Pocket chainsaws (Pocket Chainsaw, Sabre Cut Saw, et al)

S

Squid

Joined
Jun 21, 1999
Messages
358
Anyone carry/prefer one over a conventional hatchet/ax (in a survival situation)? I've read about them on Equipped.org and seen them in stores, but I'm looking for real world experiences. For general camping, I'll pick an ax every time. But when I'm putting together my wilderness survival kit,the advantages (size and weight) cannot be ignored.

Your thoughts and experiences please.

TIA


[This message has been edited by Squid (edited 05-19-2000).]
 
I've not yet used the pocket chainsaws, though I have used the cheaper pocket-saws, no chain, just an abrasive string. These do not take well to long use, but they do a decent job short term.

In my view, they do not replace a hatchet. They replace a saw. They will not split wood easily, trim branches, assist in deboning game, flesh a hide, pound stakes, crack nuts, or any of the other things a hatchet does so well. They will make quick work of larger wood pieces, and make gathering carryable firewood much easier and more effiecient.

Decide whether you are a hatchet-man, or a machete- large knife- or kukhri-man. Then carry what you will, and use the pocket saw to replace a bow saw if need be.


Stryver
 
Good point Stryvver! A hatchet/axe cuts, chops and splits. A saw ONLY cuts. So if any chopping or splitting needs to be done a chopping tool is needed.

I refer to chopping as putting points on large pieces of wood, or debarking a stout piece of wood.



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Plainsman
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I have a pocket chainsaw and a Fiskars folding saw. I found the chainsaw relatively heavy compared to the folding saw and, therefore, it tends to stay at home. It has not seen too much use since.
It has been told to shine when cutting thicker wood is necessary (ex. fallen tree on the road). That is not my primary use and I would rather opt for an ax instead. Different story if I was doing off-rode driving or had a personal sherpa....
smile.gif

My two cents...

HM
 
Just my 0.02

Prefer the hatchet (actually, I like a decent tomahawk ... but I'm not looking to chop down trees).

The pocket chain saws do a decent job with a clean cut ... but it's ALOT of work on the larger stuff.


Mike




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Mike's Emergency Preparedness Forum


No matter what you do, some things won't work out.
No matter what you do, some things will work out.
Worry about those things that you can make a difference with.
 
I have used a chainsaw blade rigged as a saw. I would not pick it over a decent large chopping blade except on felling large hardwoods. There you have to be careful of binding and it is very nice to have someone to guide the tree.

A pocket saw does have the extreme advantage that you can carry it with you everywhere. There are times that a Battle Mistress would attract a little too much attention.

-Cliff
 
I take both. both serve a unique purpose and training objective.

I use a small but heavy duty (not one of those cheap ones) pocket chainsaws that fit into a small tin that is slightly larger than a copenhagen can. It is effective for what it does and when handles are improvised for it... it does a great job.

Don't discount them... try one and decide for yourself. Just one of many options and personal likes that you'll have to decide on.

Good luck,

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
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