Knives and Processing Wood

[@RevanJJ]

I love how I can read from his book, then watch a video and see him consistently doing exactly as he describes. Then I go and do it myself. I’ve learned so much. Thanks Dave.

[@1bguyl]

Dave, just did my first minimalist overnighter, using techniques learned on youtube, mostly from you. Just wanted to drop by and say thanks. Don't know how many guys have thought about the fact that you give a way for free every day on KZbin what you make your living at, but every once in a while, it's only right that one of does and takes the time to thank you for it. It shows a real love of what you do and a desire to help other folks, two qualities that are becoming increasingly rare. Thx

[@caljim1950]

I have to compliment you on this series. Its "back to basics" content is not only valuable to those new to your channel and to bushcraft, but also to those of us with more "experience" at doing things the wrong way. Kudos!

[@Flipdaswitch]

Dave is a legend in bushcraft man.

[@257karma1]

Dave You are truly a great Honest God fearing man who does great things for others. I miss you on TV. However I never miss your videos. Thank you to you & your family for all you do. Thanks Joe

[@naturemacro]

thanx for sharing your experience dave.i have to say tho,ive been hiking,camping,hunting and mountain climbing in the woods since I was 5 and I had my first collection of 10 knives by the age of 12(35 now).all these years I never felt the need to beat the back of my blade with anything.all the older people that ive met,who have lived their entire lives on a mountain with a knife on their side,including shepperds, always told me to respect my knife.dunno,maybe its a culture thing.thanx 4 the vid

[@JGrous]

Great couple of videos on knives Dave! I wish more people would watch these videos and pay attention to them. I see way too many guys that obviously have no idea how to use a knife in the proper way, and end up hurting themselves, hurting others, or just flat out breaking their knives. Thank you for such great videos man. I hope a lot of people see this and learn a thing or two.

[@FacetsOfTruth]

Very well done Dave. I love how you always show more than just one thing in your videos and give us many different ideas on the subject you're teaching on. Thanks so much for all the wonderful videos. I look forward to the next one every time. God bless!

[@GuitarGuy1497]

You are my favourite survival expert. You approach everything in a simple and practical way, and are very clear with all your instructions and tips. Thanks for all your videos ! :)

[@JesseBCO18]

I really like that you gave sound reasons for not swinging and hacking with your knife. Very well thought out, something I had never considered. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@taren178]

Mr. Canterbury thank you for all your help I may not get to learn at your Pathfinder school but between your youtube videos Bushcraft 101 book and the skills I've learned from friends n Family it's amazing and fun when I can get out into the woods in the great NW

[@justinlocke1281]

You're correct. For 'basic' knife use chopping may not be needed. But to label it as a "never" implies that it is not a skill to consider learning. We most likely will never be in a survival situation, but this is our hobby, so we add superfluous knowledge we may never need. Learning ambidextrous and one handed skills can be fun and challenging. Think outside the box, consider a video on one handed fire prep. My video abilities are lackluster, but I'll inbox you some ideas I learned doing it.

[@drvoxmentat]

Thanks Dave, good stuff. You interjected a lot of nice little nuances in there, I always get something out of your videos.

[@drcsep]

Absolutely concur. Caring for your knives very important and that also includes the techniques from the user. In this video, you have shown the job done without sacrificing your expensive knife. A combination of common sense and excellent skills. Gracias.

[@kinghoju]

Priceless video! You present the information in such a clear and concise way. Thanks Dave!

[@joshuagenovese36]

Love your work. Awesome video . Very smart and informative. Thanks Dave

[@jarrodh88jh]

I broke a Mora batonning. I switched to the scout and Im a very happy customer. sharpens easily, keeps an edge and throws sparks like crazy. Thank you Pathfinder Store and blind horse as well. I'm trying to break it to push its limits, but up until now. Bulletproof! Buy one guys. You'll love it. Worth the price. Buy % cheapies or one Scout??? Pays for itself in my mind.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

I love knife talk... thanks Dave! I think knife use is situational. There are some good basic rules that should be followed but sometimes those rules have to be broken. Please continue to post more knife vids in the future! Thanks for all you do!

