Sven saw vs Trailblazer takedown saw

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mtwarden

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Sep 27, 2009
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Looking at the Sven 21" saw and the 24" Trailblazer saw, anyone have experience w/ either (or both :))

times when I need more saw than my folder, these both look pretty good- the Sven is a little lighter (17 oz) vs the 24" TB (23 oz), both would fit easily in my pack, prices are pretty close as well

thanks in advance

Mike
 
I've got the Sven and love it! I like how compact it is when collapsed. It is however long (I have the smaller one too). Blade is quite aggressive. I also have a pocket chainsaw and it is good just harder to use. I went on an outting where I brought my wetterlings instead and I regretted it. I find taking a sven and my BK2 or even my BK7 I am covered. The BKs can baton well enough (instead of splitting with an axe) and I use the saw to saw down what I need. I find chopping (with a knife or even a small axe) took longer and was somewhat more physically enduring (Especially the knife...way too much work...but it is more fun to do!). Chopping isnt as nice if you are building a shelter...the saw makes a nice clean work.

I wanted something simpler so I went with the Sven over the trailblazer but I believe the trail can cut a bigger diameter log because of the design. I have heard mixed about using the trailblazer...A little harder to use...but I cant imagine it is.
 
I have a Sven 21" saw and it does a good job. A little finiky to put together sometimes getting the bolt tight with the saw blade in the the slot, but not really a problem. I really like the way it packs down to a very thin profile. Mine scales in at 13 ounces. :thumbup:

I don't have the other one to compare tho.
 
thanks gents

^ sounds like the Sven 21 should fit the bill, I'm not going to be building a cabin :)- just "sticks" that are a little out of the range of my folding saw

13 oz is a bonus!

going to get one ordered :D
 
I recently purchased a trailblazer 18" bucksaw. I'd also looked into the 21" sven saw. Here are a few of my observations. The 25" main tube of the 24" trailblazer was too long for my pack but all comments about the 18" model apply to it as well.

The small part of the sven saw is the wingnut and the saw does not work without one. The small part of the trailblazer is a wire clip used to keep everything locked in the tube when taken apart. It is not required for the saw to work. The next larger parts are almost a foot long and should be much harder to lose than the sven wingnut. The wingnut on the trailblazer can not be accidentally removed from the tension rod.

The trailblazer can carry a 2nd blade inside the tubes when stored. It could either be a spare wood blade or something different like a bone blade. The sven saw isn't designed for easy blade changes in the field although it could be done if a hammer and punch were carried.

One other thing I noticed in the youtube videos on each type was the sound when sawing. The trailblazer videos just sounded like wood being cut. The sven saw videos had the wood sound along with a higher pitched sound that, I think, was the aluminum frame resonating. It was on more than one video so I think the sound is a characteristic of the saw style.

The final deciding factor was the sven saw looked like it needed a carry case to protect other things from sharp corners. The trailblazer does not need a protective case.

I haven't used it much, but I'm happy with the TB-18 so far. It weighs about 20 ounces with 1 blade.
 
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No experience with the Trailblazer but have been using Sven saws (large and small... get the large one) for years.
I'd buy them again.
If you are nervous about losing the wingnut, buy a spare or two & keep them on the lanyard. Sven also makes replacement blades just incase you lend it to a heavy handed friend.
Remember let the saw do the work (I still hear my Pop saying that lol)

Another saw to consider is the "What-A-Saw"
A little heavier, easier to set up and has three blades... aggressive wood blade, hacksaw and a more normal wood blade. The small losable piece there is a knobbed set screw that holds the extra blades in the handle. If lost a piece of tape can be a suitable substitute.
 
I have both and the are both excellent saws. The big advantage to the Trailblazer is that the tube is smooth, while the Sven saw has some pretty sharp and pointy edges. I was always worried that the Sven would damage a tent, sleeping bag, or pad.

The Trailblazer will also cut thicker logs easier - if that matters to you.

The big advantage of the Sven is that it assembles faster. If speed is an issue, then one of the Fiskars slipjoint (folding) saws might do you better.

I keep extra wing nuts for the Sven in my gear repair kit. Not a big deal. Kind of wish I could buy extra Trailblazer clips, but haven't found them.
 
Dunno, my Sven has only lasted, lessee...28 years so far. Testing period is incomplete. :)
 
^ great input gents! :)

good idea on spare wingnut on lanyard

the blade is within a guard when folded up correct? what other sharp stuff is on the saw? can it be rounded off? a small nylon sack perhaps?

danke
 
just to cover my bets, I've got one each ordered :)

I've got the 24" Sven and the 18" Trailblazer coming- the shorter TB will fit in my pack better, the Sven I'll probably keep under the seat of pickup
 
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