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I should have probably made the title better and asked...small hatchet vs large knife.

Seeing as that Winter is upon us and my knowledge and gear base has increased over the years, I want to add to my winter kit.

I would guess I will get Steamrolled for admitting it, but winter scares me to a degree. Or maybe I should say "I am less confidant" in my winter survival skills. I have training in winter survival but I am always fearful, possibly because I realize the potential for problems is greater than backpacking/hunting in September. Basically, even at 8,000 ft in the earlier hunts, you can say you'll just put on all of your clothes and survive(I understand this is general). But throw several feet of snow into the mix and drop the mercury to 10F and I think things get a bit more dire if forced to survive 48 hours.

I am lazy by nature. I hate to add things to my pack, when the goal is to normally take away. But after training in winter survival I can see that shelter is a major obstacle to overcome. As is fire. And I am readily accepting to add a few pounds to my kit. I am sure there are many backwoods McGuiver's who can do wonders with 50ft of 550, a Bruks Wildlife Hatchet and a 6X8 tarp. I'd like to be one of those guys.

So, for EdT, Evan, or Dan(searched for Bruks users) or others who have experience.....what would be a tools kit for deep winter backwoods?

After seeing Dan's Boo Boo with the Hatchet it has given me pause. Leaning towards a 5-6" thick bladed Scandi grind knife to baton through wood.

I should say that I am already sold on a folding saw. Pack one even into my waders for duck hunting. The type that uses SawZall blades-cheap, has been reliable, and blades are easily swapped and of multiple tooth combos.

Feel free to add any other things you wouldn't leave out of a kit. You can skip flint/steel, matches, lighter etc. Those are givens. More along the lines of shelter builder or wood/fire preparation.
Lighters and fire light kit might be "a given", but a fool proof method for lighingt fires in the cold and wet with less than dry fuel is an absolute priority..I've not tried them, but many folks swear by road flares..

As for carrying an axe, I would say it depends on your needs..if its bushcraft and extended living, I'd go for the axe..if you just want to be able to survive say a 72 hour emergency, I would rather use the weight for something else..
Originally Posted by Pete E
I've not tried them, but many folks swear by road flares..



I have been known to carry a road flare and a gatoraid bottle of mixed saw gas in my pack. Thats the only "fool proof" way I have found to start a fire, I used it twice this year Elk hunting.
Think I would rather carry the weight of the Wildlife Hatchet and have eternal serviceablity rather than a 20 minute road flare...but I asked so I have to be open minded.

What do you do on Day 2 if you move locations and road flare is used?
I make my own fire starters, its simple and very effective. Will ingnite wet wood no problem.

What you need is some sawdust, paraffin wax, and small cucpcake tins (the paper kind). Fill cupcake tins with sawdust, melt paraffin wax and pour over your sawdust filled cupcake tins. I make a lot of them for winter camping using those small Katchup cups that you can get from Wendy's.

As for the Grasfors Bruks I like the Mini-Hatchet better then the Wildlife Hatchet. If I feel I need bigger then I step it up to the Small Forest Axe.

Have you ever tried making your own shelter as in a snow cave or igloo? It is fairly easy and rewarding sleeping in something you crafted.
Made several. Slept in none.
You should give it a go.
For the price a Cold Steel Jungle Machette is not a bad option either. I have used mine to cut and split wood. Its not going to split big rounds but small stuff is easy work for it.
Jesse,

I have found that I prefer a good stout knife for splitting wood up to 3" in diameter. Bigger than that and I will use an ax such as the GB Small Forest Ax.

I often carry a leather pouch with fatwood sticks I have split in my fire kit. Three or so inches long and between match stick size and pencil size. These will burn very hot and fairly long.
So Ed- a stout, 3/16" knife able to pry out heartwood from cedar stumps and split via baton whatever rounds were cut with folding saw would be the combo you would run?

You are in similar climate as I am. An afternoon snowmobile run, snowshoeing for grins or trap line or simply "patrolling"- that would be a better pair?
I should try out my methods. Last few winters we have not had enough snow to make snow shelters a very easy task. Seems like survival may be HARDER in those conditions, as you are constructing a shelter vs digging one? Way off?
Originally Posted by MontanaCreekHunter


As for the Grasfors Bruks I like the Mini-Hatchet better then the Wildlife Hatchet. If I feel I need bigger then I step it up to the Small Forest Axe.



