Here is my opinion for what it's worth, If you have to baton a knife it should be capable as long as you understand any weaknesses in the design. You should only Baton in an Emergency unless you are carrying a Large knife for processing wood, and anybody who says different is only lying to themselves. Your Logic for having only a knife is a fact and if someone says your wrong, again they are lying to themselves-Good Job
I have always liked your channel and Schrade and Case are my most favorite knives and I've noticed that you do allot of reviews on Schrade knives and I appreciate that, an although I know batonning wood with a knife is like a last resort option its good to know that the knife your reviewing can stand up to such tests. Thanks for what you do.
This idiot would baton a knife. Sometimes the best tool for the job, is the one your holding. Besides batonning a small piece of wood/timber is 1/2 the effort, twice as safe. If your knife breaks, then I'd say you never realy had a knfe. J.M.P.O.
When you think about it, it went real well as they used stuff that was not designed for what it was ultimately used for and succeeded. It was the stuff used as designed that failed.
A knife is a lot better at being an axe, than an axe is at being a knife. That is why the axe gets to stay home from work sometimes and the knife never gets a day off.
I second this. also, manufacturers who are worth it will claim to do that anyway, and most of them do stress test the crap out of their gear. it's their reviewer's responsibility to hold them to it.
+dragonslayer1483 3rd party review is only ones that are valid, like the people doing reviiews or consumer magazine. A company doing a test of its own product isnt valid especially if done with a sales and marketing spin of half-truth and over-emphasis on mediocre features.
A good larger knife should be able to baton in emergencies at least. If it can't, its a crappy blade you don't want to trust your life with to begin with.
Took me awhile to get to this one but man very well stated. The best advice on battoning is what you said if it big, use an axe. If its too small for an axe or fie work baton a knife. What a lot of folks on here fail to understand that battoning a knife is also needed in a lot of notches and joints for shelter frame work, beds and some dead falls.
I'm looking for fixed blade. I'm thinking that I would like to find something that is ok at batting but great at other bushcraft. Exactly what you said. I have almost hurt myself more trying to process kindling with a hatchet or axe than splitting larger firewood. In fact the only decent camp injury has been with a hatchet where my brother was trying to get small kindling with a hatchet and did something admittedly foolish and hit himself with the hatchet. I think that a knife would be safer for kindling for the more control. Delimbing I'd use an axe or hatchet hands down.
but a real survival knife is made to be multitasking and one of his intended purposes is to chop and to be batoned. so in this case we still are inside and not beyond, in a test of such a kind of knife.
Brian, as usual you are a perfect gentleman. Actually, the batoning part of your tests is what I like the most since it truly shows what the knife can resist.
Batoning is a legitimate use for a knife. I wouldn't process large wood with it, but I do it all the time and have enough skill to not damage my knife. If a knife can't handle batoning it is worthless.
Robert Schmidt I didn't realize this was a cooking channel. Sorry my mistake. BTW if any of those expensive knives can't handle batoning then they are poorly constructed. I have batoned with a filet knife in an emergency and it worked.
Robert Schmidt WTF are you talking about? How old are you? If a knife breaks batoning wood it is a crap knife in my opinion. When did I ever say don't use a knife as a knife?
Robert Schmidt Well I have batoned with a folder before and it didn't break because I know how to baton properly. I would not go out into the woods with a knife that I think will break batoning wood. So you are focused on the word "worthless". Fine. A knife that can break easily by batoning wood is a very valuable piece of equipment. You are absolutely right. I being an idiot would throw the knife away in a survival situation, because it might break. Your supreme logic and wit has broken my will. I succumb to your superior logic and retract my original position that the knife is worthless. Please accept my sincerest apologies for even offering my meager opinion on youtube. :P
I'm glad you baton the knives. it's a test of a knifes strength and edge retention. thank you for doing it so I know a knife I choose can take it. I realize you don't baton everything you see in a real life situation :) good job
+Sandor Althof The great thing about living is you can choose your way and others can choose their own way. Some people cook with lard and some with vegetable oil and there are some that cant cook without their microwave. if i want to baton my knife then i surely will. you choose to not, that choice is yours. Cheers mate.
+Sandor Althof, sure it is. for example. viewers might like to know that a knife with no secondary bevel, such as a Mora will likely roll the edge if you baton with it. I'm glad that you-tubers like Survival on Purpose do tests like this. It tells you something about a knife you may not want to learn first hand.
I think you are missing the point if you swore while writing anything it should be in a story book, swearing is a sign of a really small vocabulary and yes I swear but thats because I am still learning big words and I am an author, I however never swear while writing unless the character I am writing about swears, LOL.
Sandor Althof , You may be one of those people that walks around with 4 knives and 6 axes along with a full arsenal of weapons including a grenade launcher, but for the common man, we would like to know that if we're ever in a situation where we don't have an axe or a butterknife, that the knife that we are carrying in everyday real life can take a beating and stay sharp. This is most likely why you DO NOT have your own survival channel. Nobody would listen to someone as cocky as you who obviously already knows everything. For the people that enjoy these videos, he's doing an awesome job. Where as trolls like you just like to pretend you know the only right way to do anything. If you don't like the videos, don't watch them or comment. Judging by the comments you've left thus far, you're also extremely immature. Enjoy your Rambo lifestyle over in Never Never Land.
more power to your channel, chief! i'm from the philippines and for most of the communities here using firewood for everyday cooking and heating, bolos or machetes which are really just larger knives are being used to process firewood and yes, batoning is part of it. for small back-country and mountain communities, steel is kind of expensive and axe heads aren't readily available for the local smiths. my family's got axes but batoning with knives happen to be one of the skills passed on since its one of the most common tools available. thanks for posting! great vid!
I appreciate you showing what the knife CAN do, even if it's not what it's designed to do. Batoning is a well-known technique that people use for a number of reasons. Even if you're not in a life or death survival situation, and just in an "I forgot my axe" or "my axe is broken" and "I don't want to have to go to the hardware store in the middle of a camping trip" situation, it's nice to see what the capabilities of the knives are, just in case. In MANY review videos, people put products under EXTREME testing that show the apex of functionality even though those products will never be tested to that level in MOST cases. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't let the trolls get to you. An intelligent person can offer a critique without resorting to being obnoxious. Don't feed the trolls. Showing the trolls they bother you is the only thing that keeps their sad existence worth living.
You need to relax. You are not an expert, but I am. I was an instructor with the military for 10 years. There is nothing wrong with batoning wood. You are correct. Its even taught in the military. Batoning is quicker in a lot of cases. Its safer in a lot of cases and its easier to cut shingles or small boards for eating on. Its more accurate than an axe in a lot of cases. Just tell those haters to mind their business and create their own channel. In my 52 years, 40 as a survivalist and bush crafter, I have never seen anyone accidentally harm a full tang knife with battening. Stick to your principles, you are on the right track my friend.
+Jay Boss Bushcraft so what military were you a instructor for just nice to no that there are other men out there that did the same as me by the way I have had kids out and they have done better then most grown ups fyi pros but have a good day
I was in the Canadian military and was a weapons tech. Once I achieved the rank of Master Corporal, I started to train people in winter and jungle warfare.
Do what you want, you're not causing harm to anyone else, more power to you. You are gaining real experience along the way. If people were not trying new things, we would still be slinging stones at our food
I've been watching him for years and he does a great job on teaching the masses skills they don't have, and gear they probably should. I just subscribed to another channel the first time I watched, because of a well placed rant as well. Keep on keepin on Survival on Purpose!
Paratrooper , never carried an axe anywhere, would be great if u could carry a chainsaw and gas. By baton, I guess u mean , hitting back of blade? Those that don't know, this is exactly how you split bones or ribs on game. Just make sure you use hardwood , not a rock to do it.
I learned the hard way not to use a rock. My favorite Buck knife shattered when I was too lazy to grab my batoning branch and instead tried a nice piece of granite that was close. oops
#1 rule in survival, adapt and improvise. I guess alot of the experts in survival cary axes and gas powered chain saws in their EDC or bug out bag. Keep doing what you do.
Now, after watching your entire video, I have to say: I couldn’t agree with you more on every word you said! The most logical “rant” one could possibly put forth!! You are a class act! I discovered your channel a couple months ago and subscribed after 3 videos and I watch more every time I come across one. If I ever had the chance to hang out with you and chat about outdoorsy things and do camp chores, I would jump at the opportunity! Your videos are practical, succinct and enjoyable! Never let the snobby, lazy trolls slow your roll! Keep up the great work!! Thank you for what you do! I thoroughly enjoy it! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Plain and simple, there are times you may need or want to baton wood with a knife. In many aspects, it is much safer than swinging an axe. You can make finer, more controlled splits with that method. There are other angled cuts or notches that require the baton method as well. This is why we are so concerned with good quality steels with proper heat treat and tempering. It is also why some of us prefer a longer blade. For those who believe in using the right tool for the right job, consider this: If the job is batoning, the proper tools are the knife and baton. If a person wanted to get real critical and technical, ask yourself this: Which is the proper tool for splitting firewood, the axe or the wood maul? I promise you the wood maul will destroy the axe in that job. I will bust up a truck load with the wood maul, while most will spend the whole day prying the axe out of the wood. So yes, guys, batoning is a thing. Get used to it.
Do you happen to remember the old Buck Knife Logo? Buck used to demonstrate their knives by pounding them through a 1/4" black carriage bolt. That was also the logo on their box for years and years. This was as of 40 years ago. My Buck General is over 50 years old and has served me faithfully for that time and it will be passed on when I finally pass on. So pounding a knife through a log is a test. I remember a night years ago when my wife and I were in a cabin for the night. An unexpected winter storm hit us and the only thing I had to split logs with was my survival knife. That night it proved it was up to the task at hand as I split log after log so we wouldn't freeze. I still carry that same knife. I wouldn't leave home without it. So keep on splitting and don't pay any attention to these people.
Whoever said you must use an axe to make firewood has Never been backpacking! Who's going to carry a heavy axe into the back country? No, you carry a knife. The more multi-purpose a tool can be, the more merit it has to carry on a backpack! Thanks for showing how to Barton with a knife!
