View Full Version : folding saw reccommendations?
Leigh Robinson
14-04-2008, 22:20
hi
I am sure this has come up before so I did a search here but I didn't find anything.
I am looking for a quality folding saw because I want to make bigger fires than snapping twigs can make!
I remember reading about a popular one but its name has left me. So if anyone can recommend one I would be really grateful.
Silky pocket boy is a very good folding saw.
Barn Owl
14-04-2008, 22:37
Laplander by Barcho?
(sorry i can't do links).
Bahco Laplander
Nato stock number: 5110-25-147-4344
Silky (http://http://www.abbeygardensales.co.uk/hand-tools/silky-pruning-saws/showitem-POCKET.aspx) I think they do different sizes, also Bahco (http://http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=9190&Referrer=Froogle) You may find them cheaper if you shop arround.
No connection to the shops in any way.
Silky
http://abacus-ise.co.uk/shop/silky-pocketboy-13010-p-417.html
Bahco
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=9190&Referrer=Froogle
No connection blah blah blah
I'd go with the Laplander
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bahco-Laplander-Folding-Saw-Bushcraft-Survival-etc_W0QQitemZ220223082165QQihZ 012QQcategoryZ16042QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
As well as the above saws, take a look around your local gardening centre. My saw is a Spear and Jackson which cost about 3 quid a few years back. It is still sharp as hell and will cut seasoned and green wood no problems. It isn't green, but then not everything has to be! It does lock in both open and closed positions though, something I would suggest you go for as the clacky wire saws allow the blade to fall open at anytime and could pose a hazard if it is in a pack and you reach in!
Sliky pocket boy. Designed to cut wood as quickly as possible, thats why nearly all tree surgeons use them. The large fixed handled ones are as quick as a chainsaw and a lot lighter.
andywinkk
15-04-2008, 12:53
Aldi 2 for a fiver
Unfortunately not cheap, but either of the Opinel saws are very good. However be aware that the larger version needs careful use, I know people that can just look at one and snap a blade and the replacement blades are so expensive you may as well buy a new saw.
The smaller folding pocket saw is a very good bit of kit especially if you are going to be making a bucksaw as something that can candle a larger log in a very much shorter time than most any other saw.
godfather
15-04-2008, 14:35
Silky pocket boy for me. I have a laplander in the car but it is the Silky that I take away with me every time I'm out in the woods.
Jedadiah
15-04-2008, 15:00
I have a Bahco lapplander but it's the orange version. It's cheaper than the green 'Bushcraft' version and you don't lose it when you put it down! Last year, Tim used his, put it down and spent three hours looking for it. I found it by accident so i thought i'd get an orange one! If you do opt for a green one, you could always thread some hi-vis para cord throught the lanyard hole!
Ogri the trog
15-04-2008, 16:38
Unfortunately not cheap, but either of the Opinel saws are very good.
...and I thought I would be the only one recommending an Opi! I find the wood easier on both my eyes and hands, but thanks for the tip about the larger version.
ATB
Ogri the trog
I've got a Lidl one, which is ok, but it's not a match for my Laplander (and yes, I've got some hi-vis on the lanyard loop; and on my firesteel too since the pixies had my last one!).
...and I thought I would be the only one recommending an Opi! I find the wood easier on both my eyes and hands, but thanks for the tip about the larger version.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Neil1 likes the large version, but he has had problems with the blade snapping, he now uses the smaller version and has been for about a year and has had no problems with it. I use the large version all the time (I have been for a long time) and find it cuts better than the Bacho ones, but there is a definite difference in price.
The smaller one will be my next purchase as far as saws are concerned and if I need anything bigger I'll make a bucksaw.