Wise words... I pack my Small Forest a lot. But one of my favorite playlands has an old burn running along its Southern edge. The only way you're going to get firewood there is buck it and split it.

Also MCH, you should look at GB's new "outdoors" axe. You'll ditch your mini hatchet and send me a christmas card.
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
Think I would rather carry the weight of the Wildlife Hatchet and have eternal serviceablity rather than a 20 minute road flare...but I asked so I have to be open minded.


Can you light a fire with your wild life hatchet? You get cold and wet in sub zero conditions (maybe fall through some ice) you absolutely have to be able to start a fire *right now* as you only have minutes before hypothermia sets in..

Given you are already carrying a saw and a knife, for me an axe is a "nice to have" item and is more about being comfortable in the medium to long term in the bush..

Proper emergency fire lighting kit, along with the knowledge and experience of how to use it in the worst weather conditions is a life saver for those immediate, emergency situations...

And as others have suggested, if you feel you do need an axe, I would step up from the very small hatchets to something that will cope with more than a knife and baton will..

Regards,

Peter

I think you start with what you're wearing. Good boots and good layered clothes. I wear pack boots with liners so I can pull them out and dry them. I wear the modern poly underwear, and polar fleece base layers and wool outerwear. I have 2 sets of Columbia wool bibs and jackets I bought after one hunting season at Dicks for about $60 a piece! I always wear a hat and scarf. I also wear mittens. I love handwarmer packets! I pack a Gore Tex parka that rolls up pretty small and I always pack extra gloves and socks.

I carry a small titanium pot and pan with my "kit" in it which has strike anywhere matches, a lighter, and a fire steel. I also carry tinder. My film canister full of vaseline cotton balls. I carry 2 space blankets. The traditional kind and one the shape of a mummy bag you can crawl in. The extra little knife, compass, whistle, plastic poncho, mirror.... I also carry a sawyer extractor with a bunch of band aids and pills stuffed in the box. That and a Quick Clot trauma pack. I have carried a little Swen saw, and a little Fiskars saw. It has a plastic handle and weighs nothing. It cuts like crazy too and it probably weighs 1/10th what my Eastwing hatchet does.

You're carrying your house with you so investing in your clothing to me, is the most important thing. My biggest problem is working up a sweat and wet feet. Polypropylene and polyester underwear and base layers and wool outerwear all wick moisture away, and wool has the highest insulation value when wet. I can stop and change my wet socks. Hang my old socks on my pack and in an hour or two, they're dry. I've dried boot liners by the fire more than once. Getting wet and not being able to dry out is my #1 concern. A lingering concern for getting cut and bleeding to death is my #2. I've got a bleeding issue I found out about during minor surgery a few years ago, and it's been in the back of my head all the time. I've got a few trauma packs around. The truck. The boat. My packs... That's my philosophy anyway.
Finally got my hands on one of those mini-hatchets ,to me they are to small to be of any real use.I'd rather carry a good knife or a regular small hatchet or small axe
Tim
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
So Ed- a stout, 3/16" knife able to pry out heartwood from cedar stumps and split via baton whatever rounds were cut with folding saw would be the combo you would run?

You are in similar climate as I am. An afternoon snowmobile run, snowshoeing for grins or trap line or simply "patrolling"- that would be a better pair?


Jesse,

Yes, for most situations that is my preferred choice of tools.

For a saw the Sawvivor is hard to beat.


[Linked Image]

The Leuku style knife I built has an 8.5" blade and is 14" overall. It can do some serious work.

[Linked Image]

The GB Outdoorsman's Ax is a better choice then the GB Mini but still not capable of what the Small Forest Ax will do.

Here is an image of the GB Outdoorsman's and the Leuku knife.

[Linked Image]
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
I should try out my methods. Last few winters we have not had enough snow to make snow shelters a very easy task. Seems like survival may be HARDER in those conditions, as you are constructing a shelter vs digging one? Way off?


