I'm also one of those who believe in the hatchet over the "survival knife."

Let's face it, the large knives that are usually touted as survival tools are too big for doing things like cleaning small game, etc. If you have one of those behemoths, you still need a small utility knife. So, if you have to carry 2 implements anyhow, why not make the second one really extend the work envelope?

I've found that even the Gransfors Mini-Hatchet (often derided) is a better chopper than a much larger knife, and weighs less than a BK&T Companion.

Even the much larger GB Wildlife Hatchet is lighter than many knives I've seen in BOBs, and is worlds apart in chopping and splitting ability.

Of course, I grew up in the age when axe skills were considered essential to the wilderness experience, so I may be a bit behind the times!

-=[ Grant ]=-