Batoning Wood with your Knife

[@davidk6665]

This is the best talk on batonning I have ever seen. Nothing else comes close. Bravo!

[@Patriot36]

19:08 Most youtubers should listen to this part first. Thanks for the video Dave.

[@collierladdie]

Your ability to articulate the need of common sense and tolerance for the way others operate without any show of judgment is a huge part of what has me respecting you. I accidentally got introduced to Shawn Kelly who, by way of giving you credit during one of his videos, got me introduced to you... at 64 years old I'm still amazed at everything there is to still learn. Thanks

[@wcknives]

Very well explained and demonstrated. I especially liked the end comments. You and most everyone who has watched my channel know my opinion on batoning a knife and in some cases as you said it may be a necessity. So I agree it is a must for everyone to know not only the skill but also know the limitations of their chosen blade. This video was a giant step in bringing back some common sense to the practice of batoning!!!!

[@recall5811]

Failing to Prepare IS Preparing to Fail...........Great Video

[@OutdoorWanderer1]

I'm really glad that people are finally calling out the "pissing contests" that have been building of late. I'm seeing a consorted effort, whether planned or not, to bring us all back together to our common love of the outdoor. Great job!

[@bluespruce786]

"We are bushcrafters for the recreation and enjoyment of bushcraft." Amen brother. Puzzling out the natural world is so good for the mind, body, and spirit; that's plenty enough reason for spending some time out in the woods. God bless Dave, and thanks for all your work and inspiration.

[@trynsurviven2440]

"The best knife or tool you can have is the one you have when you need it". Those words could not be closer to the truth Dave. Each year we hear the same story of someone going on a three hour hike and getting lost. No matches or lighter and no knife. Sitting in the dark cold, hungry and no water to drink. A knife, Ferro rod and container will save your life hands down. Thank you for continuing to put this message out there. With any luck more people will start listening.

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

Lat year I bought my first Mora Knife. The price was to good to pass up and so I bought two. I use one to abuse if you will. It was cheap,,real cheap and it is a Mora with reddish brown plastic handle. I abuse one and keep the other in it's sheath. So far there is not a real sign of abuse. I keep it razor sharp and both have served me well. If in the future I would need another I would buy a Mora any day of the week, even at $40.00 dollars US. As you have say repeatedly invest in quality and you will have it to pass to your kids. I am a female and did not learn from many men, I had my grandfather and now he isgone. So this is the next best thing to have a KZbin mentor:)

[@vinnyoutside8936]

Great video! I like the way you explain "why" and "how" in your videos, not just say " Do this" or "don't do that" You back everything up with explanation. You Sir are the man! Thank you for the videos.

[@stevebrown9547]

The gift of teaching. Really appreciated your balanced and thought-out presentation of batoning and knives. Because of your videos I became aware of Mora knives for the first time. I am 62 and relatively new to "Bushcraft" I have always tried to be prepared with a smart kit and you have really helped round off the rough edges. I love all three of my new Mora knives--they truly are quality craftsmanship at an everyman price. Thank-you Dave and keep up the excellent videos. alpinejaeger

[@DamianBloodstone]

Your videos are by far the most useful I've found on YT. Thanks for making this one and using your time to teach things I may never use but wish to know just in case. You simply explain things better.

[@toddklekotka3340]

Very well explained. I prefer to use knives over an axe. I have axes but I enjoy my knives if that makes sense. I have two knives I use a lot. Both Tops knives. I use my large knife for batoning wood and my small one for fine tasks and food prep. Been doing this for a year now and both knives have been awesome. I always have a lighter and ferro rod with striker for fire. Importantly I enjoy doing this and if I was lost in the woods, let the fun begin!

[@ktk605]

I was reluctant to purchase the Mora Black knife because it was not full tang. After paying attention to a couple of my KZbin friends I decided to get it as a back up knife. I got the one with the ferro rod on the sheath and I love it! It is everything that Dave says it is. I love this knife! Thanks for confirming what I was thinking Dave.

[@dspeer77]

Just want to say thank you for the sharing of wisdom. Me and my 9yr old love watching your vids and then going out and trying want you taught on each video. And thanks for the "No BS" thank that you gave at the end. Bushcraft is a enjoyable craft to learn and should never become competitive, it a way of life!

