My group tends to do fall trips, and we really like fires. Firewood near campsites tends to be more and more picked over, so we venture deeper into the woods and saw large log sections and haul them back to camp where we cut them down and split them with an axe. I'm looking for recommendations for durable, packable saws that can handle larger logs (up to 12", give or take).

We've used 24" Bahco bow saw. Great, but awkward to pack. Silky Big Boys work, but they dull fast and bind up in damp wood. I've used Sven saws before, but I just couldn't get it to cut straight (user error is possible...). I have a Wyoming take down bow saw that I like, but it's heavy for how small it is. I just bought a Samurai sheath saw for our upcoming trip, but it just seems cheap and flimsy. Am I just too picky?

Thanks for any input!

I’m a big fan of the Silky line, especially the Sugoi 420 mm. I like it for the handle too vs a straight handle, gives more grip and control. It cuts thru anything and has been razor sharp now for a few seasons.

Silky Sugoi Silky Sugoi

I love my Agawa Boreal 24, also a big fan of Silky saws but have only used some of their smaller line (pocket boy and gomboy) so can’t compare apples to apples.

I like my Agawa Boreal 21. They make a 24" too. A straight wrist makes for better ergonomics compared to a Silky, IMO, which was important to me as I've had tendinitis issues. The Agawa blades work well and are reasonably priced, but you can use any standard bow saw blade.

You can also buy them as kit with an extra blade and case. I also bought the spare parts kit. Haven't needed them or the extra blade yet.

I found the pull-type saws (Silky) typically work best for pruning, like doing trail maintenance, while the bow-type saws (Agawa) work best for processing downed wood, like BWCA camping.

Been using this for nearly 10 years now and havn't found anything better: Irwin Marathon 15" Carpenter Saw

Minnesotian: "
Been using this for nearly 10 years now and havn't found anything better: Irwin Marathon 15" Carpenter Saw "

+1

I use the same saw and it works like a champ. The thinner blade saws always seem to twist and bind on me. This blade is sturdy enough to power through bigger logs and the finer teeth on the end are great for starting a cut. It's a huge time saver.

To transport, I made a sheath from plastic packaging and duct tape, then I just tuck it into the straps on the side of my pack where it sits flat. It's not pretty but it saves a lot of effort in gathering wood when I can just power through the bigger logs that most people skip over.

Minnesotian: "
Been using this for nearly 10 years now and havn't found anything better: Irwin Marathon 15" Carpenter Saw "

This is another option if you want to go that route. This one has a plastic handle, which some prefer, and comes with a sheath. I haven't heard of any comparisons to the Irwin though.

Irwin also makes a 20" version of their famous saw. I have the 15" version and love it, but if you're looking to go bigger this would be a big step up.

Might be easier to find an option on Amazon, but if you have the time, you could build exactly what you're after. I followed an old boy scout pattern and built a collapsible bowsaw. I'm no carpenter but have been pleased with the end result. Has lasted close to ten years and breaks down into a narrow stuff sack.

portagerunner: "Might be easier to find an option on Amazon, but if you have the time, you could build exactly what you're after. I followed an old boy scout pattern and built a collapsible bowsaw. I'm no carpenter but have been pleased with the end result. Has lasted close to ten years and breaks down into a narrow stuff sack.


"

That is probably the most fitting saw for the BWCA that I’ve ever seen.
I might have to build one of those. Thanks for sharing.
Tom

plmn: "I like my Agawa Boreal 21. They make a 24" too. A straight wrist makes for better ergonomics compared to a Silky, IMO, which was important to me as I've had tendinitis issues. The Agawa blades work well and are reasonably priced, but you can use any standard bow saw blade.

You can also buy them as kit with an extra blade and case. I also bought the spare parts kit. Haven't needed them or the extra blade yet.

I found the pull-type saws (Silky) typically work best for pruning, like doing trail maintenance, while the bow-type saws (Agawa) work best for processing downed wood, like BWCA camping. "

I agree with everything plmn said here. I will add that the Silkys really need 2 hands and sometimes you have to have one hand on the wood. Also the blades on the AC saws never break (unlike the Silkys) and are very easy to replace or to carry a spare. Silkys will cut well and are very handy for clearing trails and such.

Minnesotian: "
Been using this for nearly 10 years now and havn't found anything better: Irwin Marathon 15" Carpenter Saw "

I also jumped on this Irwin bandwagon recently (one trip so far) and was extremely pleased with it's performance. I liked that the teeth are bent slightly to widen the kerf and prevent binding on those larger logs. I copied another user's creativity from a previous comment thread and crafted a sheath out of a flexible cutting board.

