Batoning is not ideal but it works in a pinch
By default, batoning beats having no way to split wood at all. If you choose a field knife can't do it, you're surrendering an option.
Why baton with a good knife when cheapy hatchets are available?
I always looked at it as an emergency technique, not something to do on a regular basis. Even then I don't really like the idea of risking the destruction of what might be your most important survival tool. Of course, I've had people on other forums tell me I don't know what I'm talking about and label me an "armchair expert" (I guess 40 years of experience hiking and back country camping from FL to AK doesn't count if its not documented on YouTube!). I just shrug my shoulders and go back to splitting wood with an axe like god intended.Can anyone PLEASE explain why batoning is such a hot topic in the "survival knife" world?
I spent many many many nights backpacking, camping, fire building, hunting, scavenging and never once needed split wood for a fire or shelter. I domt live everywhere for sure, but i dont think it would be my biggest hangup. To each his own I guess.Can anyone PLEASE explain why batoning is such a hot topic in the "survival knife" world?
I grew up hunting, fishing and backpacking and NEVER had the need to split wood to make a campfire. Small dead branches are extremely plentiful in the forests I'm familiar with. The idea of finding larger wood, processing it into lengths only to split it into smaller wood with a frigging knife is ridiculous! Not to mention, if you were in a survival situation, why would you risk breaking your knife?
If I have branches too big to I break by hand or foot, I prop one end on a rock or log and drop another large rock in the middle to snap it. Works great. No tools required.
If I had wood large enough to need splitting, I had already cut it into lengths with a saw and had a hatchet, axe or splitting maul handy. Where in the forest will you find naturally-occurring, convenient lengths of square-butt firewood to baton into kindling?
I realize that batoning can test a blade's durability, but in my mind, it serves no real-world purpose.
Please enlighten me.