Bryan, even when you “rant” you do it as a gentleman. I was searching a topic and came across this old video. First, while people can and probably should disagree the discussions should always be civil. My experience is that the more volatile or abusive someone gets in arguing their case the less solid ground they are on. There is never an excuse/reason for foul language. Most likely your idea of a “normal” knife differs from mine. I like my blades to be 3-1/2” to 4” long with a thickness of 1/8” or less and a full length stick tang is just fine. With this size knife the batoning effectiveness is limited. Plus, I believe knives are made to cut and slice, they are not splitting mauls or pry bars. However, in your testing I completely understand why you baton and chop with blades not necessarily designed for that purpose. In an emergency out of the ordinary tasks may become necessary. At the risk of being placed in your “Paul Bunyan” category (😀) I am thinking about a system that involves a Victorinox SAK in my pocket and a small hatchet on my belt. Foregoing a fixed blade belt knife all together. With practice I believe a skilled person can do anything with a small axe or hatchet that they can do with a belt knife -- important words “practice” and “skilled”. I am not there yet. Thank you for your videos. Most of the time we agree and when we do not I respect your right to be wrong. 😂😂😂 Actually many of your videos have inspired me to try some of the gear you have tested. Take care.
I think people should use what they are proficient with. For example I use my BK9 to process wood every single time instead of an axe or hawk which I don't take in the woods on a daily basis. I can see winter camping and needing to process LOTS of wood. As long as the tool is capable I say go for it if that is what you are good at. I am so much faster using a knife to process. Same reason I shoot a crossbow instead of a gun when I hunt. I like it and good at it. Good video Paul Bryan LOL.
I spent 4 years in U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, 20 years in the U. S. Army Intelligence Corps and 21 years in the NC Forest Service. I have experienced many Survival Courses and Survival Situations. I even taught Wilderness Survival Courses to various age groups in and out of services and since retiring. I just want you to know … “There Are No Experts Out There ! I have enjoyed you and your TH-cam channel for many years now. I have learned a lot from you and about the products you have tested ! ……. Drive On Brother !
I like your videos. Do not let your work be influenced by idiot comments. There will be always people who are rude allways. If you would baton with an axe they probably would tell you to use a knife . So keep on the good work.
you made some good points and don't worry about what people say there's always going to be self-proclaimed Pro You're simply just showing Integrity of the knife most people get that
I agree I am way more likely to have my esee5 on me versus an ax or hatchet. Keep going none of us are experts we constantly learn new and better ways . We also teach others . Thank you fir channel
Glad you got that off your chest. I do have a small criticism though. You didn't baton any wood at the end. I think that would have been the perfect coup de grace. Addendum: May I recommend a theme for next week? Comparison testing of the batoning performance of every full tang knife at your disposal. Just a thought.
Shoto Kido Yeah, I don't know why I didn't do that. And my videos are all scheduled for the next few weeks. I'm on a long overdue vacation with my family. Right now we're in San Diego and we're heading to the Grand Canyon next week. It's amazing what you can do when you lose your job ;-)
Survival On Purpose Well sometimes such events can be a blessing in disguise, and I certainly hope it works that way for you. Enjoy, be safe, and look forward to seeing more of your great reviews. And batoning. Lots of batoning.
LOL..."More power to you Paul Bunyan!" I love it...Great channel, Great vid, Even the experts (Pathfinders, Military personnel, and most experts) recommend using larger knives and batonning them.
To baton wood is such an old, time-honored practice its ridiculous to even have to have this conversation. Smaller tinder, more accuracy with size and control of the blade and safety make batoning with a knife a much better option that trying to cut thin slices with an axe. If you want to split a log, use an axe, if its quartered or better and you need small kindling the knife is the way to go.
Hi Bryan. I have enjoyed all of your videos so keep them up. I have been at points when TH-cam is starting to crawl under my skin, not only from the trolls but even from producers I respect and watch. This TH-cam animal is huge and I just have to remind myself that it is really just for fun in the end or a means to promote a business. I understand the rant stage though. Please notice you have a ton of support and appreciation. Take care, Bruce
Agree with you Brian. I agree we are all want to be survival bushcraft guys. You are doing a knife review I want you to push the knife to its limits to make sure it's a good product for your viewers. Thanks again don't change what you are doing.
I agree, i want to see it pushed to it's limit mate, bugger what the others think, you do as you see fit and not what others expect of you .. Keep up the good work mate. Be safe mack..
All the best knife reviewers baton, that is a great way to test steel, especially in cold weather. I am not carrying an axe on my pack that is why I have a big ole cheap schrade. No cussing,subbed, I cannot stand people dropping the f bomb, I have a kid,no reason for it, thanks man, good rant.
In the old days, my grandma used a parang to split wood. The way she did it was to hold a piece of of wood in one hand and the parang on one end of the wood and knock the free end of the wood on the ground. When the parang has taken a bite, she would knock both the parang and wood against the ground. She would do this until she got enough wood small enough to burn easily in her stove. I regret that I didn't grow up big enough to help her with that chore. My dad moved to the city. By the time I got back for a visit, grandpa's house had electricity and gas.
Every respectable survival instructor with every organization teaches batoning. Sometimes the only dry tinder is in the center of the wood and 99% of people don't lug around a hatchet. I don't know who is arguing with you but they are severely misguided.
Well said Adam Bodford. I suspect that people who insist on an axe as a replacement, are probably more familiar with camping out of their vehicle, rather than moving through a real wilderness for days at a time on foot.
+Barry McCociner Why? Because it´s an easier and safer technik so that even a noob can use it? And what kind of noob? You sound like an expert. Then please bring light in the dark and explain how and why u split wood better without ur knife when u didnt have any other tool with u? I´m curious. How would u do it?
Hi! First of all thx for ur answer. "Expert" because if u callin someone a noob of doing something its normally because u have a better technique in expert stile. That was my interpretation of ur comment. TH-cam sensationalism can be but why not if its a nice technique? I need to split wood with my knive because of the same reasons u would do it with an axe or another tool. The "need" is the same. I had the need often in the past, especially when i´m in the forest and it was very wet. Splitting the wood allows me to getting into the dry section of the inside, to say only one reason. I often dont want to carry an axe with me because of the weight and size. If i find a better technique so i dont have to use my knife i would be more than happy, but maybe u can help me with this ;)?Barry McCociner
Barry McCociner Esee does and Kabar exchanges a knive because of batoning damage (Spartan Johns Channel) and a lot more will do because its steel against wood.So why not? When u use Opinel or Victorinox sure don´t do this because its a high risk to brake it. Looking for some covered wood is a good advice but didnt u think i did? No idea where u live but here in winter are some areas u didnt find any dry spots. If i can avoid work, i will, believe me ;). Especially when i want to have a warm fire quickly. I agree when u mean that prepearing all the time for a emergency that never comes is sometimes strange, and shtf videos are sometimes a bit over the top, but batoning with the RIGHT knive is fun also. It works really good and the knive isnt really in danger when u do it right. If u want to carry an Axe with u all the time, do it. I like to work with my axes a lot and i can understand that absolutely. But I dont wanna carry them all the time and i had some situations, batoning was for me the best thing to do. Believe it or not. Why should i buy a full tang outdoor knive that isnt able to baton when there are so much out there u can use for that? I accept ur opinion and i hope i could explain my one. Have a good Time, greetings from Europe.
+FoRestInPeace I feel as though this Berry McTroll doesn't go outside much quoting movies from the 90's that were written to show the characters lack of experience in the world...
bringing an axe is silly for most activities to be honest. Nobody needs to be felling and splitting wood just to get breakfast warmed up. Any wild forest is going to have deadfall of every size you'll need. People love to make things complicated so they get to use their tools.
I beat the ever living snot out of my knives doing real chores in the real woods. So, I appreciate it very much when I see these knives on TH-cam get clobbered and not break, really saves me some time and expense when I shop. An axe is the last thing I ever need in the backcountry. I occasionally carry one and I always end up creating work for it that I would never normally do. Thanks for your great reviews. I've made several great purchases on your advice, and haven't regretted a single one.
Sometimes a man uses the tool he has at hand, sometimes I use my channel locks (or Linemans) as a hammer if I don't have a hammer handy. I call people idiots when they deserve to be called such, but calling someone an idiot because they are using a tool for another purpose than what it was designed for is really out of line. Don't let the little people get you down (:
lineman's pliers are made as a staple hammer. channel locks are not intended as a hammer. side cutters are made to pull staples. Calling someone names is never helpful. trying to teach them you need to have a discussion if in that discussion you disagree then agree to do that and move on.
Schrade Knives Well, there you go. I appreciate the confirmation that some knifes are designed to be used with a baton. So, I guess if someone is concerned about their $300 knife breaking they should check out a $50 Schrade ;-)
No they didn't get to you!!! Lol, it is all good Bryan, you do an excellent job my friend... You are right, there are trolls out there that watch to much TV or haven't spent time in the woods. Everyone has there own style and what works for you, works. Nothing pisses me off more when I see a troll torture a new channel that has good information... I wish there were ways to get the trolls kicked off TH-cam...
Yeah, that's what gets to me. When I see somebody give up or bow to pressure because of some bozo who obviously has a sad, pathetic self image and can only feel good about themselves by trying to tear someone else down. (Am I ranting again ?)
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Expert or not knowledge is power that needs to be passed on to the next one willing to learn. I have learned a lot and practiced to get it right, but wouldn't have known where to start if it wasn't for people like you.so thank you again and keep up the amazing work!
It's important to learn from the mistakes of others. In an early 2016 episode of ALONE a person accidentally cut her hand badly below the outside of the thumb she was steadying the wood with, while attempting to split small diameter softwood by holding the axe just below the head with her other hand. In that case batoning would appear to be a significantly safer technique for splitting small diameter wood than choking up on an axe handle. But hindsight is always 20:20, right? On the other hand, if you are in a coastal west coast forest where I live you are surrounded by 6-10 foot diameter cedars and other large conifers, where a good axe is the best choice for that job especially during winter. But do you know anyone who goes off into the woods without a belt knife? I sure as hell don't. Anytime I know I'm going out into nature in North America I carry at least two cuttings tools, of different types. Say, a belt knife and axe, knife and multi-tool, belt knife and hatchet or tomahawk, knife and bow saw, knife and machete, kukra, parang etc. But real life survival isn't always something that person can fully plan for. In a real survival situation the person often has been separated from the rest of the group, has limited supplies and may only have a belt knife, tarp, a roll of twine or paracord, the clothes and other outerwear on your back and whatever is is his/her pockets. Maybe they are in a pack along with a few hanks of cordage, flashlight, metal mess kit, a file or sharpening rod and a good compass and a few very large 3 mil polyethylene garbage bags. Possibly without a firearm to try to hunt small game. Or considerably less. So the goal becomes avoiding panic and self recrimination and using what you have, improvising with the resources that surround you, adapting what you have for different uses and overcoming obstacles and challenges in less than ideal situations. In that situation you'd be forced to use your belt knife for all cutting tasks, the so-called one-tool option (OTO). . Everything from making shelter components, batoning firewood or beaver chewing to make fuel and kindling, making wooden tools and wedges, cutting notches, fine carving tasks and feather sticks, prying and scraping with the back of the blade to remove bark or create tinder. Anyone who doesn't use the knife to baton wood is surviving with one behind there back. Even a $15 dollar Mora will process wood if done correctly High carbon or stainless steel knifes that have a full tang design, sharp 90 degree spine and Scandinavian grind are well suited for processing wood and have very good edge retention. So use it any way you have to to survive that first night and don't let poor advice like the title of this video dissuade you from always having a good belt knife attached to your belt when out in the wild.
