"Why Big Knives Don't Suck" by Nutnfancy

Often misunderstood and untested by their armchair critics, large fixed blade knives serve impressively in certain roles. In this Nutnfancy Philosophy of Use video, the use of large fixed blades knives is explored. The focus is on wilderness use and how such tools excel in high altitude alpine environments when size and carry weight issues (SAWC) are considered. Contrasted against axe use, the large survival knife is usually safer and is more forgiving in stability bases (deep snow) when splitting wood. Several proven blades like the Ontario RTAK II, Cold Steel Trailmaster, the KaBar Heavy Bowie, the Ontario SP10 Marine Raider, and Ontario SP50 are referenced and shown. These knives are much proven in many hours of video form here in TNP as they tackle these woodscrafting tasks to include fire and shelter making. The axe possess certain disadvantages that dissuaded their use in my wilderness "stage:" usually has to be more specialized in its constructions for these jobs, it gets stuck in logs, and the large ones needed for effective large log are much heavier to pack in. A big blade can cut a 10" log in two with effective batoning. As such it can be a time saver when you are already tired from the steep hike in and succumbing to the effects of fatigue (less dexterity). Is this the time to have a specialized woods tool requiring special technique and skill? Hardly. Instead in most wilderness POUs the large blades minimize work and get your fires started faster, your shelters constructed quicker, and traps built easier. Also discussed are the POUs of edged weapon combat with large blades (unlikely), and their advantages of reach and mass. As in the days of old, they remain formidable weapons that deserve respect. And of course their possession soley as collectible and enjoyable 2nd Kind of Cool objects is validated. But I remain focused on the mountains here and drive home the point with much video and links to their originations. These large fixed blades are not however appropriate in every climate and environment and lighter weight options like the machete might be better. They should also be paired with lighter weight blades for more capabilities as well. In some day outings where the propensity for needing them is low, it is reasonable to leave them at home and go with a lighter mid-sized survival knife. For vehicular, cabin, backyard, RV, and campground camping where food and rest is plentiful, the axe is still a good choice. But if I'm packing steel up big mountains where things can get serious fast, usually a large woods blade is coming along to make my life easier up there.///////////Music licensed to TNP from Jason Shaw

[@godspi4609]

I love the fact that unlike almost all other KZbin based knife channels this video doesn't just hold up it outdoes the others...years later. ...and your the only one that brings up calories and that's huge I dropped my small hatchet cuz after a 16-20 mile day the knife was always easier to use and battoning fine for a knife I however don't think prying should be done with a knife but that's besides the point great video sir love all of you videos keep up the good work

[@gideonstactical]

Bad guy needs a Life Coach!!! Nutnfancy you slay me with your hilarity!

[@lokukinacherokee9594]

I grew up on a mountain, and our only source of heat is wood splitting. We use axe' and spliten mauls, but when I am packing it out in the woods, I carry a few small knives to play with but I take a huge blade for wood and protection. I understand that many do not prefer the larger blades, but I go no where without mine. I love my larger knives. We can't forget, intimidation worked for Mick Dundee..."That's not a knife, This is a KNIFE".

[@stevenkage4397]

Until you run into somebody who says "That is a knife, but this is a GUN!"

[@oakleyd36]

I love THE PROJECT, and never buy any outdoor gear/ knifes/firearms without seeing if there is a Nutnfancy Review first. The guy puts some serious time and thought into reviews. Thanks Nutnfancy

[@DJSERVANT777]

finally a knife review of a guy that actually goes out in the shit! and then make review! there are to many knife reviews where guys pull knifes out of a box and make a review in their back porch in the snow(prepared preper 101), thanks for being a Tru outdoors man! thanks man!

[@DJSERVANT777]

I meen prepared mind 101 this guy is a poser. finally the real deal!

[@flyingwondercat739]

Large knives are probably more useful than a hatchet. Sure, both would be ideal if they are needed, but I think this video exists to show that you don't need both to get the job done.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Hey Nutn! I'm a proud, satisfied owner/ user of the RTAK II. I raved about this knife after seeing videos by you and Aaron of Gideonstactical ( gotta give credit where it's due). A very good friend bought one for me since he felt he owed me money and I denied that he did. He passed away in May of 2015, but I still have the RTAK II to always remember him by. It will certainly last longer than the money he owed me. Needless to say, this knife is very special to me.

