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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Saw recommendations |
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05/28/2019 11:50AM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
It is our first trip to the Boundary Waters. We plan on traveling light with single portage trips. We would like to bring a lightweight saw for cutting firewood. Any recommendations for a lightweight, but good saw?
05/28/2019 12:10PM
Take a look at the Sven Saw. Lightweight and packs small. There are other saws, too, but this one is pretty commonly used. I've used one for years.
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
05/28/2019 01:36PM
x2jmorris: "I see Jackfish modded this thread for him to appear first response ;)"
LOL Mr. Morris. :)
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
05/28/2019 03:55PM
Jaywalker: "Silky makes some great saws. The Gomboy or Pocketboy are pretty small. "
The Katanaboy is my go to. The best $100 you can spend...even if it is overkill.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
05/28/2019 04:32PM
I really like the Silky BigBoy 2000 for the size/weight. I just returned last night from trip where used it to cut a bunch of 1"-12" diameter. Why 1" you ask? When it's cold, windy and drizzly and your son is tired of fishing you make your own poker chips and teach him to play poker. :)
05/28/2019 04:44PM
Jaywalker: "Silky makes some great saws. The Gomboy or Pocketboy are pretty small. "
I'd bring a Silky Ultra Accel with a curved blade in your situation. Fast, effective, light, and good enough for anything you'd want to burn under a Forest Service fire grate. It's the smallest saw we use on our trail clearing trips and it's surprisingly effective.
05/28/2019 08:28PM
nctry: "IndyCanoe: "Huge fan of the Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 "
This saw is by far the best I have ever owned."
Agree. I have a couple of Svens that have not been used ever since I got one of these. The Sven is lighter, however, so there is that.
"The future ain't what it used to be" Yogi Berra
05/28/2019 08:55PM
I've tried a number of different options including most mentioned in this thread but the Fanno Pony works best for me. Cuts like butter, very light. I had one gifted to me by an arborist who made a mistake on the job... but I won't go into that. It's just a great saw!
Fanno Pony 13"
Fanno Pony 13"
Is it proper that the wilderness and its creatures should suffer because we came? RP
05/28/2019 09:11PM
TominMpls: "I'd bring a Silky Ultra Accel with a curved blade in your situation. Fast, effective, light, and good enough for anything you'd want to burn under a Forest Service fire grate. It's the smallest saw we use on our trail clearing trips and it's surprisingly effective."
+1
This is the only one I consider bringing since I picked it up a few years ago. It's great for wood hunting missions, and breaking down the haul back at camp. I like that it is easy to maneuver between tight or tangled branches, and it does every bit as good a job in the yard back home. My buddy still insists on bringing his own saw on trips (he's got a slightly smaller Silky with a straight blade), but the Ultra Accel is the one that always seems to get reached for.
05/29/2019 08:30AM
Since this is your first trip and you want to go light I recommend this: Corona folding saw It is only $20.00, very efficient, and folds into itself. No sheath or assembly needed. I have used the same one on several trips and use it around the house and for hunting. I try to cook over fire and have campfires just about every day I am camping. I also recommend bringing leather gloves to use when cutting firewood. Any of the saws listed here will mess you up quick. If you enjoy your trip and want to repeat you can always retire the saw to home use and invest in something more expensive. Corona saw from Lowes
05/29/2019 02:48PM
My favorite saw for weight to cutting length ability is the Silky 2000 (Orange saw). It is my go to saw Spring through fall. If you have other members of your party who will be using it they will need to understand that a pull saw cuts on the pull stroke and will bend or break if they apply downward pressure on the push stroke. If you are worried that people won't respect your equipment I would go with the Boreal 21(Green saw). Highly portable, quick to deploy, strong and cheap to replace the blade.
05/29/2019 08:38PM
I've used a Sven Saw for the past 15 years and have no issues with it. After reading the responses above, I checked out a bunch of the highly recommended ones. After checking them out and watching some videos, I'm going to stick with my Sven. It's done a great job all these years, and doesn't seem to cut any slower than the others.
05/30/2019 09:37AM
What I don't like about the Sven Saw is that it has loose parts - a wing nut and washer that have to be removed, then reinstalled every time you set up or collapse the saw. If you lose them in the woods, your saw is useless. That's what I like about the Agawa Boreal 21, no loose parts.
But the Silkys have won my admiration because they're simpler, with less to go wrong, and they're more maneuverable than a bow saw in tight spaces.
But the Silkys have won my admiration because they're simpler, with less to go wrong, and they're more maneuverable than a bow saw in tight spaces.