My buddy and I made a two person snow cave in about a foot of snow last year. Takes WAY too long though, with all the shoveling and waiting for the snow to set. We both agreed that if we were already wet and cold in a sotrm we would of probably died before we were able to use it. In that instance I would just use a tarp, a emerjency blanket and lots of tree limbs. Then hopefully you also have a Serape and are able to start a fire.

The only time I would dig a snow cave for shelter is if I were above the timberline in 3+ feet of snow. I spend a lot of time in that kind of stuff backcountry skiing. If you are in that kind of terrian a shovel is a must. We have dug a lot of practice caves to hang out in, hope I never have to use one though.
Originally Posted by DanAdair
Originally Posted by MontanaCreekHunter


As for the Grasfors Bruks I like the Mini-Hatchet better then the Wildlife Hatchet. If I feel I need bigger then I step it up to the Small Forest Axe.



Wise words... I pack my Small Forest a lot. But one of my favorite playlands has an old burn running along its Southern edge. The only way you're going to get firewood there is buck it and split it.

Also MCH, you should look at GB's new "outdoors" axe. You'll ditch your mini hatchet and send me a christmas card.


I have and love the outdoor axe. The reason I didn't recommend it was because of weight.
The film canister with vaseline-soaked cotton balls is my fallback. Those things light right up with a spark from a firestick and burn for an amazingly long time. You can put four or five in a film canister, and they are simple to replace. Try it in your driveway; you will likely be as surprised as I was. Not sure what I'll do if I ever lose my last canister, though...
Not sure what I'll do if I ever lose my last canister, though...

jockc, walmart sells waterproof matches in a small orange water tight container. I just chuck the matches out and stuff it full of cottonballs. the orange is easy to find day or night.
You need to be inspired. Here's an little trailer of an film by Werner Herzog. There was an full length version of it, but it was taken down, but you can order it on Netflix. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_wnpkOVIHQ

Rent the film and get inspired. These folks work hard in deep snow and -70F*. Theyre just ordinary folk.
not yet available on netflix, but I added it to my "wish list" anyway...
Jesse, honored to be included on your list of guys you want to hear from -- not sure how merited it is.

I agree with others that a woodstove heated shelter or fire in front of a lean to is a much quicker way to get warm than planning on a snow cave. Plus I find caves claustrophobic.

The first question is how big of a stove you are trying to run. There is a lot to be said for going with the smallest heated shelter you can get away with and a commensurately sized stove because the size of stove you are running and the size of shelter you are trying to heat determines the tool kit. Plus smaller shelters get more of a gain out of body warmth alone.

When I still had a Kifaru medium stove, it pretty much took a 24" bow saw and minimum 20" handled axe to keep it running in the winter. It's not a very efficient stove though. Larger stoves in 8 man or larger shelters, same thing. Right now the only back packable stove I have is my homemade "little pig" which gets the GoLite Utopia very warm and keeps the Seekoutside BCS warm enough. It can be run pretty well with the 6" Gerber slide out saw and little 4"x1/8" blade D2 utility knife I carry. There's an in-between setup that has me carrying an 8"x3/16" bowie OPC gave me and a japanese tree trimming saw. I have also carried the cold steel tomahawk a fair amount as the absolute lightest implement available that allows for a two handed overhand chop.

I must say that I'm in the camp of being biased towards batoning for safety. In my days as a forest fire fighter, I saw first hand what can happen when you mix exhaustion with pulaskis and chainsaws. It takes a lot of very purposeful concentration to stay safe with tools when you are exhausted.

Open fires in front of lean tos are going to be less efficient at heating so you'll want to bias towards the larger tool kits.

Once the snow gets deep enough, the Voile Telepro is always along. It's the real deal for moving a lot of snow quickly and an improved tree well that offers a heck of a lot of shelter can be had in about 5 minutes.

Oh... don't forget about insulation underneath you. Be it closed cell foam in the form of a camp chair or foam pad, or tree limbs or whatever, you need something between you and the snow.