[@ArmedVegan]

I have not backpacked much but I like that Nutn takes all views into account (knife, axe, saw) and thinks scientifically of weight, distance and calories. His experience and videos are a testament of his conclusions. Size does matter. Thanks, Nutn and crew!

[@TheHiddenWoodsmen]

I agree with you. I am a back packer i rather bring other items then a ax. I can get all i need done with is a knife and a laplander. Thank u for the voice of the person who is walking miles with there gear on your back and not the guy who is in the woods hanging out 2 min in the woods

[@Biggestbruhs]

I love your dog.

[@jumpmedic22]

Have to say, I would never want to skin my deer with a large, heavy fixed blade. Nor would I want to build a shelter with my 3" blade skinning/dressing knife. With that said, I believe that each tool ( and yes knifes are tools) has it's "best use" and place. I carry both a large heavy knife and a small hunting knife. Anyone that says only one tool is the best for every job has never spent any time doing and living in the out door world. You make perfect sense !! Also, love your dog !!!!!

[@kierankinnear5968]

i dont mind carying a bit of weight if its worthwhile weight..., i carry a small working knife, a large survival knife, and a small forest axe... plus a good quality folder in my backpack... but thats just me..., i fully believe a knife is the most important tool in the wilderness, theres very little that cant be acomplished with a good blade...

[@toddklekotka3340]

I like your large knife philosophy. I love large knives. My favorite so far, is my TOPS Condor Alert. I practice a lot with it. With enough practice, I see no need for a smaller knife. I also like to bring my hatchet, that is when I go to deer camp. I agree your situation and environment dictates a lot on the tools you will want to use. I dont usually go hiking, but when I hunt, I have walked a long way from camp. I have dragged a deer long distances and it kicked my rear!

[@roybinson6460]

A lecture told with great passion, you have convinced me to try out a BIG knife. Its a climate and weight issue, in Sweden we see the same environment as the one you are used to. Minus the great mountains, though. I am used to axes myself, bur I dont fancy to schlepp them around anymore. Thanks for a thorough video!

[@ShaunWitt]

Rtak2 man.

[@roybinson6460]

Thanks, buddy, will check it out...

[@BlueBadger2011]

Check out the Tahoma Field Knife by Top Knives. I consider it one of the best all time wilderness knives.

[@roybinson6460]

Thanks for the tip, Aaron, it looks awesome!

[@1337lVl4574]

the dogs face! so cute... his eyes are saying "please take me home now I'm freeeeezing"

[@TheSuburbanExperimentalist]

You hit the nail right on the head in the first 7 minutes of the video. I really appreciate humble, experienced people that talk about thier real experiences!

[@WildOrchid9991]

I'm Sorry but dude... This Guy just ROCKS bro!!! He is Dead On about thé "internet warrior" thing too ....... I DO NOT BUY OUTDOOR GEAR W/OUT A NUTNFANCY review . Period Nutnfancy Totally reminds me of One of my scout masters when i was a young Boy Scout

[@paulie4x1]

Lt.Col. NutN, what'sa matter for you, you promote knives with Full Flat Grind, and use alot of WD-40, we'll when I found out how much better the Saber Grind preformed over the Full Flat Grind, I don't use as much WD-49, the Saber Grind pushes the wood apart, because of the relief area of the blade, check it out, and prove me wrong, Saber Grind's are much better for wood processing than a Full Flat Grind, hands down, Happy Holiday's Nut'N.

[@nutnfancy]

@varolachner They provide serious value for sure and the current Ontario Spec Plus Gen IIs have quality beyond their price levels when you understand the steel quality. Congrats, thanks for watching.

[@christophersober612]

man i absolutely love your videos and your attitude and the whole "philosophy of use" thing, its great. a lot of the gear i have ive gotten based on how ive seen you use the equipment in the field, the most recent of which being the Kelty red cloud 110 (awesome pack). i really enjoy your winter camping videos they are just awesome, im with you, winter time is probably my favorite time to get out there as well. keep up the with the great videos, i look forward to more awesomeness!

[@nutnfancy]

@CalcityAirsoft "I Love your attitude when it comes to haters" Every once in awhile I will address some criticisms and I will lay it on when the mood strikes. The guys that say I should be packing an axe up in the mountains, that my technique sucks, etc. get owned in the logic review that I go through here. This refuting needed to be put in official form in TNP as it drives to the heart of my big blades reviews and their POU. It was funny too...I laughed so hard I cried when I reviewed it.

[@galactikvibes9482]

hahahaha "Rambo Complex" so funny,give thanks

[@brevardrioux]

When I watched this video, I had my heart set on an RTAK II. I got a 5160 steel version for 80 dollars and I love it. You've sold another one for Ontario.

[@ZyPhReX]

This was worth every minute. Thanks for taking the time doing this. Its definitely extremely helpful. Thx again!

[@JackKrei]

I spent 3 years in Ft Wainwright, Alaska spent out every weekend and sometimes a week on leave in the mountains camping with my wife and friends snowshoes and all carrying between 60 to 150 lbs. packs including large caliber weapons and ammo. We always carried hatchets. The snow pack down to form the base you need to chop and split if not rocks work well too. If your cold you find a way for sure. Stripped downed hatchets weigh very little. Never carried an axe. too heavy Always had many knifes on me and the others just for the survival factor. and guns cause well bears very large bears. Lots of food with high starch and calories and beer. as well as lots of fire starters. and we used big blades all the time back then.

[@corbinmeier5582]

I thought I would settle this debate by comparing the pros and cons of a big knife versus a small axe. Big knife: Pros: Lighter; easier to carry; safer (more blade area for bite, less chance of missing); smaller learning curve; better for trail blazing; better deployment/sheath; better for last stand predator defense (cougars, bears, wolves), albeit you’re going to have a shitty day. Cons: More energy required; not as robust; less power (one handed chopping); public perception views more as weapon (think Rambo. You never know, may come across skittish campers). Small axe: Pros: Stronger (thicker steel); easier to sharpen (less blade area); can change balance of axe with choke up; better for skinning large game; can use as hammer; more powerful swings (two handed chopping); less energy expelled; viewed as a tool in public perception. Cons: Heavier to carry; slower deployment/sheath; requires more skill and concentration. So in conclusion, a big knife is used for surviving and an axe is for thriving. What I mean by that is, if I want to go into the woods as light as possible and get by, I’ll pack the big knife. If I go into the woods and don’t want to fuck around, I’ll bring the small axe. Difference here is the mentality, both are great tools, but in my opinion, to get the big knife up to the level of the small axe, it needs to be paired with a folding saw. Big knives/machetes were designed for chopping through dense vegetation. An axe is specifically designed for wood processing. Ask yourself, what are you going to use these tools for? And the answer should be fairly clear.

[@eatapeach2677]

dude....really really appreciate the videos. just ordered an Esee Junglas

[@nreedbuffalo]

When I was in scouts we were told that the BSA didn't want us to use sheathed knives. I never understood that. I like how you bend the rules. I wish I was in your troop (I'm 18 and an Eagle now by the way)

[@raygun4468]

I love the full-tang big blades. I got my 1st Recon-tanto because of Nutnfancy. I have 3 now, 2 x AUS8A (black toughex) and a VGI san mai III version. I also have a full-tang 5160 kukhri that has a 9 inch blade / weight 876gm (kukhri house). I would be happier with these blades around a camp than any 4 inch blade folder you want to show me. I am more of an impact weapon / blade guy, they do not run out of ammo / jam. I have ASP / ESP 21 inch batons / blades and my 400gm solid silver duster (in my avatar) that is custom made. I have some other toys but ............

