Please recommend a folding saw.

Nathan S

Nathan S

Joined
May 31, 2001
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I'm looking around for a compact, folding saw for backpacking purposes. It should be tough, with a blade no less than 3 - 4 inches long. I've seen that the Gerber Sports Saw has gotten pretty favorable comment here on BF. Anybody have any other suggestions?
 
Go to a local hardware store or major chain like Yardbirds or Orchard and have a look at their selection before you order the Gerber. Heck, they probably have the Gerber also...

In the woods, my SAK saw will often take care of business, though it is smaller than what you are after. I have also carried a generic plastic orange-handled saw with about an 8 inch blade, but right now, since I broke the last plastic one, I have a wooden handled "Corona" with the biggest saw teeth I've ever seen. Its a whole foot long and cuts on both the pull and push stroke. A little long for my pack most of the time, but if I know I have to cut some serious wood, this is the one I would take. It only costs about $12 or so at OSH.
 
I have not tried one, but Browning makes a folding saw too (unless it has been discontinued.)

Have you considered a take down bow saw. They are pretty light and with the right blade very efficient. I have personally found the extra few ounces more than worth the effort of hauling it around due to the time and effort saved when trying to settle down after a long day's hike.
 
Nathan, For backpacking suggest you get a SAK "Rucksack"
model. The saw on SAK's are great. If you want then you can
check out other folding saws or a hand held "chain saw" for
larger stuff. Whatever you do carry a SAK saw in your pack
as they are an invaluable "handy" backpacking.
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have, and use, SAKs with saws. They work well for their size, but I was looking for something a little bigger. I had a plastic handled folding saw, but managed to break the blade off at the base. Gus - I haven't seen the Browning, I'll see if I can find something out about it. I like the take down bow saw idea, although that may be a tad bigger that what I had in mind.
 
I have been super impressed with the Outdoor Edge pack-saw. It folds up and fits into a small pouch. Unfolded it is one awesome tool. I gave one to my brother-in-law, who is an avid hunter. when he got back from his first hunting trip of the year I was inundated with orders from his hunting partners.

pak-saw-500.jpg


pak-saw-1-500.jpg


Here are the specs:

Model: PS-100
MSRP: $24.99
Blade Length: 12"
Weight: 14oz


They also make a smaller saw that can be seen at:

http://www.outdooredge.com/pak-axe-saw.htm
 
Yup that is the ticket Dennis. I purchased my take down from Campmore a few years back (10 or 15) before O.E. was around.

I do like the saw on the Victronox Rucksack (Fireman too), but for a few ounces more those take down bow saws are tough to beat.
 
Buck has a new folding saw out.

Those little Sven saws pack away nicely. You can get them at REI.
 
Stanley makes a folding saw that takes Saw-Zaw blades.
I carry one in my tool box all the time. Very light, and
you can put any kind of blade in it you want. John
 
I've used a Buck game saw with a T-handle for many years (it came with a very nice heavy duty leather sheath). Has large saw teeth on one side, smaller on the other. Works great on game, small branches. Don't know if it's still available.
 
Yes, Browning makes a folding saw for about $35 at Gander Mountain. They also make some large-sized folding knives with neat saw blades. Check em out -- Browing makes some good, functional stuff!
 
OK, thanks again for the suggestions. That OE pack saw is awesome, though perhaps a little bigger than what I was thinking of.
 
Look for the 'SvenSaw'
I think Campmor should have it. Weighs next to nothing and cuts wood like the dickens.
If you made need to cut metal and other materials (besides firewood) The 'What-A-Saw' has 3 blades (hacksaw, fine wood & coarse wood). Not sure where to get that one, mine was a gift.
Either wone won't let you down and they both fold up into themselves so you don't have to deal with the sharp teeth in your pack.
Highly recommended :)
 
Check out the folding Zeta Pocket Saw at http://www.tashirohardware.com/special.html It's not as cheap as the folding saws you often find in Home Depot gardening depts. But IMHO it is higher enough in quality to easily justify the price difference. It's lightweight and is a handy size (10" folded length, 7.5" of teeth on the blade). It takes a long time to dull the blade. The tips of the teeth are electro-induction hardened (harder than a file) which is why they last so long. Contact info is on his homepage: http://tashirohardware.com

I got a spare one one of these plus extra blades a couple weeks ago. That way I'll still have one handy if my original one blows up. I also REALLY like these saws for brush clearing chores around the yard.
 
Nathan, I use a little Gerber folding saw that is awesome. It is only 6 1/2" closed and 11 1/2" open. You can just about carry it in your pocket. I don't see a model number on it and am not sure if they still make it. I have tried several different one and this has been the best for me.

Darryl
 
Darryl - That sounds like the Gerber sports saw that I mentioned. It's gotten pretty good reviews.

RJ - Love that Zeta pocket saw. Unfortunately, it's not something I could easily get here in Italy. I'll have to order one the next time I come to the States.
 
Nathan... Didn't notice that you were in Italy at first. I'm very curious about how the prices for these things go in Euros compared to the U.S. $$ often stated here.

There must be the equivalent of U.S. "hardware stores" in Italy. I would still visit and ask about what they might have in the way of a folding saw. They are a very common garden tool after all. Here a very good one can be obtained for about $20 or so.
 
Mathew - The euro is so new here that we're all still a little confused. A euro is supposed to be roughly the equivalent of a dollar (though at the moment it's actually worth something like .90). What counts, however, is purchasing power in each country, and the jury is still out on that question.

Anyway, Italy has hardware stores like any other country. I priced folding saws here, and I don't think the cost is too different. I'm just trying to get the best product for the price.
 
I have the Sierra saw and it works quite well. The thinner the saw, the more efficient it is. However, it will not be quite as tough. The Sierra saw has replacable blades and is cheap.

Have you considered saws such as the pocket chainsaw by Short Kutts?

Will
 
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