Reality makes all the difference in the world. These weekend warriors who say only an idiot would baton wood with a knife have little to no real world experience.
Batoning with a knife or axe is in my opinion a safer, and therefore smarter, method of processing wood than trying to chop a very small diameter piece of wood in half, one-handed.
Try processing small kindling with an Axe or hatchet then try it with a knife and baton. Worlds of difference. Much smaller, finer pieces of wood with a much greater chance of success on your first effort. When fire is a necessity and you have made it in all kinds of weather you will find yourself using the knife baton method. Much safer as well. If you are worried about your knife, you need a better knife.
Thanks for the video and ignore the haters. I recently discovered batoning wood as I was trying to find a better way to cut up wood for my grill and smoker. So I’m looking at videos of reviews of the ideal knife to buy to accomplish this, so I appreciate your reviews. Thx!
Batoning has it's place. I use it for smaller wood, generally to get to the dry wood inside during wet weather firestarting. I also baton when I need to trim wood down to size when I have to carve something. For example, I will baton the sides and corners when I make a bowdrill set. An Ax, is for heavier duty stuff. If I need to split larger logs, or if I want to split medium or smaller things, that do not require a precision cut, I would use the ax. I would not use the ax for splitting the stock when I make a bowdrill set. The ax is too big and clumsy for that. Each tool has it's own range that it works best in. It's simple. I never understood how there came to be an entire camp, that is against batoning, just because an ax exists. Thats like saying you are against a claw hammer, because a sledge hammer exists. Ever see an "Anti-Claw Hammer" camp in the home remolding business? Me neither. Those guys own and use both sledge hammers, AND claw hammers, depending on the job they are doing, and they don't think twice about it. It should be the same with knives and ax's
I wanna be too. Almost all of the knives that I have used, I have beat them through a piece of wood. Some of them I have chopped down trees. Sometimes I use my ax to make feathers.... hmmm. It really depends what tool you have with you. I have my tomahawk with me a lot of the time... my ax with me some of the time.... my knife with me all of the time. I can use them all. I can use them well. I like to learn to use them more. I love the sound of a good piece of hardwood whacking a blade through another piece of hardwood. It just sounds so much like.... the way I do things.
David Latham Brian," Fools will be FOOLS..I love the way that you took them down. I'm a VERY firm believer in "One is NONE and TWO will do" If you're such an idiot,that you gear doesn't "overlap" In t's purpose,then you've OBVIOUSLY made a VERY bad dicision in your choice.. No need,to call you out,and ABSOLUTELY no need for profanity,what so ever! As Rodney King once said.."Can't we all just get along?!" Keep the faith my friend,haters (jealousy) gonna hate.. Stay STRONG,and go in Jesus name,L.C.
I’m 64 and have been carrying a knife of some sort for over 40 years, I’ve recently decided to try a short hiking camp out. I’m looking for a camp type knife such as a kukri and eliminate bringing an ax or hatchet so battening & chopping will be necessary . You’ve been very helpful so I’ll consider any suggestions you have
In true survival situations you are more likely to have a good and solid knife on your person than you are to have an axe. Every survivalist I have researched batons wood with a knife. It is a skill that is needed to know. Good on ya for standing up for yourself and for doing the right thing. The heck with the haters. Some people just need to try to make others feel less than. As a woman who is an avid camper, I would have a knife, some dry cotton balls, petroleum or wax or if I had found some some spruce pitch, a lighter, weather proof matches, or a flint, and an emergency blanket or two with me any time I was venturing into the woods, amongst other things of course, but I'm not hiking with an axe. I know how to cut down a dead tree with a good knife and a baton, no axe needed. If they don't like your way of doing things then they are perfectly welcome to lug an axe anywhere they want to go. You have the right idea!! Good on ya!
Dude, you don't have to justify yourself.. no matter what you do, you will always get hate comments.. This video was a waist of your time. Keep up the good work.
Yeah, Survival On Purpose, anytime someone actually knows something, as you clearly do, someone will come along with a truck load of Magical Thinking who has figured out that modern steel is so fragile that it has no use other than cutting 6 pound test monofilament. Keep up the good gear analysis. I like you a lot already. (Send the check soon willya? I cain't live on Saltine Crackers forever, ya know?)
I was surprised at the title when I came across it, and thought it was clickbait. I never would have imagined someone making a comment like that! I can understand the question if it comes from someone inexperienced with knives, the outdoors, survival, etc., but when they get ugly about it then their ignorance becomes annoying. I'm impressed with how you handled it; new subscriber.
I am a backpacking hiker that watches a lot of bushcraft channels and bush crafters love their axes and they baton a lot too. This is what I noticed. If they are out in the woods with an axe, it is almost always indicated they only hiked an hour to get to their campsite. That is two to three miles of not exactly ultralight backpacking. If you are hiking 4 to 7 hours to get to your campsite 9 to 15 miles, there is no way you should be lugging around a heavy axe. After 5 or 6 hours of hiking in winter you may not even have time to find wood. A knife on the other hand, offers self-protection and splitting wood and still carry something under 10 ounces. Even then it's not needed unless its wet and cold out.
Distance is not important. It all depends on what you need to do on the end. Also, when winter camping you always have a sled, so weight is not a real issue.
Anyone can haul a 55 lb pack a mile or two every other year. People who cover 30 to 50 miles several times a year, guaranteed wont be carrying a heavy axe. Fire may be a hope but not a necessity. Not all terrain is suitable for sleds or has enough snow for that matter. In the California sierras a sled would likely pull you down and off of a cliff.
Many people do not hike with a sled in the winter. Why would I want to take an axe with on a long hike when I can take a folding saw and a full tang blade with and accomplish what I need to whether it be winter, summer, spring or fall.
What I mean is that is all depends on your needs and what you expect to find once at the location. Sled is an option, but you're right, it's not always a valid option. One thing remain, you better have an axe rather than breaking your knife and to end up in a real bad situation, especially in winter. Most uses a woodsman hatchet. Small but still able to do the job. It's like using a knife only to build a winter shelter is plain stupid, you may end up with no tools and stuck in the cold. The best is to use two trees right next to each other and insert the branchp in between then to push to split it. The less you use your tools the better it is. This when possible of course. So bottom line, an axe is a good thing depending on what you'll do. It's almost essential in winter because you'll have to prepare tons of wood for warming up but not so essential in summer time. Speaking for myself, I prefer to carry a little extra weight to be safe than to be sorry. And a small woodsman hatchet does the job 99.9% no need for the big bad lumberjack axe lol :)
I loved this video! You hit so many nails right on the head, good for you! I am a firm believer that if you accomplish the end product, no matter the tool used, you are a successful person! I always use a knife to baton small wood, because I learned the hard way at a young age how you can injure a hand very easily using an ax or hatchet for splitting wood under 3" around. As for foul language in comments, anyone that lowers themselves to the use of unnecessary rude language to get their point across is the last person anybody should want to take an example from! You keep up the good work my friend!
As a 7 yr Army veteran and now an off grider I baton 7 days a week. No central heating ac here. I use the SCHF 36 that I saw on your video. I use my axe to chop the big woods then baton with my knife for the small stuff to start the fire. Batoning saves wood and you get the exact size you need. The 36 knife is one pound of 1095 steel that holds up well. The only mod I did was removed the coating on the blade. Left it on the handle. After chopping I hit it with a stiff wire brush and put back the edge with ceramic. Its not shaving sharp but I ain't Crocodile Dundee. Nor am I a weekend survivalist. Thanks for the tip on the 36. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your vids.
Just a thought. I often bring a fiskars hatchet with me into the woods. If I can find a suitable oak branch, I simply use the hatchet as a wedge and I am able to split very hard, seasoned pieces of wood up to 12 inches thick. Then I use a hatchet to further process the wood. I'm curious why I don't see more videos on this.
I think it’s an essential skill to know how to use your knife for batoning wood especially when on day hikes in the wilderness. It’s a lot safer than an axe. An axe requires proper training and proficiency to prevent injury to self and others.
Have u ever been bushcrafting? Or u think cutting trees with stihl and then processing them with an axe is a bushcraft. If someone is comfy with batoning- hes not an idiot!
Ignore the idiots/trolls dude. I don't want to always carry an axe with me. But will 100% have a knife on me whenever I go out camping or hiking etc. What am i meant to do then? Not process anything larger than a twig?
As a mid 50's female getting back into camp/bush world, I have watched many channels about knives. I wanted to learn about simple ways to enjoy the outdoors. Some of those watched were done by some clearly experienced and knowledgeable individuals, yet of those, some used the first 5 minutes being angry and insulting anyone who uses a knife to baton. Well, all those things takes money, and it's slow to build up quality products. At minute 6 I left the video, and found people like you and David Canterbury and others who truly wants to help others learn. As a beginner, I appreciate the inspiration and non patronizing way you share it. And, you got me on darn tough socks, so thanks for that tip. Subbed and continuing to enjoy you.
I guess you could say 5 years later... you were ahead of the curve, Or you changed the culture. either way I am just getting into this and it seems like something everyone is doing now a days. so good job.
Well said. Don't apologize. I've been an outdoorsman/ mountaineer for well over 50 years and until someone has stood in the same puddles, slept in every storm, and hiked your every trail, they can STFU. I have been making knives for years and that includes knives specifically designed for batoning.
***** A.) It's called a "hatchet." B.) I and many of my friends carry axes when camping or hiking. I have a 2.5-lb cruiser axe that I keep strapped to my pack. That's not too much weight. If I didn't have an axe, that doesn't automatically turn a knife into an axe. I don't whack things with a crescent wrench just because I don't have a hammer handy.