[@Benjo_games]

I absolutely love that sentiment at the end! I've never understood why some people get so heated about this stuff. I don't consider myself any kind of expert on bush craft but I grew up in the boonies and have been camping all my life. I'm from the generation that whoever woke up first in the house relit the fireplace...I'll tell you what, you get good at that quick! We all pick up stuff that works for us and I don't think I've ever met two people that build a fire the same way. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge Dave!

[@Jackloreknives]

Thankyou Dave. It is good that you made this video. Battoning wood is common sense mostly but a little knowledge goes a long way. Sandy

[@harrisquicksilver6595]

Dave u are a really down to earth guy & ur point of views are always the best way of looking at things. U are a hero to so many people & that has to make u feel great! Thank u.

[@GrinderMagee]

This is the only video on KZbin that approaches the NOT-always necessary technique of batoning with common sense and practicality, and I have seen a few.

[@maericxelnaga]

I am so glad you made this video. I see so many people abuse their knives without thinking about the consequences or simply thinking of better ways to accomplish the task at hand.

[@vortega472]

I really enjoy your demonstrations, especially the part where you hung some pieces of found wood up in a tree to dry. That is a great and creative idea, so thanks.

[@LarryRobertsbc]

Good video Dave. I really like the instruction with the sage advise thrown in. We need to stop being so divisive and be more inclusive. Loved it!

[@ThomasRonnberg]

Finally, someone who isn't completely misinformed about knives. PLEASE CONTINUE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great video, Dave! I learned more in 20 minutes than any 2 to 3 hour class could offer. I appreciate my Mora now than ever. Thank you!

[@JoeOutdoors]

Though you are not the first one to say it, they are the best words I have heard, "the best tool for the job is the one you have with you". That is what bushcraft is to me, making what you have do what you need done. I have had to baton with a Buck Folding Hunter, it worked despite me NOT WANTING TO, IT is what I had. Kept me and my girl warm when caught at a cave in the rain for a day and a half.

[@Atka59]

Dave, your videos are always good, but I have to say that you have been putting out some damn fine work lately! I have been learning a lot more about subjects I thought I already knew well, and getting reinforcement for the techniques I utilize properly. There is no doubt that what people are learning from your excellent videos is going to save some of their lives, and possibly my own. So, speaking for all of us future survivors, we thank you for teaching us what to do when it really matters; when we are "out there", lost, hungry, and cold.

[@kristianjensen8835]

Awesome video! Thanks Dave! I have a Fallkniven A1 but I used to use the Mora Fireknife and it neven failed me. Light weight, cheap and has an integrated ferro rod. Totally underrated knife.

[@johncampbell335]

I just found your channel yesterday. Thank you for this amazing resource. I'm 100% new to this, so I'm starting at Square One. I bounced around a bunch of other channels, but they are mostly the once-a-year 'fair weather' type of campers, and their videos reflect that. The content is also hit and miss. You live and breathe this stuff -it is clear to see - and your content covers all the angles. Great job spreading the knowledge, Dave.

[@nathanielmisouri]

The material presented here is a great intro for any new to intermediate outdoors man. Notably, this gentleman's ability to present smoothly and accurately was fantastic - good job.

[@bjornalansonoutdoors1270]

I especially love the ending about people making bushcrafting a pissing contest, I use the Mora Garberg as my EDC, IMHO it is one of the toughest and most underrated knives on the market and people have told me " you'll snap that thing " , " it won't hold an edge " .... well after a year of daily abuse it has not broken and I have only had to hone the edge three times... So again I say thank you Mr. Canterbury for the suggestion on the Garberg !

[@luvtafsh]

Very well put! One of the things I learned as a carpenter, which holds true for ANY profession, is that every tool has an intended use and purpose, so use it accordingly and you get many years of good use out of it. And a knife is no exception. I've seen people wailing away on a knife 'batoning' wood and when the knife breaks, curse the knife and the knife maker. When all along they should be kicking themselves in the ass for being so stupid. A knifes primary purpose is cutting, but as you put it, in an 'emergency' may be used to process kindling. Not split a chord of wood! All I can say is, FINALLY, someone made that clear. (Although, you've said it before). Thanks again Dave for sharing the tribal knowledge.

