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TallMatt
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quote bhouse46: "New to me. Google search "Baton Firewood" was unhelpful. Explain, please."
Video - Batoning wood
Just in case anyone else is curious and it hasn't been made clear from this thread... You basically use a knife instead of a hatchet, axe, or splitting wedge to split small logs for a fire. A bit more convenient to carry a knife vs. hatchet or other large, cumbersome tool.
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Zath
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Have used my GSO 5.1 which worked well, though usually will go for a hatchet instead.
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Dave1111
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If you have not seen it, you owe it to yourself to google it and find the youtube video "Hitler reacts to battoning a knife."
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tyh
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i use a moro kindling froe
works like a charm
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unshavenman
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Batoning wood just makes sense in the BWCAW. I used to use a Gerber LMF II survival knife which weighs 15.2 oz. but in the interest of reducing weight and upgrading my equipment over time, I've switched to the Bark River Canadian Special which weighs in at 5.75 oz. Just tried it for the first time this past weekend and it works great. Sharpest knife I've ever owned. Whatever you decide to use, be sure that it's full tang, otherwise you will be packing out a broken knife. Here's a pic of my 10 year old daughter batoning wood with the Gerber last year. 
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Scout64
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I use a Mora knife and baton on most trips; it holds up very well. I also bring a small hatchet to split larger logs.
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schweady
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quote unshavenman: "Here's a pic of my 10 year old daughter batoning wood with the Gerber last year. "
But I assume that you'll be using the GB axe propped in the background for the rest of the birch you're sawing here.
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Miketheflyguy1
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I use two knives, just got a new one. The one in thefirst post picture is a colt 286. I think it is a 6" blade.
I just got a Knives of Alaska camp knife, last Christmas and can not wait to use it. It also is full tang 6" blade.
the small knife is a Knives of Alaska Bear Cub, that I have had for almost 20 years. That is the knife I use the most. Great general use knife.
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wetcanoedog
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i did that a few times in the years passed but went for a small belt ax that was made for the job.a really good knife that would take the pounding would be sort of spendy.
splitting wood like that seems to be a spin off from the wood craft and survival tricks going around now and if it works for you thats fine.
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jcavenagh
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Any sturdy blade will work.
I used an Esee Izula (3" blade) last year and just chipped away at the edges of the logs. It split just fine.
The key is a sturdy blade. Don't try this with a SAK pocket knife.
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Xand
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I use one of these. I'd wager it's nigh-on indestructible as it's very well made and has some serious heft to it.
Ontario Sp-49
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Moonpath
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I have used an axe for this purpose. A knife can work but a good camp axe is better for this task. My axe weighs 1.2 lbs. I can carry that in.
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bigsilver
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I use a LT Wright GNS with saber grind. I really like this knife but I have a problem with liking knives anyway. I have a J. Deering Woodchuck on order with hopes that it will become the "one knife to rule them all" however I am sure I will find something that will make me look at other knives (just because I have a sickness).
LT Wright GNS
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lindylair
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Had never heard of batoning until recently on this site. I have tried it some and it actually works pretty well and will be a helpful skill for future trips. We always bring a saw but never a hatchet or axe.
This knife has proven so far to work very well and for the price I need not worry too much about abusing it. With regular 30-40% discounts in e-mail once you sign up with them it can be had for 10 bucks or less, and easily replaceable should I actually ruin it. It has held up well to this point.
Mora Heavy Duty Knife
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Richwon4
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I recently discovered the craft of firewood baton. The question I have is how many here baton firewood in the bwca as apposed to other things. What does your knife look like that you use to baton firewood? Thank you very much. I cannot imagine a better way for a minimalist to get a good fire going. ONE KNIFE TO RULE THEM ALL
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Dave1111
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The answer is a Sheffield hacking knife: "a heavy duty knife you literally can beat on" and "The tough, high carbon steel blade is hardened at the edge to stay sharp, while the back is left unhardened to stand up to hammer blows." 5/16" thick at the spine. Relatively light weight.
They are not as easy to find as they used to be. Out of stock:
hartville
But, you can still find them about if you are motivated.
Edit: I think I am reading this correctly as free shipping from the UK to the US: $14.05
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outdooraddict
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I use a mora bushcraft...holds an edge well, even after batoning wood
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Miketheflyguy1
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This is after 3 seasons. About 8 trips. I just touch up the blade with a hand sharpener every now and then.
This is the Colt 286 knife
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Richwon4
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so full tang, how long is the blade? seems to be bullet proof.
thanks
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Savage Voyageur
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quote TheBrownLeader: "I use a USMC KaBar and it works great. Saves weight in my pack by not taking an axe or hatchet.
"
This is what I use also. We need lots of small wood for the reflector oven.
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riverrunner
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quote wetcanoedog: "i did that a few times in the years passed but went for a small belt ax that was made for the job.a really good knife that would take the pounding would be sort of spendy.
splitting wood like that seems to be a spin off from the wood craft and survival tricks going around now and if it works for you thats fine."
Always found a small axe works better.
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scramble4a5
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Kershaw camp 10 or a Mora Bushcraft.
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jeroldharter
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This is the best baton I have found. It is fairly inexpensive, needs a little oil to prevent rust, is really sharp, and needs a homemade sheath (cardboard and duct tape) but it works great.
Baton
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TheBrownLeader
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I use a USMC KaBar and it works great. Saves weight in my pack by not taking an axe or hatchet.
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bhouse46
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New to me. Google search "Baton Firewood" was unhelpful. Explain, please.
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Richwon4
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split wood with stout knife.
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eOar
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I just did it using a Gerber 31-001901 Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Fixed Blade that my son gave to me as a Christmas gift. It was pretty easy to turn a 3" red oak chunk into little sticks. It will be a great way to get some dry wood. It was fun too.
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Doughboy12
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quote eOar: "I just did it using a Gerber 31-001901 Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Fixed Blade that my son gave to me as a Christmas gift. It was pretty easy to turn a 3" red oak chunk into little sticks. It will be a great way to get some dry wood. It was fun too."
This...or a Mora Lindylair gave me.
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mr.barley
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I use a Becker BK2. bk2
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TheBrownLeader
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I have been considering the BK2 as a replacement for USMC KaBar, but was a little concerned about the length of the BK2 blade for batoning. That knife is a beast, but long enough for good wood splitting?
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butthead
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quote Dave1111: "The answer is a Sheffield hacking knife: "a heavy duty knife you literally can beat on" and "The tough, high carbon steel blade is hardened at the edge to stay sharp, while the back is left unhardened to stand up to hammer blows." 5/16" thick at the spine. Relatively light weight.
They are not as easy to find as they used to be. Out of stock:
hartville
But, you can still find them about if you are motivated.
Edit: I think I am reading this correctly as free shipping from the UK to the US: $14.05 "
 Just acquired last fall, saw much use this past week, works beautifully!
 Item currently in my inventory for splitting camp wood, tanto knife on right is a cheap Edge Co. 440c stainless. I baton the axes for splitting instead of swinging the hatchet.
Bought my whacker from Duluth Trading, Link to online source
butthead
PS: Sheaths shown are homemade, heat formed Kydex. bh
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unshavenman
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Good eyes Schweady! Yes, the adults use the GB SFA and the kids learn how to use a batoning knife. Always fun to teach the kids bushcrafting skills!
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