[@donnya1000]

Another great one...such common sense information from an obvious expert. Just loving this series!

[@2093willum]

I just started to get into bushcraft about a year ago so I am no expert but I never really understood the need to chop with a knife. Thanks for putting this out there Dave I thought I was alone in this way of thinking. Thanks for all you do.

[@grantoyamaha]

Excellent vid Dave .

[@Luso308]

Superior vídeo and will completely change my knife choices but mainly my way of using them. Very rational and methodic aproach. Smaller and lighter is do way to go, as long as they are TOUGH. I thank you, Sir!

[@misterdeiviz]

Its important to try and avoid the knots while batoning! I´ve had a very good knife bend on me because of those knots which we don´t always see! Great info as always Dave! Thanks for sharing.

[@geegs2008]

Another great video. I have the GNS on order from BHKs and now I know where it belongs in the mix just by its specs. Q: A Marine K-Bar & a GNS.- Most knife needs should be covered, Yes? Thanks again Dave! Great work.

[@Steve37643]

Hello Dave, Great video. You mentioned attaching a knife to a stick for a spear or weapon. I agree I would never take the chance of losing my knife in that way. But I keep 3 one dollar "throwing" knives from a flee market in my kit just for that use. I've never had to use them but have played around with them and they work well. Best part is if it's lost I still have my 2 knives with me. Thanks for all your work on your videos. Steve

[@stupitboyska]

thanks Dave keep the videos coming it means a lot.

[@tillpojkarna]

One note on terminology: Hidden tang is not the same as rat-tail. The rat-tail is a cheap construction most often seen on display knives not meant to be used. A hidden, full tang on the other hand is a more sofisticated construction that offers many benefits over an exposed tang, for example: Youre not touching steel, which is nice when its cold. Less vibration in the hand. It is easy to make the knife well balanced. Natural handle materials are often more durable if used with a hidden tang.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I've seen this video several times, but I just realized something for the first time. This is the only video that I've come across on KZbin that actually goes into the weeds on how to use your one knife to process down a tree for whatever purpose you might have for it. I'm not saying there aren't any out there, but I just haven't seen any. It goes into how to safely use your knife, techniques and the proper use of a knife AND on options to "not" have to use your knife. That's the kind of attention that Dave puts into his teaching(s). You won't find that anywhere. So many others talk about "survival" knives. Dave shows how it's done besides just talking about it and he talks about it with a definite authority.

[@AgileWoodsman]

"You won't find that anywhere". You have to cast a wider net buddy! Ray Mears, Mors Kochanski, etc....

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

"Mike Carlson "You won't find that anywhere". You have to cast a wider net buddy! Ray Mears, Mors Kochanski, etc...." Seen them Mike. Wasn't impressed. :)

[@Atkrdu]

Dave, this was a video I didn't think was going to be useful (figured I already knew it). Gotta say, you managed to add some extra little tips & tricks that were news to me! Got a suggestion: a Nessmuck knife with little projecton of metal for an integral front guard & made of stainless that holds a good edge. It'd be for cooking, mostly- it'd be real good for that with that curve to it, but I'd love that little front guard (your hands are slippery with oil, sweat, whatever).

[@NYRAPTOR6]

thanks again dave for the great vids!! better than anything on tv

[@BTeehanKnives]

Great video Dave.

[@BravingTheOutDoors]

Where I live we have a lot of pines that have gigantic trunks that you wouldn't be able to process with anything you'd carry in a pack. Most things we process are branch-sized, sometimes a bit more but what you showed is a good example of the top end. The irony is that most times you can simply break branches with your foot or find dry pieces of wood so there really is no need to carry a huge blade. IMO a good folding saw and a good blade that is still food-processing-oriented the right set.

