Collapsible saw to pair with GB SFA?

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killa_concept

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So I'm currently trying to decide on a collapsible saw to go with my Gransfors Bruks SFA (or possibly my GB Scandi if I'm going car camping). It would mostly be used for processing small dead trees or branches - probably nothing past 8-9" in diameter.

I was thinking 18" would be best as it would be the same length as my SFA and be long enough for my intended usage, but I'm pretty open to other suggestions on length. So far I've looked at the sawvivor and the trailblazer take-down, but can't decide between the two (supposing people don't suggest other items).

Anyways, would love to hear what people have to say. Thanks in advance guys :thumbup:
 
I don't have any experience with a collapsible saw, but I have a folding saw made by Silky that I love. I just have their Accel 210, which is a backpacking version. They also have smaller pocket versions as well as big boys for handling larger diameter stuff.

I've paired the silky with my GB wildlife hatchet and it is a great combo for handling the fire demands of my backpacking trips.

Here is my review of the saw from Tuesday's trip to Kettle Moraine Forest in WI.

[youtube]J62dLyVPpU0?fs=1&amp[/youtube]

JGON
 
I carry a Spydersaw together with my SFA and a 4 inch knife. With that combo i can handle any job i want.
 

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JGON said:
I don't have any experience with a collapsible saw, but I have a folding saw made by Silky that I love. I just have their Accel 210, which is a backpacking version. They also have smaller pocket versions as well as big boys for handling larger diameter stuff.

I've paired the silky with my GB wildlife hatchet and it is a great combo for handling the fire demands of my backpacking trips.

Here is my review of the saw from Tuesday's trip to Kettle Moraine Forest in WI.
Click to expand...

Wow, the saw certainly made short work of that limb! I've considered a folding saw, but most of them seem too short for the larger things I might want to take on. Would be great for backpacking by myself or with a friend, but I tend to camp with a number of people and being able to process a dead 8+" tree certainly is nice in those situations...
 
Silky does make some larger models. The BigBoy has a blade that's a little over 14" long. I'd like to get one in the future, simply for the overkill factor:D. Bonus of a folding saw vs a collapsible bucksaw is you aren't limited by the throat of the bucksaw frame.
 
Take a look at the Trail Blazer 18" take down buck saw.

319EUstMXhL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
Ah, the weekly saw thread. There have been very extensive prior discussions of saws that may provide some info that doesn't turn up here. But if you are thinking of a folder, I would recommend the Silky Super Accel 210, followed by the Bahco (branded Kershaw in the US). I like both better than Gerber folders.

If you're willing to carry a bit longer/heavier saw, I've had very good service from the silky Zubat 330mm, which a lot of professional arborists favor.

DancesWithKnives
 
+1 for the Bacho Laplander but if you need something bigger check out the Sawvivor. They come in 15'' and 18'' for about $35 (plus the blades).


Sawvivor-Saws-BEN-_i_bmw97310z.jpg



[youtube]SM64uR1RKAM[/youtube]
 
Between the two models in the OP, I would go with the Trailblazer Take-down Bucksaw.
I think it can handle more than the Sawivor.
 
Sven Saw

picture.jpg


_lm071018-sven-saw-repl-blade-sven-saw-15-34-sven-saw-1.jpg


They make it in a 21" and a 15". I have one and it has a very aggressive tooth pattern. It will go thru lots of stuff very easily. I use this and a 6" knife to baton and it seems to fit the bill without needing an axe.
 
killa, I have had a Sawvivor for about 2 years now (18" model), & have had no complaints at all with it. I have cut mostly firewood (oak, maple, locust) & mostly diameters of around 8"-10" with no problems. Folds up and with it's sheath, is about 4"wide X 19"-21" long X 2" thick. Have used it around our property to prune with & have taken it out among Mother Nature. I think either choice would work, both are good saws.
Good luck.
Be safe.
 
killa_concept said:
Wow, the saw certainly made short work of that limb! I've considered a folding saw, but most of them seem too short for the larger things I might want to take on. Would be great for backpacking by myself or with a friend, but I tend to camp with a number of people and being able to process a dead 8+" tree certainly is nice in those situations...
Click to expand...

just an idea, With a folding saw you could cut a baton so you can baton chop through larger lods with your knife. it may be impracticle but, im just putting it out there
 
The Sawvivor is okay, but it's not very well built. I broke mine the second time I used it. I'm using a Bahco Laplander now and I quite like it. Cuts much faster than the Sawvivor, making up for its lack of reach. Also, it's a lot more convenient to pack, open, and use, given its simple folding design. I'd give the Laplander a look. I pair mine with my Gransfors SFA and it's a great combo.
 
I carry a Silky 180 and it cuts incredibly well. That video above is no joke, they cut quickly and cleanly. I recommend them highly.
 
I use a pocket chainsaw which I work uip into a frame saw in the field. Works great. Cuts great. Due mainly to a muich longer cutting surface.

When living outside for several years I used a swede saw i picked up at a hardware store with a 32" blade. I just tied it to my pack. Worked far better than any of the above and was exceptionaly light. Another option is to buy a blade for a swede saw, and some screws to attach it to a frame. Then build up a frame saw on site never carrying more than the blade.
 
Silky Big Boy here.
Since I got it, I spend less time processing wood, and more enjoying the trip.
 
That Silky in the video is just a middle of the road saw by silky. Maybe even on the smaller end of their offerings. If you want, this one should be able to handle anything you would realistically encounter, and will probably cut faster than the one I put a video of up at the top of this thread.

It's the BIGBOY, and it has a 14.5" blade.

LargeSawnl.jpg


JGON
 
Just out of curiosity, to those suggesting a folding saw, what exactly are the advantages over a collapsible buck saw for my proposed usage? The only two I can think of are that the cutting strokes can exceed the blade's length and that it's easier to get ready.

However, I see a number of faults:
1) There's the matter of your hand position being in a stabbing position rather than a punching one, which seems a lot less natural for a sawing motion and seems like it would fatigue you more easily if you're planning on doing a good bit of wood processing.
2) The folding mechanism seems like it would be more prone to breakage than a buck-saws.
3) Longer models that can cut 8-10" logs are QUITE spendy.
4) I've looked around and it seems like replacement blades for laplanders and silkies are 50-75% the cost of a whole new unit! And that's before shipping, which will be a necessary cost since they'd be impossible to find locally... whereas bucksaw blades are much cheaper and can be purchased from hardware stores.

I can see a folding saw being nice and handy for cutting a few 4-5" logs and doing some other bushcraft chores, but for sectioning out serious firewood, it's not seeming like a very viable option to me...
 
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