Peter of Fallkniven knives was working on a pamphlet of knife use for the swedish armed forces. Even the land of the Vikings has seen a loss of this timeless skill. I know knives are commonly pushed in tasks that try even the wunder steels and big blades in current vogue. Fallkniven has an exposed tang specifically incorporated for a northern method of felling small trees. Still, with modern steels and a dedicated methodology, Peter cautions against hammering any knife. If you could find a mentor locally, just watch. I've observed older woodsmen perform tasks with half the time and effort ( and wounds. ) This is a fascinating, and sadly ignored subject. I see a future chapter for the knife section ( I'll do it Doug <img src="images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />.)