For fire starter, 9 times out of 10 a 2x2" square of bicycle innertube is all I need to get a fire started. Trioxane handles that tenth time. I must admit to using a *lot* of trioxane from time to time in Big W's neck of the woods. A pocket rocket was used as a blowtorch once too. I'm not going to say that a bottle of outright fuel is a bad idea in those conditions. It's not quite that wet where you are though Jesse.
I tend to take a larger stove and smaller tent in the winter if possible. The insulating value of snow is very good. I know this past weekend there was a couple inches of snow on the tent at 2 am and it had been 4 hours since the last load of wood, and the temp inside the tent must have been near 50 while outside it was in the teens.
To bad you can't count on that or that I can't find a reliable way to engineer it. I do have a couple ideas though, but it requires deep snow.
I'm digging this thread... I've camped on snow plenty, but it's usually been spring bear season, or rifle season in November.

This winter, I'm planning on doing it in January and Febuary, on purpose. The logic is, if you can survive dead of winter with your kit, the rest of the year will be a picnic with a backpack on.
my daughter comes home from college on Sat and is looking forward to snow camping. She's pretty cool, IMO.
Originally Posted by DanAdair
I'm digging this thread... I've camped on ...
This winter, I'm planning on doing it in January and Febuary, on purpose. The logic is, if you can survive dead of winter with your kit, the rest of the year will be a picnic with a backpack on.


For me in the Sierras, I worry more about transitional seasons where I get rain/snow/thaw/freeze than just cold. Way easier for me to stay dry & warm when it's constantly below freezing and without rain.


Quote
The logic is, if you can survive dead of winter with your kit, the rest of the year will be a picnic with a backpack on.


Sort of. The dirty secret is that, as long as you stay with terrain that allows for pulling a sled, winter camping is way more luxurious. You can take more heavy tasty food, have a bigger cushier bedroll, and you can dig a central footwell into the snow that makes tent life downright civilized. The days are shorter so you sleep more. It's a good time for telling stories around the wood stove.
Your not doing the winter camping I am doing.
Location makes such a big difference in what you need. I am going tomorrow for a quick overnight trip with my BCS and roll-up stove to to some prototype testing. I plan on burning a fire for quite a few hours but doubt I will take a saw, an ax or more than my little neck knife. The area I am going is covered with beetle killed Ponderosa pine and there is plenty of wood in limb wood from small twigs to a couple inches in diameter. All wood that size can be broken by hand or foot.

The biggest safety advantage that I see in batoning with a knife over a hatchet or ax is in making kindling. It is one thing to use a full size ax to make kindling at the cabin where I have stable chopping blocks and another on snow covered ground with cold hands.
Haven't seen anybody mention a small fabric "tarp" type item as part of the kit for a shelter. In Artic survival school, we were taught to keep a piece of parachute fabric in the survival pack, to serve as a base layer over the shelter frame, then covered with insulation material. The fabric gave us a seal to the outside, with a decent layer of snow, we stayed outside at -40 and were reasonably comfortable.

I'd second the comment on the need for an insulation layer from the ground, even a simple polypad will add hours on to your comfort zone.
I always thought I was just an "axe and knife guy".

I did a couple of overnights that went below freezing last month and I had ended up making camp past dark. It was the first time that I realized that I do not like swinging an axe in the dark shocked Too many things could go wrong. I should not have set up that late but there it is. I was really glad to have the little saw on my SAK when I was cutting poles for my tarp.

I am defintely adding a compact buck saw to my kit from here on.


Extended time in the cold means an extended shelter. I use the smallest grand Bruks hatchet, Wyoming saw, and knife with heavy 6 inch blade. Hatchet is a pound, saw is pound, and knive is .75 pounds. With them I can build one hell of a shelter and gather plenty of fire wood. The worst the weather the stronger the shelter will need to be. In general these three cover about any need you have unless building a cabin.
Originally Posted by Ed_T
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
So Ed- a stout, 3/16" knife able to pry out heartwood from cedar stumps and split via baton whatever rounds were cut with folding saw would be the combo you would run?

You are in similar climate as I am. An afternoon snowmobile run, snowshoeing for grins or trap line or simply "patrolling"- that would be a better pair?


