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Thanks for the tip Brad.

I've been looking for a compact lightweight saw.

If you need to saw off a skull, anything shorter than 7" is too short.
I used to have a Sven saw and found it to be pretty much useless. Because of the sharp angles between the blade and frame, it's a knuckle buster for cutting wood plus being way too short. That sharp front angle prohibits cutting wood bigger than 3 or 4 inches and it's totally useless for cutting off antlers.

One thing about the opinel knifes and saws. If they get really wet the wood swells and they can be a SOB to get open.

Other than that they are pretty good.


Lefty C

This is actually the same saw that I use. Rockchuck used a better photo. Yeah it looks cheap and flimzey but it is actually pretty durable and effective.





On one backpack trip, a friend brought a sven saw. It's heavier but wow you could really cut through the wood quickly.

A Sven saw? Does Ole or Lena make one?

I mentioned a Sven saw earlier. I used to have one and it's a sorry excuse for a saw. First, it's a knuckle buster. Next, the angles between the blade and frame severely limit the thickness of wood you can cut. The deeper the cut, the closer the frame gets to the wood until you're down to a stroke of only a couple inches.
I finally gave it away and got the Sierra saw. It's 10x easier to use plus you can saw through an elk skull with it. You can't do that with a Sven because of the thick frame.

I think I have tried all the saws mentioned; wasn't overly impressed with either Sven saw I had (small and large); the little sliding Gerber/Fiskars is not a bad choice if weight is the only factor, for just two ounces more (and the availability of a fine blade for bone), you can be into a Silky 180 and nothing out cuts the Silky's imo

Silky Zubat the only way to fly.

I use a Silky F-180 for backpacking... just the right size and very sharp

I pack mine on a llama, so weight is less of an issue. I’ve found Bob’s Quick Buck saw to be my favorite. Made in Minnesota for hard core winter campers and canoe people. Sold by Four Dog Stove Co. Good people. They have a nice video about saws on their website.

http://fourdog.com/bobs-quick-buck-saw-21/

That's a big improvement over the Sven saw.
I also pack with llamas but when hunting, I like a light weight Sierra saw in my day pack. In an emergency, it can be very useful.

If you're not counting ounces, I agree with pgsalton's comment. I believe this is what he was talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-15-087-20-Inch-8-Point-Contractor/dp/B00002X20X

They work well on bone too.

I have quite a few saws to choose from, depending on the trip.

Often just use the one on my Leatherman in the mountains. Or break wood like smokepole mentioned.

If do a base camp type trip- but still wanting a compact, folding saw- this one is my favourite: https://agawacanyoninc.com/

I haven't used my Sven saw since I bought a Silky saw. They cut like nothing I've tried. The larger folding saws are a little heavy for a serious backpack trip. I'll be getting one of these Samurai saws next, as good as a Silky with better ergos and lighter. A 9"-11" model may be the backpacking ticket. A hiking buddy always has one on his hip for clearing trails. We limbed a large pine that fell across a trail in no time last fall. The handle on the Samurai works better one handed.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samurai-ICHIGEKI-C-330-LH-33cm-Heavy-Duty-Curved-Hand-Saw-Carrying-Case/221325324037?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Has anyone tried a Silky side by side with a Sierra? They have the same blade design. The difference, if any, would be blade quality.

I had the same experience as TerryK
Broke the 170mm and moved up to the Silky Gomboy.
It’s the best I’ve used.