First...imho most of the people that get personal about woodsrunning are armchair warriors that have such frail egos that they can't stand anyone that disagrees with them. I've seen some real rants by supposed experts than the run of the mill guy. second issue...The only time I would baton is if I needed dry inner wood for a fire. there may be other circumstances but I'd be very reluctant. I'm pretty up there in years and my granddad taught me most of the woodscraft that I k n ow and he believed in wooden wedges for splitting wood and that may require some batoning to get the first one. Anyway, ignore the mirrors for what they are and it ain't mighty hunters either.
Your comments are well reasoned and useful. I'm a former boy scout and casual hiker with a go home bag in my car. I travel, often up to 160 miles from home. Here's why your comments on batoning are especially helpful, even necessary. In my humble opinion, for the general healthy population of my age, 60, a GHB bag should generally (there are lots of exceptions) be no more than 15% of body weight (according to many experts). I'm in above average shape, no medical or physical issues, an avid scuba diver, but I'm not military, don't do cross fit, in other words, a long packed "go home" would be doable but arduous. I do have some unique survival skills, some land/hunting oriented (frequently carry rifles/shotguns with small daypacks-contain calls, scent, o/material, cammo...) but many of my other skills are water oriented, thus I need to keep carry weight as lower as possible (GHB weight increases incrementally and a few pounds avoided here and there are important) Hence, a good batonable knife for a go home emergency could get me home without the added weight of axe, so when I get home I can use my axe, hatchet, etc. Keep up the useful efficient tips.
yeah sure.. im in a serious situation...let me just pull my full size axe out of my back pocket so i dont damage my knife...really, you dont always have the right tool for the job so you have to make do, so it makes sense to test your blade to see if it can hold up in a survival situation.
I like knowing what any tool is capable of. Your testing including batoning has helped me decide on a couple knives to purchase. I get the knowledge from you without damage to my new knife until it's truly needed. Keep up the tough testing.
Well then i am an idiot to Brian. First, a review on a survival knife must be hard tested. A table top video says nothing. I dont understand what kind of people they are sitting there behind the computer with no face to show and are so mean to other people. What do they get out of it? I also think people dont know the diffrent between survival and bushcraft. I have never in my life and i am 44 seen a guy have an axe atatched to his hip all the time. To practice bushcraft is a joy, to practice survival with very limited resources is not. A good so called survival knife is an multitool and with a multitool you do diffrent task with. And one more thing, An axe can be a very dangerous tool to use if you not are very familiar with it. To force a awerage hiker to use an axe all the time is horrible. Cut yourself with an axe and then we have an realy bad survival situation.I have friends that are very very good with axes but they never use them when they are tired or if it is realy dark. In a survival situation you have so much thing to battle so be carefull.
Excellent points Magnus. Anything with an edge can be dangerous but the odds are an axe injury has a greater chance of being a more serious injury. I don't get the haters either. I think they must be miserable people.
Dont let purists get to you they read way too much stuff and half of it is just nonsense, they never actually do anything practical. Only knives I seen damaged has been cheep ones with a huge grain size in the steel and horrible hardening and tempering making them brittle, a good piece of steel should hold up. When I have a new knife I make sure it gets used, whats the point in having a knife if I was afraid to damage it, knives should be used imo. i got a knife that i have had for 20 years i made that knife go through a lot of beatings splitting wood and so on for all that time it not damaged and i keep using this knife to this day.
Never read the comments people leave. They are idiots. You don't have to explain yourself to idiots. They will be first to die when the stuff hits the fan.
I was wondering if you by chance have any video's showing how to safely hold a ax while sharpening it? If you don't could you do one? I was also wondering what type or kind of sharpening stone would you recommend for sharpening a knife or ax or is there one that is for the to go all style. Uh, basically one single stone that you would ALWAYS use regardless if you are sharpening a ax or knife?
hi from over the pond i think you waisted your time and energy on this one the people who posted rants against you will always be there they don't exist outside their little world of trying to belittle people we are all wanabes for the simple reason we are learning different and new techniques all the time and what you do on your site is give YOUR OPINION not anyone elses on how you approach various tasks in various situations and for that i thank you as for using a knife to baton wood we all do it unless that is you have a waistline big enough to carry a tool on your belt for every occasion and as i understand it the whole idea is to go into the woods carrying the bare minimum and be able to exist and survive off your skill and wits keep up the good work like the show but you need to work on the rambling and ranting regards...chris
Steel should never fail against wood, ever end of story... Every knife you test you should baton and every one should hold up both edge and spine. Anyone who watches and has something negative to say is just a miserable ignorant person. They never have a channel and don't have the guys to stay one so they just watch videos and day mean things about people they don't even know. If you don't have something nice to say just go away. Seriously shut off your phone no one wants to hear from miserable people.... Great video keep doing your thing Brian. ..
Survival On Purpose so I didn’t expect an actual response. So thank you first off. Second, can you answer why baton wood in the first place? E.g. why not just get smaller sticks and twigs.
What the heck is with all the trolls all of a sudden? Your's is the 2nd channel in as many days, that the trolls have been out in force. I guess their mothers never taught them a small thing called "courtesy". You just keep doing what you do and let the trolls live under their mother basements.
Survival On Purpose People are not trolling. Maybe they have more experience. I guess you will end up losing subs over your rant and rightly so. All you did was give them a point to jump on the subject.
MrOldclunker If people weren't assholes towards him he wouldn't have a reason to rant, but of course people like to troll channels like this and hunting channels because haters are always going to hate, and since you feel like you do maybe you should unsubscribe I'm sure it would be a positive move for his channel.
MrOldclunker Once again, Tommy here. Sir, fighting a bushfire is completely different than finding yourself in a bushcraft/survival situation. While I appreciate your service as a firefighter, I am willing to bet you've never had woodland/jungle survival training. I have. I spent quite a few days in the Philippines learning some of the very same skills you see here & on other channels. The skills that are discussed & taught here are relevant to shtf situations one may encounter while simply hiking during the day, or on an excursion that didn't initially require certain tools that suddenly went wrong. Bryan is educating us on the capabilities of these blades, and isn't biased at all. If you look through his videos, he uses a variety of knives and gives his opinion. I know, for example, that the pommel of some knives can be used as a hammer. Would I use it in place of a hammer? Not unless I had to. But, the capability is there, just in case. Furthermore, no one here has told you how to light a backfire to help contain a wildfire, or how to use your emergency shelter to avoid burning alive. Unless you spend your off time perfecting skills discussed here, or three tours in Iraq, please try to avoid telling those of us who have & do what we are doing wrong. Bryan, thank you again for these videos. If I could, I would fly to Georgia and assist you in the production of each one.
Here is my opinion for what it's worth, If you have to baton a knife it should be capable as long as you understand any weaknesses in the design. You should only Baton in an Emergency unless you are carrying a Large knife for processing wood, and anybody who says different is only lying to themselves. Your Logic for having only a knife is a fact and if someone says your wrong, again they are lying to themselves-Good Job
Thanks Dave. I am amazed at the lever of emotion this subject brings out.
I really like your style!
I have always liked your channel and Schrade and Case are my most favorite knives and I've noticed that you do allot of reviews on Schrade knives and I appreciate that, an although I know batonning wood with a knife is like a last resort option its good to know that the knife your reviewing can stand up to such tests. Thanks for what you do.
This idiot would baton a knife. Sometimes the best tool for the job, is the one your holding. Besides batonning a small piece of wood/timber is 1/2 the effort, twice as safe. If your knife breaks, then I'd say you never realy had a knfe. J.M.P.O.
Keep up the good job youre doing mate! No fun when the haters show up, gives a bad taste.
"I don't care what anything was *designed* to do. I care about what it *CAN* do!" - Gene Krantz, "Apollo 13"
BixbyConsequence and didn t that go well .....
When you think about it, it went real well as they used stuff that was not designed for what it was ultimately used for and succeeded. It was the stuff used as designed that failed.
You're absolutely right. It went well indeed. They used the LM for tasks to which it wasn't designed and brought the crew home safely.
Jeff Stanley Thank God for "Yankee Ingenuity" :)
BixbyConsequence TRUE
A knife is a lot better at being an axe, than an axe is at being a knife. That is why the axe gets to stay home from work sometimes and the knife never gets a day off.
+x Moon indeed
Very true
I would like to imagine I could use my axe for anything I would need my knife for though.
x Moon well said
Well said
I don't carry an axe I carry a light knife. I baton with it because it's hard to split wood with my teeth.
Why don't you carry a hatchet?
What kind of idiot doesn't test an item out to it's fullest when reviewing it?
I second this. also, manufacturers who are worth it will claim to do that anyway, and most of them do stress test the crap out of their gear. it's their reviewer's responsibility to hold them to it.
+Josue Chavarria benchmade does this in the stress test video for the barrage themselves
+dragonslayer1483 3rd party review is only ones that are valid, like the people doing reviiews or consumer magazine. A company doing a test of its own product isnt valid especially if done with a sales and marketing spin of half-truth and over-emphasis on mediocre features.
AJ Usog if you watch the video you sould see it isnt fake or isnt boasting anything unplausible
A good larger knife should be able to baton in emergencies at least. If it can't, its a crappy blade you don't want to trust your life with to begin with.
Took me awhile to get to this one but man very well stated. The best advice on battoning is what you said if it big, use an axe. If its too small for an axe or fie work baton a knife. What a lot of folks on here fail to understand that battoning a knife is also needed in a lot of notches and joints for shelter frame work, beds and some dead falls.
So true David. And you are the king of that sort of thing. I appreciate your taking time to watch my silly video.
It has it's place, and RBM1 KNOWS where that is!
David I love you. I’ve been watching your channel for years you’re awesome. God bless you. Hope you and your son are doing well.
Glad you got that FLEM off your chest, keep making your videos. The haters can make a baton and go pound sand!
I'm looking for fixed blade. I'm thinking that I would like to find something that is ok at batting but great at other bushcraft.
Exactly what you said. I have almost hurt myself more trying to process kindling with a hatchet or axe than splitting larger firewood.
In fact the only decent camp injury has been with a hatchet where my brother was trying to get small kindling with a hatchet and did something admittedly foolish and hit himself with the hatchet.
I think that a knife would be safer for kindling for the more control. Delimbing I'd use an axe or hatchet hands down.
Don't apologize. Any tool needs to tested BEYOND their intended purpose if they hope to be trusted to withstand their intended purpose.
but a real survival knife is made to be multitasking and one of his intended purposes is to chop and to be batoned. so in this case we still are inside and not beyond, in a test of such a kind of knife.
nome nemo That is an opinion, making the knife durable enough for anyone is a legit test.
It still needs to be tested beyond its intended purpose.
Brian, as usual you are a perfect gentleman. Actually, the batoning part of your tests is what I like the most since it truly shows what the knife can resist.