Sliky pocket boy. Designed to cut wood as quickly as possible, thats why nearly all tree surgeons use them. The large fixed handled ones are as quick as a chainsaw and a lot lighter.
i think thats a tad exadurated but silky do make great saws. also silky saws make a much cleener cut that other saws such as a laplander which is better if your a tree sergeon. also i would never dreem of taking down a tree with a silky saw alone!:eek:
also i have to ask why don't anyone use a sheath saws? does it have to fold?
surely a sheath saw has less things to go wrong, no lock to fail.
silky make a small sheath saw with a 24cm blade also it comes in yelow if you want it to be hi-vis
I have used Lightfoots bacho a few times in the past and was a wonderful tool to use. I recently tried a Stanley make of pruning saw that was given to me by a friend and it was absolutely awful ! The first time i used it the blade bent into a complete right angle :eek:
So ill be ordering a bacho then....
As Leon said, I have been using the opinel saws for some time, the smaller one fits in your pocket and you wont know you are carrying it, til ya need it!
For the vast majority of tasks in bushcraft its all you will need (if the log is that big - burn it from the end- and feed it into your fire).
Its also lighter to carry. I see bushcrafters regularly laden down with all sorts of top-notch kit, work out what the minimum you can get away with is, your body will thank you for it.
N
Shambling Shaman
15-04-2008, 18:21
Bahco Laplander
and a
Saber Cut hand chain Saw
IntrepidStu
15-04-2008, 18:55
I dont get it!! I got mine from Wilkinsons for £2 odd and it works just great. How come bushcraft stuff follows brand names anyway, its not a fashion show.
w00dsmoke
15-04-2008, 19:09
I've got a Lidl one, which is ok, but it's not a match for my Laplander (and yes, I've got some hi-vis on the lanyard loop; and on my firesteel too since the pixies had my last one!).
:eek: No way! My liddles saw was so good I bought 5 and gave them away to folk as campfire gifts. Mine will beat a bahco anyday for speed of cutting! Maybe it's the way I use it! :lmao: I refuse point blank to spend £15 plus on a saw when one at £2.99 will cut better and last just as long! It's as good as any sandvick saw I have bought and used in the past for when I worked with trees!
Shambling Shaman
15-04-2008, 19:11
I dont get it!! I got mine from Wilkinsons for £2 odd and it works just great. How come bushcraft stuff follows brand names anyway, its not a fashion show.
You are wright, But I started with a cheep one and it snapped on me, almost a nasty accident. So got a Laplander - not looked back.
I suppose at the end of the day, it boils down to how much of a disposable income you have. The Bahco cuts on the push and pull strokes, whereas the rest cut on the pull stroke only. Saying that, it makes little difference. My 3 quid saw will get through wood in maybe a second less than a Bahco Lapplander, is one second that much really?
I dont get it!! I got mine from Wilkinsons for £2 odd and it works just great. How come bushcraft stuff follows brand names anyway, its not a fashion show.
Silky's tend to be arborists saws, as such they have a good reputation among a lot of outdoor workers, the Opinels that Neil1, Ogri and I use have pretty much the same tooth pattern that you would find on a Silky and we are all experienced of using Opinel stuff for years (so with us it's habit having known, it tried and tested it), the Bacho's have a good name and they have also been made popular by Mr Mears (being probably the most publicised bushcrafter in the UK).
It's not a competition, who's got best, but all of these saws have a reputation that has been established over a period of time and as such people know what they are getting before they buy because they have either tried one, tested one or had it recommended by a friend.
At the same time you can go out and find a gem at your local B&Q made by a company that nobody's ever heard of, but it's the amount of time you spend and the amount of money you spend looking for that gem that sometimes means you would be better off buying something which is tried and tested.
I suppose at the end of the day, it boils down to how much of a disposable income you have. The Bahco cuts on the push and pull strokes, whereas the rest cut on the pull stroke only. Saying that, it makes little difference. My 3 quid saw will get through wood in maybe a second less than a Bahco Lapplander, is one second that much really?
