Best batoning knife

[Michael aka Mac]

Well Bfd, just to give you a heads up why the guys were trolling you, you are asking a Bushcraft question ona Survivalist site. Personally I feel that the two go together, but apparently, from everyother post I have read in this website, I may be the only one.

I am not sure what state that you live in BFD ( each state has there own knife size and type rescrictions), and considering the laspe of time, you probably already have that knife, but for future readers here is the answer to BFD's question.

If the state you live in allows knives that are 5-6inches, I strongly recommend getting the Ka-Bar BK2 Companion. It's 1 lb. weight and 1/4 inch thick blade and grind is perfect for splitting logs, chopping branches or dead trees. The Condor Rodan is also a good choice or the Condor Bushlore.

If you live in a more strict area with regard to knife size, like I do here in NY, i suggest the Tops Mil Spie 3, Oerla 420HC, the Boker Magnum lil Giant, or Schrade SCHF57. All of these knives are under 4 inches, nearly 1/4 thick, and all are Bushcraft style knives that can be used to split logs. They are listed most expensive to least expensive

Honestly I use to bring an axe, hatchet, and at times even a wedge, but after I had major back surgery so that I could walk again, I know have weight carry restrictions due to fusing of my back. Some times one has to take a few steps back in order to take one step forward, and thus I now rely on more Bushcraft skills, so to lower my packs weight.

[Rick]

I confess I have never carried a wedge backpacking. I've never split a log with a knife either. Never chopped a tree with a knife either. Perhaps I've never been in a situation that I've needed too.

[Michael aka Mac]

Rick I think it all boils down to one's upbringing and who taught them the ropes. I was taught by my dinosaur of a grandfather that believed that all of his children (i know i was his grandchild not son, but living with him meant I had to learn this too) had to learn how to work with their hands all learn all about tools, both new and antique.

Try cutting down a tree with an antique 2 person saw lol. The saw was older then I was.

Honestly consider yourself lucky. He wanted to make sure his kin were self sufficient and reliant. It took me a few years before I learned not to ask for anything.

He made pancakes one morning and the topping was whip cream and jelly. I foolishly asked if he had any maple syrup. Nope, but sure enough that upcoming weekend he took me to the Catskill Mountains to where his log cabin was, tapped all the maple trees we had there, and the next few days was me going up and down the hill with unprocessed barrels of maple sap and boiling down the sap, morning, noon and night.

You would think I would have kept my mouth shut once we got back home the next day when he made pancakes again.. "Gramp's do you have any butter?"

sigh 'this is the way we churn our butter, churn our butter, churn our butter, so EARLY in the morning.'

Point being Gramps wanted me to learn everything that he knew, and especially to know how to do any job even if you didn't have the Proper tools on hand.

Have to admit though, those antique cabinet making tools were rather cool to work with and interesting. Gramps literally had every tool one could think of, the high end ones too like a wood & metal lathe, planer, edger, router table and over $10,000 in router bits. Tim Allen form Home Improvement would have loved his garage lol

[Rick]

How fortunate you asked that question at the right time of year. Were his cows at the cabin as well?

[Michael aka Mac]

Not sure how this is the right time of year lol, but no the cows were in Canada at the time with his cousins. And to be honest I don't want to ever think about milking a cow again, was not my favorite experience lol.

Wait this milk tastes funny...OMG it was a Bull.

[Rick]

I'm sure your grandfather taught you that sap start starts flowing in the Catskills toward the end of February and into March. That's when the sap is collected.

[Alan R McDaniel Jr]

That's about the time the sap started flowing around here also...

Alan

[Michael aka Mac]

Oh , lmao I had no clue what you were referring to when you said I asked that question at the right time, as I thought you were inferring I was asking a question to the forum, and that someone on the forum just happened to be online, didn't realize you meant the question to my Gramps "DO we have any maple syrup: the cow comment didn't help either lol.

Actually if memory serves we have tapped the trees as early as after the 1st week in February, and stopped tapping them as late as mid April. Realize that at that altitude the temperatures can still be freezing at night and in the 40s during the day in April, although April always produced the least sap of the 3 months. Usually there was about 5-6 weeks where the trees produced the most sap.

Regardless, I still do not like milking cows lol.

[WolfVanZandt]

Milking...I worked for the dairy unit at Auburn University for a while. I don't think the stalls had been shoveled out in months and as the new guy, y'know. They used machines to milk. The fun part (yes, that was sarcasm) was artificial insemination.

[Rick]

There are just way too many jokes there for me to get started. I'll just let it go. I sure wish you had mentioned they had bulls because....

[Michael aka Mac]

WolfVanZandt I am envious, I never used those milking machines, I had to milk the cows the old fashion way, using some elbow grease. Honestly took me a long time to get the hang of it , proper motion and angle and way to hold. God I wish they had milking machines, would have made life so much easier.

[gwalters]

Working on building my ultralight kit. I carry a estwing hatchet and saw in my main kit. But looking to eliminate the hatchet with a solid knife that can I can baton wood with. Looking for recommendations. Thanks!

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When it comes to building an ultralight kit, choosing the right tools is crucial, especially when considering the versatility and functionality of your gear. I understand your desire to replace the hatchet with a solid knife for batoning wood, and I highly recommend the Carving Yakut Knife from Fadir Tools. This hand-forged knife is crafted from resilient 150Cr14 steel, ensuring it’s not only sharp but also durable enough for your needs. You can check it out https://fadirtools.com/products/carving-yakut-knife here.

The Carving Yakut Knife is designed for both rough cuts and precision work, making it perfect for batoning wood effectively. Its thicker blade allows for easy splitting, while the sharp tip is ideal for detailed carving tasks. The ash tree handle is water-resistant and anti-rust, adding to its durability in various weather conditions. Plus, with the included genuine leather sheath, you can carry it safely, ensuring it remains protected during your adventures.

Whether you're carving spoons or creating bowls, this knife is an excellent companion for all your woodworking projects. Plus, it’s available in versions for both right-handed and left-handed users, making it a versatile choice for everyone. Trust me, the Carving Yakut Knife will not only serve you well but will also be a treasured tool for generations to come.