Two Questions about sawbacks

[lagarto]

For all of you out there more connected to manufacturers than I, has anyone yet played with the new line of Schrade X Timer fixed blades, the new saw backed fixed blade in the Smoky Mountain Knife Works catalog looks kind of interesting. I think its called the Camp Knife. My limited experience with Schrades would lead me to believe that it would not be of the best quality, but the design looks solid. Any thoughts? Also, I was thinking of picking up a TOPS a while back, one of the Steel Eagle 111A's with the saw teeth, and unfortunately ran into an unforseen financial barrier So now what I'm wondering is if you call them will they customize any of their other (cheaper) models by adding a saw to it for a nominal cost? If anyone knows the advice is appreciated.
Thanks
Lagarto

 

[phantom4]

IMHO sawback knives are pretty much worthless. Most sawbacks are put on heavy duty survuival type knives with relatively thick blades. Look a saw blade in comparison--much thinner and there is a reason for that, they cut better. If you want a saw, get the fixed blade of your choice and a Swiss army Pioneer with the saw blade. I think you will find the SAK saw will out cut virtually all the saw backs around. I remember reading a comparison of several knives with saws, both sawbacks and seperate blades and some of the fixed blades went through the wood faster than the SAK by using the primary edge and chopping but I don't think any of them sawed better. The other alternative would be a pocket chain saw. I've never used one but Brigade Quartermasters sell a number of different models including the one issued to the SAS. Thats proof enough for me.

 

[PhoulPlae]

Most of the military knives have sawbacks, but they do not saw most things effectively. I have heard from one site that they are used to saw sheet metal in an airplane (like on the USAF Survival Knife) or just to rub a groove in wood to attach paracord to. The saws suck for anything else (I haven't tried cutting sheet aluminum).

I have never seen the knife you are talking about, but if it is fully ground to an edge where the teeth have real points, it may actually be useful (but limited) if the blade isn't too thick.

I think a serrated spine would be much more practical, so you can cut rope and do very light sawing. The SOG Pentagon is double edged and has one side serrated. The Ontario LSA is serrated on one side, but I don't know if it is double edged.

The SOG SEAL revolver has two blades, a saw blade and standard knife blade, but I don't know how sturdy the revolving "tang" would be, being just attached with a single rivet.

I would recomend a good pocket chainsaw, like phanton mentioned, in addition to a sturdy fixed blade that excels in cutting, not sawing.