5" Fixed blade vs. Victorinox 3.5" Saw/ Opinions?

S

Scott Free

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Sep 15, 1999
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In another forum (backpacker.com) there was a discussion about "survival" knives. One of the posters carries a 5" fixed blade with an eye toward possible emergency shelter building. I think the saw on the Vic Rucksack would work better for this particular application. I'm not claiming that the 3.5" saw would out preform a 7 or 9 inch blade, but the standard 5" fixed blade doesn't seem like it would have enough weight for efficient chopping. I know the Vic saws can be very efficient. Whatcha think?

Scott
 
On very small limbs the knife will be faster, as you get to shelter sized poles, I think the Rucksack saw is faster and safer. This si all very dependent on the knife being used though. Some small knives (BKT Campanion) are better chopper than others (Mora 2000) for example.

The knife may give more options for splittig, digging, pounding though. . .
 
Scott Ridgeway wrote - QUOTE: In another forum (backpacker.com) there was a discussion about "survival" knives. One of the posters carries a 5" fixed blade with an eye toward possible emergency shelter building. I think the saw on the Vic Rucksack would work better for this particular application. <snip>
I know the Vic saws can be very efficient. Whatcha think? UNQUOTE
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I too like the woodsaw on the Victorinox - the Rucksack is pocketable - so it could actually be on your person at all times (EDC?)

But there are actually other uses of a fixed blade that may be better in a survival type situation......

So to use the typical BFC advice -
why not get BOTH?

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
 
You could easily make a 5" blade which would be a powerful chopper, but the standard ones are usually fairly low because of neutral balance and low weight. Type and size of wood makes a huge difference.

Even decent folders can be more efficient than the SAK saw if the wood is soft. A Manix for example can easily chop off small to medium alder and pine limbs in one swing while it would take significantly longer with the SAK saw.

On very hard woods though the saw can be significantly faster. Cutting up some birch flooring for example I am about 50% as fast with the SAK saw as the GB axe, a 5" blade would be hard pressed to match that.

The should not be viewed as competition rather as complementary. There are some things which a saw does easily that a fixed blade does not, if I had to pick one I would take the knife as it is more versatile, but the saw would be appreciated by most.

Of course if you turn the knife into a billhook, the whole equation changes dramatically :

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/CliffStamp/Spyderco/Byrd/meadowlark_baton.jpg

You can't turbo charge the sak as easily.


-Cliff
 
Growing up camping/backpacking and being in the Boy Scouts, I learned to always have a SAK around. I think the overall utility of a SAK exceeds that of a 5in fixed blade alone.
 
it's true there isn't much chopping power in your average 5" fb but it still allows you to baton with it which often times is just as fast as sawing.

with that being said i always carry a vic sak equipped with saw to back up whatever blade i have at the time.
 
another good feature of the saw is that you can saw all the way around the limb if its larger then the saw blade, allowing you to snap the branch off.
 
I hacked up a windfall tree awhile back with a Becker Crewman (5 1/2" blade), and was surprised at how effective it was. Stick a SAK or multitool in the sheath pouch, and you're all set.
 
I would opt for an Ontario TAK(4.25 inch) or similar and a Victorinox Camper(for the saw).And if you still feel insecure take along a Khukri of some sort for heavier chopping chores.tom. :)
 
Scott Ridgeway said:
I think the saw on the Vic Rucksack would work better for this particular application. I'm not claiming that the 3.5" saw would out preform a 7 or 9 inch blade, but the standard 5" fixed blade doesn't seem like it would have enough weight for efficient chopping. I know the Vic saws can be very efficient. Whatcha think?
Click to expand...


I think you are right. :thumbup:

The SAK knife blade obviously won’t take the abuse that a 5” fixed blade will, but considering that the SAK is equipped with a wood saw, screw driver, can opener and awl, there isn’t much excuse for abusing the knife blade. I have never found that the 5” size blades to be very good for chopping anyway, I would generally much rather use the SAK saw. The only 5 inch “knife” I use for “chopping” is the wood saw blade on my SOG Revolver.




- Frank
 
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