[@richd.5129]

Dave, In order to save the blade on my knife, I always carve a small wedge out of green wood, once i get to the point where the spine of my knife is beneath the surface of the wood, i put the wedge in the gap, remove the knife, and continue the process. this also keeps me from banging on the tip of my knife. just my 2 cents, take care

[@RevanJJ]

Dave and Les Stroud are the guys I listen to as they actually back it up. He’ll do something in a video, I’ll go out back to the woods and do the same and always works. At least thanks to having a good knife in this case. Would always use my axe first. Then again, as Dave & even Les always say, you may not always have an axe on you so you have to do this. Thank you Dave for the knowledge. Especially the reasoning behind the spear thing. I never understood the idea myself so I’m glad it’s not a viable thing to do.

[@mancintheusa]

Great vids thanks for taking the time to post these for everyone to watch!

[@naturemacro]

thanx for the response! yes you are right,maybe they did.still theres other ways of splitting wood without putting so much strain on the back of the blade or the edge.simply by touching the edge of the blade on the log,and hitting the log with the knife on top of it on another piece of wood or the ground.thats how its been done for centuries as far as I know.we do the same sort of thing with an axe if u can picture what I mean.thanx and keep up the good work dave,u have a great channel!

[@andrewmtbfreak]

awesome, I just bought a smaller fixed blade (BK24) and you do a good job of showing how to use them effectively for wood processing :)

[@RatdogDRB]

I watched some kid's video once... ranting away on how the knife he was "reviewing" broke after he was chopping like a mad man, baton-beating it through heavy material, and generally abusing it. I suggested he (instead) get the right tool for the job, an axe, a hatchet, a 'hawk, a machete for his chopping chores and stop abusing a knife needlessly. He didn't receive the suggestion too well. Nice to see common sense at work. There's a time/place for baton work, and technique.

[@tomritter493]

another great knife info video dave

[@Patriot36]

Thanks for this great series Dave!

[@SandmanSect8]

great video and good demonstrations as always, Would like to say thank you dave. every since i found your videos a year or so ago it has taught me alot and has got me out trying new things every week i think lol. And whats nice is in from jackson county ohio so most of what you teach is the same in my woods. Thanks brother.

[@bobsullivan5714]

My main knife is the Tops Tahoma Field Knife, so my knife buying decisions have been pretty much made. But, having said that, the knife handling techniques illustrated here have been more than helpful. Efficiently processing materials/meat is essential but no more so than avoiding injuries. Even a splinter under a fingernail could lead to a serious deterioration of capability in a survival situation. Videos such as this are helpful in developing best-practices knife handling skills.....Thanks Dave!

[@travismichaud6064]

Good stuff. I was using my forge craft yesterday to split some kindling off of some larger blocks of hard maple. Worked well. Got bent while in one piece. Straight as a pin when I pulled it out. Had plenty if poplar twigs for smaller kindling.

[@kubachiu]

Good morning Dave!

[@henrypuyi5485]

Hi Dave. Many thanks. I leaned something new watching this vid.

[@steveanderson5580]

06:18 Dave says "swinging and flailing my knife around like some kind of an AX" but i heard Like some kind of an ass... both are appropriate in this case i think. Thanks Dave for great vids and spreading the knowledge

[@JustOneAsbesto]

Great tutorial. one of your best videos, that I've seen anyway.

[@djomladen88]

Another great vid, thanks for sharing! Just a suggestion: when making featherstick, specific grain orientation (different for hardwood and softwood) in relation to blade, might help to produce larger and better curls. Also, you can combine wooden wedges with knife to split large diameter logs...

[@SillyPuttyAnyone]

Great video dave

[@levigrizzly7468]

thank you for your time teaching people your skills and keeping it interesting

[@kullcraven]

Very nice vid. Til i started watching youtube a few years back, i never heard of batoning a knife. Something people just dont do. Tho not many into bushcraft around here that i knew of.Batoning is a great way to make a 6 inch blade far more multi purpose. Great demo.

