I agree that an axe or hatchet is great but I don't always want to have to carry one in my pack. Batoning is not too difficult if you use the right blade. I don't carry a hatchet...I chose to carry a Silky folding saw and a knife large enough to chop/baton with. I think it should work just fine. Batoning is no more work than swinging a full size axe or pounding with a hatchet if you use the right knife and baton. There are others here though that are far more qualified to discuss this topic than I am. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />