Folding pocket saw

lacourla

lacourla

Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
143
Can anyone recommend a folding pocket saw to replace the one on my Leatherman Wave. Don't get me wrong, I love the wave but feel it's just too heavy to carry when day hiking (usually carry it along with all of my emergency survial gear in a Maxpedition M1) when all I ever really use it for is the saw anyway.

Needless to say (this is Bladeforums after all ;) ) I will be carrying a 4-5" fixed blade and 3.5" folder as well but feel as though the saw "saves" my knife edges for other work. So, anything out there that's lighter, similar in size, and has the performance of the Leatherman Wave sawblade?

I'm open to all suggestions other than the wire saws as I'm not to keen on the idea of having to rely on the use of both hands in an unexpected situation.

Thanks guys
Drew
 
Good point about using both hands, I was fixed on getting one of the pocket chainsaws, until reading this....kinda be screwed with on hand out of commission.

Always get a folding saw with a lock.

I like this one for compactability and the price is right.
(I don't have one, yet, but I will reeeeal sooooon!)

http://www.campingsurvival.com/coposisaw.html

pocketsierrasaw.jpg
 
this saw is almost identical to what i carry while hiking/camping-it is very useful and light weight,and doesn't take up much room in your pack-and like skunk said get one with a lock:thumbup:
 
Silky makes some higher end pocket saws that look great amd I am tempted to get one. Roughly $30, but these look like qulity tools. For now the saw on my GSAK works for me.

tjg
 
Well you could just add a Victorinox Rucksak instead of the folder you are presently using, or you might add an Opinel folding saw to our kit. It is light, cuts well enough for shelter size poles and the like, and is small enough to use like a heavy serrated knife if needed (soft plastics, maybe some super crusty bread, and such). The Opinel is the same size as the Model 12, and they also make a larger model.

If you really want to increase your sawing power, a larger saw like the Lapplander is a great tool. I really like some od the folding bucksaws such as the sawvivor or swede saw but they are not quite as handy to use (15 second or so set up time vs. flip open the saw).
 
I have an older design Gerber ,has teeth like a chainsaw. 3 ozs, excellent . There is also the 'pocket chain saw' which is 18" of chainsaw blade also works well .I've used it to cut branches 25' from the ground .
 
SkunkWerX said:
Good point about using both hands, I was fixed on getting one of the pocket chainsaws, until reading this....kinda be screwed with on hand out of commission.

Always get a folding saw with a lock.

I like this one for compactability and the price is right.
(I don't have one, yet, but I will reeeeal sooooon!)

http://www.campingsurvival.com/coposisaw.html

pocketsierrasaw.jpg
Click to expand...


Hey Skunk,

I looked at one of these at a local hardware type store (Canadian Tire). On the package, it says that it cuts only on the 'pull' stroke. I don't know if that is something of concern to you or not. A SAK cuts both ways.

Doc
 
Doc, thanks, that does concern me! It looked like a bi-drectional blade....dang!

Let me re-phrase:

be sure to get one with a Lock and that cuts in both pull and push stroke!!

dang it...looked like a great deal...
I like high quality sutff, don't get me wrong, but, I do think we all should get what we NEED, and there are those out there working on a limited budget.

No need to buy the most high-dollar gee-whiz gizmo there is, Some of the basics can turn out to be diamonds in the rough.

If you have the money, don't deny yourslef the pleasure, but, if you are financially strapped, don't put yourself in the poor house, look for bargains.
 
I had one of those little Coghlan saws. Cheap plastic and extremely thin blade. I wouldn't want to count on it in an emergency. To me it seemed like a dangerous toy. Also, the blade wasn't any longer than the one on my Vic Rucksack, and it didn't cut nearly as well. My advice is to pick up a Rucksack or the (rather expensive) Spyderco pocket saw.

Scott
 
Hi all!

I have been lurking here for a while with nothing to contribute. But, I do have a folding saw from Gerber that really cuts. The blade locks, it comes in a heavy duty nylon carring case made to be carried on your belt, and has an extra blade. I have a picture but can't get it to load? It's weight is 8.4 ounces.

BB
 
The SAK's work great for their size. Saw is a bit small for me except in an emergency.

Have you looked at the SOG Revolver knife? I have the Hunter Revolver which works pretty darn well for modest sized cutting tasks in the woods when you would not normally carry a saw around with you. It would likely replace your regular fixed blade also or you could just keep in in your pack as a back up. It is a pretty light knife. http://sogknives.com/store/HREV-7.html

The saws that only cut on the pull stroke cut pretty well. Most pruning saws only cut on the pull stroke. I have cut some pretty large trees down with a 20" pruning saw. Takes some time on hardwoods.

