Just wondering what your reasoning behind replacing the camp hatchet with a knife? Its a great blade but wouldnt a hatchet do a better job of hacking and chopping/splitting?

I have a Buck Camp Axe but in the end wasn't too happy with its performance. The edge of the buck axe never really became very sharp, and the Buck Camp Axe was quite expensive and a little bit of a let down and used to chip out quite badly. The MOD 4 although heavier than the Buck Axe is much easier to handle and carry in a back pack.


The el cheapo $20 Draper Expert 09946 takes a very sharp edge. (but I need to make a more substaintail sheath for it though.)

If I ever needed to build a log cabin out in the wilderness then these would be the tools that I would bug out with.

I'd have NO false sense of security,packing that puppy in the bush or Anywhere for that matter,& Knowing it to be Sheffield Steel,the confidence factor would rate-Top'a the Scale in my book!It is a Beautiful Knife,& I'd have no qualms of spreadin'Peanutbutter/Marmite on my Crackers with that Very Utilitarian blade!

I've just noticed this thread while lurking and I thought I would add this: I used this knife extensively on survival exercises during my RAF service and I would not recommend it at all.

It is a poor compromise between a hatchet and a knife and very little use in either application. It is poorly balanced and uncomfortable to use for chopping (though I see they have redesigned the handle scales which may reduce the discomfort) and it is very clumsy for slicing. It is also extremely heavy to carry about with you.

If you want a fixed blade knife, I suggest you buy one of the larger of Doug's designs. If you want to chop, get a decent hatchet. If you absolutely must have a compromise, you might try a kukri, but make sure the handle is big enough for your hands.

Thank you for your comments. In general, I am in favor of smaller knives. They work fine, just as long as they are sharp....