Jesse,

Yes, for most situations that is my preferred choice of tools.

For a saw the Sawvivor is hard to beat.


[Linked Image]

The Leuku style knife I built has an 8.5" blade and is 14" overall. It can do some serious work.

[Linked Image]

The GB Outdoorsman's Ax is a better choice then the GB Mini but still not capable of what the Small Forest Ax will do.

Here is an image of the GB Outdoorsman's and the Leuku knife.

[Linked Image]


These three items are about perfect in my opinion. I carry the same saw, a little bigger hatchet and a little smaller knife. Add a "Space" blanket and parachute cord to build a lean-to shelter, the already mentioned fire starting gear, and a small pot to melt snow in and that's what I keep in my pack.
This is the new saw I picked up a few months ago. This is the best take down saw I have ever used. Weighs 1.5 pounds with an extra blade. It might be a bit heavy but boy can it cut up some wood! Being able to use two hands makes it so much easier. Yoo can do both hands on the back or put one hand on the front. Makes sawing much more enjoyable for my weak hands. Planning on putting some grip tape on the handles. HPG Kit bag shown for scale.

Sorry, image button wont work...

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/598460_387622677986573_1909278539_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/532430_387622727986568_1141659987_n.jpg
For saws I stick to Silky Zubat 300 large teeth, or for a folding Silky Bigboy 2000 XL teeth. It will cut anything you realistically need to cut. If I am felling trees then I will step up to an axe.

I work in trees everyday and I make my money with Silky's.
Originally Posted by Big_W
This is the new saw I picked up a few months ago. This is the best take down saw I have ever used. Weighs 1.5 pounds with an extra blade. It might be a bit heavy but boy can it cut up some wood! Being able to use two hands makes it so much easier. Yoo can do both hands on the back or put one hand on the front. Makes sawing much more enjoyable for my weak hands. Planning on putting some grip tape on the handles. HPG Kit bag shown for scale.

Sorry, image button wont work...

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/598460_387622677986573_1909278539_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/532430_387622727986568_1141659987_n.jpg


What kind of saw is this?

edit: Rather, what is the name?
You guys know about the Dustrude Quick saw? This is the one I plan on getting.

They have a 24" and it uses regular hardware store blades. Some of the others do not so buyer beware.

http://duluthpack.com/folding-saw.html
Snubbie, that is the Trailblazer buck saw.

http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Blazer-TBS-24-24-Inch-Take-Down/dp/B000LW1Q1E

This is the one I have.

http://nwwoodsman.com/Product/Tools/EdgedTools/WoodsmanFoldingBucksaw.html
Seems the thread has taken another turn. Hard to be clear or convey full intent.

I was thinking about what would be essential for shelter building in an UNPLANNED EVENT. Meaning, what is essential to be on you during winter day trips for emergency shelter building. That's where I was going with the hatchet vs saw vs knife thing.

Evan-

I am heading back over for "school" in a month or two so I will get some more hands on time. I really, really wish I had taken some of the opportunities that I have squandered. The trip you had up here 2 years ago, or many of the Rondys that come and go without me committing. Much could be learned for free in a weekend. It's tough without a Mentor to assist and stop you from really F'ing up and saving your bacon and also shortening the harder portions of the learning curve....the classic "Too much coal....saw it right off" Jeremiah Johnson mentor.

I own two of EdT's stoves. One being one of his newest designs with roll up Ti. I am sure I could pack this at all times. Have a SuperTarp with Annex also. So its not really that I didn't think out of the box, but my mind just didn't go that direction. Probably the surest bet in the bush though....going with a known system for 5 lbs vs trying to make a warm, heated shelter in the dark with a hatchet and pine boughs.

And maybe it's time to start packing some intermediate tinder as Ed suggests. Something transitional.
That NW Woodsman buck saw is a great value. At the time I found his site I had a saw from Ben's Backwoods so I just ordered the oilskin cover.

I liked the cover so well I bought a saw and cover.

They both fitted Bahco blades which is my first choice in saw blades anyhow.
A little fatwood, a few paper towel parriffin/wax sheets, bic lighter, ferro rod, and an Leuku. The only other kit you would need is an kettle to drink from and make tea.