[@raygun4468]

www.liveleak.com/view?i=778_1406899495 Ignore the rest of the video (it was for a hater on a board)

[@raygun4468]

Ray Gun www.liveleak.com/view?i=337_1406899047 Ignore the rest of the video (it was for a hater on a board)

[@idontplayeveryday]

FYI cold steel is not full tang

[@raygun4468]

Toby dog I see youtube is still full of semantic-addicted, argumentative types who like to split hairs. Do all Cold Steel knives have a full tang? Full tang construction is an important consideration when evaluating the strength of a knife. Originally, "full tang" meant a handle in which the edges of the tang are visible all around the outside of the hilt, so that the tang is fully as wide as the knife handle. However, with the advent of "driven-on" Kraton handles, full tang has come to mean that a very substantial tang extends completely through the center of the handle right to the back of the pommel. This describes the tangs on all premium Cold Steel knives. Let us put it this way, I would put an edge on my Recon-Tanto San Mai III VG1 with silicon carbide (2500 grit) then finish it with jewelers polish / a leather strop and cut you to ribbons with it. Followed by some 'ice pick' grip stabs, with zero fear of the blade coming free of the handle. A rat tail blade IT IS NOT! Does that quantify it for you !? It has a full/substantial tang !!

[@longrider42]

And just what Cold Steel knife is not full tang, details man.

[@OnlyZunkin]

The only problem I see with this video is all he is demonstrating is splitting logs that have already been processed from a tree that was either cut down with an axe or a saw. It would be far more impressive if he showed us how to chop those trees down and segment them into logs using just his knife. You can certainly process even a good sized tree from standing to kindling with just an axe. I would like to see the same thing done with just a knife. That would really prove his point that large fixed blade knives can do everything an axe can but better. All I see is log splitting. I think both tools have their merits.

[@caddilacjim]

Great concept Nutn,and great video.

[@HughBLongAuthor]

Awesome video! Based on your reviews, I purchased both a large knife (Becker BK-9) and an axe (Gransfors a Bruks Small Forest Axe), so I can do my own evaluation. Keep these awesome videos coming, brother!

[@whybecauseman]

Says efficiency, method has two people splitting a single piece of wood. If you like it, fine. However, the arguments you use suggest that the knife requires less work, which is simply not true. That's why you are criticised, a knife requires at least 3 times the effort of an axe, and yet you claim it requires less. Plus it doesn't help to call people 'basement-dwelling lying nubs' for stating basic facts.

[@weez82]

I've used an axe and a big blade from fire prep, yes splinting wood is easier with a heavy axe but its heavier by a lot. This video is mostly about backpacking. Hiking miles in the wood. You have to hike that weight in there. That heavier axe or hatchet is going to use more calories that a saw/knife combo just from the hike and you still have to fire prep. If you want to hike in a heavy axe or hatchet, more power to you. I'll stick with the saw/knife combo. Not to mention the saw/knife combo is safer, it takes very little skill and anyone can do it

[@whybecauseman]