Yeah,
If want to make a real difference, could just take a bowsaw blade and build a frame.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-an-Ultralight-Portable-Buck-Saw/
About a fiver for a blade, and probably just as light as folder.
w00dsmoke
15-04-2008, 20:08
From a social anthropological view, culture, status and identity strike me as more important factors in determining what one chooses to use as their prefered tools rather than basic economics.
It's a complex subject, but I'm still sticking to my Liddels saw even though I bought five and could have bought any one of the more expensive saws with that same money! :D
Leigh Robinson
15-04-2008, 21:14
Its not about culture, status or identity.
For me I want a saw that others are using and have found well to use. My concerns are that I will buy a saw that turns a log into mush, snaps and bends within the first few goes leaving me cold and hungry and exhausted.
I don't want to fork out for 2 maybe 3 saws before i get a half decent one. I would rather ask opinions on people who are using the equipment. They always have the best informed opinion.
If I told anyone about bushcraft brand names I dont think they would care too much! Heck, I dont care and I dont know anything about brand names!
What I care about is quality and long term use. This is what I am willing to pay extra for.
So your suggestions have informed me there are some popular choices out there. Thanks guys.
I cant wait to be building a bigger fire!
The last one I had I managed to cook some mussels but I had to constantly feed the fire with twigs. Hopefully a few larger lumps of wood will give me a little rest and a longer burn.
Leigh, just get the Laplander; I have had cheaper and they work, for the extra few quid the Laplander will prove fantastic value. I was given one by a forum member over a year ago, "its been used and its on its last legs, but give it a try" said he, I'm still using that saw now and it works great.
bushcraftbob
16-04-2008, 08:51
Bought a mini one from B&Q for 6 quid, no complaints so far and have used it a lot
Singeblister
16-04-2008, 20:56
I used a bright yellow florabest saw from Lidel for 2 years with no problems at all ,,, until i lost it ,,, I just got a couple from Aldi 2 for a fiver they work fine the blades are perfectly tempered and wont bend or snap If the handles put you off try a re handle project on one :) If I do lose this kind of saw I wont be to bothered , I know a guy who had one of the fancy saws took it on a canoe trip ,,, plop oh how I laughed
Northsky
16-04-2008, 22:33
Bahco 360 hp had one for years bought it years ago, had a number of new blades. Got if originally for pro use but is excellent bushcraft saw.
andywinkk
16-04-2008, 23:25
I used a bright yellow florabest saw from Lidel for 2 years with no problems at all ,,, until i lost it ,,, I just got a couple from Aldi 2 for a fiver they work fine the blades are perfectly tempered and wont bend or snap If the handles put you off try a re handle project on one :) If I do lose this kind of saw I wont be to bothered , I know a guy who had one of the fancy saws took it on a canoe trip ,,, plop oh how I laughed
Ha ha it didnt make me laugh i loved that saw, I now use disposable saws from lidle, tryed and tested and they are good
pentrekeeper
17-04-2008, 13:34
I no longer use a folding saw, I found this sliding one, the blade is stored inside the handle. It is a bit smaller than a folder but fits in my pocket so much better, and there is little that it can't tackle. I can strongly recommend it.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn302/pentrekeeper/saws2.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn302/pentrekeeper/saws1.jpg
:)
Graham_S
17-04-2008, 14:05
I use one of them.
Brilliant saws They come in two sizes. the small one will fit in a response pack.
it will out cut a laplander (we did a test at the moot a few years back)
plus it's easily available from B&Q/Homebase and has a lifetime guarantee.
IntrepidStu
17-04-2008, 14:08
I no longer use a folding saw, I found this sliding one, the blade is stored inside the handle. It is a bit smaller than a folder but fits in my pocket so much better, and there is little that it can't tackle. I can strongly recommend it.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn302/pentrekeeper/saws2.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn302/pentrekeeper/saws1.jpg
:)
Are you also recomending the Wilco one?? I notice it has a high carbon steel blade. How does the Sliding one compare to the Wilco One??
laplander would be my choice, when it comes to bushcraft a few extra quid makes all the difference, youn can immediatly tell the difference from operating an inferior tool compared to a superior tool.