[@paulie4x1]

Hi Dave, I'm so happy to see you use a 6" blade, I was mocked by my buddies when I took my 6" blade with me, I guess it was a 4" craze that was very popular to carry short blades, today regardless when I go out my blade is between 5"-6", that doesn't mean I don't have very nice 4" blades(Skookum would be one of them or my Bravo 1 ), but the knife that's always on me at my side is between 5"-6" +, I really enjoy your video's, and hope one day to meet you, since I'm a Buckeye too. Go Buckeyes !!!

[@Noblesquire]

I like the fact that you never disrespect people who have been doing it wrong all along. You seem like you want to teach correct principles, not make fools of people who don't know any better.

[@Galarid87]

Thanks again Dave.

[@scarz1951]

I do like a 5" blade for survival but...a four inch blade, wedges and a baton work wonders when splitting thicker wood if a four incher is what you have with you. I learned that from Mors Kochanski.

[@matthaynes9347]

makes it look like he has done this stuff before doesn't he? Great video and, as always, the best channel on youtube!

[@Trailtraveller]

TIP : If you baton you also cut a wedge if you only have ONE knive. If your knife gets stuck you have a rescue possibility.

[@00Resev]

Cheers Dave. If possible i would appreciate your insight on what could become my choice of my primary knife. I'm looking at the Ka-Bar Combat Kukri. It's an 8-1/2" blade, 0.165" thick, has a flat grind, uses 1095 steel, and weighs in at 14 ounces. It has a full length rat tail tang pinned at the metal pommel. As a small kukri, my idea is that it would fill the role somewhere between a 6" knife and a hatchet for demanding tasks, allowing me to use a smaller (say 4") secondary knife for fine work.

[@braddenty503]

What a wealth of knowledge. Ive watched about 12 videos back to back. Haha think my brains full but im addicted.

[@campbellfamily1928]

Thank you Dave.

[@kulyon]

I tend to carry several cutting tools when I go into the woods. I fish a lot and like to fish in spots that aren't fished heavily because of distance and difficulty to get there. Usually stay 2-3 days pending on time. I'll take a combination of the following. Rat 7, estwing camp axe, kabar cutlass machete, folding saw, mora stainless, and leatherman wave. I carry the stainless mora because i did not clean my knife after cutting bait with the carbon one and in an hour it rusted really bad.

[@TripleAAA53]

Once again THANK YOU for the GREAT KNIFE JU-JU Your the BEST Dave !

[@sower770]

I used my Buck 119 for years, even some batoning with it. One fateful day though, I guess I just hit it the wrong way, and sure enough, it snapped right at the rat tang. Totally agree with your opinion of using full tangs.

[@leotenhoeve5109]

hello dave, big fan from holland here. i know there are alot of vids about using an axe. but i would love to see 1 from you. perhaps a senario where you are in the woods with just an axe. and go over all the aspects. splitting safety maby proces some food/game etc etc. ps. sorry for the poor english :)

[@THEfromkentucky]

After using both, I completely agree. Shaving down a Magnesium bar is a real pain, compared to just putting together a decent tinder bundle.

[@xionix4]

Thank you. I have learned a lot. I hope to come see all you guys for a course or two some day. :)

[@michaelworkman158]

Another excellent video, easy way to start a fire in any condition. Thanks!

[@nyshockartist]

Hey Dave, I just wanted to mention, I appreciate the hell out of your efforts, and your videos. I have learned so much in the last few weeks, since I found your site. Sincerely THANK YOU. I have a question out of curiosity. Watching you process the smaller tree, I was wondering if there would ever be a situation where you might use a small tree like that as a "ridgeline" instead of cordage? Thanks again Dave, keep doing what your doing for rookie like me. The wealth you provide is priceless.

[@dougallen7890]

Let's all hope this has taught a good lesson. This is how you stay safe and not cut off your thumb. Thanks Dave.

[@createlovehappy]

I love how that “scout” knife is shaped like a small chefs knife.

[@X3RUBIM]

Im really starting to enjoy your videos! Rare quality education and entertainment you deliver here. Thanks a lot :) And thats a nice blade you got yourself there! Take care!