05/30/2019 10:08PM
I have tried several collapsible and folding saws and always felt disappointed by their performance. I tried to resist the recommendations of several members here thinking there was no possible way a $16 Irwin saw would beat them all. I finally gave in and the only regret was not getting one sooner. The Irwin isn't what comes to mind when you think camping saw but it cuts straight, fast and has an excellent grip on it. Irwin protouch coarse cut saw
"Leave it as it is.....The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it." Theodore Roosevelt
06/01/2019 03:07PM
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade, 7 TPI
I purchased it two seasons ago, goes for around $23 on sale.
Very light weight but sturdy, small, cuts in both directions folds neatly. I prefer this design over the bow saw design because you can get into smaller areas that a bow saw can't. When you're cutting downed trees and want to cut away small branches and limbs, a bow saw isn't good for that work. But you can get the single blade of the Bacho into hard to work areas, clear out all the smaller branches, then make short work of the trunk.
Keep in mind, if you're in the BWCA, you're not going to be cutting down 12" timber, most of the dead stuff you'll be using for firewood will be 4-6". This is perfect for that environment.
For BWCA, I believe a saw is a bit of a luxury item. There is more than enough dead scrub to make endless fires. And you can always find ways to break larger trunks down through leverage. But this is so small and light, it makes the cut (pun intended).
I purchased it two seasons ago, goes for around $23 on sale.
Very light weight but sturdy, small, cuts in both directions folds neatly. I prefer this design over the bow saw design because you can get into smaller areas that a bow saw can't. When you're cutting downed trees and want to cut away small branches and limbs, a bow saw isn't good for that work. But you can get the single blade of the Bacho into hard to work areas, clear out all the smaller branches, then make short work of the trunk.
Keep in mind, if you're in the BWCA, you're not going to be cutting down 12" timber, most of the dead stuff you'll be using for firewood will be 4-6". This is perfect for that environment.
For BWCA, I believe a saw is a bit of a luxury item. There is more than enough dead scrub to make endless fires. And you can always find ways to break larger trunks down through leverage. But this is so small and light, it makes the cut (pun intended).
06/01/2019 04:32PM
I've always used a Sven saw. I love it. never any issues with it, except my cuts always tend to curve, on bigger logs, towards the end of my cut. I assume it's operator error due to not keeping the blade perfectly vertical and a thin blade.
I just ordered a Silky Bigboy mostly because I need to cut some trees along my fence line, but will take it on my trip next week too.
I just ordered a Silky Bigboy mostly because I need to cut some trees along my fence line, but will take it on my trip next week too.
01/23/2022 12:33PM
IndyCanoe: "Huge fan of the Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 "
After using a Sven Saw for years and finding it quite good enough, I recently graduated to this Agawa saw and really, really liked it. For our large group of 8-9 people this year I think I'm going to bring both of these saws.
01/23/2022 01:22PM
I have three things and I always take two of them, but not all three. I take two of them to have a backup, though I'm starting to think I can take just one if it's one of the saws.
As with any saw, pay attention to the type of blade you bring. If you get that wrong you will be working harder than you have to. I usually have an all-around type blade on the saw and a more aggressive one as my backup.
Silky F180: I really like this saw. If I lost it I'd probably replace it with the Gomboy, but I'd have to give it thought. If I only had to take one saw, it would be this one.
Agawa BOREAL 21 KIT: This thing really mows through the wood, and though I said I'd take the Silky if I only had to take one, I'd always argue with myself. The SIlky would win the argument because of how easy it is to get into tighter spaces and to do trim work, but I'd still argue with myself. If I know that others are taking a Silky type saw, I bring this.
GRÄNSFORS BRUK Outdoor Axe: This is my third choice. and is normally not taken unless I'm on a solo outing and spend quite a bit of time in camp. When I'm solo I like to really process my wood, create feathers for starters, and trip a stick more than is necessary. I could do all of that with a camp knife, but I like using this axe instead. If I DO take this axe, I leave a camp knife in the vehicle. Overall taking this axe just adds extra weight.
As with any saw, pay attention to the type of blade you bring. If you get that wrong you will be working harder than you have to. I usually have an all-around type blade on the saw and a more aggressive one as my backup.
Silky F180: I really like this saw. If I lost it I'd probably replace it with the Gomboy, but I'd have to give it thought. If I only had to take one saw, it would be this one.
Agawa BOREAL 21 KIT: This thing really mows through the wood, and though I said I'd take the Silky if I only had to take one, I'd always argue with myself. The SIlky would win the argument because of how easy it is to get into tighter spaces and to do trim work, but I'd still argue with myself. If I know that others are taking a Silky type saw, I bring this.
GRÄNSFORS BRUK Outdoor Axe: This is my third choice. and is normally not taken unless I'm on a solo outing and spend quite a bit of time in camp. When I'm solo I like to really process my wood, create feathers for starters, and trip a stick more than is necessary. I could do all of that with a camp knife, but I like using this axe instead. If I DO take this axe, I leave a camp knife in the vehicle. Overall taking this axe just adds extra weight.
