora and a 22" machete. :)
 
i just enjoy using my big knifes. most people would ask "Why bring a knife anyway?" I'm a knifenut so am entitled to bring any or all my sharp steel to the bush.
I would like to note that i usually bring a smaller knife for finer work. but just can't bear to leave "MA CHOPPA" at home. there like my pets. why not walk them all every chance i get.
 
i carry a small fixed blade (mora) and large chopper and sometimes my sven saw.

Would a hatchet be better? Probably at chopping, but...
A) its not as f-in badass has my chopper
B) I like my chopper
C) its easier to baton with the chopper.
D) I like my chopper! :)
 
Hello go2ndAmend,

I figure there's a place and time for each tool. :thumbup:
But to answer further, consider the various functions and cross-over of a large blade vs. a hatchet or axe.

I once did a review on a 7" BRKT Big Sky Camp Bowie, still my go-to large fixed blade.

In the Review, the knife skinned, dressed and butchered a deer carcass.
It was then used to flesh the hide and mount on a dry rack built with the knife.
It was then used to dehair the hide and prep a fire for smoking.

It can also chop, and be used in woodwork as it has a keen convex edge.
It can be used in the camp and kitchen. In fact, the original bowie knife looked alot like a modern kitchen knife.

A hatchet may have more cross-over than an axe, but a knife is still more versatile. If I had to choose one tool, an axe or large knife, unquestionably the large knife would be my choice.

That being said, a good axe or large hatchet can outchop a knife. You need at least 7" for a knife to be really considered a good chopper.

Now consider the traditional Scandinavian leuku. The average size was about 7-8."
The amount of versatility in cross-over of this camp/butcher/kitchen tool alone allowed for much smaller puukkos. A 4' puukko was considered large by traditional standards.

I'm also a fan of dual sets. With good knives I can tend towards more extremes in sizes as well.
The Fallkniven H1, BRK Kephart or Mora are my main 4" blades. I may bring a smaller knife to accompany. This is my main template.
I love my GB mini, and although the chopping it does is impressive for the size, it is in no way a dedicated chopper. I use it for light splitting and woodwork. A great carving hatchet.
Don't get me wrong, I'm an axe fan too! And a three set fan too! But there is a task for every tool or how many tools.


Going even larger in knives, I use a golok and machete on the ranch on a regular basis for clearing or limbing fallen trees for firewood or brush piles to be mulched.


I agree with you on the smaller size. But I also let duration of time outdoors and task determine the tools I bring...
More often than not, my EDC or most used daily knives are actually in the 3" or less range...
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top