Graham_S
17-04-2008, 16:25
the point is, (in my mind at least), the wilkinson sword saw is not an inferior tool.
It cuts better, has good build quality, has a failsafe design, and has a lifetime guarantee.
Plus I think it's cheaper, and it is easily available.
Having used both, I'd call the laplander the inferior tool.
w00dsmoke
17-04-2008, 17:22
I see a culture develop with the use of less economically challenging saws where people are proud to show that they use.! :lmao:
I'm part of it!
You guys
:You_Rock_
Personally I find the Wilkinson slider a pain in the backside. I find that when the wood binds a bit, the blade slides back into the handle when you push forwards, often allowing your hand to thump into the log.
I guess I should be more careful! :p
rancid badger
17-04-2008, 17:54
the point is, (in my mind at least), the wilkinson sword saw is not an inferior tool.
It cuts better, has good build quality, has a failsafe design, and has a lifetime guarantee.
Plus I think it's cheaper, and it is easily available.
Having used both, I'd call the laplander the inferior tool.
I have used both, and your right, the Wilkinson Sword saw does cut better/faster, I'm not so sure about build quality, although the Wilky is definitely much more solid in the body than the Laplander, which has a tendency to flex.
However, We use the laplander saw for our bushcraft events, for issue to members of the public and the reason for this, is because; while I have seen two Wilkinson blades lose their tips ( top 30-50mm) I have not yet seen anyone break a Laplander blade. I'm sure people do, but in my experience they bend, rather than snap and can even be straightened up again (more or less).:bluThinki
So, once again, it's a case of compromise-do you have a saw that cuts very fast but is not as forgiving of the odd snag or twist or do you go with one that cuts a bit slower but can take a bit more abuse in the hands of beginners/less frequent users?
I don't think it's a case of one being inferior to the other, either way, they both have good points and bad points from my point of view.
All the best
R.B.
pentrekeeper
17-04-2008, 18:27
Nice one interpidstu, no I do not recommend the Wilko one in fact it is absolute rubish, even has ordinary saw teeth no good at all for green timber, the wife bought it for her to do some light pruning in the back garden.
Whatever you do DO NOT buy the Wilko.
The bigest plus for the slider is the small size fits very easily in the pocket, I work outside and I don't even notice it is in my pocket, yet it is man enough to tackle my needs.
I've had a Laplander for years and it's a good saw.
I just bought a Silky as an impulse at Tamarack last week.
It looks good and it'll fit my pocket better so I'll give it a go next week.
Outdoor idiots comparison of the Laplander to the Wilko saw
http://www.outdooridiots.com/features/200704/lightweightcuttingtools/lightweightcuttingtools3.asp
rancid badger
17-04-2008, 19:44
Just a correction/amendment to my earlier post:
I was referring to a folding Wilkinson Sword saw, NOT the one pictured with the "wilko" one. I have no idea on build quality on the one pictured.
apologies for any misunderstanding ;)
R.B.
IntrepidStu
17-04-2008, 21:00
Nice one interpidstu, no I do not recommend the Wilko one in fact it is absolute rubish, even has ordinary saw teeth no good at all for green timber, the wife bought it for her to do some light pruning in the back garden.
Whatever you do DO NOT buy the Wilko.
The bigest plus for the slider is the small size fits very easily in the pocket, I work outside and I don't even notice it is in my pocket, yet it is man enough to tackle my needs.
You wont believe how close I cam to popping to Wilkinsons (Its about 2 mins from me). Im so glad I didnt.
Nice one.
Stu.
You wont believe how close I cam to popping to Wilkinsons (Its about 2 mins from me). Im so glad I didnt.
Nice one.
Stu.
His might be the smaller of the two Wikinson ones available as the teeth on the pic above look fairly big?