I recently ordered a Ratmandu & Scrapivore and I am beginning to think that they might get lonely without a big brother to keep them entertained.;) In all seriousness though, I can't decide whether to get a hatchet or large knife to handle wood processing duties. I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here, just looking for the pros and cons to each option. Which would you rather carry and why? Which makes the most sense to YOU, if combined with a RMD and Scrapivore? Please feel free to make recommendations as well. Thanks guys, look forward to your thoughts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

im biased id just carry my SOD and a folder....BUT...im unsure of where you live north/south mostly.

i guess it really comes down to personal preference. i prefer a large knife because u can baton it through wood almost its size. whereas a hatchet is full downward force. a knifes handle could fail being tricky to replace. while a hatchet only needs a branch and know-how. if u can afford it buy both and see which you prefer. i can pm you some cheap reliant brands of knives. and i hear wetterlings is a decent shop.

I should have mentioned that I live in Michigan, it gets pretty cold here for a good chunk of the year. I'll also mention that I'm considering SYKCO 911 or Rodent 9 as far as large knives go. Also considering Gransfor Bruks Wildlife Hatchet. I'm also wondering if a two knife option wouldn't make more sense, ie. 711 paired with the Scrapivore.

isnt there a company i think its called Snow and Nells or something thats from mich that makes axes.. snow and nealy maybe. not trying to knock down the sykco rls' but check http://backyardbushman.com he lives in Mich and im sure would lend you an email. id also go for the 911 with since the handle would feel nicer on an ungloved hand and sr101 is preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty awesome <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Just looked them up and it appears they are out of business. The 911 looks to be an awesome knife, as does the R9.

An axe will almost all ways do better at cutting up wood. A big knife is just more versatile than an axe, and funnier to use... So if weight is no issue, carry both. If weight is an issue, I'd go for the big knife backed up by a smaller one. The 911 will be a good choice!

I have a GB Wildlife hatchet, it's a quality piece of kit. It will outchop my B10. The big knives are alot of fun though. Get the hatchet, it will make a great combo with the RMD.

I use a saw, 711 and a small 3" knife. that's what works for me. Keeps the weight down and uses less energy. Saw to drop wood or section..ect . Then split with the 711 ect. The small to meal prep fine work.

A big knife will do everything a machete , axe and knife will do. Not great at any but it does a good job. in the bush I like a big knife and a small to medium knife combo.

My combo's of choice are:
Battle Rat and Howling Rat
Basic 11 and Scrapper 5 LE
Basic 10 and RMD

Seems that I read that many Alaskan bush pilots, who may actually need and use survival equipment, usually carry a large and small knife as well as a hatchet. That would be my choice if I could make it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Snow and Neally was made in Maine and they had a good reputation for axes and hatchets. Unfortunately for the last few years they were in business the heads were made in China and the handles and assembly was done in the USA. I made the mistake of buying a Hudson bay hatchet, thinking it might have been a USA made old stock, it wasn't and I sent it back.

As far as the big knife vs hatchet or small axe it will always be debated and comes down to personal preference and type of use. Everything is a compromise sometimes. For bushcraft/camping I like my 711, ss4, and a 24-26" handle boys axe. I also have my handy Craftsman folding utility saw in all of my outdoor kits.