Batoning is a legitimate use for a knife. I wouldn't process large wood with it, but I do it all the time and have enough skill to not damage my knife. If a knife can't handle batoning it is worthless.
Robert Schmidt I didn't realize this was a cooking channel. Sorry my mistake.
BTW if any of those expensive knives can't handle batoning then they are poorly constructed. I have batoned with a filet knife in an emergency and it worked.
Robert Schmidt WTF are you talking about? How old are you? If a knife breaks batoning wood it is a crap knife in my opinion. When did I ever say don't use a knife as a knife?
Robert Schmidt Well I have batoned with a folder before and it didn't break because I know how to baton properly. I would not go out into the woods with a knife that I think will break batoning wood.
So you are focused on the word "worthless". Fine. A knife that can break easily by batoning wood is a very valuable piece of equipment. You are absolutely right. I being an idiot would throw the knife away in a survival situation, because it might break. Your supreme logic and wit has broken my will. I succumb to your superior logic and retract my original position that the knife is worthless. Please accept my sincerest apologies for even offering my meager opinion on youtube.
:P
Ricardo Harp Thank you. I thought I entered an alternate reality with this Troll.
im a cook by profession, and i felt like his comments made us all look bad... lol
I'm glad you baton the knives. it's a test of a knifes strength and edge retention. thank you for doing it so I know a knife I choose can take it. I realize you don't baton everything you see in a real life situation :) good job
+Sandor Althof The great thing about living is you can choose your way and others can choose their own way. Some people cook with lard and some with vegetable oil and there are some that cant cook without their microwave. if i want to baton my knife then i surely will. you choose to not, that choice is yours. Cheers mate.
+Sandor Althof, sure it is. for example. viewers might like to know that a knife with no secondary bevel, such as a Mora will likely roll the edge if you baton with it. I'm glad that you-tubers like Survival on Purpose do tests like this. It tells you something about a knife you may not want to learn first hand.
Sandor Althof I think you are missing the point...lol. you should re-read my posts...
I think you are missing the point if you swore while writing anything it should be in a story book, swearing is a sign of a really small vocabulary and yes I swear but thats because I am still learning big words and I am an author, I however never swear while writing unless the character I am writing about swears, LOL.
Sandor Althof , You may be one of those people that walks around with 4 knives and 6 axes along with a full arsenal of weapons including a grenade launcher, but for the common man, we would like to know that if we're ever in a situation where we don't have an axe or a butterknife, that the knife that we are carrying in everyday real life can take a beating and stay sharp. This is most likely why you DO NOT have your own survival channel. Nobody would listen to someone as cocky as you who obviously already knows everything. For the people that enjoy these videos, he's doing an awesome job. Where as trolls like you just like to pretend you know the only right way to do anything. If you don't like the videos, don't watch them or comment. Judging by the comments you've left thus far, you're also extremely immature. Enjoy your Rambo lifestyle over in Never Never Land.
more power to your channel, chief! i'm from the philippines and for most of the communities here using firewood for everyday cooking and heating, bolos or machetes which are really just larger knives are being used to process firewood and yes, batoning is part of it. for small back-country and mountain communities, steel is kind of expensive and axe heads aren't readily available for the local smiths. my family's got axes but batoning with knives happen to be one of the skills passed on since its one of the most common tools available. thanks for posting! great vid!
I appreciate you showing what the knife CAN do, even if it's not what it's designed to do. Batoning is a well-known technique that people use for a number of reasons. Even if you're not in a life or death survival situation, and just in an "I forgot my axe" or "my axe is broken" and "I don't want to have to go to the hardware store in the middle of a camping trip" situation, it's nice to see what the capabilities of the knives are, just in case. In MANY review videos, people put products under EXTREME testing that show the apex of functionality even though those products will never be tested to that level in MOST cases. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't let the trolls get to you. An intelligent person can offer a critique without resorting to being obnoxious. Don't feed the trolls. Showing the trolls they bother you is the only thing that keeps their sad existence worth living.
You need to relax. You are not an expert, but I am. I was an instructor with the military for 10 years. There is nothing wrong with batoning wood. You are correct. Its even taught in the military.
Batoning is quicker in a lot of cases. Its safer in a lot of cases and its easier to cut shingles or small boards for eating on. Its more accurate than an axe in a lot of cases.
Just tell those haters to mind their business and create their own channel.
In my 52 years, 40 as a survivalist and bush crafter, I have never seen anyone accidentally harm a full tang knife with battening.
Stick to your principles, you are on the right track my friend.
+Jay Boss Bushcraft I'm relaxed. Thanks for the support.
+Jay Boss Bushcraft so what military were you a instructor for just nice to no that there are other men out there that did the same as me by the way I have had kids out and they have done better then most grown ups fyi pros but have a good day
I was in the Canadian military and was a weapons tech. Once I achieved the rank of Master Corporal, I started to train people in winter and jungle warfare.
The real experts are not sitting around posting obnoxious comments on TH-cam videos.
True
Do what you want, you're not causing harm to anyone else, more power to you. You are gaining real experience along the way. If people were not trying new things, we would still be slinging stones at our food
Slinging stones at trolls would be great tho ;)
the profanity catching spam filter is working well NOT lol
This is actually the first video I've watched of yours, and this video alone gains you this subscriber. You just keep surviving on purpose,
Thanks Robert
Same here.
For real
I've been watching him for years and he does a great job on teaching the masses skills they don't have, and gear they probably should.
I just subscribed to another channel the first time I watched, because of a well placed rant as well. Keep on keepin on Survival on Purpose!
Paratrooper , never carried an axe anywhere, would be great if u could carry a chainsaw and gas. By baton, I guess u mean , hitting back of blade? Those that don't know, this is exactly how you split bones or ribs on game. Just make sure you use hardwood , not a rock to do it.
I learned the hard way not to use a rock. My favorite Buck knife shattered when I was too lazy to grab my batoning branch and instead tried a nice piece of granite that was close. oops
Yep. Green wood too is preferable.
If you carry an axe with you every where you go you are a Viking
and nobody calls a Viking an idiot but once.
Survival On Purpose Pshh. Then explain why Vikings are extinct.
Vikings are not extinct. They have changed their way of life. Sweden is the Vikings' generation.
you got ale?
muslim vikings
#1 rule in survival, adapt and improvise. I guess alot of the experts in survival cary axes and gas powered chain saws in their EDC or bug out bag. Keep doing what you do.
Thanks. I appreciate it.
Now, after watching your entire video, I have to say: I couldn’t agree with you more on every word you said! The most logical “rant” one could possibly put forth!! You are a class act! I discovered your channel a couple months ago and subscribed after 3 videos and I watch more every time I come across one. If I ever had the chance to hang out with you and chat about outdoorsy things and do camp chores, I would jump at the opportunity! Your videos are practical, succinct and enjoyable! Never let the snobby, lazy trolls slow your roll! Keep up the great work!! Thank you for what you do! I thoroughly enjoy it! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Plain and simple, there are times you may need or want to baton wood with a knife. In many aspects, it is much safer than swinging an axe. You can make finer, more controlled splits with that method. There are other angled cuts or notches that require the baton method as well. This is why we are so concerned with good quality steels with proper heat treat and tempering. It is also why some of us prefer a longer blade. For those who believe in using the right tool for the right job, consider this: If the job is batoning, the proper tools are the knife and baton. If a person wanted to get real critical and technical, ask yourself this: Which is the proper tool for splitting firewood, the axe or the wood maul? I promise you the wood maul will destroy the axe in that job. I will bust up a truck load with the wood maul, while most will spend the whole day prying the axe out of the wood. So yes, guys, batoning is a thing. Get used to it.
Do you happen to remember the old Buck Knife Logo? Buck used to demonstrate their knives by pounding them through a 1/4" black carriage bolt. That was also the logo on their box for years and years. This was as of 40 years ago. My Buck General is over 50 years old and has served me faithfully for that time and it will be passed on when I finally pass on. So pounding a knife through a log is a test. I remember a night years ago when my wife and I were in a cabin for the night. An unexpected winter storm hit us and the only thing I had to split logs with was my survival knife. That night it proved it was up to the task at hand as I split log after log so we wouldn't freeze. I still carry that same knife. I wouldn't leave home without it. So keep on splitting and don't pay any attention to these people.
Cool story
Yeah, easy. You quickly light up whole logs just for fun, do you, Orlando? Don't want to scratch up your pretty knife by actually using it?
‘MURICA!
DARN RIGHT.
Orlando Pockets BE NICE.
Whoever said you must use an axe to make firewood has Never been backpacking! Who's going to carry a heavy axe into the back country? No, you carry a knife. The more multi-purpose a tool can be, the more merit it has to carry on a backpack! Thanks for showing how to Barton with a knife!
Bryan, even when you “rant” you do it as a gentleman.
I was searching a topic and came across this old video. First, while people can and probably should disagree the discussions should always be civil. My experience is that the more volatile or abusive someone gets in arguing their case the less solid ground they are on. There is never an excuse/reason for foul language.
Most likely your idea of a “normal” knife differs from mine. I like my blades to be 3-1/2” to 4” long with a thickness of 1/8” or less and a full length stick tang is just fine. With this size knife the batoning effectiveness is limited. Plus, I believe knives are made to cut and slice, they are not splitting mauls or pry bars.
However, in your testing I completely understand why you baton and chop with blades not necessarily designed for that purpose. In an emergency out of the ordinary tasks may become necessary.
At the risk of being placed in your “Paul Bunyan” category (😀) I am thinking about a system that involves a Victorinox SAK in my pocket and a small hatchet on my belt. Foregoing a fixed blade belt knife all together. With practice I believe a skilled person can do anything with a small axe or hatchet that they can do with a belt knife -- important words “practice” and “skilled”. I am not there yet.
Thank you for your videos. Most of the time we agree and when we do not I respect your right to be wrong. 😂😂😂 Actually many of your videos have inspired me to try some of the gear you have tested. Take care.
you may not have a axe with u in a survival situation
yep
Learn karate. That's the perfect solution!
Survival On Purpose you need to know your knife is capable of doing the job
violenthauntingsanddemonic attacksurvivors stop making sense please. Makes it hard to argue with you.
