"Why Big Knives Don't Suck" by Nutnfancy

Often misunderstood and untested by their armchair critics, large fixed blade knives serve impressively in certain roles. In this Nutnfancy Philosophy of Use video, the use of large fixed blades knives is explored. The focus is on wilderness use and how such tools excel in high altitude alpine environments when size and carry weight issues (SAWC) are considered. Contrasted against axe use, the large survival knife is usually safer and is more forgiving in stability bases (deep snow) when splitting wood. Several proven blades like the Ontario RTAK II, Cold Steel Trailmaster, the KaBar Heavy Bowie, the Ontario SP10 Marine Raider, and Ontario SP50 are referenced and shown. These knives are much proven in many hours of video form here in TNP as they tackle these woodscrafting tasks to include fire and shelter making. The axe possess certain disadvantages that dissuaded their use in my wilderness "stage:" usually has to be more specialized in its constructions for these jobs, it gets stuck in logs, and the large ones needed for effective large log are much heavier to pack in. A big blade can cut a 10" log in two with effective batoning. As such it can be a time saver when you are already tired from the steep hike in and succumbing to the effects of fatigue (less dexterity). Is this the time to have a specialized woods tool requiring special technique and skill? Hardly. Instead in most wilderness POUs the large blades minimize work and get your fires started faster, your shelters constructed quicker, and traps built easier. Also discussed are the POUs of edged weapon combat with large blades (unlikely), and their advantages of reach and mass. As in the days of old, they remain formidable weapons that deserve respect. And of course their possession soley as collectible and enjoyable 2nd Kind of Cool objects is validated. But I remain focused on the mountains here and drive home the point with much video and links to their originations. These large fixed blades are not however appropriate in every climate and environment and lighter weight options like the machete might be better. They should also be paired with lighter weight blades for more capabilities as well. In some day outings where the propensity for needing them is low, it is reasonable to leave them at home and go with a lighter mid-sized survival knife. For vehicular, cabin, backyard, RV, and campground camping where food and rest is plentiful, the axe is still a good choice. But if I'm packing steel up big mountains where things can get serious fast, usually a large woods blade is coming along to make my life easier up there.///////////Music licensed to TNP from Jason Shaw

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[nutnfancy]

@WickedShots We welcome it from people who know how to present their viewpoint without flaming or trolling...a rarity on YouTube. Even the shooters that Nutn goes out to the range with don't hold all his same opinions (you can see it in the videos on a constant basis) but they sho' nuff DO know how to express themselves without being jerks. -- Veri (Nutn's sister)

[hanksbackyard]

More talk about reviews less talk about what other think about your opinions!

[FlakseFlakse]

love your vids, but this one became a complaining/whinin' vid..

[prometheus19799791]

my personal philosophy when it comes to brandishing a weapon and using intimidation is "don't do it." never let your enemy know what you have until you are using it on them as it gives you the element of surprise.

[prometheus19799791]

9:02 "meaningful criticism on the blade". in reference to the rtakII, i found at least 2 videos where the people using it had a chunk break off of the blade right at the point that makes contact when chopping as well as a couple other videos where the blade broke. the users reported that their knives were replaced but, i'd rather not buy a knife that has that reputation for breaking like that when they hadn't used the knife extensively. i must say it is an attractive knife and i still want one.

[tinyphantazma]

Great vid again. I carry a large blade survaval knife when im hiking. I live in Finland and I mostly go to the national parks for my hikes. They have excellent services, good network of cabins and camp sites, and most have firewood on site. (Restocked once a year). Some of the cabins have emergency phones/radios and heating with stoves or fire places. Sort of the city slickers survival option.

I usually go once or twice a year for a week or so. Mainly easy hikes, 15-25km per day.

[gunnybdurch]

do u take groups on hiking trips?

[hillbillynick2000]

Good video, I have LOTS of experience with axes and I agree with you. The axe requires practice, skill and fine motor skills to hit that right spot on the log. A lot easier to set the big knife in the right spot and wack away with baton. DoI use an axe sure, when I'm home or around the truck.

[Jesus4Shred]

What are the two blades in the middle? I'm looking for a good fixed blade.

[Meixafuhellzman2]

And also just a random fact, for knife fighting stabbing/thrusting is nearly everything, and anyone who knows what's what will tell you that double edged dagger blade's thrust better, and that reach (length of blade) is also important.

But y'know, a strong thrust with a butter knife could probably end someones life... so... when in Rome, use what you can.

Thanks for the video nutnfancy, love all your reviews!

[Meixafuhellzman2]

But yeah, on another note, you make great points about the *gasp* snow!

Yes here in Canada we see it allot, so I usually only go camping during spring or summer, which is way different... easier... basically, since you, can't FREEZE to DEATH, and you don't have to deal with snow/ice.

If I ever do for some un-godly reason go camping during winter, then I usually carry... well pretty much the same big knifes you used, for the wood work anyway.

[Meixafuhellzman2]

One of these days I gotta get you to drag me out of my house lol, looks nice out there.

And Yes big knifes don't suck at all, I mean, if you can say to yourself (I can) "I can probably defend myself, and carry out many cutting duties out here with this large Bowie knife."

Just an example, but when it comes to actual frequent use, most large fixed blades are more durable, and will last longer then smaller knifes, even if the smaller knife's are used less.

IMO, SnW extraction and evasion tomahawk