01/23/2022 04:51PM
DeanL: "I have tried several collapsible and folding saws and always felt disappointed by their performance. I tried to resist the recommendations of several members here thinking there was no possible way a $16 Irwin saw would beat them all. I finally gave in and the only regret was not getting one sooner. The Irwin isn't what comes to mind when you think camping saw but it cuts straight, fast and has an excellent grip on it. Irwin protouch coarse cut saw "
I have used the Irwin Protouch coarse cut saw for many years now and couldn't be happier with the way it handles my sawing needs. The price is just the icing on the cake.
Old Scout
01/23/2022 08:09PM
nctry: "IndyCanoe: "Huge fan of the Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 "
This saw is by far the best I have ever owned."
Yep, this saw is my go-to as well now. The Sven saw hasn't tripped with me for years because I don't like the ergonomics, the thin blade and parts that can get lost.
Endeavor to persevere.
01/25/2022 05:32PM
Saberboys: "I started with a Sven Saw, then upgraded to the Irwin, and now use a Silky Big Boy. The Silky is hands down my favorite. It rips through would with extreme ease. Take care of it, and you will not be disappointed."
I've considered this to take the place of my Agawa Boreal Canyon 21. I don't think it is "better" but just gives me the feel of my smaller silky with the larger equipment capability.
01/25/2022 11:12PM
yellowcanoe: "Bob Dustrude Folding Buck Saw
Dustrude Buck Saw "
I tried to get one of these for last years trip but they were not available anywhere I could find. Ended up getting the Tuff Camp saw from Spring Creek. Went with the 30” model, with the thought I’d be able to take care of all that 8”to 10” stuff that’s just a bit too big for most to bother with around camp. It does it, and is even big enough to run with someone on each end. That said, a stiffer frame and more tension on the blade would be helpful. It wants to wobble and flex while cutting, even with one person. The saw comes with the blade bolted through the outer most hole, which felt tight when assembling but before the first cut was finished we stopped and moved the bolt to the inner hole, which helped. I would assume the 24” model is more rigid given the size difference. We’ll continue to use it, probably for years, but I’d be curious to hear if the Dustrudes are available again and if they’re a bit more robust. We’ve got an Agawa Boreal 21 in camp as well. That thing can really cut!
01/26/2022 04:13PM
Bob Dustrude passed away a few years ago, he was in his 90’s and still making saws. His grandson tried to continue but wasn’t able to keep it going.
Spring Creek took over making the saws. Chuck change the saws using square aluminum tubing instead of the channel to stiffen up the saw. Piragis in Ely sells them or you can order them from Spring Creek.
Carl
Spring Creek took over making the saws. Chuck change the saws using square aluminum tubing instead of the channel to stiffen up the saw. Piragis in Ely sells them or you can order them from Spring Creek.
Carl
02/02/2022 02:23PM
unshavenman: "nctry: "IndyCanoe: "Huge fan of the Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 "
This saw is by far the best I have ever owned."
Yep, this saw is my go-to as well now. The Sven saw hasn't tripped with me for years because I don't like the ergonomics, the thin blade and parts that can get lost."
Edit: This thread talked me into buying the Silky Big Boy which just arrived a few days ago. I'm looking forward to tripping with it and comparing it to the Agawa Canyon.
Endeavor to persevere.
02/03/2022 12:49AM
goetzc: "I really like the Silky BigBoy 2000 for the size/weight. I just returned last night from trip where used it to cut a bunch of 1"-12" diameter. Why 1" you ask? When it's cold, windy and drizzly and your son is tired of fishing you make your own poker chips and teach him to play poker. :)
"
+1! Not overkill and a joy to use.
02/03/2022 09:42AM
Throwing a new option in the mix:
Silky Professional SUGOWAZA saw 420mm XL Teeth
Youtube review:
Silky Sugowaza Ultimate Hiking & Camping Saw
This guy rips through the decent sized oak round rather quickly.
I have a Silky Gomboy 210. I love that it's light and portable, but it's too small to cut through larger logs. The short throw wears me out more quickly, and also don't like the hand position while sazawing away — hand cramps up quickly. The Sugowaza hand position looks much more comfortable.
If you're not cutting through anything substantially large, the 210 is solid. It'll rip through 4-5" rounds pretty quickly.
If you want a ripping fire while using larger logs, which is what we love to do, then you'd definitely want something larger. That Sugowaza looks fantastic for me - for both camping and home use.
Silky Professional SUGOWAZA saw 420mm XL Teeth
Youtube review:
Silky Sugowaza Ultimate Hiking & Camping Saw
This guy rips through the decent sized oak round rather quickly.