Here's a link to the Gerber: Nice actually. I believe it cuts on the push or pull stroke. http://www.agrussell.com/knives/tools/gerber_exchangeablade_sport_saw.html
 
BigBelly said:
I do have a folding saw from Gerber that really cuts. The blade locks, it comes in a heavy duty nylon carring case made to be carried on your belt, and has an extra blade. I have a picture but can't get it to load? It's weight is 8.4 ounces.
BB
Click to expand...

BigBelly-

Let me be the first to welcome you to bladeforums!

I have the same saw (but without the case and extra blade.) I know the Gerber saw is extremely light, and I was wondering what it weighed. Is 8.4 ounces the weight of just the saw, or does that include the case and extra blade?

Scott
 
Thanks for the welcome.

The 8.4 ounces is the case, extra blade and saw. The saw with out the case and extra blade is 5.25 ounces.

I usually take the Gerber, my USMC Ka-Bar, and a multi-tool or favoite SAK and feel like I am well prepared.

I have used this combo when I hiked solo through the Western North Dakota badlands for 10 days. If you ever want to really try your bob go there and hike from the North Unit of Theadore Roosevelt National Park through the Little Missouri National Grasslands to the South unit of Theadore Roosevelt National Park on the 100 mile Mah Dah Hey trail. In 10 days I saw 5 people. Four of them on one Saturday. Complete solitude with little or no chance of resque if things go south on you. Just you and your bob!
It was the best time I have ever had.
BB.
 
Hi i did get a small saw at the hardware store it looks exactly like the sierra saw. I payed for it less then $3. It does cut on the pull only. But it cuts very fast it sure was worth the money i paid for it. But if you want the best there is it is not the one. I do carry it in the pack and played with it alot. For now im very happy how it cuts.
 
I'm kind of partial to the Bahco Laplander saw. Here's a pretty nice review of it and a few others.....Saw Reviews

I really like the coated blade, wider kerf, and cutting on the push/pull stroke. It's a little pricey though compared to some other saws on the market, but still much cheap than most from silkysaws.
 
I have one of the Cogland's minisaw and a Laplander and the Garden use version (non coated blade, same teeth as the Laplander) by Bahco (Sandivick), and the Gerber folding saw and have tested all extensively cutting fir and alder. The non coated Sandivik 397/xt (idenitcal to Laplander except orange on handle and no coating on blade) WAY out cutts the rest, including the Laplander. The laplander coating seems to drag on thicker wood. The 396/xt sells at Yard and Garden/ lawn mower shops mostly for about $25. It is a tool for people who really want to cut alot of stuff fast. Fairly light. I carried the Cogland's saw in my fanny pack until I tested it. I have no idea where it is now, and don't care. It cut 2" wood fine, until on the second cut the blade bound and bent double (not much pressure). If you need a saw, that is not it. My Rucksack SAK and One Hander Trekker saws did fairly well and I would trust them. The Gerber was almost as good as the Laplander, which actually was pretty good and would not rust in your pack.
My local Logging supply company has some Japanese (sp?) larger folding saws that are very serious cutting tools but cost twice as much, are twice as long (18" closed) and weight a lot more. Looked pretty good for car carry. My 18 volt chain saw is better.
Once again I ramble. Sorry.
Ron Athay
 
Thanks for all the responses guys.....I was torn between the Spyderco folding saw, Silky pocketboy, and the Sak Trekker. Because of the weight and size concerns I have, I felt that they were better choices (for me) than some of the other suggestions.

I just bought the Trekker for under $29 shipped on the bay. I liked the others, and while they may offer a slight advantage in cutting ability, I thought the overall package and utility of the Trekker was to good to pass up (and being about half the weight of the Wave is a big plus).

Here's a description http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Product.htm?category=lockblades&product=54854& I'm going to feel very confident with it stashed away in my day hiking/survial kit and really appreciate all the help.

Drew
 
I carry the spider saw and love it. just used it last night too. easy to carry and works pretty good. got mine from the cuttlery shoppe for a round 40 dollars. I now have 3 of in every kit that i carry in my two trucks and wifes car. small branches and tiggers for traps it works great.
hope this helps you I have others because i cut trees for a living but in my
shoulder bag i allways carry the saw and a fixed blade knife plus other goodies
well take care
bryan
 
If you can find a spyder saw for 40 bucks, then awsome. But up here in canerda, I opted for the gerber ( spyder was $70 :$ ) And it has worked great for me. Cuts like a champ aswell.

The only advice I can give on folding saws is not to go hard on them, The blades bend very easily.
 
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