You don't like Silky? That's a shame. I love my Katana Boy and I wouldn't trade it out. Packs very well (no exposed teeth).

RickyBHangin: "I’m a big fan of the Silky line, especially the Sugoi 420 mm. I like it for the handle too vs a straight handle, gives more grip and control. It cuts thru anything and has been razor sharp now for a few seasons.


Silky Sugoi Silky Sugoi "

That looks like what I was hoping the Samurai saw would be. I might give that a try.

Minnesotian: "
Been using this for nearly 10 years now and havn't found anything better: Irwin Marathon 15" Carpenter Saw "

That's interesting. I can see that working, actually.

TheTallestHobbit: "You don't like Silky? That's a shame. I love my Katana Boy and I wouldn't trade it out. Packs very well (no exposed teeth)."

It does work pretty well. Up until you (or usually a trip-mate) bind up the blade while cutting vigorously and it breaks or bends. I've really tried to like them.

plmn: "I like my Agawa Boreal 21. They make a 24" too. A straight wrist makes for better ergonomics compared to a Silky, IMO, which was important to me as I've had tendinitis issues. The Agawa blades work well and are reasonably priced, but you can use any standard bow saw blade.

You can also buy them as kit with an extra blade and case. I also bought the spare parts kit. Haven't needed them or the extra blade yet.

I found the pull-type saws (Silky) typically work best for pruning, like doing trail maintenance, while the bow-type saws (Agawa) work best for processing downed wood, like BWCA camping. "

Yeah, I think the Silky Saw handle angle make more sense if you're standing on a ladder reaching for small branches. Which...I guess I try to avoid in the BWCA. Man though...is the Agawa $135 good? I mean I realize you have to pay for quality gear, but folding bow saws sound fragile to me.

I own a 14" Irwin, a 21" Agawa Canyon and an 8" Kershaw saw. In my opinion these saws could be used for cutting 12 inch diameter logs but none would do so efficiently. My first choice would be the Agawa Canyon and Irwin my last choice.

JN: "

plmn: "I like my Agawa Boreal 21. They make a 24" too. A straight wrist makes for better ergonomics compared to a Silky, IMO, which was important to me as I've had tendinitis issues. The Agawa blades work well and are reasonably priced, but you can use any standard bow saw blade.

You can also buy them as kit with an extra blade and case. I also bought the spare parts kit. Haven't needed them or the extra blade yet.

I found the pull-type saws (Silky) typically work best for pruning, like doing trail maintenance, while the bow-type saws (Agawa) work best for processing downed wood, like BWCA camping. "

Yeah, I think the Silky Saw handle angle make more sense if you're standing on a ladder reaching for small branches. Which...I guess I try to avoid in the BWCA. Man though...is the Agawa $135 good? I mean I realize you have to pay for quality gear, but folding bow saws sound fragile to me."

They are actually built like a tank, I've put mine through hell. Have had it for around 10 yrs. It is a very robust design considering the light weight. I think the 21" can be found for around 70.00 and the 24" for 90.00 or so. I never pack the sheath since the blade folds inside the saw. It is a neat design for a bow saw.

JN: "Yeah, I think the Silky Saw handle angle make more sense if you're standing on a ladder reaching for small branches. Which...I guess I try to avoid in the BWCA. Man though...is the Agawa $135 good? I mean I realize you have to pay for quality gear, but folding bow saws sound fragile to me."

The Agawa is very sturdy for a packable saw. A pull saw blade is easier to damage while cutting and a traditional saw is easier to damage when transporting.

Yeah it's fairly expensive if you get the full kit, but everything but the blade should last a lifetime. You pay a premium for the ability to fold it up and the aluminum and stainless steel construction. If that's not important to you, the Irwin or Fiskars are solid. A comparable Silky costs about the same, and a lot more if you break or wear out a blade.

I got the sheath mainly to carry the spare blade and parts and for the loops to lash it to a pack. It's nice to have but in hindsight I probably don't need it. Spare parts can pack elsewhere and the spare blade can fold up with the saw. I use the "aggressive" blade for cutting wood and the "all-purpose" is my backup.

