Should have brought a saw...

[ShaiHulud]

All parkland purposed and wild is protected here in California
We'd be fined into oblivion if we cut off so as a branch from a tree

 

[stabman]

Glad you had fun.

I almost hate to point this out but the second I saw your first pic, my first thought was too many leaves too close to the fire. As a former boy scout, a proper fire pit is essential.

Before posting the pics, I was like "Looks bad with those leaves."

Kept clearing the leaves as time when on. Pushed the closest ones into the fire.
Usually clear them all at the beginning, but I had my worn out gloves with melted insulation. My hands suck at producing heat, so I needed to get warmth going.
Fire was stared in the fire pit itself, which has rocks and crumbling cinderblock for perimeter.

 

[knoefz]

Thanks for sharing your pics. Looks like you guys had a good time

Saws are hard to beat in their efficiency, I often have my Opinel #12 saw in my pack. Super lightweight and it works excellent imho.

Also less noisy in the woods compared to chopping.

 

[GAGL]

Made a little drawing for you guys:

You can put the branch in a tree fork or two trees that stand close together, twist the branch and break it that way. More power through leverage, easier than chopping.

edit: you can cut an initial notch into the branch to make it easier or have exact lenghts.

 

[GAGL]

Double post

 

[LimpCroissant]

Looks like a fantastic time. Glad you guy's still have weather good enough to go camping at this time of year. I also didn't want to really have to be the only to point the leaves surrounding the fire, a forest fire just raged through my home area and my parents almost lost their home and property. But anyways, I think you already got the point so no need to comment. I carry a small folding saw with me on camping and backpacking trips too. I never knew how awesome they were my whole childhood because all my dad's saws were so dull until I found the one I carry now stuck in a tree out in the woods. Those Fiskars hatchets are sweet though too. I was doing some testing last camping trip and compared it to the other hatchets of my family's. The Fiskars really cuts deep per each swing comparatively. It has pretty awesome edge geometry for my needs.

 

[d762nato]

The saw would definitely be nicer but what do you think overall of using the SXB? Looks like you had a good time though and Thanks for sharing.

 

[Lyndino]

If you want to see what I mean:

This X7 is 23 ounces; I have an earlier iteration.

I have that hatchet, I was blown away compared to the cheapie Yardworks my father in law has.
Crazy sharp as well. I bet it could be used as a steak knife, rather awkward but still.

 

[Rob47]

Looks like you did okay with your box of cheap knives. A good folding saw is a great permanent addition to your truck bag.

 

[jackknife]

Saws don't get enough love, imo. A good lightweight folding saw is a backcountry tool that can truly bat above its weight, and if it came down to it, I'd much rather have a saw than an axe.

This!!!!

Never under estimate the punch of a good folding saw. You can ever split and quarter firewood with a saw with way less effort than battening with a knife. Move up to a Sven saw and your ready to start lumber operations.

 

[stabman]

Made a little drawing for you guys:

You can put the branch in a tree fork or two trees that stand close together, twist the branch and break it that way. More power through leverage, easier than chopping.

edit: you can cut an initial notch into the branch to make it easier or have exact lenghts.

View attachment 2009740

Done that before.
Would require chopping notches as you said for the larger wood; I had a friend with more weight than I simply stomp on the larger wood after notching.

The saw would definitely be nicer but what do you think overall of using the SXB? Looks like you had a good time though and Thanks for sharing.

It works pretty well.
From what I've found, it weighs a bit more than the Junglas buts chops about the same; different type of grind. Blade is bit shorter than the Junglas: 9.25" versus 10.5". Handle is about the same length. The handle is fine, but the Junglas handle is a bit more comfortable for extended chopping.

 

[stabman]

This!!!!

Never under estimate the punch of a good folding saw. You can ever split and quarter firewood with a saw with way less effort than battening with a knife. Move up to a Sven saw and your ready to start lumber operations.

I think that depends on how big of firewood we're talking about.
Some of the huge wood people split in YouTube videos just because they can definitely takes a bunch of effort.
In the woods we're generally just splitting relatively small wood to expose the drier interior when conditions are wet.

This time out conditions were quite dry for the area, so there was no need to split wood of any size.
With a saw it would have been a very low energy expenditure day.

 

[stabman]

My excursion should also be a cautionary tale for us all: Don't rely on other people to bring what is required!!!

Les Stroud noted that with couples the man often had all the items, whereas the female partner had almost nothing. He would take her aside and ask what would they do to survive if the man got lost, or if even his supplies did.

It is always a good idea to bring your own stuff.

 

[stabman]

Here's the SXB when we remembered to bring a saw...and a cabin.

 

[dogstar]

Here's the SXB when we remembered to bring a saw...and a cabin.

Wait a second... when you said "saw," you actually meant chain saw this whole time?

 

[stabman]

Wait a second... when you said "saw," you actually meant chain saw this whole time?

Nah, hand saw for the woods. 12" blade.

But with a huge truck to carry all our stuff to that cabin, a chainsaw sure made things go quick.
Think we had about 30 liters of water as well. Trucks can carry way more things than I can.

 

[EngrSorenson]

very cool man- this kind of thing is my idea of a good time.
I'm a staunch lover and supporter of hatchets and axes, but even I have to admit that the purpose-built cross cut saw is very effective.
A real PITA to sharpen, but definitely effective, and safer to use if you're drunk in the woods.

When I go camping with my buddy we come up with new challenges for ourselves each time.
I'm not sure we'd ever do "go without hatchet or saw", but that's the kind of thing we'd do.
I also appreciate the cheap knife angle- a Mora companion's a pretty good one to get stuck with.