weez82 . Having preferences is fine, no one disputes that. And no doubt it is a useful skill to practise survival situations with only a knife. However, the problem is in suggesting that a knife is anywhere near as efficient as an axe (and because nutnfancy seems to have this vendetta against axes). There is simply no comparison, and the argument of wasted calories through carrying an axe does not hold up because you end up wasting all those calories you 'saved' in the first half-hour or hour of knife hacking and pounding. Your body has to become the leverage you lose from not having an axe, and you use all those extra calories. This is demonstrated clearly in the video when they have two people working on splitting a single piece of wood. How could it possibly be more efficient when it is shown that a knife takes ten times the amount of work? And in terms of safety, this is extremely unsafe. Pounding with a huge round of wood nearly results in an injury, it is hard on the body, uses extreme amounts of calories, you would sweat like mad (hypothermia risk skyrockets), and in cold situations you are unlikely to ever process enough wood to stay warm. In all respects this is a much more dangerous method than an axe, and pounding next to someone's hand with a four pound round of wood is just stupid. It is also a misconception that an axe is that heavy. Many of these knives weigh between one and two pounds, whereas the Gransfors forest axe weighs only 2.6 pounds. The difference of a pound is nothing when already trekking in 30-40 pounds of weight (looks like he carries upwards of 70 pounds, so any arguments to save a pound on the most important winter tool would be just an excuse). And in winter conditions you very quickly enter a calorie deficit over the axe by the choice of a knife. A general purpose axe is the best choice, but if one is overly concerned with weight the small axes and hatchets are between one and two pounds, A small hatchet or tomahawk can still outperform a big knife by two to five times at the same weight. The other question is, why the obsession with splitting so much wood in the first place? If this is how you start fires in winter conditions you are wasting a huge amount of time and calories (thus rendering the calorie-saving argument irrelevant). There is no reason to be splitting so much wood unless you're trekking in a wood stove. If you know how to build a fire, and are surrounded by coniferous trees - as you should be if it is so cold - then splitting wood is a minimal concern. Dead branches and large trees are the primary materials, so you need to be able to fell trees. In a survival situation you need half a cord to a cord of wood every couple of days (perhaps every day when really cold). How are you going to get that much wood with a knife? Simple, you will not. If you are in a cold environment and are surviving with a small fire then your sleeping bag is the primary tool. The knife is just for show. The large knife or machete is best in jungle-type scenarios, and for some reason has been brought into use in winter/boreal/boreal scenarios. It seems this is largely due to KZbin and survival television shows. The axe is superior in the woods, and far superior in the cold, there's no argument apart from preference. When it comes down to efficiency though the people who say knives are better are simply making things up.

[@whybecauseman]

whybecauseman And he also carries two big knives, so he's carrying more weight than an axe. Bottom line, his argument makes no sense.

[@jamesritchie6899]

As soon as someone uses the phrase "armchair critic" you know they just mean anyone who disagrees with their silly opinions. No, big knives don't suck. But those who buy and use them almost always do.

[@therianstrauss]

I really apreciated this video. Thanks so much for all your doing, making my learning curve on outdoors so much quicker.

[@nate_6163]

I love the small blades, but when I saw this video it change my view of knives forever. When I found this video I bought the rtak II and I love it. Thank you nutnfancy for the best knife reviews ever!

[@insidiousengineering]

WTF??? Is this a big blade review or a tantrum about everyone else?

[@loytaylor75]

thats what i was thinking! kinda defensive.

[@j2112c]

Keep up the good work nutnfancy, entertaining as always and this video has some cool links for the other videos. Cheers! Your videos just motivate me to chuck the gear in the car and take a couple of days out on the hills. Rock on mate. My Cold Steel San Mai was pricey like you say, but what a knife, its for life!

[@brad6479]

I used to not really like big blades until I started watching your vids and saw everything you do with them. Now I wouldn't be caught without one. I keep 1 in my car, one in my wife's car, & an extra in my backpack. My buds & I have a camping trip planned & they think I'm crazy for loving the big blades now. I can't wait to show them what a REAL blade will do.

[@michaellr2002]

I really appreciate your in depth reviews of the rtak ii and the tenacious both are with me everyday. The rtak in my truck and the tenacious as my edc. Both have saved my life multiple times. Bought them because of your recommendation. Thanks!

[@Sank_Finatra420]

Thank you for the volumes of information shared in this video. Weather or not one agrees with all of the data shared regarding these blades, by listening to the experiences you share, we can think these thing through before hand and learn some things the easy way instead of the hard way. Thanks

[@AussieMark909]

The intimidation factor of a large blade was demonstrated in my part of the world just this week. A baker working at 0430 was confronted in his store by two men with knives demanding cash. He told them the money was in back of the store and he'd get it. Instead he returned with two very large knives, seems he did not feel inclined to give up his hard earned money to these low lifes. He did not have to use the blades, the bad guys got out of there in a hurry!

[@paulliane49]

I have one and I love it. I have it on my 500xt it is my tool when trail riding and camping. Great steel and easy to sharpen. It can do all I need to do while camping. Great tool !!!

[@MKD.357]

I never used a large blade until I saw what you did with them Nutn. I still lean towards the saw & axe combination when I am preparing firewood. If I was in the elevation that you are I might rethink that combo, but for what I do it certainly works well for me. I find that I can process/split wood a lot faster with my camp axe then with a knife. However I do find it easier to process the kindling w/ the blade. Thanks for the great vids Nutn!

[@nguyen3312]

i just picked up an RTAK II and i luv it

[@rasiabsgamingcorner2258]

So I've watched most of your videos and I have a question what kind of knife or rather what kind of steel would you recommend for a mostly dry snowy environment like I have in alaska where I at

[@nofoiegrasforme9869]

Nice work Dr. Nut'n.

[@berettajim2932]

wow man, wicked video. very comprehensive and bring the knowledge,experience and facts needed to make your point convincing. very well done

[@pimppinoy]

Hey Nutn, just wondering which camping video were you demoing those big knives (Gurkha and RTAK 2) at 0:38 with Crocket. Keep up the awesome vids!!!

[@kingpin39191]

Loved the video Sir. Awesome work.

[@GeezerDust]

Enjoy all your videos. Informative, educational, entertaining. As far as the big knife issue, I have found for backpacking (for myself at least), carrying two knives, a large 10 in. blade for wood processing, and a smaller 3-4 in. blade for other stuff takes care of 99% of my needs. I have a nice 2 1/2 lb. hatchet that I use to carry, however that 2 1/2 lb. feels like 10 lb. after a while on the trail. Keep up the excellent videos.

[@WillLillis]

Hey Nutn, Just wondering about your opinion on the Schrade Extreme Survival SCHF1,2,1SM, and 2SM . I'm not asking for a review, just your opinion on the knives, in what is the best choice in this category of the four, and on the barrel handles that they possess. Thanks for your input if you ever see this!

[@MikeCharlieAlpha]

Thanks for doing this video nutnfancy! You gave some great insights into big knives. I have to watch my budget, so I appreciate your value considerations and comparison of all of the price points. I watched this video about a week ago and decided to order an Ontario SP10 Marine Raider. I received it yesterday and went to the woods today to give a test run. You were right! This is a great knife for the money!

[@justgonnastay]

DUUUUUUUDE!!! I got three minutes in and went to start organizing my winter gear! Awesome compilation of adventure clips. Thank you for that alone! Now to watch the rest of the video...

[@nulisticONE]

The Bark River Bravo 3 just came out!! Get on it Nutn!!!

[@thacheese16]

great vid bro. love your videos.

[@jinnd319]

I'm glad you've done this video.

[@42StevoStyle]

Nut ...I have been watching you a couple years and I love your brutal honesty...keepin it real..I use an axe a lot at HOME..or... CAMPING..but hiking in the woods where you carry all your supplies in ..you are right....

[@EvanN108]

Nutnfancy, I just wanted to tell you how much your videos have changed me. I love your philosophies. Your a very wise person and I believe in your POU's. I lack a lot of experience in wilderness. I have yet to do a serious backpacking trip yet I really do want to. I also want to be in the wilderness using just a backpack. I'm sadly constrained of what I can do. I've watched your trips and can't wait to finally do something of the sort. Thanks Nutnfancy!!

[@thegadgetguy2367]

I recently bought one because of this video, love this knife built many fires

[@9azzao]

I freaken love my Cold Steel Bowie for woods craft it kicks ass. Thank u for the great bids nutn

[@codenameDaedalus]

Every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new! Today I was reminded of something that I learned awhile ago. I'm a big fan of large fixed blades, like yourself, but I honestly never owned a quality, large "wilderness steel" knife. I owned a cheap RAMBO KNIFE when I was younger, but that's it. I am reminded that certain things don't work in all places. I HAVE a great blade already, and don't need to fret about constantly changing my system. Change will come on it's own. Thanks Lt Col

[@GestaltSpawn]

nice transition from the gloves on tabletop to the gloves in the wilderness and back.

[@depravedone]

The title was changed since this morning, it used to be "Why Big Knives Suck". I just assumed there was a bit of sarcasm in the title. I do love to see people flip out based on a title without having watched the video though. Another keeper, Nutn.

