backpacking saw

[Josh Wilson]

I have always used chopping implements (hatchets, khukuries, etc) for my fire wood cutting requirements while backpacking. However I see a lot of people using either folding or cable saws.

Do you use saws? What are the pros and cons of cable saws and folding saws. Also would you recommend a specific saw and why.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Cable saws have the disadvantage of being two handed, it makes them clumsy to use on sectioning felled wood. A folding buck saw is directly better at that, however it more awkward to use felling the wood in the first place. You can also get folding saws which are similar in appearance to a large folding knife. These will take a small tree down easier than a folding buck saw and cut it up faster than a cable saw. Of course cable saws require much less free space to carry.

The awkward problems with felling with the folding buck saws are due to working around the limbs, if the trees in your enviroment are not as bushy, this is not going to be as much as a problem. Of course, a decent machete type tool will limb out a working area in a few seconds, but then again it would probably take the tree down just as fast as a saw unless it is a fairly decent size saw.

Lee Valley has folding buck saws and folding pruning saws which work well on small trees.

-Cliff

[This message has been edited by Cliff Stamp (edited 10-27-2000).]

 

[Normark]

Hi...

Do a search for TrailBlazer Saws on the net...

They are a Canadian company and make a couple different folding saws and I can tell you from Experience,, they are Excellent!!

ttyle Eric...

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On/Scene Tactical
Leading The Way In Quality Synthetic Sheathing

[This message has been edited by Normark (edited 10-27-2000).]

 

[GREENJACKET]

Two saws that I've found realy usefull are:
The SAK wood saw, which for its size does a remarkable job. Beats a blade on quite a few jobs and makes the neatest of trap triggers.
The Gerber Folding saw. Not only is it lite but its efficient too.

There are some tasks where a hatchet job is not the answer.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I generally pack a Buck game saw which has a T-handle; works fine on bone and wood. There are different saw teeth on each side, one coarse, one fine. Will have to look into ne of those dandy folding saws, though. Next on the wish list...

 

[Sender]

I bought a Sawvivor last month when REI had a sale. Got it mainly for the light weight and compactness, but havn't had a chance to put it to the test yet.

 

[Bagheera]

Hi,

I second Greenjacket, I have a Gerber folder saw with the push-button safety lock and it's like having a small SAK sawblade but then 3 times as big.
This baby really bites into and through wood,
I tried it on hard beechwood from 2" to 5" in diameter and it did a verry good job.
It's light and the rubber inlays in the grip make it secure to grip even with a wet hand and during heavy work, it's my favorite

Best scouting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera


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[HM]

I also have the Gerber folding saw. It always worked fine and is light.
However, it cannot chop......

That is where we need the "king size bowie"........

HM

 

[conrads]

I have used folding pruning saws to good advantage, especially when working with boy scouts.

sandvik makes an excellent lock out blade folder.

 

[Hoodoo]

I have a sandvik and it's great. The first Gerber folding saws--how shall I put this delicately?--sucked. The newer ones look great. The tooth pattern is the same as the sandviks. The higher quality sandviks are a little pricey. The Gerber might be a better buy. But it will have to go some to beat the sandvik. I've taken down some pretty stout trees with mine. Guess I will have to buy the Gerber and try it out.

However, one suggestion. If all you are doing is backpacking during fairly mild weather, go as light as possible. A good SAK with a saw can do a lot.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

 

[Will Kwan]

I like the more robust wire type saws such as the "pocket chain saw". It is compact and saws quite effectively. While I have not tried it, it can be set up as a bow saw using a green branch.

Will

 

[Ebbtide]

I have both the "Sven" saw and the "What-A-Saw"
They both fold up into their handles (covering the teeth) and are akin to packing a 18" (or so) stick/bar in your pack.
The sven saw has large ripping teeth and just eats firewood. The what-a-saw has 3 blades (hacksaw, fine & coarse wood saws) .
They both perform well on branches up to 4-5"
I've had these a while...I think they came from either EMS or Campmore. Not expensive either

 

[B-Prepared]

I have a folding saw called a "Fast Bucksaw." He's not on the web. They are in Hastings, Mn. at [612] 437-2566. It's a one man show with limited availability but what a saw. It's a classic bucksaw. Kind of like an H with a spanner on top and blade on bottom. It allows a full stroke cut and uses a standard 21" pruning saw blade available at any Wallyworld. I just slide a couple of spare blades in along with the saw. I believe it's made of ash. I'm telling you this guy stayed up lots of nights designing this baby. Folds to 3" by 1" by 21".Great toy! I love my big knives and my Kukri but nothing will turn a pile of 4" to 6" driftwood to firewood as fast as a good bucksaw.