Bowsaws and machetes

trailbum

trailbum

Joined
Sep 18, 2010
Messages
3,493
I'm in the market for both.
Recomendations please.
What do you use.
What have you used that is junk.
Thanks.
 
Will only comment on saws:

Type of saw (read size) depends on your exact needs.
Regarding bowsaws in general common "decent hardware store brands" like Bahco/Sandvik are just fine.
Actually even a cheap bowsaw bow is probably OK if you fit it with a good blade.

Regarding junk: noname or "little-known" name rank from junk to fine, the most important part being blade (I've used quite a lot decent bow of unknown origin and worked just fine), but considering the fairly low price of good stuff, it doesn't seems necessary to look elsewhere.
 
IMO you cant get any better then Condor for a 'chete.The custom makers make amazing ones too, but you will pay big bucks for one. Condors are bombproof made, and good price. Great factory edge too. The best actually.

Id reccomend the 14in Condor El Salvidor. Heres mine with its custom sheath. I stripped the blade coating after it started to wear, and it has gotten a nice patina.

I did this fire prep with the factory edge. I havent done anything but strop it since I got it. Its held up wonderfull.

PSK021.jpg


PSK012.jpg
 
As far as a machete goes it really depends on what you want to use it for that will determine the size and pattern that best suits your needs. I also suggest Condor. I'm absolutely in love with the brand, and own around eight different pieces by them. In spite of my more expensive knives I find myself using the Condors more than any other.

As far as a bow saw, I'd agree that even most hardware store offerings should be fine, but if you want something fancy and collapsible then I recommend the Trailblazer buck saw or the Wyoming Saw. I have one of the former and it cuts like a laser, though it's a little heavy, and I've heard nothing but great things about the latter, though the general consensus is to go with the larger of the two sizes.
 
I use a 25+ year old frame of unknown origins and a swedish blade.
 
I have at least 13 machetes but normally carry something between 12" and 14". I like the pack size. The 14" Bolo Tramontina is one of my Favorites.

As for Bow Saws, something in the 21" range is nice for backpacking. My mom has one that I borrow untill I get around to buying my own.
 
Aren't the condors made by Imacasa? So is it just an Imacasa machete with nicer grip and better factory edge?
 
We have a number of bow saws (some intended for fine woodworking) on the ranch, some are from now extinct makers, others are much newer. The bow saws (many different sizes) that I reach for the most are the Bahco's. Bahco makes an "economy" line of their bow saws and, a "professional" line for those who require a bit more durability. We have several of the saws in each series and never had a problem with either. In fact, we use the same blades in both and this will be the most important part of the entire saw selection process for the type of wood (hard or soft) that you are cutting. :)
 
Shotgun said:
Aren't the condors made by Imacasa? So is it just an Imacasa machete with nicer grip and better factory edge?
Click to expand...

That, a nice sheath, dressed spine, and a bunch of different patterns that aren't in the regular Imacasa line, though there are patterns in the Imacasa line that don't have Condor equivalents as well. So in some cases yes, but in others, no. But yes, Condor is a premium sub-brand of Imacasa. :)
 
I prefer the 14" machete to the others, and Condor is the best brand to get them from. Although as previously stated, it really depends on what you will do with the machete that will determine what you want to get. :)
 
Shotgun said:
Aren't the condors made by Imacasa? So is it just an Imacasa machete with nicer grip and better factory edge?
Click to expand...

In some cases, but many Condor Machetes have different heat treat and different handle variations that set them apart from the normal Imacasa machetes.
 
I looked at several bowsaws, but ultimately ended going w/ a 18" trail blazer- it takes up very little room in a pack and when put together saws very efficiently
 
Dittos on the trail blazer take down. I have the 18" and it cuts awsome and packs small. I might try a 24" just because but really the smaller one is probably all I need.
Josh
 
Condor El Salvador machete, 18” is pretty versatile, but guys like Joe and 42 are more in to machetes than myself. I have the ESEE Lite machete, which is very similar but with micarta handle instead of the plastic handles. I bought the Lite when they were a little cheaper than they are now. If I had it to do over again, I might just buy the Condor and a GI plastic machete sheath. It fits the ESEE like a glove.

As for bow saws, like has been mentioned, it depends on whether or not you want a take-down model or not. If so, the Trailblazer/Sawvivor is popular as is the Wyoming saw (albeit a bit heavy). Other than that, any decent 21” bowsaw is a must have.
 
For reference the El Salvador comes with a leather sheath, and the Eco-Survivor model now comes with a basic canvas one. :)
 
Thanks guys.
I ordered a condor golok w/leather sheath, and a bahco heavyduty bowsaw 21".
 
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