[@dennisleighton2812]

One key take-away for me from this video, is the huge importance of carrying a saw! Listening to what was said, I'd now put a saw way up on my list of priorities, even above an axe! The weight saving is too important to ignore. It is true that an axe can split wood efficiently, and crosscut as well (with difficulty, and using tons of calories). However, with a saw, crosscutting is generally a breeze compared to chopping with an axe, and with the knife you carry in any case, and some wedges you can easily carve, splitting wood is doable, even if not quite as effectively as a axe would. This will certainly affect my decision-making in future. Thanks Dave!

[@curtlevanduski2681]

I love the way you explain things, with all the depth of the subject yet, explained in layman's terms. Definitely one of my most trusted sources . Thank you for sharing.

[@FacetsOfTruth]

Just want to tell you how much I love how you explain things. There is a ton of wisdom in your words. I can tell that you have been doing this for a long time. I truly appreciate every thing you share with us.

[@timschutte6924]

I absolutely respect your opinions and wealth of knowledge. I also respect the fact that you are always open to learning something new and other ways of doing things. You always teach people a safe and correct way of doing things. You always say, " What works best for you and or what's most comfortable for you to use and to do in your way". Everyone is different. There's not a day goes by that I don't learn something new weather it is about a new piece of equipment or technique on how to do something. Thank you so much Dave. Keep it up and never stop teaching please, God bless.

[@canesser1]

This is good ol' classic Dave Canterbury. Great discussion Dave, thanks.

[@paulie4x1]

First of all I would like to say is how much I enjoy watching your video's. I also consider the type of blade steel when I baton wood. I learned this from experience, one day when we went into the bush it was a nice day, after a little while the weather started to turn on us, so my friends and I split up our choirs, a friend and I were to make some fire work while the rest started to set up a shelter and other things, it started to get colder so the friend that helped me started to split this knarly log I know we should of been more selective which you pointed out in your video, but since it was getting colder we tried to cut corner's and proceeded to baton through this 4"-5" log, I held the knife and my friend batoned, when the knife cut into the log it started to bend and my friend told me to be careful because he thought the knife was going to break, I thought since the knife was already bent that it was ruined so I told him to continue batoning, by this time the knife was curved pretty good, we finally got through the log, and to our suprise the knife straightened out straight the knife I was using was the Ranger RD-9 which I paired off with the Ranger Afghan both have the orange G-10 handles and both are made in the 5160 carbon steel, I still use this knife when I sometimes go out for a hot cup of coffee on the open fire, but since then my go to set are my Swamp Rat's because the SR101 is similar to the 5160 carbon steel but with more carbon, so that day I learned that the steel the knife is made of has alot to do when I baton to process wood for a fire or wood processing in general, a 5"-6" blade also doesn't have as much stress on the blade like a longer chopper blade, so as long as the blade is shorter the variety of steel can be used, but the longer the blade certain steel work better.

[@Zedoutdoors]

A brilliant and informative video as always Dave, really appreciate you taking the time to share this ~Peace~

[@Claudiomarsantos]

The best survival video I saw ... I believe that you can do almost all of the video without the knife ... Breaking , chipping , scraping , ... More videos like this , please ... !!!

[@madmartigan8774]

I disagree with some things in this video. If a fixed blade knife breaks due to batoning. Then it's not worth taking to the woods. I quote Mors Kochanski "I like to consider a survival knife, a pry bar that also works wood well." Batoning is very efficient way of starting a fire in my region of the country. Especially in the winter time, which is one of my preferred times to be outdoors. Batoning can also be used to make wedges for splitting logs if you don't have an axe. The list goes on. You should never be in fear of breaking your knife in the woods. While I love Mora knives. I think the Mora Companion or the 511 models are the way to go. If you're going to spend $40+ for a knife. I feel that something from Condor is a better choice than the Bushcraft Black. The bit on Mora and Condor is simply my opinion. The part about knives breaking is fact.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Amen Dave! Great closing comments as well as information. Just ordered me a Pathfinder Trade Knife and I know that I will love it, because I know that you have put it through it's paces. Thanks again for your dedication to the craft.

[@matthewhamilton1416]

Solid guy. Thank you for putting out all this info on survival and bushcraft for free here on KZbin. Learned a ton from you as well as other pathfinder instructors here. We appreciate it big time.

[@anthonychihanik7169]

Awesome teaching Dave .. Very nice way to explain how to Baton .. Great job brother ...

[@duggydugg3937]

great tutorial.. i saw a vid on splitting large log pieces by putting a single bit ax on the edge and Hammering on the ax head with a mail instead of swinging the ax

[@mikesharp4033]

What a brilliant Tutor. Clear and essential information, Thank you

[@dutchcourage7312]

Tnx for this video, would like to mention that using a wedge in conjunction with your knife can save your knife even more, just start off with the knife and move on with wedges ... also consider burning through a large piece of wood if you have to, aka lay it across and once it burnt through shift both sides inwards to continue to burn them... I pondered about this for a long while, especially since my country doesn't really have a knife culture any more. Meaning carrying anything that is still considered a 'pocket knife' in the US is likely frowned upon here (similar to maybe some large cities in the US). Due to that I have a more 'ornamental' small pocket knife (it's a small folder, in stainless with Purl inlays - I know right :P - but at least people don't run away screaming 'knife nutter' when I pull it out to say open a letter or something). And this baton-issue has always bothered me somewhat as I can see the limitations of the knife I will likely be stuck with. So I came up with various other ways (like in this vid and comment) to still be capable of doing some of the things I may have to do. In this case I also fully agree with the end statements, actually in my opinion bushcraft is about learning as many ways to do something as possible, seeing you never know which 'way' you are left with when you actually need to do something... It's better to know 10 ways to start a fire, and be able to make one, then to know 'the one way' to make it and not have the things to accomplish it...

[@Jason28282]

Hey Dave, just wanted to say thank you for all the time you take to make these videos for everyone to learn from. They are very educational and have detail to make then easily understood. Thanks again and have a great day.

[@Scurops]

Videos like this are why I watch KZbin. A heart felt thank you, Dave!

[@PeakYourInterest]

Loved the part at the end. I enjoy bushcraft, but some people in the community really do make it about being superior or having 'better' or needing specific gear (which I think is kind of ironic in itself). I wish it was less of a pissing contest, and more about the craft. Thanks for all you do for us, Dave!

[@buzzrandy714]

Not only are you wonderfully handsome you are very knowledgeable and excellent at exsplaining and teach skills to others I am super excited about veiwing every video you have made Thank you for helping me!!♥️🐝

[@moniquelefebvre4798]

love your suggestion of hanging up the smaller wood lengths from dead standing trees! thank you. really enjoy your videos.

[@jaddkay1]

Like so many of your videos, this one too belongs in the Academy Awards of instructional videos...... Nobody can do it better. Thanx for the knowledge.........

[@matthewdraper7807]

Great video! Your speech at the end is well stated! People are failing to realize that!!

[@kullcraven]

I remember discussiing these same points with a gentleman and i totally agree. To bust up wood to get the dry interior and to baton saplings and maybe make a hearth board or plank type of piece for a back pack or so. Good video thanks for sharing.

[@terryshackelford712]

Your final statement is spot on Dave!

[@waymarkerbushcraft]

Very good advice as always Dave. Especially liked the baton technique for cutting down the sapling, I will try that. Thanks for filming, Andy

[@thestig007]

Loved the real talk at the end. I'm not going to go on a weekend hike with a full bushcraft loadout like I'm going on a month long camping trip. I'll probably have a leatherman, and maybe a lightweight Mora fixed blade. But most likely I'll just have a good pocket knife. I like to keep a lighter and ferro rod in my pocket too, just in case.

[@demonsoulcalibur]

Great video Dave :) For the situation of cutting down a sapling, you don't even need to baton your knife. The simplest way to do it (in my opinion) is to bend the sapling and make a strong cut in the bend of the wood :) ATB , a swiss bushcrafter.

[@ozoffroader]

Haha!! Dave just spreading the real spirit of the pathfinder etiquette. Its all about learning. And thats what we are all here for!!

