I have got to ask a question which has vexed me for some time. Why baton at all? I gather one of the more common reasons is to get at the dry interiors of branches for dry firewood.

When I build a fire, I start out with small stuff, generally snapped off of standing trees, up to about wrist size, Even in rainy weather, these are always quite dry. If I want larger pieces, I will prop a long so the middle is unsupported, and either stomp on with my boot, or drop a large rock on it. Very quickly I can produce enough wood for an all night fire, if necessary.

I have never felt the need to beat a poor knife through wood, nor have I ever witnessed it. What gives?