[@mancintheusa]

Dave great videos on knives. I really Respect what you had to say. My question for you is in knife care/ maintenance. With high carbon blades I hear alot of negatives on how they rust easily, my question to you is how do you take care of that? Do you put a patina on your blades to prevent rust? And if so what's the best way? Also field sharpening what's your preferred technique to do this. Thanks for your great vids!

[@GalderIncarnate]

Thanks Dave!

[@gabehunt2000]

really liking these knife vids. thank you.

[@rkellogg6870]

Excellent video Dave! I often say (in reference to folks who chop with their 5 in. or less knives) Nobody likes an axe-hole, man. Nobody.

[@mariocristian4854]

Excelente video !!!!!! Muy buena explicación !!!!

[@casius00]

Great video as always. Just wondering if you have plans to put some of the new or revisited basics videos onto DVD for sale? if so please include the Knife JMHO and this video. I think they would make a critical addition. Once again thank you for all you do!

[@joeybeninghove]

Wow man, you're rocking out the vids, thanks! Keep 'em coming! :)

[@rickmckee6698]

I see sassafras in the video when he was cutting the small sapling - that is some good tea !

[@TheRoadpilgrim]

Thank you for making great videos!

[@yotaaa86]

you are awesome man ive learned so much from you ! thank you so much for these videos dave . please keep them videos coming these skills and videos are so crucial for survival , because you never know...

[@kulyon]

I have a thought for a video to help beginners in this knife series. On your dry erase board write an outline with topics and sub topics on jobs you need your knife to do. On the board you would have wood processing and the jobs related to wood processing like fire, trapping, shelter building, etc. then food and game processing, and under that you would go from killing, skinning, and preparing to eat. I have made purchasing mistakes in the past and learned the hardway. I'll post a 2nd comment

[@FreedomHillsSurvival]

Thank you for this vid!!! So tired of seeing people miss use knives! Now if you could do a vid on how to properly use an ax. Love the vids Dave!

[@mickyd1234567]

Great video mate.

[@GunsKnivesSurvival]

Great info Dave

[@shaneschannel9289]

Dave why have I never heard you talk about the Bowie knife? Designed for the American wilderness by an American legend the Bowie was the multi tool of its time. This thing was beloved by people from soldiers to cowboys mountain men to pioneers. Full tang, high carbon steel. More versitile than a hatchet or a normal large knife.

[@wildernessfreak81]

Good point on not using a knife for saplings. NICE VIDEO!

[@EatCarbs]

Great video Dave.. Thanks

[@briargoatkilla]

Really cool. I'll be limbing with a baton from now on...just never woulda thought about it.

[@kulyon]

It won't bug me if you don't post the comments I wrote. But I also wanted to say I thought this and the last video are really necessary to give people a better idea of what you need the knife to do when you are going to be in the woods for a while. Thanks dave. You should try to get on that show naked and afraid and school people. It would be funny if your partner was cody.

[@mastahcez]

This is very useful information, thank man!

[@flamindigo]

I like the knife stuff. That's my current thing to claim/own. But, I'd still like to see some stuff about axes, sharpening and using.

[@JC545X39]

The sparks from a ferrocerium rod burn at about 3,000 °F. Pure magnesium clocks in around 5,610 °F. Just FYI.

[@bswagger]

Thank you for another great video

[@Gabesafish]

Dave, where do clearing blades (machetes, parangs, etc) factor into processing by baton method? Are they more/less effective than an appropriate bushcraft knife? Whe

[@AvoidingChores]

thanks for the scenarios, I understand much better now.

[@themoodybobby1]

Awesome Dave! boy knives are touchy subjects with CERTAIN people ain't it?

[@stoneman886]

more great advice Dave..thanks again

[@wyldewest278]

great vid yet again bro! would love to see you do an ax video that's similar to these two knife videos. Showing techniques and what kind and how you use etc. that would be awesome. hope youre doing well!

[@DanielStikKleiman]

you can always make a wedge out of wood to split a wide log, helped my several times.