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
16 сен 2024
