Good Folding Saw for Survival Kit

EHCRain10 · 02-24-2008, 06:30 PM

Trying to put together a kit for short term survival and have been advised against using a wire saw because they typically aren't very strong.

What would be a good folding saw to add to the kit?
id like a 8-12inch blade that can be replaced if needed with a reliable lock and a total cost of under $50

thanks in advance

drywallguy · 02-24-2008, 06:50 PM

Home Depot sells a folding "keyhole saw" (used for cutting drywall) that also has a utility knife on the opposite end. I think it was maybe $15. The blade is roughly 8 inches and cut through most 2x4's.

SwedeSteve · 02-24-2008, 07:26 PM

I have used this saw for over 20 years. Buy an extra blade. I am still using that 2nd blade !!! Sven-Saw, the Famous Campfire Folding Saw

Farmer · 02-26-2008, 05:00 AM

Have you seen the 12" chainsaw chain with wood blocks on the end for cutting wood, rolls up really small.

SpecOpOperator · 02-26-2008, 03:23 PM

I have a Gerber mid-length pack axe with a saw in the handle.. It works awesome, plus you save some room with the saw in your axe.. very sharp and handy.. costs around $40

SwedeSteve · 02-27-2008, 07:30 AM

The saw fits in the axe handle? How does it attach?

SpecOpOperator · 02-28-2008, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

The saw fits in the axe handle? How does it attach?

The saw has it's own handle.. it slides into the handle of the axe.. it's very convenient and handy.. i'll try to post pics of it later

SwedeSteve · 02-28-2008, 12:18 PM

The Sven I use really is a great saw. But I'm always looking for something better for all of my gear

jmp8927 · 02-28-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

The saw fits in the axe handle? How does it attach?

I think he's talking about the below. I've never used that saw, but I do have a gerber camp axe similar to that one and I must say, it's the best I've ever used.

SwedeSteve · 02-29-2008, 01:02 PM

A very practical setup indeed! I think the saw would be a bit smallish, but it depends on what you are expecting it to do!

SpecOpOperator · 02-29-2008, 01:48 PM

The saw works really good for small branches if you're making a lean-to or something like that... I use mine, when firewood is to thick to chop, or clearing branches ... it's a pretty good setup

SwedeSteve · 03-01-2008, 09:23 AM

Yep, that would def fit the bill there!

GlockMeister · 03-03-2008, 07:49 AM

Might I suggest this one. It's compact, folds so the blade won't cut into what you may have it stored in, back pack, bug out bag or even your back pocket, and it's reasonably priced at $23.99. Of course there are a ton out there and many suggestions. But this one is light weight, sharp as all hell, and ergonomically shaped for comfort and better controllability while cutting.
Ace - Ace Tree: Lawn & Garden: Lawn & Garden Tools: Pruning & Trimming Tools:
Bow & Pruning Saws: Corona® Folding Pruning Saw (RS7245)

And here's a nice axe.
Humvee Thunder Axe, Knives, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide

Or there's the all in 1 or rather 5 in 1.
5-In-1 Multi-Purpose Tool, Military Surplus, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide

Joe Brainard · 03-09-2008, 02:10 PM

I use the Sven saw, have tried a couple of folders, as far as I'm concerned it's the cats meow. The Sven saw is slightly larger than what EHCRain10 had given as specs, and that concerned me too when I first got it, but having an aluminum frame it is extremely light, and because it is a bow saw design it doesn't (in my limited experience) have the tendency to bind that I have found in the folders that I've tried/seen. When I bought the Sven Saw I don't remember what it cost, but I know it was under the $50 mark.

KGunner · 03-09-2008, 03:05 PM

I have an Alaskan Blade Trader, really great knife/skinner/saw. I got it for $40 at Sports Authority.

SwedeSteve · 03-09-2008, 03:25 PM

KG- I also have a blade-trader. But the saw is too small for most outdoors tasks.
The Sven is a little long, but mine stays lashed to the side of my ruck.

mos19k · 03-09-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

KG- I also have a blade-trader. But the saw is too small for most outdoors tasks.
The Sven is a little long, but mine stays lashed to the side of my ruck.

