I totally agree. Batoning is totally unnecessary. I have lit numerous wood fires over the years - for cooking, for warmth e- on one memorable occasion as a homing beacon for an incoming helicopter, and i have never felt the need to baton anything.

Most of the time i carried some sort or another of an SAK, but for the last thirty five years or so, it has been a multi-tool, either a Wave or Skeletool and they have served well. I do have some fixed blade knives which I carry from time to time.

I have always been able to find abundant dead wood which has served fine as fuel. Just break it up into length manually, and light your tinder. These days and for many years past, i have gone to some alternative stove - alcohol, white gas, propane, or canister as more efficient and safer.

If for some reason, you absolutely need to split logs lengthwise, carry an axe or pulaski and be done with it. Knives are for cutting.....