[@stephensgate1]

Thank you Dave. My family appreciates your teaching video's. God bless you and your entire family. Stephen, Ohio

[@randallhayes9451]

Haha. I love the way you "Reviewed" the Mora Bushcraft Knife. Love it Dave! Keep on keeping on Brother!!

[@rowdyroddy2895]

Excellent video! You really explained well the dos and don'ts of batoning. Was Leary about batoning with my mora, but I'm gonna try it as you showed. Thanks for sharing this Dave.

[@tibee47]

At the end of the video,i was amazed by your words! You were so right,Dave!

[@thomasjefferson6326]

Yeah Dave, what a great guy, always positive the kind of guy you need in a survival situation. Good insight and knowledge that takes years of experience. They should makes a line of survival gear for him. Ive been watching Dave for years.

[@Rickugg]

I got the Mora Companion 16.00. For me it will do anything I need. Dave knows how to use a knife without braking it.

[@NothingCoherent]

I baton wood every time I go camping. However, I only ever baton down very small kindling. It's the easiest - and not to mention SAFEST - way to create finger size / pencil size pieces of wood for starting your fire. I live in one of the wettest areas in the world, and picking up sticks off the ground or out of trees is not an option for kindling, so batoning an invaluable skill to have. I routinely do it with a Mora and have never damaged the knife. I think people who baton larger "fuel" size pieces of wood might be happier just carrying a small axe.

[@crosshair64]

Thank God someone with some common sense. This batoning epidemic is out of control. Every knife channel is doing it, and in most cases it's not necessary. That's what axed and hatchets are for, splitting wood. If it's raining out and I need dry tinder for a fire, then yes it's necessary, but if it's dry out, you don't. I can't imagine how many blades have been destroyed by batoning, tens of thousands I would guess. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinion on this controversial topic, I appreciate it sir.

[@michaelstjohn6086]

Well lets call a spade a spade here, most channels are gear testers, you know an easier way to test blade strength and durability?

[@brutalbrital]

This is a common sense 'must see' video, thank you very much Mr Canterbury

[@beerhunter272]

Another awesome video Dave. Great tips. Thanks. Rufus seemed content to just hang out. I enjoyed seeing all the oak leaves on the ground. Oak trees are rather rare here.

[@nuwine29ify24]

this is the best video i have seen on the truth on batoning, because everyone seems to think like oh...dont get that knife because you cant" baton" with it,lol ppl have gone baton crazy! i will use a small axe,but this is a good video showing you dont have to be baton crazy or have the "best knife"

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

I never baton to start a fire in the eastern woodlands, not even in the rain. No need to. Good demo Dave!

[@girafmad]

I rather be in a situation where I know batoning wood with a knife, and not need it, then the other way around. As always great informative video. I really enjoy how you do these somewhat basic videos, even as someone with a bit of experience it is great to watch. A lot of the time it makes me go out and practice skills I have not used in a while.

[@ryanrichards7056]

I just returned from a two week trip into Matses country along the Peruvian/Brasilian border with "Amazon Explorer". Hector does a 5 star adventure. I wish all of the survival people on youtube could see how the native Matses make a fire in the jungle where it rains about twelve feet a year. No knife, just a machete.

[@RB-xw9ch]

Fantastic explanation and demonstration ! Very wise advices ! Thank you !

[@fref101]

For a second i thought your dog was a mountain lion

[@Bleepbleepblorbus]

These are good points. It really annoys me when people are like "batoning is stupid!" or "Just get an axe!" People, batoning is ment to be used in an emergency where you are unable to get an axe. You can't get convenience from the convenience tree, it doesn't exist.

[@grantglenndale152]

Wow, finally someone who can actually tell what "Batoning" is and when it should be used. There are some over at Bushcraft USA groaning and blustering that their $300-$400 custom knife was made for Batoning in 15 degree f weather and a few months later, they complain that it broke. How many RAT-6 knives break in two pieces because of poor batoning practices in cold weather? My main blade is an ESEE -4P by Rowan, that I have used for 6 years now. My backup blade is a simple Mora HQ Robust. I use the Mora to process wood, food and smaller camp chores, I save the ESEE for large game, emergency use and heavier camp chores. Neither of my knives have failed me in any way what so ever. I have not paid $40-$58 for a Mora Bushcraft Black or Bushcraft, nor have I paid the high costs of a custom knife that runs $300-$500, why ??? Because they are not needed and I feel a waste of good money that could be put into other kit or gear. Knowledge trumps gear, always.