Ballhead_Slick i know right cause logic isnt pc these days lol
I think people should use what they are proficient with. For example I use my BK9 to process wood every single time instead of an axe or hawk which I don't take in the woods on a daily basis. I can see winter camping and needing to process LOTS of wood. As long as the tool is capable I say go for it if that is what you are good at. I am so much faster using a knife to process. Same reason I shoot a crossbow instead of a gun when I hunt. I like it and good at it. Good video Paul Bryan LOL.
totally agree!!! don't mind the "HATERS", they are the real wannabes. Great rant bro! thumbs up
Thanks
I spent 4 years in U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, 20 years in the U. S. Army Intelligence Corps and 21 years in the NC Forest Service. I have experienced many Survival Courses and Survival Situations. I even taught Wilderness Survival Courses to various age groups in and out of services and since retiring. I just want you to know … “There Are No Experts Out There ! I have enjoyed you and your TH-cam channel for many years now. I have learned a lot from you and about the products you have tested ! ……. Drive On Brother !
You just keep doing what your doing brother...we are all learning, and Mother Nature is the ONLY expert out there, I dont care who you are.
+Steve Duffalo True dat.
I like your videos. Do not let your work be influenced by idiot comments. There will be always people who are rude allways. If you would baton with an axe they probably would tell you to use a knife . So keep on the good work.
you made some good points and don't worry about what people say there's always going to be self-proclaimed Pro You're simply just showing Integrity of the knife most people get that
Thanks!
You just keep doing what you’re doing because you’re doing a great job!
I agree I am way more likely to have my esee5 on me versus an ax or hatchet. Keep going none of us are experts we constantly learn new and better ways . We also teach others . Thank you fir channel
which tool is best for spitting wood? the tool you have with you is the first criteria
yep
Glad you got that off your chest.
I do have a small criticism though.
You didn't baton any wood at the end.
I think that would have been the perfect coup de grace.
Addendum: May I recommend a theme for next week? Comparison testing of the batoning performance of every full tang knife at your disposal.
Just a thought.
Shoto Kido Yeah, I don't know why I didn't do that. And my videos are all scheduled for the next few weeks. I'm on a long overdue vacation with my family. Right now we're in San Diego and we're heading to the Grand Canyon next week. It's amazing what you can do when you lose your job ;-)
Survival On Purpose Well sometimes such events can be a blessing in disguise, and I certainly hope it works that way for you. Enjoy, be safe, and look forward to seeing more of your great reviews.
And batoning. Lots of batoning.
LOL..."More power to you Paul Bunyan!" I love it...Great channel, Great vid, Even the experts (Pathfinders, Military personnel, and most experts) recommend using larger knives and batonning them.
To baton wood is such an old, time-honored practice its ridiculous to even have to have this conversation. Smaller tinder, more accuracy with size and control of the blade and safety make batoning with a knife a much better option that trying to cut thin slices with an axe. If you want to split a log, use an axe, if its quartered or better and you need small kindling the knife is the way to go.
Don’t feed the trolls bro! Love your content. I’m following
But always monetize the haters!
Hi Bryan. I have enjoyed all of your videos so keep them up. I have been at points when TH-cam is starting to crawl under my skin, not only from the trolls but even from producers I respect and watch. This TH-cam animal is huge and I just have to remind myself that it is really just for fun in the end or a means to promote a business. I understand the rant stage though. Please notice you have a ton of support and appreciation. Take care, Bruce
Agree with you Brian. I agree we are all want to be survival bushcraft guys. You are doing a knife review I want you to push the knife to its limits to make sure it's a good product for your viewers. Thanks again don't change what you are doing.
I agree also....we what to know what a knife is capable of in a survival atmostfear.....period.
I agree, i want to see it pushed to it's limit mate, bugger what the others think, you do as you see fit and not what others expect of you .. Keep up the good work mate.
Be safe mack..
All the best knife reviewers baton, that is a great way to test steel, especially in cold weather. I am not carrying an axe on my pack that is why I have a big ole cheap schrade. No cussing,subbed, I cannot stand people dropping the f bomb, I have a kid,no reason for it, thanks man, good rant.
Thanks Paul.
In the old days, my grandma used a parang to split wood. The way she did it was to hold a piece of of wood in one hand and the parang on one end of the wood and knock the free end of the wood on the ground. When the parang has taken a bite, she would knock both the parang and wood against the ground. She would do this until she got enough wood small enough to burn easily in her stove. I regret that I didn't grow up big enough to help her with that chore. My dad moved to the city. By the time I got back for a visit, grandpa's house had electricity and gas.
Every respectable survival instructor with every organization teaches batoning. Sometimes the only dry tinder is in the center of the wood and 99% of people don't lug around a hatchet. I don't know who is arguing with you but they are severely misguided.
I agree
Well said Adam Bodford.
I suspect that people who insist on an axe as a replacement, are probably more familiar with camping out of their vehicle, rather than moving through a real wilderness for days at a time on foot.
@@brucebain6664 a tomahawk with removable head can split as well as be used as a ulu
You'd have to be a noob to think a knife can't baton
+Barry McCociner Why? Because it´s an easier and safer technik so that even a noob can use it? And what kind of noob? You sound like an expert. Then please bring light in the dark and explain how and why u split wood better without ur knife when u didnt have any other tool with u? I´m curious. How would u do it?
Hi! First of all thx for ur answer. "Expert" because if u callin someone a noob of doing something its normally because u have a better technique in expert stile. That was my interpretation of ur comment. TH-cam sensationalism can be but why not if its a nice technique? I need to split wood with my knive because of the same reasons u would do it with an axe or another tool. The "need" is the same. I had the need often in the past, especially when i´m in the forest and it was very wet. Splitting the wood allows me to getting into the dry section of the inside, to say only one reason. I often dont want to carry an axe with me because of the weight and size. If i find a better technique so i dont have to use my knife i would be more than happy, but maybe u can help me with this ;)?Barry McCociner
Barry McCociner
Esee does and Kabar exchanges a knive because of batoning damage (Spartan Johns Channel) and a lot more will do because its steel against wood.So why not? When u use Opinel or Victorinox sure don´t do this because its a high risk to brake it.
Looking for some covered wood is a good advice but didnt u think i did? No idea where u live but here in winter are some areas u didnt find any dry spots. If i can avoid work, i will, believe me ;). Especially when i want to have a warm fire quickly. I agree when u mean that prepearing all the time for a emergency that never comes is sometimes strange, and shtf videos are sometimes a bit over the top, but batoning with the RIGHT knive is fun also. It works really good and the knive isnt really in danger when u do it right. If u want to carry an Axe with u all the time, do it. I like to work with my axes a lot and i can understand that absolutely. But I dont wanna carry them all the time and i had some situations, batoning was for me the best thing to do. Believe it or not. Why should i buy a full tang outdoor knive that isnt able to baton when there are so much out there u can use for that? I accept ur opinion and i hope i could explain my one. Have a good Time, greetings from Europe.
bryan carter
Hi! Absolutely!! Especially tryin to brake the esee 5 will be hard work. And it will need far more than batoning to do this i think :).
+FoRestInPeace I feel as though this Berry McTroll doesn't go outside much quoting movies from the 90's that were written to show the characters lack of experience in the world...
rant on bro. if someone dosnt want to learn other things to help them, then I know who the idiot is. I enjoy your channel keep it up
Thanks.
+Survival On Purpose I like using a knife for baton in kindling especially
+Survival On Purpose Lol I've also used my rat 1 folding knife to baton and it totally works
knife/batoning is great for hiking/trekking, carrying an axe on long hikes is silly unless you have super strong legs
bringing an axe is silly for most activities to be honest. Nobody needs to be felling and splitting wood just to get breakfast warmed up. Any wild forest is going to have deadfall of every size you'll need. People love to make things complicated so they get to use their tools.
I beat the ever living snot out of my knives doing real chores in the real woods. So, I appreciate it very much when I see these knives on TH-cam get clobbered and not break, really saves me some time and expense when I shop. An axe is the last thing I ever need in the backcountry. I occasionally carry one and I always end up creating work for it that I would never normally do. Thanks for your great reviews. I've made several great purchases on your advice, and haven't regretted a single one.
Sometimes a man uses the tool he has at hand, sometimes I use my channel locks (or Linemans) as a hammer if I don't have a hammer handy. I call people idiots when they deserve to be called such, but calling someone an idiot because they are using a tool for another purpose than what it was designed for is really out of line. Don't let the little people get you down (:
lineman's pliers are made as a staple hammer. channel locks are not intended as a hammer. side cutters are made to pull staples. Calling someone names is never helpful. trying to teach them you need to have a discussion if in that discussion you disagree then agree to do that and move on.
I don't understand why you listened to those negative vampires just keep making your videos and do what you got to do thank you!
I had a moment of weakness ;-)
You should call your channel survival on TH-cam lol
;-)
You have earned my respect. Don't let anyone "push your buttons." Especially some anonymous, know it all, key board commandos.
It's your knife!!!! Do what you want with it...I do!!!!
Thanks for your hard work and sharing,
Clark
Thanks. I appreciate it.
We're behind you all the way Brian!
Schrade Knives Well, there you go. I appreciate the confirmation that some knifes are designed to be used with a baton. So, I guess if someone is concerned about their $300 knife breaking they should check out a $50 Schrade ;-)
No they didn't get to you!!! Lol, it is all good Bryan, you do an excellent job my friend... You are right, there are trolls out there that watch to much TV or haven't spent time in the woods. Everyone has there own style and what works for you, works. Nothing pisses me off more when I see a troll torture a new channel that has good information... I wish there were ways to get the trolls kicked off TH-cam...
Yeah, that's what gets to me. When I see somebody give up or bow to pressure because of some bozo who obviously has a sad, pathetic self image and can only feel good about themselves by trying to tear someone else down. (Am I ranting again ?)
LOL... Don't let them get to you my friend, you do great work...
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Expert or not knowledge is power that needs to be passed on to the next one willing to learn. I have learned a lot and practiced to get it right, but wouldn't have known where to start if it wasn't for people like you.so thank you again and keep up the amazing work!
Thank you for taking time to watch
keep on keeping on brother, there will always be people who put there opinions above all other. you do a great job stay the path....
Thanks
I second that, however I might give that axe on my hip during a day hike a go,, might give me a hitch in my giddy up.
It's important to learn from the mistakes of others.
In an early 2016 episode of ALONE a person accidentally cut her hand badly below the outside of the thumb she was steadying the wood with, while attempting to split small diameter softwood by holding the axe just below the head with her other hand. In that case batoning would appear to be a significantly safer technique for splitting small diameter wood than choking up on an axe handle. But hindsight is always 20:20, right?
On the other hand, if you are in a coastal west coast forest where I live you are surrounded by 6-10 foot diameter cedars and other large conifers, where a good axe is the best choice for that job especially during winter. But do you know anyone who goes off into the woods without a belt knife? I sure as hell don't.