[@christophervinson2947]

I'll admit I hate your EDC videos and almost swore off your videos but this video has made me a fan and you earned your self a subscriber well done

[@wyldewest278]

I love this video. Awesome philosophy. Love your vids. Keep up the good work!

[@hammerlykins]

I like alternating...one hike I'll take a small axe along with a decent belt knife and then the next I'll take a big knife. Both are indispensable in the bush...awesome video nutn!

[@toddklekotka3340]

I always carry my large knife. I do everything with it. If I need to fall a 4-8 inch tree, I will use my hatchet. The knife can do it, and thats using a Tops Condor Alert, which has a 9 inch blade and weighs 26 oz. My hatchet weighs 2 1/2 lbs. Its not a comfortable to carry but it does come in handy. No tool is better than the other at everything, but rather the users skill level and knowledge to use it effectively, safely, and comfortably.

[@nightrider2k6]

so happy to see allie doing well!

[@famas626]

Love the big blades. i do alot of wood processing with my Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri and its just a BEAST. Thanks so much again nutn for your take on things and great recommendations.

[@ariesj84]

Gotta say, Nutnfancy has a good point here. I live in the Midwest and a good, large knife comes in very handy; especially in the humid summers. Anything that minimizes calorie expenditure is a godsend. In Oklahoma summers, where wind direction quickly becomes a big factor in choosing a campsite (unless you want to wake up in a puddle of sweat), nobody wants to try to crash out after swinging an axe all evening. I personally use either an Ontario OKC Kukri or a 5150 steel blade made by a local smith that is similar in size & shape to a BK7. Completely different POU for each, but they both split & chop very well. Always a worthy companion on my hip or in my pack.

[@grog1122]

I have almost come full circle on the big vs small knife issue. I started small, went big, now I've gone back to small knife and a trail hawk. Good video.

[@jct19122]

I've been following your presentations for some time now and am happy that you made this particular video. My favorite big knife is one I found at a gun show which was probably a kit knife but to mr it had something beautiful about it. 10" damascus drop point w/ a false edge half way down the dull side. Brass hilt/guard and bone scales for grips. I got it for 60 bucks because there was a spot on the blade near the hilt where the weld did not take when they forged the blank for the knife. Th

[@jordub]

Had the KA-BAR BK7 down in Arches. , First outing and I LOVE this knife!! So useful for fire making, and gave me some peace of mind with it in my tent. One note, Park Ranger "Joe" was checking our camp site reservation while I had my BK7 on my hip after starting the fire. He told me "there's no place for that knife in here." I didn't want to debate with the old man, but told him what I used it for (fire making) and he just walked off. I was a bit frustrated at the time, but what-ev.

[@JarlErak]

hey what gloves are those im looking for some good winter gloves that aren't ski gloves? plus love the video i might get the rtak II after watching it

[@mnsdurham]

Hey Nutnfancy thanks for for your time making these videos. Im looking for a fixed bladed knife for a bug out bag. and as per your recomendation I have chosen a Ka-bar utility knife then found the Ka-bar Becker BK-3 Tak tool. hve you seen this and do you recomend this for a WROL or urban survival system or is the ka-bar utility a better choice? thanks for what u do

[@outsidetheboxthinker1223]

One of the MOST helpful videos on backpacking knives out there...would def like to see one on backpacking firearms. Thanks NutnFancy

[@Hbue84]

Hey Nutnfancy. Love your vids! Have you done a vid about the Habilis bushtool survival knife?

[@austindurgan3246]

Bought the rtak 2, the rat 1, and the streamlight stylus all off your recommendation and the all are even better in person love all your vids nutnfancy thanks for the great and may I add from my experience 100% true reviews keep doing whatever it is that makes u do these vids and thank you for your service to our country and on top of that everyone that watches your vids that is now better equipped Than before due to your time and effort that you put into these vids.

[@Rakadis]

I carry a medium fixed blade and a medium axe. Serves me well. This is a good and well presented video, but my set-up is right for me here in Norway. Carry on the fight Nuttin.