You could substitute an axe in lieu of the Leuku sized knife. Its your call.

Basically all this fits in your pockets and on your belt with exception of the kettle.
Originally Posted by elkhunter_241


Thanks. How about extra blades. Readily available? I carry a Wyoming saw but that compact little tube is tempting. You could really stuff that about anywhere in a pack.
The blades are about $24 each and you cannot find them just at any Tractor Supply or Lowes eek

That's why I'm looking at the Dustrude. Oh yeah, they sell three sizes: 21", 24" and 30"!
Anyone have opinions on the Sven Saw? I saw someone here on the 'Fire give it a great endorsement in the Knife section a few months ago.

Link:

Sven Saw


FWIW, I just noticed that it rates 5 stars at REI with 25 reviews:

REI
Originally Posted by alukban
You guys know about the Dustrude Quick saw? This is the one I plan on getting.

They have a 24" and it uses regular hardware store blades. Some of the others do not so buyer beware.

http://duluthpack.com/folding-saw.html


The Dustrude saw is awesome. I have the 21" and it will be my winter saw. It will cut bigger rounds than the Sawvivor and assembles very quickly.

I have used the fold out saws from Corona, Gerber etc as well as the Gerber slide out blades and although they all cut very well, there is nothing like a framed buck saw for serious wood production. (well except a chain saw smile

I also really like the Dandy Saws. The blades are stiffer than any of the folding saws and they do a good job.
http://www.outfitterspackstation.com/sihadasaw.html
RE: the Sven saws => $12 specialty blades. The triangular geometry means that you don't actually get as long a stroke as you go deeper into materials.
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
Seems the thread has taken another turn. Hard to be clear or convey full intent.

I was thinking about what would be essential for shelter building in an UNPLANNED EVENT. Meaning, what is essential to be on you during winter day trips for emergency shelter building. That's where I was going with the hatchet vs saw vs knife thing.

Evan-

I am heading back over for "school" in a month or two so I will get some more hands on time. I really, really wish I had taken some of the opportunities that I have squandered. The trip you had up here 2 years ago, or many of the Rondys that come and go without me committing. Much could be learned for free in a weekend. It's tough without a Mentor to assist and stop you from really F'ing up and saving your bacon and also shortening the harder portions of the learning curve....the classic "Too much coal....saw it right off" Jeremiah Johnson mentor.

I own two of EdT's stoves. One being one of his newest designs with roll up Ti. I am sure I could pack this at all times. Have a SuperTarp with Annex also. So its not really that I didn't think out of the box, but my mind just didn't go that direction. Probably the surest bet in the bush though....going with a known system for 5 lbs vs trying to make a warm, heated shelter in the dark with a hatchet and pine boughs.

And maybe it's time to start packing some intermediate tinder as Ed suggests. Something transitional.


Jesse,

Here is my winter fire kit:

[Linked Image]


Fatwood sticks, Waterproof matches, One handed striker, Wet Fire Tinder, Fire Steel, Tin with Vasiline coated cotton pads, carrying case.

Winter time is not a time to take shortcuts with the ability to make fire.
Originally Posted by Ed_T
Originally Posted by alukban
You guys know about the Dustrude Quick saw? This is the one I plan on getting.

They have a 24" and it uses regular hardware store blades. Some of the others do not so buyer beware.

http://duluthpack.com/folding-saw.html


The Dustrude saw is awesome. I have the 21" and it will be my winter saw. It will cut bigger rounds than the Sawvivor and assembles very quickly.

I have used the fold out saws from Corona, Gerber etc as well as the Gerber slide out blades and although they all cut very well, there is nothing like a framed buck saw for serious wood production. (well except a chain saw smile

I also really like the Dandy Saws. The blades are stiffer than any of the folding saws and they do a good job.
http://www.outfitterspackstation.com/sihadasaw.html


Corona and gerber are garbage until you have used a Silky you will never understand.
Ed- going to grab a saw. I think Sawvivor is 10.5oz packaged. The above saw that packages into one single pole appealing as well. Think it's listed as over a pound but W hasn't gotten back with a brand name that I've found.