Anytime I know I'm going out into nature in North America I carry at least two cuttings tools, of different types. Say, a belt knife and axe, knife and multi-tool, belt knife and hatchet or tomahawk, knife and bow saw, knife and machete, kukra, parang etc.
But real life survival isn't always something that person can fully plan for. In a real survival situation the person often has been separated from the rest of the group, has limited supplies and may only have a belt knife, tarp, a roll of twine or paracord, the clothes and other outerwear on your back and whatever is is his/her pockets. Maybe they are in a pack along with a few hanks of cordage, flashlight, metal mess kit, a file or sharpening rod and a good compass and a few very large 3 mil polyethylene garbage bags. Possibly without a firearm to try to hunt small game. Or considerably less. So the goal becomes avoiding panic and self recrimination and using what you have, improvising with the resources that surround you, adapting what you have for different uses and overcoming obstacles and challenges in less than ideal situations.
In that situation you'd be forced to use your belt knife for all cutting tasks, the so-called one-tool option (OTO). . Everything from making shelter components, batoning firewood or beaver chewing to make fuel and kindling, making wooden tools and wedges, cutting notches, fine carving tasks and feather sticks, prying and scraping with the back of the blade to remove bark or create tinder. Anyone who doesn't use the knife to baton wood is surviving with one behind there back. Even a $15 dollar Mora will process wood if done correctly
High carbon or stainless steel knifes that have a full tang design, sharp 90 degree spine and Scandinavian grind are well suited for processing wood and have very good edge retention. So use it any way you have to to survive that first night and don't let poor advice like the title of this video dissuade you from always having a good belt knife attached to your belt when out in the wild.
Well said Douglas
Reality makes all the difference in the world. These weekend warriors who say only an idiot would baton wood with a knife have little to no real world experience.
Batoning with a knife or axe is in my opinion a safer, and therefore smarter, method of processing wood than trying to chop a very small diameter piece of wood in half, one-handed.
Wisdom. A++
Try processing small kindling with an Axe or hatchet then try it with a knife and baton. Worlds of difference. Much smaller, finer pieces of wood with a much greater chance of success on your first effort. When fire is a necessity and you have made it in all kinds of weather you will find yourself using the knife baton method. Much safer as well. If you are worried about your knife, you need a better knife.
You just earned a subscriber 😊 great video
I second the that movement!
Yeah, if I wasn't already a subscriber, I would have been after this video.
Thanks for the video and ignore the haters. I recently discovered batoning wood as I was trying to find a better way to cut up wood for my grill and smoker. So I’m looking at videos of reviews of the ideal knife to buy to accomplish this, so I appreciate your reviews. Thx!
Batoning has it's place.
I use it for smaller wood, generally to get to the dry wood inside during wet weather firestarting. I also baton when I need to trim wood down to size when I have to carve something. For example, I will baton the sides and corners when I make a bowdrill set.
An Ax, is for heavier duty stuff. If I need to split larger logs, or if I want to split medium or smaller things, that do not require a precision cut, I would use the ax. I would not use the ax for splitting the stock when I make a bowdrill set. The ax is too big and clumsy for that.
Each tool has it's own range that it works best in. It's simple.
I never understood how there came to be an entire camp, that is against batoning, just because an ax exists. Thats like saying you are against a claw hammer, because a sledge hammer exists.
Ever see an "Anti-Claw Hammer" camp in the home remolding business? Me neither. Those guys own and use both sledge hammers, AND claw hammers, depending on the job they are doing, and they don't think twice about it. It should be the same with knives and ax's
Agreed
Exactly right!!!! I have never understood why this is "an issue" for some people (???)
I wanna be too. Almost all of the knives that I have used, I have beat them through a piece of wood. Some of them I have chopped down trees. Sometimes I use my ax to make feathers.... hmmm. It really depends what tool you have with you. I have my tomahawk with me a lot of the time... my ax with me some of the time.... my knife with me all of the time. I can use them all. I can use them well. I like to learn to use them more. I love the sound of a good piece of hardwood whacking a blade through another piece of hardwood. It just sounds so much like.... the way I do things.
Well said.
Right on brother.
EXACTLY !!! Love the rant and all the content of the rant. Thank you ! Proud to b be a subscriber.
Thanks Bryan.
Thanks for the support!
Survival On Purpose I'm glad to be a troll it's Ok
David Latham Brian," Fools will be FOOLS..I love the way that you took them down. I'm a VERY firm believer in "One is NONE and TWO will do" If you're such an idiot,that you gear doesn't "overlap" In t's purpose,then you've OBVIOUSLY made a VERY bad dicision in your choice.. No need,to call you out,and ABSOLUTELY no need for profanity,what so ever! As Rodney King once said.."Can't we all just get along?!" Keep the faith my friend,haters (jealousy) gonna hate.. Stay STRONG,and go in Jesus name,L.C.
I’m 64 and have been carrying a knife of some sort for over 40 years, I’ve recently decided to try a short hiking camp out. I’m looking for a camp type knife such as a kukri and eliminate bringing an ax or hatchet so battening & chopping will be necessary . You’ve been very helpful so I’ll consider any suggestions you have
In true survival situations you are more likely to have a good and solid knife on your person than you are to have an axe. Every survivalist I have researched batons wood with a knife. It is a skill that is needed to know. Good on ya for standing up for yourself and for doing the right thing. The heck with the haters. Some people just need to try to make others feel less than. As a woman who is an avid camper, I would have a knife, some dry cotton balls, petroleum or wax or if I had found some some spruce pitch, a lighter, weather proof matches, or a flint, and an emergency blanket or two with me any time I was venturing into the woods, amongst other things of course, but I'm not hiking with an axe. I know how to cut down a dead tree with a good knife and a baton, no axe needed. If they don't like your way of doing things then they are perfectly welcome to lug an axe anywhere they want to go. You have the right idea!! Good on ya!
Thanks Margo.
Same, same girl!
Dude, you don't have to justify yourself.. no matter what you do, you will always get hate comments..
This video was a waist of your time.
Keep up the good work.
I am not so sure. It turned out to be my 2nd most viewed video ever. So I should thank the haters.
Yeah, Survival On Purpose, anytime someone actually knows something, as you clearly do, someone will come along with a truck load of Magical Thinking who has figured out that modern steel is so fragile that it has no use other than cutting 6 pound test monofilament. Keep up the good gear analysis. I like you a lot already. (Send the check soon willya? I cain't live on Saltine Crackers forever, ya know?)
Us south Vikings hate the north ones.
hey I'm on your side people look for reasons to point out how perfect they are keep on man your channel is very educational.
Thanks!
I was surprised at the title when I came across it, and thought it was clickbait. I never would have imagined someone making a comment like that! I can understand the question if it comes from someone inexperienced with knives, the outdoors, survival, etc., but when they get ugly about it then their ignorance becomes annoying. I'm impressed with how you handled it; new subscriber.
I am a backpacking hiker that watches a lot of bushcraft channels and bush crafters love their axes and they baton a lot too. This is what I noticed. If they are out in the woods with an axe, it is almost always indicated they only hiked an hour to get to their campsite. That is two to three miles of not exactly ultralight backpacking. If you are hiking 4 to 7 hours to get to your campsite 9 to 15 miles, there is no way you should be lugging around a heavy axe. After 5 or 6 hours of hiking in winter you may not even have time to find wood. A knife on the other hand, offers self-protection and splitting wood and still carry something under 10 ounces. Even then it's not needed unless its wet and cold out.
Distance is not important. It all depends on what you need to do on the end. Also, when winter camping you always have a sled, so weight is not a real issue.
Anyone can haul a 55 lb pack a mile or two every other year. People who cover 30 to 50 miles several times a year, guaranteed wont be carrying a heavy axe. Fire may be a hope but not a necessity. Not all terrain is suitable for sleds or has enough snow for that matter. In the California sierras a sled would likely pull you down and off of a cliff.
Many people do not hike with a sled in the winter. Why would I want to take an axe with on a long hike when I can take a folding saw and a full tang blade with and accomplish what I need to whether it be winter, summer, spring or fall.
Peter Beefchicken that realy depends on the terrain . I never use a sled & allways have at least a hatchet in winter.
What I mean is that is all depends on your needs and what you expect to find once at the location. Sled is an option, but you're right, it's not always a valid option. One thing remain, you better have an axe rather than breaking your knife and to end up in a real bad situation, especially in winter. Most uses a woodsman hatchet. Small but still able to do the job. It's like using a knife only to build a winter shelter is plain stupid, you may end up with no tools and stuck in the cold. The best is to use two trees right next to each other and insert the branchp in between then to push to split it. The less you use your tools the better it is. This when possible of course. So bottom line, an axe is a good thing depending on what you'll do. It's almost essential in winter because you'll have to prepare tons of wood for warming up but not so essential in summer time. Speaking for myself, I prefer to carry a little extra weight to be safe than to be sorry. And a small woodsman hatchet does the job 99.9% no need for the big bad lumberjack axe lol :)
If you have an axe, use it. If not, improvise. Whittle some wedges and use those. You can start the split with a knife _if necessary_.
I split small wood with a knife even when it isn't "necessary".
Survival On Purpose Whatever works.
Or just keep a SPLITTING WEDGE with your AXE like a REAL "woodsman".
I loved this video! You hit so many nails right on the head, good for you! I am a firm believer that if you accomplish the end product, no matter the tool used, you are a successful person! I always use a knife to baton small wood, because I learned the hard way at a young age how you can injure a hand very easily using an ax or hatchet for splitting wood under 3" around. As for foul language in comments, anyone that lowers themselves to the use of unnecessary rude language to get their point across is the last person anybody should want to take an example from! You keep up the good work my friend!
+Sty North Thank you!
As a 7 yr Army veteran and now an off grider I baton 7 days a week. No central heating ac here. I use the SCHF 36 that I saw on your video. I use my axe to chop the big woods then baton with my knife for the small stuff to start the fire. Batoning saves wood and you get the exact size you need. The 36 knife is one pound of 1095 steel that holds up well. The only mod I did was removed the coating on the blade. Left it on the handle. After chopping I hit it with a stiff wire brush and put back the edge with ceramic. Its not shaving sharp but I ain't Crocodile Dundee. Nor am I a weekend survivalist. Thanks for the tip on the 36. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your vids.
An honest man, refreshing,
Thanks for the support!
Just a thought. I often bring a fiskars hatchet with me into the woods. If I can find a suitable oak branch, I simply use the hatchet as a wedge and I am able to split very hard, seasoned pieces of wood up to 12 inches thick. Then I use a hatchet to further process the wood. I'm curious why I don't see more videos on this.