[@tcarp1616]

hey man always good stuff

[@cheff2389]

Glad this works for you. I prefer to baton a small camp axe. I use a cheap Fiskers that was purchased from Lowes. It is comperable in wieght to these large blade knives 28oz.

[@tacticalprepper5068]

hi, what was the spray u used on the blade at minute 22 and why? sorry if its some noob question but really never seen it done before..cheers great channel

[@snowpuppy77]

WD-40

[@SteveSmith-sd5hq]

That beginning was intense

[@TheOneManArmory]

Nice review Nutn. This review makes me want an R-tak II, I've got a 20 inch long 1/4 inch thick forest sword and a couple (as in 5) 6 inch or so blade knives (hey, I make 'em,) but nothing in between. Now I know what I "need" next. :) thanks again

[@yambor44]

@LostEmpires Do you split small logs as shown in the video with your current knife?

[@robed5277]

I love knives (mainly for the 2nd kind of cool), but do use them when I go camping. I am lucky where I go camping as most woods where I go almost always has stumps where trees have been cut so normally use them as chopping blocks (also in Great Britain don't really get any snow), but because of you in the places where there is no stumps have started batoning. Thanks nutnfancy. Keep up the great work. Love the vids.

[@elliottmazur143]

What are your thoughts on the Tom Brown Tracker style knives?

[@littlebear6497]

Love that you went camping with scouts dude. I'm a scout working on eagle right now, and It would be awesome if we had a guy involved in our area with the same experience and knowledge. Thanks for helping out.

[@spyderx92]

Hey nutn, I was looking for the Cold Steel Finn wollf and it seem like they don't make it anymore. Any other knife that you recommend in place of it for food ?

[@Yeti21173]

@nutnfancy do you ever use USAF survival knives or just a common kabar? i havent found that in your videos and would love to see a review, i never use large fixed blade knives but i always think just the common kabar and a small hatchet do perfect for me

[@Ramn8tr]

Cuttin' through all the group think and the Bull S! Love it!

[@OutdoorEnthusiest]

Portaged canoe up to a little lake in west canadian mountains to moderate elevation, about 100kms from nearest civilization. Just two of us, and brought a full axe and a hatchet. Got caught in a blizzard, would have been better off with a kurkri and saw combo. That Gen II SP50 or trailmaster looks good too.Wish I'd watched this vid first. Swinging that axe just exhausts your reserves, definately looking to go saw with big knife combo on the next adventure. Thanks Nutnfancy

[@ParamedicBK]

Great video, makes a lot of sense.

[@CashFirearms]

I spent most of my life between 8,000-14,000ft in CO and love your winter footage, makes me home sick everytime! Spending more than a month at a time in the woods I've come to appreciate a large fixed blade for nearly everything I do. Love how you brought up calorie expenditure, overlooked so often and never a second thought for one of the internet warriors. I've got a Cold Steel Katana machete coming and can't wait to beat the tar out of it, gonna try for a review despite my cheap camera.

[@LVPG2010]

With only 7 months of backpacking experience, each trek is a learning one: 1 crosscutting with any blade [axe or knife] sucks. 2 splitting with an axe [battoning or swinging] is fun, but requires more physical/mental energy than with a knife. 3 Large knives complete almost all tasks faster [with less energy] than smaller ones. 4- the calories spent hiking with a large blade is easily made up when it comes time to use your tools. 5- You're right more often than not. Thanks for all the vids.

[@samstterhamstteer]

Hey nut one more thing , im not sure how good the bark river would do with batoning cause i didnt buy the camp carver for that purpose but seeing how you baton using from what i see fairly thin blades compared to ones with thick spine what is the thickness of those rat knives you are using and its there any flex or anything i really not planning on douching this blade i worked hard to get it, it says the spine on mine is .180 inches do you think its safe

[@propblast82nd]

What a great video!!! I had a put down my female Lab just like Alie.The music at the beginning made me feel better.Happy forth of July everyone!

[@MusicWeaponsFood]

"Steel vs wood, steel should always win." Best quote

[@Poppaswine33]

dude...i love it when you rock the gloves.....