No Axe? No Problem!

There are many bushcrafting skills out there to try, but one of the most popular to learn and discuss is batoning. The term batoning is used to describe the survival technique of splitting logs or making kindling for a fire using only a heavy stick (the baton) to strike the spine of a sturdy fixed blade/full tang knife, driving it through the wood like a wedge.

To Baton, or Not to Baton?

Batoning is a fantastic core bushcrafting skill that folks have been using successfully for time immemorial. It's a practiced technique meant for survival and skillbuilding, but it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly or without proper forethought.

It takes the right mix of proper technique, safety, and choosing the right knife for the job. That's why we recommend you always do your research, read guides like these, or talk to a real life human before attempting any bushcrafting skill you haven't tried before.

Picking The Proper Bushcraft Knife

Fixed blade, or 'Full tang' knives are the only knives right for the job when attempting to baton wood as they ensure a higher level of safety when striking them through the wood. The term 'fixed blade' denotes that the steel used for the cutting edge also extends through the entire length of the knife's handle, making it extra durable and resistant to folding or pivoting while using it in this rough way.

Steel Quality

The technique of batoning is one of the roughest acts you can subject your knife to and that means damage can sometimes be unavoidable, which is why choosing the knife with the right steel is crucial for both safety and success.

Choose a knife with a steel type that will to retain it's edge during the process, and is hardened and durable enough to absorb the impact of the baton. We recommend something like, 14c25n, D2, or 12c27 for more common and reliable steels as they are all well suited to deal with most types of heavy duty tasks while maintaining their structure and edge retention.

Consider The Grind

When picking your batoning knife, the grind or geometry of the blade's edge can make a real difference when performing and that's why we like to suggest you consider using a scandinavian 'Scandi grind', or convex grind knife. Full flat grind knives can still baton as well, but they are not the most ideal when it comes to this task; they're better suited for cutting and slicing, as they are usually thinner.

Scandi grind knives make quick work of most woodworking tasks and have a much taller grind which allows them to slice into wood and then split it apart as the rest of the spine shoulders it's way in. Knives with Convex grinds are fantastic at batoning as they dig into wood easily while their natural shape helps to split wood apart evenly, but a convex edge takes a little more finesse to maintain in the field once it's been used for batoning.

Ideal wood

Try to take the time to identify the wood you'll be able to use when you're out trying this technique as factors such as knots, wood grain, and hardness of the wood will all play a role in how successful your batoning will be. Hardwoods (oak, birch, etc) burn for longer but are more difficult to split, while softwoods (pine, spruce, etc) are great for batoning and ideal for a quick fire start.

Size of the log

The length of your knife and what kind of wood you'll be using has a big impact on what size of log you'll be able to process using this technique. The log should not be much thicker than your blade length and have little resistance when giving it a few test slices.

Safety first!

Placing your blade vertically across the piece of wood as close to parallel as you can with the flow of the wood grain is the ideal starting position. Make sure your log is placed on a level surface that feels firm and not going to move around, like a heavy flat stump or a large flat rock.

With a good grip on your knife in one hand, and the baton(solid piece of wood or branch) in the other, you can begin practicing some firm, controlled strikes downward onto the spine of the knife. Do not strike the handle, and do your best to avoid the tip of the knife with the baton.

If you start to feel the blade sticking or getting stuck in the wood, you can gently tap the blade from below and then wiggle it a bit from side to side to free it from the wood. Then you can continue the process until the knife has split completely through the log.

Recap: Tips for success when batoning

• Choose the right knife for the job. Good steel, full tang, and ideal grind help a lot when batoning safely. We love to recommend knives like Helle's Nordleys or Utvaer, or Kershaw's Camp 5 Knife.
• Be safe: make sure your on level ground and using caution when practicing this skill. Brute force isn't necessary when you have good wood and tools for the job.
• Have fun and come by the shop or give us a call to chat anytime about batoning, but be warned, we may try to sell you an axe instead - the ultimate tool for splitting wood!!

After Batoning

Once you've run your knives through the paces with batoning it's definitely going to need a sharpen! Bring it by the shop and we'll have it tuned up for you in no time. Half our sharpening proceeds go to charity and our prices are extremely reasonable!

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