Field-made bow saws?

[DaleW]

I've seen diagrams for turning a wire saw into a bow saw using a bent branch. It seems like you could make a great survival saw be carrying a bow saw blade and making the bow in the field the same way it is done with the wire saw. Has anyone tried this? A bow saw blade would be so compact and light and I would only be using it in a real emergency.

 

[mp510]

On Bushcraft UK, they held a contest for home made and field expedient bow saws a couple months back. Some people went all out with piping and what not (designs better made in the home workshop), however more than one person went a little more field practical manufacture.

I would say that in order to execute such, you need to carry in some screws or bolts, blade (I have seen them for as low as $2.99 at Wally), and you'l definetely need some other cutting tools, and preferebly some sort of drill method.

 

[DaleW]

On Bushcraft UK, they held a contest for home made and field expedient bow saws a couple months back. Some people went all out with piping and what not (designs better made in the home workshop), however more than one person went a little more field practical manufacture.

I would say that in order to execute such, you need to carry in some screws or bolts, blade (I have seen them for as low as $2.99 at Wally), and you'l definetely need some other cutting tools, and preferebly some sort of drill method.

I expected some hardware. A big split ring on each end could fit into notches in the branch and would actually be oriented the right way. A figure-8 of wire on each end might do it too. The natural spring in a branch would negate any kind of wingnut and bolt used on metal framed saws. You could use paracord through the split ring to get some purchase to help bend the branch. The success depends on getting the blade straight and taught.

 

[bikermikearchery]

auto parts stores and most hardware stores carry steel wire for safety wire. Its a real fix all. I have a bow saw in my shop that was made with 4 sticks a knife and wire. when I canoe camp there is a bow saw blade in my kit with wire I haven't had to us it but it takes so Little room I still carry it along.

 

[jordan_masson]

Those wire saws work 10 times better when you make a bow for it. That's the only reason I still keep one in my kit.

Ray Mears, in an episode of Bushcraft, once pulled out a saw that he had to assemble. I can't remember which episode, but it looked handy. Any one have any info?


Edit: I when back and checked the episode. It's the Canoe Journey Episode

 

[dantzk8]

I've seen diagrams for turning a wire saw into a bow saw using a bent branch. It seems like you could make a great survival saw be carrying a bow saw blade and making the bow in the field the same way it is done with the wire saw. Has anyone tried this? A bow saw blade would be so compact and light and I would only be using it in a real emergency.

I use a wire saw from time to time and often carry a one. I tie the wire to the bent branch with a fine rope, the split rings slip too easily. Use the wire saw slowly on the largest part you can; friction heats the wire and to some point would ruin the steel.

dantzk.

 

[Jason Richmond]

In one of Mors Kochanski videos he makes a buck saw with a few sticks, 2 bolts and a swede saw blade. Only tool used was a mora knife. I made a couple for practice and it works. Was fun learning from Mors Kochanski videos. In the same video he makes ski shoes, pack frame and an axe handle.