+chance alan I don't know.
Great video and kudos to not using profanity !!! Keep on keepin on
Thanks.
+Survival On Purpose you are one of my favorite survival/gear review TH-camr keep up the good videos
+bobby wasabi Get Knots by Geoffrey Bubworth
Kudos watch your profanity :*)
I think it’s an essential skill to know how to use your knife for batoning wood especially when on day hikes in the wilderness. It’s a lot safer than an axe. An axe requires proper training and proficiency to prevent injury to self and others.
Have u ever been bushcrafting? Or u think cutting trees with stihl and then processing them with an axe is a bushcraft.
If someone is comfy with batoning- hes not an idiot!
+Tomek_PL I agree
Ignore the idiots/trolls dude. I don't want to always carry an axe with me. But will 100% have a knife on me whenever I go out camping or hiking etc. What am i meant to do then? Not process anything larger than a twig?
+crzy1gs exactly
Just tell them to kiss off Sir there's a lot of haters and trolls out there.
As a mid 50's female getting back into camp/bush world, I have watched many channels about knives. I wanted to learn about simple ways to enjoy the outdoors. Some of those watched were done by some clearly experienced and knowledgeable individuals, yet of those, some used the first 5 minutes being angry and insulting anyone who uses a knife to baton. Well, all those things takes money, and it's slow to build up quality products.
At minute 6 I left the video, and found people like you and David Canterbury and others who truly wants to help others learn. As a beginner, I appreciate the inspiration and non patronizing way you share it. And, you got me on darn tough socks, so thanks for that tip. Subbed and continuing to enjoy you.
Aw shucks. You are too kind.
Very good rant. Well said
Thanks
I guess you could say 5 years later... you were ahead of the curve, Or you changed the culture. either way I am just getting into this and it seems like something everyone is doing now a days. so good job.
Great vid. Why wouldn't you want to know what your knife is capable of?
Because a broken knife isn't that useful.
@@jkoeberlein1 True, but the knowledge of knowing you bought a dinky knife before you need it as life saving tool is invaluable.
Well said. Don't apologize. I've been an outdoorsman/ mountaineer for well over 50 years and until someone has stood in the same puddles, slept in every storm, and hiked your every trail, they can STFU. I have been making knives for years and that includes knives specifically designed for batoning.
I guess I would be one of those idiots.
Me Too!
Me 3
Me too
kwerner I'll help you then: buy one of these tools they call an "axe."
*****
A.) It's called a "hatchet." B.) I and many of my friends carry axes when camping or hiking. I have a 2.5-lb cruiser axe that I keep strapped to my pack. That's not too much weight. If I didn't have an axe, that doesn't automatically turn a knife into an axe. I don't whack things with a crescent wrench just because I don't have a hammer handy.
First...imho most of the people that get personal about woodsrunning are armchair warriors that have such frail egos that they can't stand anyone that disagrees with them. I've seen some real rants by supposed experts than the run of the mill guy. second issue...The only time I would baton is if I needed dry inner wood for a fire. there may be other circumstances but I'd be very reluctant. I'm pretty up there in years and my granddad taught me most of the woodscraft that I k n ow and he believed in wooden wedges for splitting wood and that may require some batoning to get the first one. Anyway, ignore the mirrors for what they are and it ain't mighty hunters either.
Stupid spell corrector... at the end please read nimrods and not "mirrors"
a true survival knife is designed to withstand betoning. yes that is properly spelled wrong.
I agree
Your comments are well reasoned and useful. I'm a former boy scout and casual hiker with a go home bag in my car. I travel, often up to 160 miles from home. Here's why your comments on batoning are especially helpful, even necessary. In my humble opinion, for the general healthy population of my age, 60, a GHB bag should generally (there are lots of exceptions) be no more than 15% of body weight (according to many experts). I'm in above average shape, no medical or physical issues, an avid scuba diver, but I'm not military, don't do cross fit, in other words, a long packed "go home" would be doable but arduous. I do have some unique survival skills, some land/hunting oriented (frequently carry rifles/shotguns with small daypacks-contain calls, scent, o/material, cammo...) but many of my other skills are water oriented, thus I need to keep carry weight as lower as possible (GHB weight increases incrementally and a few pounds avoided here and there are important) Hence, a good batonable knife for a go home emergency could get me home without the added weight of axe, so when I get home I can use my axe, hatchet, etc. Keep up the useful efficient tips.
+Brian Bolton thanks Brian, even if you do you spell your name wrong :-)
most knife reviews show batoning with a knife. and well not too many people lug an axe around on a day hike.
If batoning your knife "ruins" it, quit buying flea market garbage. Lol, wow, first time I've heard that.
;-)
yeah sure.. im in a serious situation...let me just pull my full size axe out of my back pocket so i dont damage my knife...really, you dont always have the right tool for the job so you have to make do, so it makes sense to test your blade to see if it can hold up in a survival situation.
Thanks for the support!
Well said brother
I like knowing what any tool is capable of. Your testing including batoning has helped me decide on a couple knives to purchase. I get the knowledge from you without damage to my new knife until it's truly needed. Keep up the tough testing.
I'm glad it helped.
Well then i am an idiot to Brian. First, a review on a survival knife must be hard tested. A table top video says nothing. I dont understand what kind of people they are sitting there behind the computer with no face to show and are so mean to other people. What do they get out of it? I also think people dont know the diffrent between survival and bushcraft. I have never in my life and i am 44 seen a guy have an axe atatched to his hip all the time. To practice bushcraft is a joy, to practice survival with very limited resources is not. A good so called survival knife is an multitool and with a multitool you do diffrent task with.
And one more thing, An axe can be a very dangerous tool to use if you not are very familiar with it. To force a awerage hiker to use an axe all the time is horrible. Cut yourself with an axe and then we have an realy bad survival situation.I have friends that are very very good with axes but they never use them when they are tired or if it is realy dark. In a survival situation you have so much thing to battle so be carefull.
Excellent points Magnus. Anything with an edge can be dangerous but the odds are an axe injury has a greater chance of being a more serious injury. I don't get the haters either. I think they must be miserable people.
yuse profanity onm my comments there gonna get deleded dude
Dont let purists get to you they read way too much stuff and half of it is just nonsense, they never actually do anything practical. Only knives I seen damaged has been cheep ones with a huge grain size in the steel and horrible hardening and tempering making them brittle, a good piece of steel should hold up. When I have a new knife I make sure it gets used, whats the point in having a knife if I was afraid to damage it, knives should be used imo. i got a knife that i have had for 20 years i made that knife go through a lot of beatings splitting wood and so on for all that time it not damaged and i keep using this knife to this day.
Good practice
SimonSaysBaka #KaBarknives that's the way to go.
Never read the comments people leave. They are idiots. You don't have to explain yourself to idiots. They will be first to die when the stuff hits the fan.
;-)
I was wondering if you by chance have any video's showing how to safely hold a ax while sharpening it? If you don't could you do one? I was also wondering what type or kind of sharpening stone would you recommend for sharpening a knife or ax or is there one that is for the to go all style. Uh, basically one single stone that you would ALWAYS use regardless if you are sharpening a ax or knife?
Consider me a member of the idiot's club, then. I think I'm in pretty good company.
It's a big club.
? I see lots of survival people using a heavy knife to cut wood.
I do it all the time
hi from over the pond i think you waisted your time and energy on this one the people who posted rants against you will always be there they don't exist outside their little world of trying to belittle people we are all wanabes for the simple reason we are learning different and new techniques all the time and what you do on your site is give YOUR OPINION not anyone elses on how you approach various tasks in various situations and for that i thank you as for using a knife to baton wood we all do it unless that is you have a waistline big enough to carry a tool on your belt for every occasion and as i understand it the whole idea is to go into the woods carrying the bare minimum and be able to exist and survive off your skill and wits keep up the good work like the show but you need to work on the rambling and ranting regards...chris
Steel should never fail against wood, ever end of story... Every knife you test you should baton and every one should hold up both edge and spine. Anyone who watches and has something negative to say is just a miserable ignorant person. They never have a channel and don't have the guys to stay one so they just watch videos and day mean things about people they don't even know. If you don't have something nice to say just go away. Seriously shut off your phone no one wants to hear from miserable people....
Great video keep doing your thing Brian. ..
Thanks
Show these folks how to cut pvc with fishing line. You are pointing out how to be resourceful. Keep up the good work!
That Paul Bunyan comment was awesome! 😂😂😂
;-)
Survival On Purpose so I didn’t expect an actual response. So thank you first off. Second, can you answer why baton wood in the first place? E.g. why not just get smaller sticks and twigs.
What the heck is with all the trolls all of a sudden? Your's is the 2nd channel in as many days, that the trolls have been out in force. I guess their mothers never taught them a small thing called "courtesy".
You just keep doing what you do and let the trolls live under their mother basements.
Poor, sad people.
Survival On Purpose
People are not trolling. Maybe they have more experience. I guess you will end up losing subs over your rant and rightly so. All you did was give them a point to jump on the subject.
MrOldclunker If people weren't assholes towards him he wouldn't have a reason to rant, but of course people like to troll channels like this and hunting channels because haters are always going to hate, and since you feel like you do maybe you should unsubscribe I'm sure it would be a positive move for his channel.
MrOldclunker Once again, Tommy here. Sir, fighting a bushfire is completely different than finding yourself in a bushcraft/survival situation. While I appreciate your service as a firefighter, I am willing to bet you've never had woodland/jungle survival training. I have. I spent quite a few days in the Philippines learning some of the very same skills you see here & on other channels. The skills that are discussed & taught here are relevant to shtf situations one may encounter while simply hiking during the day, or on an excursion that didn't initially require certain tools that suddenly went wrong. Bryan is educating us on the capabilities of these blades, and isn't biased at all. If you look through his videos, he uses a variety of knives and gives his opinion. I know, for example, that the pommel of some knives can be used as a hammer. Would I use it in place of a hammer? Not unless I had to. But, the capability is there, just in case. Furthermore, no one here has told you how to light a backfire to help contain a wildfire, or how to use your emergency shelter to avoid burning alive. Unless you spend your off time perfecting skills discussed here, or three tours in Iraq, please try to avoid telling those of us who have & do what we are doing wrong. Bryan, thank you again for these videos. If I could, I would fly to Georgia and assist you in the production of each one.
Jennifer Darden and to clarify, quite a few days in the Philippines meant almost 2 months.
Thumbs up brother!
Well said!