I have a Silky Gomboy 210. I love that it's light and portable, but it's too small to cut through larger logs. The short throw wears me out more quickly, and also don't like the hand position while sazawing away — hand cramps up quickly. The Sugowaza hand position looks much more comfortable.
If you're not cutting through anything substantially large, the 210 is solid. It'll rip through 4-5" rounds pretty quickly.
If you want a ripping fire while using larger logs, which is what we love to do, then you'd definitely want something larger. That Sugowaza looks fantastic for me - for both camping and home use.
"Now bring me that horizon"... - Captain Jack Sparrow
03/03/2022 04:42AM
Sven saw cuts great,but there is a wing nut to potentially lose plus it kinda has sharp corners that u want to somehow wrap so they don’t tear any of your gear.IMO the Agawa is a better design.I have both and now leave ole Sven at home
03/03/2022 10:04PM
Another vote for the Boreal 21. The silly’s are great too but for me the bow style works better and I’ve broken a lot of tips off folding saws, silly included. I do have a gerber Freescape which is smaller and cheaper than the boreal 21 but If I had to have one it would be the Boreal 21. No parts to lose like a Sven and no tips to break like the folding saws. Those blades stay sharp a long time too. Buy once, cry once.
“When one finally arrives at the point where schedules are forgotton and becomes immerised in ancient rhythms, one begins to live. “ -Sigurd Olson
03/04/2022 07:26AM
I have a "like new" Boreal 21 with a new sheath and 2 new extra blades for sale over in the For Sale forum if anyone is interested. I agree, it's a great saw. I had a Sven and it was easy to loose parts. I do love my Silky however.
03/07/2022 11:46PM
I own a Silkey Gomboy 240, Silky Bigboy, and the Agawa Boreal 21. The Bigboy is probably the one I use the least. If I'm canoeing or backpacking I take the Gomboy and just camping and want to cut a lot of firewood I take the Boreal 21. I notice I have a lot more arm fatigue with the Silky's due to using your forearm more instead of your bicep with the Boreal 21. Helps to use 2 hands with the Bigboy.
Just a guy and his dog. My YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRuOcIgt_VJIRfkZES0GJLQ
03/09/2022 10:53AM
Cutting wood for a fire is mostly a waste of time. I just put one end of a long tree in the fire and push it in as it burns. I have a folding saw but rarely bring it. On remote trips I usually bring an axe in case we need to make a paddle. If people are drinking I hide it.
The old ways are the best ways.
03/09/2022 02:28PM
ppine: "Cutting wood for a fire is mostly a waste of time. I just put one end of a long tree in the fire and push it in as it burns. I have a folding saw but rarely bring it. On remote trips I usually bring an axe in case we need to make a paddle. If people are drinking I hide it. "
Pretty sure you're trying to make a joke here. If not, I have to say I've occupied the site you just left on more than a few occasions. Weird coincidence, eh. Your ears must have been burning something fierce.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." -- Yogi Berra
03/14/2022 12:44PM
No shortage of advice here!
Here's what I would say.
There are basically two applications.
1. Clearing a portage...saplings, alders...no more than 2-3".
2. Cutting long logs up.for firewood. Cutting down standing deadwood where permitted.
The first application is clearly something that the Silky-type folding saws are going to be better at. Much easier to store and brandish than a bow saw and you won't need the beefiness of a bow saw.
The second application is clearly something that a bowsaw is going to excel at. The Boreal21 will handle logs up.to.8" or so. Beyond that....it's not worth sawing up even if your saw will accommodate it.
The Boreal21 draws on the designs of the older Sven and Dustrade. But there are no parts to assemble or disassemble and lose. It simply folds open and clicks into place. It's a genius design. Spend the $75. Even if you don't go tripping again, it's a fantastic saw to use at home and camp.
So I you are only taking one saw, I'd say you have to look at whether you will do more of trail clearing or firewood cutting.
Here's what I would say.
There are basically two applications.
1. Clearing a portage...saplings, alders...no more than 2-3".
2. Cutting long logs up.for firewood. Cutting down standing deadwood where permitted.
The first application is clearly something that the Silky-type folding saws are going to be better at. Much easier to store and brandish than a bow saw and you won't need the beefiness of a bow saw.
The second application is clearly something that a bowsaw is going to excel at. The Boreal21 will handle logs up.to.8" or so. Beyond that....it's not worth sawing up even if your saw will accommodate it.
The Boreal21 draws on the designs of the older Sven and Dustrade. But there are no parts to assemble or disassemble and lose. It simply folds open and clicks into place. It's a genius design. Spend the $75. Even if you don't go tripping again, it's a fantastic saw to use at home and camp.
So I you are only taking one saw, I'd say you have to look at whether you will do more of trail clearing or firewood cutting.
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