Why?

[KingKoma]

I use whatever I care to carry with me, as I dont burn wood for heat at home. If I did, then this:


[video=youtube;Z06XgIz55ec]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z06XgIz55ec[/video]

 

[McVeyMac]

I use whatever I care to carry with me, as I dont burn wood for heat at home. If I did, then this:


[video=youtube;Z06XgIz55ec]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z06XgIz55ec[/video]

That won't fit in my pack either, but very cool and fast tool. Hardwood gave it a challenge, but it got through it. I love good and practical home grown solutions made from 48 Chevys, scrap iron, welder and some ingenuity. Priceless.

 

[Shotgun]

I care because I don't want to see someone damage their equipment needlessly when an ounce of prevention prevents a pound of problems.

I use a knife because it weighs ounces and not pounds like a hatchet.

One thing people always get wrong when talking about batoning is scale. If you watch youtube it looks dumb because they're trying to split this massive log or a piece of wood that's all knotted up. You watch someone who knows what they're doing and knows when NOT to baton, then it makes a little more sense. When done right, batoning is really not that hard on a knife. IMO a lightweight tool that splits the wood easier, faster, and with less risk of injury IS the right tool for the job. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and if you want to lug around a hatchet that's your poor aching back.

 

[Shotgun]

This is the technique I'm talking about. This guy is working pretty slowly and methodically. It is not dangerous, nor particularly strenuous. Do you think you can do this faster, with less effort, by batoning?
[video=youtube;7pGdq7Pzvr8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7pGdq7Pzvr8[/video]

Lords yes and I'm a little perplexed by the question. You don't find this technique to be really slow? Not to mention the awkward hand hold. I really don't see how this is superior to batoning. Awkward, slow and cumbersome. Meh, whatever floats your boat.