[@chrisminniear7243]

Amen Brother Dave, those are some true words of wisdom that apply to more than bush crafting. Great video...might be one of your best. I live in the sticks of coastal Oregon and only recently have an internet connection that's fast enough to stream video, so I'm new to your stuff (I did a lot o binge watching). Thanks for providing so much great info. I've learn a lot and as a result have adjusted my gear and approach to being in the forest. You're very inspiring. Much appreciated sir.

[@55Quirll]

Seeing you on that wooden bench and talking reminded me of Robinson Crusoe, you could be him stranded on a deserted island trying to survive. Perhaps you could try and make a modern version of that with some other people stranded with you waiting for a rescue to show up. Keep up with the good videos and advice that goes with them.

[@FelipeLuizDickmann]

at first i thought, "WHAT? A COUGAR?" then i see it's just a dog LOL

[@YELL0WPUS]

After thousands of KZbin videos, Dave actually spells it out. Thanks Dave.

[@macvena]

Thanks, Dave. I'm sick of seeing people beating knives needlessly. You do it, when you need it.

[@davidledoux1736]

Excellent video, Dave. I especially enjoyed you taking the time to share your thoughts and views on bushcrafting in your closing remarks. You are a gifted teacher. Thank you for sharing that talent and your skills with the world. I've subscribed to your channel and will be spending a significant amount of time here. Have a great day!

[@dataphreak]

The knife you are talking about, Kabar makes a series of knives that are pretty close to what you are talking about called the Zombie Hunter series. 3/16th thick, 7.5 inches long, high carbon steel. I picked up 2 and they're great for processing bamboo, splittin wood, hacking through brambles. (The brush is no joke in Arkansas) Last summer I built 2 shelters with them. I will say the length is a little shorter than what you're probably looking for, but 3/16ths thickness is a real bonus for it. Brings it closer to an axe, and I'm less worried about breaking it. They're also common man cheap. I picked mine up for 40 bucks each. Worth checking out at the next gun show anyway.

[@petecwalina8789]

Excellent Video especially your comments near the end! It seems lots of folks are more worried about "Their Method is the Best Method" instead of looking at other options or taking the time to show what works well for them instead

[@BudgetBugout]

Awesome video Dave. Mora came out with some new knives recently that I'm excited about! Keep up the good work!

[@barrydunkley699]

You speak more sense than most. Thanks for the lessons

[@victorblack9006]

Good vid. Nice to see someone people may actually listen to say it. Wouldn't mind Seeing a quick vid about whether the knife spine rounds over after use with Ferro rods or scraping wood though. Food for thought

[@oldpup4810]

Very well stated Dave. It's not what you don't have when you need it, it is what you do with what you have on hand that will make the difference.

[@Kapooooot]

Well said Sir. That bit at the end it's recreational meant to be enjoyed! Nature in itself connecting with the land that's something primal and I agree we each have our own preferences and that shouldn't be pissed on enjoy what you have gosh dangit!

[@freedom4kaz]

GREAT ENDING DAVE!! So many people get hung up on doing things their way as the ONLY correct way. Talk about over inflated egos, geeeez guys.

[@wyattoneable]

Great stuff Dave. I appreciate your time here.

[@patmaher8583]

very well done! You have a common sense way of speaking that everybody can understand.I enjoy your video's and will promote them.

[@timm1139]

Thanks for the why & how of batoning, I learned a lot, love the ending..

[@blackhawkbushcraft]

Excellent video. Thanks for putting this together and sharing. I absolutely loved all the points you brought up starting at around 16:15 of this video to the end.

[@Nikademuz]

Great information Dave. Thanks for another great video.

[@thomasjohns8184]

Thanks Dave another good vidio on the practical sise of bushcraft.

[@vikingbrowski3718]

you answer every question i have before i realize i had a question. haha thats awesome.

[@SIOSpawn]

Could watch your vids all day, man.

[@brociousplumbing]

i enjoy your videos dave, you are a natural in the outdoors and an awesome teacher. very common sense style. looking forward to taking the next class of yours, basic was awesome