Can it be narrowed down to just one saw? I see you are constantly thinning the herd on your gear. I'd like to get it right the first time.....

Think the Sawvivor is $50 or under. That I can afford.
Wet kills. Wind kills. Blowing rain in cold conditions can overwhelm a tarp setup. Got to get dry, got to get out of the wind. Got to insulate from cold ground. You might be injured. Don�t know how long you will be in the bad conditions. Don�t know how exhausted you will be from batoning with tools not up to the task --when conserving energy is a premium. That is why I believe in paying the weight penalty to pack a small bivy that I can completely zip up inside in, as well as a ridge-rest pad, Army poncho, trail axe and several knives, and at least three ways to start fire (Vaseline impregnated and dry cotton balls, several commercial fire starters, magnesium striker).
another option http://www.qiwiz.net/saws.html
Tim
Originally Posted by timat46


I have this saw and have cut a lot of wood with it. It has worded extremely well for me. It uses the same blades as the Sawvivor saw. Given that it weighs less than 4oz it is always in my pack.
dave
Is that 4 oz. including the blade ? Doe's it require allot of fiddling around to assemble ?(with cold,numb fingers )
Tim
Tim,

On my scale it weighs under 4oz (~3.75) with the blade but without the black foam around the handle. With the black foam it weighs about 4.25.

It does take some fiddling around to assemble it. The first time it took me a while but after doing a few times it becomes a lot easier.

I have a pair of light gloves that I use standalone when the temps aren't too cold and as a liner in heavier gloves or mittens when the temps are colder. I can assemble the saw with the light gloves on.

The one I have is the 15". He also sells a 24".
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
Ed- going to grab a saw. I think Sawvivor is 10.5oz packaged. The above saw that packages into one single pole appealing as well. Think it's listed as over a pound but W hasn't gotten back with a brand name that I've found.
Can it be narrowed down to just one saw? I see you are constantly thinning the herd on your gear. I'd like to get it right the first time.....

Think the Sawvivor is $50 or under. That I can afford.


It's a "Trail Blazer", Elkhunter provided a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Blazer-TBS-24-24-Inch-Take-Down/dp/B000LW1Q1E
Originally Posted by timat46


That thing looks very cool. Any other users out there have an opinion on this saw? I may just have to have one.
The saw I use from Northwest Woodsman is 40 dollars and replacement blades are 6.
Originally Posted by Jesse Jaymes
Ed- going to grab a saw. I think Sawvivor is 10.5oz packaged. The above saw that packages into one single pole appealing as well. Think it's listed as over a pound but W hasn't gotten back with a brand name that I've found.

Can it be narrowed down to just one saw? I see you are constantly thinning the herd on your gear. I'd like to get it right the first time.....

Think the Sawvivor is $50 or under. That I can afford.


Jesse,

I don't think you would be disappointed with a Sawvivor or a Dustrud. I like coarser teeth with a decent amount of set in wood saw as I often cut very resinous wood. The resin will clog finer teeth even though they cut quite fast.

The Boundry Waters Catalog carries the Sawvivor, the saw Wes has and the Dustrud Quick Buck saw.

http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/2,67.html
I am going to take the drill and lighten up that 24" bucksaw. I did that with my Wyoming saw II and took 6 oz's off it I think. I did end up breaking it so I may have done a little bit too much drilling wink. I still have my small Wyoming saw but its heavy and pretty much worthless for trying to keep a larger stove running.

I am concerned about how the blades connect using the plastic ends but I have not had a problem yet. Also, if your saw is wet when you put it all back in the main tube it will be froze togather the next time you use it if temps are low enough. Make sure to either wipe it off before you put it away or your going to have to stick it down your pants for a few minutes to unthaw it like I had to smile.
Originally Posted by Dave_S
Originally Posted by timat46


I have this saw and have cut a lot of wood with it. It has worded extremely well for me. It uses the same blades as the Sawvivor saw. Given that it weighs less than 4oz it is always in my pack.

Dave-
I see that handle is round tube. How much does that saw roll in your hand in use, or is a two-handed operation.
Great thread
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