I think the knob is there for safer one hand use. both of the small axes in the set use the same handle (a plus IMO). Another plus is that the head on the kindling axe is the exact head which is on the Hudson Bay Camp axe so a normal axe handle could be put on it later.

Either way I think I'm going to come out of this with a one hand splitting maul. I like the one Estwing makes. 4lbs and super tough...great for in the car camping box. The axe I have now for camping sucks and all I use it for in a campground is splitting.

Last night I read the first half of Nessmuk's book. He makes several mentions to large axes being very unpractical and also notes that a good hatchet is way better in just about every way for camping and packing around. Makes me want to buy one of those cheap double bit hatchets made by Marble's just to see what they're all about.