Choosing wood cutting tools for your survival gear can be complicated because of weight. Axes, hatchets, and saws can be heavy and cumbersome. A much lighter option is a flexible saw.
A flexible saw, or survival chainsaw, is a chainsaw-type blade strung between two handles. They all weigh in at 5 or 6 o.z. At that weight I can’t think why you wouldn’t want one in your survival gear.
Besides weight, it is pretty amazing how effective these things can be with very little effort. (See the video below) You just wrap it around a tree or piece of wood and slide back and forth.
After poking around online for a while I found there are 3 different saws that seem to be the most popular. The Unbelievable Saw, The Pocket Chainsaw, and The SaberCut saw
After looking at all three and reading customer reviews I think the SaberCut Saw is probably the best choice for a couple of reasons.
Loop Handles
It has loops instead of handles. Obviously your hands are going to get tired using this thing for long periods of time. Being able to put those around your wrists and pull with your arms instead of holding on with your fingers is going to be a huge advantage.
Also check out how the SaberCut connects to the blade and loops with metal clips and both the others use little pieces of nylon.
The SaberCut
Unbelievable Saw
Pocket Chainsaw
Chainsaw Blade
The SaberCut has a more traditional chainsaw blade that is stronger and can be sharpened with a chainsaw sharpening kit, whereas the others have saw tooth blades that will become dull faster and are harder to sharpen because there are so many. (Incidentally, who knew you could buy a chainsaw sharpening kit for your Dremel – Awesome)
The SaberCut is an actual chain, the other two are flat pieces of metal stamped together.
The SaberCut
Unbelievable Saw
Pocket Pocket Chainsaw
Pouch
The SaberCut saw comes with a pouch for easy carrying. The Pocket Chainsaw comes in a metal tin, and the Unbelievable Saw comes in a ziplock bag. (unbelievable). We are survivalists and every piece of gear needs a pouch. Period.
The SaberCut
Unbelievable Saw
Pocket Chainsaw
Specs
Here’s the quick specs on the SaberCut:
Material: Blade & handle clips: Black oxide coated steel
Weight: (saw and case): 6 ounces (170.1g)
Blade Length: 24 inches
You can get the SaberCut on Amazon for $26.
Video
Here is a short video of the SaberCut Saw in action. It is really a commercial from the company, but you still get to see it.
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My name is Lucas and I run SurvivalCache along with the help of several great contributing authors. You can read more on the
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
just one quick question wouldn't it be easier to just make the saber saw out of my own chain saw blades i have like 10 of the things around my house because of my 4 chain saws lol
That is something you should experiment with, come back and let us know how it works.
i am going to i have a buddy that is a metal smith so i can use his tools i think that will make it better lol i will let you know
Caine,
Good point. I did a little more digging and here's what I've come up with:
1- You have to find a secure way to attach the straps to the blade. Since you have access to a metal shop that might not be very difficult. For other it might be.
2 – It comes with a carry pouch. Really not a big deal, but still.
3. Finally, and really the only good reason, from the Ultimate Survival Technologies website:
"Unlike a standard chain saw blade which only cuts in one direction, the patented SaberCut™ blade cuts in both directions resulting in more efficient and less strenuous cutting. In addition, the cutting teeth are self-cleaning and require little maintenance beyond standard care and occasional sharpening. When sharpening is needed, you can use a standard chain saw blade sharpener (1/8")."
So really the one sided blade is the biggest drawn back.
But like Josh mentioned if you decided to do it be sure to let us know.
in response to number one: if you look at a chain it is not that hard as long as you have a punch and a drill.
number two: another thing that the compass pouch is good for lol.
number three: you can always use the chain saw file and sharpen the back side of the regular blade i am doing some experimenting with them now I figured out the handle and the pouch but still need to work on the double edge a little
other than that once i have my own i will send you and josh the pics of it.
I see that no one has answered this Question. The saws in question work in both directions, a chainsaw chain will only cut in one direction.
never mind, i didn't read all the comments……….
A big disadvantage, or safety issue is that you are now "tied" to what you are cutting. I would hate to be engrossed in cutting wood in this way and someone suddenly come up on me. With your wrists in the straps you are already tied up. Also, if something falls out of the tree, you cannot run. Having a team mate providing security and checking for "widow makers" is a good idea when using the "Saber Cut". Be able to roll your own and repair your own gear is always a big plus. However, the price is about what a chain saw would run anyway. I am picking one up….
mike,
that's something I hadn't even thought about, but a very good point.
I think having a team mate with you at all times, not just when using this saw, if probably a good idea.
When you get yours let us know how it works for you
if you dont want to be attached what you can do is just take two pieces of wood and slip them in the handles, then if something happens just let go of the handles
Um, use a an ax, or a machete. Faster, cheaper and more reliable. Axes are multi-taskers, no uni-taskers for me!
Blindgibbon,
I've chopped larger firewood with an axe and it's not exactly fun or fast.
If you are having a long term fire (i.e. more than a day) you're going to need a good amount of wood.
I would much rather section the wood with a pocket chainsaw like this than an axe.
I'd say they both have their uses in your survival tool kit, and as small and compact as the chainsaw is I don't see a reason not to take it if you can.
Survival is a calorie game, you want to take in more calories then you use, and these saws just burn way more calories than an axe, and they can break, dull and bind up. They are simply less efficient than an axe.
I will say that there is one reason I can think of why one of these things would be useful and that is for concealement and stealth, they probabl make less noise than an axe.
The thing you are forgetting is portability. While you certainly can strap an axe to your pack, its a lot easier to just stick one of these little saws in your pocket or in your pack, that and these saws weigh a whole lot less. Take your pick…
I, and several outdoor organiations disagree with you. "Although the axe is a traditional wood working tool, saws are usually recommended for trail work because they are safer and generally more efficient." from http://www.americantrails.org/resources/info/tool...
An Axe also requires more energy just to carry. So, an axe is less efficient, more dangerous and causes more calories to be burned even when you aren't using it. Saw 3, axe 0.
you cut a med thick (fat) tree and as the fire burns what is in the fire pit you push the 'log' on in a bit more. We have done this often….. no ned to cut every PIECE you burn to fire pit length.
The best survival book you can get is the Boy Scout Manual. Period.
I have had my copy for about 12-13 years now and it has never failed me.
However, it is a book that covers a lot of topics and can only give limited information on each subject.
If you need more detail you'll need a dedicated book.
The Scout Field Book is even better imo.
nahhhhh.. the scouts are strait but you gotta go with a civil air patrol field manual.
it seems like for fire wood purpouses you could use a sturdy knife with a good club and cut down smaller trees easier, the only thing i think you need an axe or chainsaw for would be building a long term log cabin
You can certainly fell and split small trees with a knife, but if you have ever had to do it for a long time as in keeping a fire going all day, an axe sure makes things a lot nicer.
The biggest potential issue I see, and which has already been touched on, is the fact that you are tethered to the tree which you are attempting to fall. If you have your hands in those loops, especially with gloves on, you may not be able to move quick enough if the tree decides to fall your way. I like the idea of using sticks to create quick release handles. In any case…I think one of these will be finding its way into my pack soon.
I have the Pocket Chainsaw and its awesome. It works fast, its flexible, and packs small. Not to mention the fact that the can protects it from weather. Ive used this saw for a long time and havent had it dull on me. I just oil it and put it in the can. Small sticks through the rings work well as handles. I dont think Id bother with loops.
Thanks, we are looking forward to it.