Brautigam Expedition Works Titanium Bow Saws are bombproof, lightweight and have constant tension on them. They are an available in a variety of sizes and made in Minnesota.
Brautigam Expedition Works

CC

CanoeCountry: "Brautigam Expedition Works Titanium Bow Saws are bombproof, lightweight and have constant tension on them. They are an available in a variety of sizes and made in Minnesota.
Brautigam Expedition Works

CC"

I've never heard of them before. That's pretty cool, weighs half as much as my Agawa. But $250 for a bow saw...yikes.

plmn: "

CanoeCountry: "Brautigam Expedition Works Titanium Bow Saws are bombproof, lightweight and have constant tension on them. They are an available in a variety of sizes and made in Minnesota.
Brautigam Expedition Works

CC"

I've never heard of them before. That's pretty cool, weighs half as much as my Agawa. But $250 for a bow saw...yikes."

plmn, I agree 100%! It is a lot of money. That is why they make a great gift! The Brautigam saw is truely a lifetime saw, people spend that on knives, axes, paddles and any other number of "tools" for their outdoor pursuits. I will say that it is a piece of gear that brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

If you ever get a chance to give one a try it might change your mind.

CC

So I bought the 15" Irwin carpenters saw, and then I noticed the fire ban in effect and left it home. So...I guess I'll try it out a few times in the woods here before next year's trip and see how I like it. Thanks, all, for the input.

Surprised there hasn't been much love for the Sven Saw here - the 21" model is plenty large, lightweight, robust, and easy to set up. The only negative I've been able to find is that it's somewhat easy to lose the wing nut that's used to assemble the saw in the field (so I always carry an extra or two in my repair kit). They are available at REI and other outdoor stores, plus from the manufacturer: https://svensaw.com/shop/saws/sven-saw-21/
https://www.rei.com/product/245865/sven-saw-folding-saw-21

NikonF5user: "Surprised there hasn't been much love for the Sven Saw here - the 21" model is plenty large, lightweight, robust, and easy to set up. The only negative I've been able to find is that it's somewhat easy to lose the wing nut that's used to assemble the saw in the field (so I always carry an extra or two in my repair kit). They are available at REI and other outdoor stores, plus from the manufacturer: https://svensaw.com/shop/saws/sven-saw-21/
https://www.rei.com/product/245865/sven-saw-folding-saw-21"

Nevermind - immediately after posting I went back and reread the original post - the Sven Saw was mentioned there! I've not had an issue with mine not cutting straight, at least not significantly more or less than other bow saw, but I do agree that if not assembled to an adequequate tension it will bind a bit. I have thought about buying an extra-large handle wingnut to increase tension easier in the field when it's cold...

I recently was looking at saws after being on a couple of trips with a buddy who had a Silky Big Boy. Looked at and purchased the Sven Saw. Made in USA, born in the Boundary Waters... I was sold. Did a handle wrap with reflective black paracord and was really pleased.

Then...the fire ban. Oh well. (actually, was really glad they had put the fire ban on, it is dry up there and lots of leaf and needle litter that would go up like a tinderbox).

I too found that my Sven Saw would "pull" when cutting. I discovered that in tightening the wing nut, I would frequently angle the blade without noticing. I straightened the blade relative to the handle and it cut straight and true. Give it a try, you might find the Sven saw love again. :)

Has the Sven been updated at all in, oh I don't know, a recent decade? It occurred to me the one I used had probably been to the boundary waters in the 60s, and it could very well be an original version. Perhaps improvements have been made to the tensioning?

Minnesotian: "
Been using this for nearly 10 years now and havn't found anything better: Irwin Marathon 15" Carpenter Saw "

+1…just need to fashion a simple sheath. This saw saws!

JN: "Has the Sven been updated at all in, oh I don't know, a recent decade? It occurred to me the one I used had probably been to the boundary waters in the 60s, and it could very well be an original version. Perhaps improvements have been made to the tensioning?"

Nope, there have been no improvements to the Sven saw. It was cutting edge technology decades ago, but I found it to be very uncomfortable to use, even with a handle wrap, and the blade kept bending & binding so it was retired years ago in favor of the Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 and the Silky Big Boy. Both far surpass the Sven saw in quality, cutting and ease of use.

I'm sorry, but I cannot imagine a scenario where a Sven saw would be in any way as good as an Agawa Canyon. Not even close. Also, try a comparison where you saw continuously for 15 minutes or so with a Silky and then an Agawa. Try it where you have to saw with one hand because you have to use the other hand to hold the wood. I promise you it will be eye opening as the fatigue with the Silky can get intense rather quickly. If you are not processing a lot of firewood, and you want a saw to trim small branches in tight quarters like trail clearing, and/or you want a saw that literally just flips open, then a Silky might be what you want. They cut well, and are handy, but be careful not to tweak the blade as they will break. For processing firewood or any situation where you will be doing a lot of sawing just buy the Agawa. It is still pretty handy and can be unfolded and set up in about 5 seconds, saves on fatigue and wrist pain, has no parts to lose and is super tough. It's biggest drawback would be cutting really thick logs.