>>401617You learn something new every day. The bowie knife is regarded as American invention but obviously it isn't. I have this book about knives and swords and there it is. The proof that even Vikings used to baton. Instead of moderns invention batoning is ancient long forgotten art.
In case someone is interested the picture is from the book KNIVES AND SWORDS - A VISUAL HISTORY.
>>401678Sticks and branches may be dry enough to burn but if it rains even a little or if there is fog, lighting a fire becomes difficult. Splitting wood exposes a lot of dry surface and makes things easier.