I really like the Sven Saw, I've been looking for a dedicated saw. I currently use my Kukri has a hatchet and pruner, which it does a satisfactory job at. I would like a good saw for those larger jobs and I have several bow saws but none are compact by any stretch of the imagination.

02-24-2008, 06:30 PM	#1
EHCRain10 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dinwiddie, VA Posts: 115 Trader Rating: (0)	Good Folding Saw for Survival Kit Trying to put together a kit for short term survival and have been advised against using a wire saw because they typically aren't very strong. What would be a good folding saw to add to the kit? id like a 8-12inch blade that can be replaced if needed with a reliable lock and a total cost of under $50 thanks in advance

02-24-2008, 07:26 PM	#3
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	I have used this saw for over 20 years. Buy an extra blade. I am still using that 2nd blade !!! Sven-Saw, the Famous Campfire Folding Saw __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-26-2008, 05:00 AM	#4
Farmer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Limbri NSW Au Posts: 294 Trader Rating: (0)	Have you seen the 12" chainsaw chain with wood blocks on the end for cutting wood, rolls up really small. __________________ Cheers, Rob

02-26-2008, 03:23 PM	#5
SpecOpOperator Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 57 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a Gerber mid-length pack axe with a saw in the handle.. It works awesome, plus you save some room with the saw in your axe.. very sharp and handy.. costs around $40 __________________ Not a Survivalist, but a Survivor

02-27-2008, 07:30 AM	#6
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	The saw fits in the axe handle? How does it attach? __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-24-2008, 06:50 PM	#2
drywallguy Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 43 Trader Rating: (0)	Home Depot sells a folding "keyhole saw" (used for cutting drywall) that also has a utility knife on the opposite end. I think it was maybe $15. The blade is roughly 8 inches and cut through most 2x4's.

02-28-2008, 12:18 PM	#8
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	The Sven I use really is a great saw. But I'm always looking for something better for all of my gear __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-29-2008, 01:02 PM	#10
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	A very practical setup indeed! I think the saw would be a bit smallish, but it depends on what you are expecting it to do! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-29-2008, 01:48 PM	#11
SpecOpOperator Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 57 Trader Rating: (0)	The saw works really good for small branches if you're making a lean-to or something like that... I use mine, when firewood is to thick to chop, or clearing branches ... it's a pretty good setup __________________ Not a Survivalist, but a Survivor

03-01-2008, 09:23 AM	#12
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	Yep, that would def fit the bill there! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

03-03-2008, 07:49 AM	#13
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 4,936 Trader Rating: (0)	Might I suggest this one. It's compact, folds so the blade won't cut into what you may have it stored in, back pack, bug out bag or even your back pocket, and it's reasonably priced at $23.99. Of course there are a ton out there and many suggestions. But this one is light weight, sharp as all hell, and ergonomically shaped for comfort and better controllability while cutting. Ace - Ace Tree: Lawn & Garden: Lawn & Garden Tools: Pruning & Trimming Tools: Bow & Pruning Saws: Corona® Folding Pruning Saw (RS7245) And here's a nice axe. Humvee Thunder Axe, Knives, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide Or there's the all in 1 or rather 5 in 1. 5-In-1 Multi-Purpose Tool, Military Surplus, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6! Last edited by GlockMeister; 03-03-2008 at 08:06 AM.

03-09-2008, 02:10 PM	#14
Joe Brainard Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: From Rhinelander Wisc. Posts: 94 Trader Rating: (0)	I use the Sven saw, have tried a couple of folders, as far as I'm concerned it's the cats meow. The Sven saw is slightly larger than what EHCRain10 had given as specs, and that concerned me too when I first got it, but having an aluminum frame it is extremely light, and because it is a bow saw design it doesn't (in my limited experience) have the tendency to bind that I have found in the folders that I've tried/seen. When I bought the Sven Saw I don't remember what it cost, but I know it was under the $50 mark. __________________ You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.--Gospel of John 8:32

03-09-2008, 03:05 PM	#15
KGunner Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 422 Trader Rating: (0)	I have an Alaskan Blade Trader, really great knife/skinner/saw. I got it for $40 at Sports Authority.

03-09-2008, 03:25 PM	#16
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	KG- I also have a blade-trader. But the saw is too small for most outdoors tasks. The Sven is a little long, but mine stays lashed to the side of my ruck. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers