Question about SAS wire saw

W

wade

Joined
Sep 22, 2005
Messages
493
First I would like to say Hi to everyone, I am new to the forum but a long time reader. I have just bought a "british SAS" wire saw from Birgade Quartermasters, and the first thing I did was test it out on the cardboard box that it came in. After cutting several inches in I noticed that the small wire that is woven around the larger three had broken in several spots. Is this normal, or was I sold a cheap knock-off?
 
It shouldn't have done that if its a real brit saw. I have used them a fair amount with no troubles. That said they are disposable and not designed to be used long. You need to take care not to build heat up in them too much.

Skam
 
I have used the for a bit and feel that they once they heat up they are easily broken...
 
They are pretty worthless as saws.You would be better served spending 20-30.00 on a compact survival saw like Sven saw and another one that looks like a piece if chain saw with handles but I forgot the brand name.
 
They are designed as an emergency saw to be put in survival and SERE kits. For what they are designed for they do VERY well. YOu must have the correct saw though, they are not all created equally.

I have used mine over a dozen times with no problems. I also own the large chain saw types and normally leave them home as they weigh a ton.

Skam
 
Having had the same sort of experience with wire saws myself I can sympathise with you. I bought myself a pocket chain saw instead and it works, and works, and works. I love the thing.
OK, so it's heavier than the wire saw, but I'd rather carry an extra ounce or two and know that my kit will not let me down when I need it.
Two small loops of strong cord and a couple of sticks make excellent handles for the pocket saw. I keep mine in it's original tin along with the cord loops (which act as a reservior for oil, keeping the saw rust free) and some oily cloth. The cloth is used for wiping the saw after use and would make an excellent emergency firelighter if I ever needed one.
Take a look at http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr1684.html to see the saw I bought.
 
Longstrider said:
I bought myself a pocket chain saw instead ....
Click to expand...

How much better is this than an actual chainsaw chain? How well does it cut compared to a decent folding saw?

-Cliff
 
I picked up the "Pocket Chainsaw" that fits in the tin, also. DAMN! That thing is fast...can cut through a 3-4" Aspen branch in about 15 seconds. Very compact, and seems very sturdy...

I HIGHLY recommend one for general camp/survival use. :thumbup:
 
Cliff Stamp said:
How much better is this than an actual chainsaw chain? How well does it cut compared to a decent folding saw?

-Cliff
Click to expand...


I have the saber cut saw by ultimate survival and it does well on softer woods but vibrates your soul on hard woods. It is an actual chain saw chain with large teeth that is ground for bi directional cutting unlike real chains. ;)

It is about as fast as a small pruning sized saw on smallish logs but needs 10X the energy to use. It is heavy though. I like a big blade when going lighter so a saw is not on my tool list.

Haven't tried the Japan type toothed saw in the tin so can't comment.

Skam
 
Ok guys and gals, let me explain the whole situation. I own both of the saws mentioned, the saber cut from ultimate survival and the other "worlds fastest" saw. The wire saw is to go in a altoids size kit that will fit in the pocket of my knife sheath(spec-ops survival sheath) with Rat7 D2. What would be a good wire saw to put in this kit? The "commando" saw that I bought is not worthy of being added, where can I get a authentic British SAS saw? Thanks for all the help
Wade
 
skammer said:
It is about as fast as a small pruning sized saw on smallish logs but needs 10X the energy to use.
Click to expand...

I tried a chainsaw chain years back, it takes a massive amount of force to get it to cut well and even then it isn't what I would call fast. Considering the rave reviews, I assumed there was a huge difference in the portable ones. Later I saw a few guys use one in one of Hood's video and it was way slower than a folding pruing saw.

They have a few advantages such as being able to cut some roots and other odd located woods easier as you may not be able to get a saw blade in there, however this doesn't compensate for the many drawbacks. Of course they take up much less space than a pruning saw, even the folding ones so the mindset is not a direct replacement but this or nothing.

-Cliff
 
Cliff Stamp said:
I tried a chainsaw chain years back, it takes a massive amount of force to get it to cut well and even then it isn't what I would call fast. Considering the rave reviews, I assumed there was a huge difference in the portable ones. Later I saw a few guys use one in one of Hood's video and it was way slower than a folding pruing saw.

They have a few advantages such as being able to cut some roots and other odd located woods easier as you may not be able to get a saw blade in there, however this doesn't compensate for the many drawbacks. Of course they take up much less space than a pruning saw, even the folding ones so the mindset is not a direct replacement but this or nothing.

-Cliff
Click to expand...


It does have the advantage of being able to cut very large diameter trunks. Works better with 2 people and a lot easier to carry than a chain saw.

Skam
 
My biggest concern with the link/wire saws isn't the speed, but the versatility. Trying to use them one handed is difficult, you can do it but it is awkward, and trying to use it on a free piece of wood is really difficult, especially one handed. I can see them for mini-kits as you can basically put a saw in you pocket which can readily take down poles, and possibly cut a big piece of felled wood in a hurry/emergency. I keep meaning to pick one up for regular jacket carry.

-Cliff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top