Eljer found this saw and being in the market for a new saw I thought I would check it out and report my findings here.
Camp Saw at Upgrade Innovations

They have a couple options of the saw with the most basic being the "Pack Saw" which will transform from triangular saw to cooking rack.

The "Combi Saw" converts from triangular to buck saw which is really what I was looking for. But they only sell it as a package with bone and metal saw blades in addition to the wood blade. I didn't really want to pay more for saw blades I was unlikely to use so I got the "Camp Saw."

The "Camp Saw" converts from triangular to buck saw and can also be used as a cooking rack. It includes a wood cutting blade. Price is $39 US. It ships from Canada so shipping took about 10 days and cost $7-8. I believe the American and Canadian dollars are about on par right now but your mileage may vary depending on the strength of our/your currency.

Last year I was able to test drive a Sven Saw which convinced me it was time to upgrade. Up to this point I had been using a small retractable blade Gerber Saw which worked fine for smaller stuff but frankly was unstable and I felt dangerous at times. The Camp Saw is probably most comparable to a Sven saw-with the added buck saw functionality of the Sawvivor or Trailblazer. So I also purchased a Sven Saw (15" model-a "known entity") for comparison.

This is my initial impression, field research to follow with review of actual functionality.

I don't have a scale but for you oz counters the Camp Saws weight is reported as 9.8 oz. I think the 15" Sven is actually lighter than the Camp Saw but the only weight statement I could find on it is "less than 1# and I could be wrong. The compacted/folded up size of the saw is accurately reported as 1" diameter x 14.2". The Sven folds up to 1.5" (flatter) x 17.5".

The Camp Saw is pretty with its smooth aluminum tubing. BUT some of the aspects of it construction concern me. Namely the butt joints, the thin caliber tensioner device and the less substantial blade. Whereas the Sven Saw joints are "through and through" the handle pipe (2 points of stabilization) with the Camp Saw butt joints only one wall of the pipe is passed through-"through and NOT through." The end of the crossbar pipe is contoured to press against the second wall but I still think this is a weaker connection. Imagine attaching a 2x4 for a shelf bracket to a stud. You can butt it up against the wall behind the stud, but compared to a single screw which may function more like a pivot point, 2 screws are going to give a much more stable connection. As I mentioned earlier the Camp Saw's tensioner hardware is quite a narrow gauge in my opinion and the blade is clearly not as heavy duty as the Sven saws. I took a couple pictures to illustrate this. Tightened appropriately both saws and their joints seem stable but field testing will prove their stability.

I assembled the Sven which was quite easy and took 30-45 seconds. The Camp Saw took 2-3 times as long to assemble because there are four parts to hold together while trying to tighten things down. By comparison the Sven is basically 2 parts plus a wingnut. For ease of assembly the Sven easily wins. Assembling the Camp Saw as a buck saw takes somewhat more coordination/hands.

Functionality is to be determined and will be reported separately. Set up as the triangular saw the Camp Saw is pretty small (blade is 1" shorter than the Sven and the angle between the blade and the crossbar is narrower with the Camp Saw) meaning it will only handle smaller diameter wood. The buck saw which is designed for larger wood cutting should handle wood at least 5-5.5" diameter. The cooking rack stands up to 18.5" tall with the cross bar standing up to ~15" off the ground. The ground peg is optional (purchased separately) if you are planning to use the Camp Saw as a cooking rack you will need this or need to improvise something.

My initial impression is that the Sven Saw will be a more effective triangular saw. Obviously the versatility of the Camp Saw counts for something and depending on your needs may be the ticket. The ability to transform it to a buck saw is attractive and means it theoretically can handle larger wood. I am excited to get out and give these saws a try. I have a hermit neighbor that has a large tree branch laying in their front yard/across the sidewalk that should be good testing grounds.

tg

in the pics below where both saws or parts thereof are shown the Sven is on top, for example in the picture of the saw blades the Sven saw blade is on top, Camp Saw blade and tensioner below

i didn't put in all this time to have my thread drift down into the depths unnoticed:)

I'd be interested to learn how stable it is rigged as a buck saw. That would seem to be the most logical reason to consider this saw over the Sven saw.

I have a sawvivor myself, which I like but there are times when a bit bigger saw would be nice.

well done tg...thanks.

I think the triangle version would be pointless if you can make it into a bucksaw. The grill option is cool, but I really don't see the need for it unless bushwhacking.

I use a 24" Trailblazer take-down bucksaw, very pleased with it.

Agreed. Photo 4:
Bottom saw - all that is needed.
Top saw - parts are just more weight.
Tape measure - one of our guys would like one of these along so that I would make all fireplace cobs to his exact specifications.

Great report tg! Thank you.

I have a 21" Sven saw and it weighs 13.5 oz. Not sure what the 15" weighs but probably around 10. That buck saw option looks very interesting, please keep us posted on your testing.

schweady the buck saw uses all the same parts as the triangular saw PLUS the second vertical/handle (so no extra parts to leave home).

never brought a tape measure for measuring crosscuts but I do have a sticker tape measure on my canoe for measuring hogs!
tg

Great Review TG!! I enjoyed the comparison. Sticking with the Sven based on your comparison. Very helpful.

Nice review TG, I am with whiteH2O on this one. Have 2 Svens that wont die.
CB

Great view! The blade does look a bit on the light side. I'd like to know how it saws in both triangle and buck saw modes.

thanks guys-i might have another review or two up my sleeves:)

i will try to get out and do some wood cutting but can't guarantee it will get done before next weekend.

tg

preliminary testing...extended field test to follow

I am impressed with the stability of the Camp Saw. I don't know if there is an appreciable difference in stability comparing the Camp Saw set up in triangular format and the Sven Saw. Where the Sven has the through and through joint I mentioned earlier it does only have two "arms." The Camp Saw has three arms which while each is individually smaller really adds to the stability. In the bucksaw format the Camp saw also has three lateral components (blade, crossbar, tensioner). I was expecting twist but between the three arms everything was solid. It does feel lighter than the Sven Saw. It is very compact-perhaps too small for some.

I am getting better at assembly but it is still not nearly as easy to assemble as the Sven Saw unless you were born with with 4 hands.

In terms of cutting/function...the blade is decidely smaller and more lightweight than the Sven's. But because of the extra point of stabilization (3 arms versus 2) you don't need a thick blade. I suppose if twisting did become an issue you would want the heavier duty blade but as long as it isn't binding up too much/twisting the small blade should suffice. Replacement blades are proprietary as with the Sven-6 or 7 dollars if I recall plus shipping. The teeth on the Camp Saw blade are smaller than on the Sven which equates to a slightly smoother but slower cut.

I will be bringing both saws on a couple trips this spring-the first being over the fishing opener-less than 20 days away! Extended field testing reports to follow.

tg

Fishing opener!

Thanks for the continued update. Based on your reviews, and my own needs, I am leaning to the Camp Saw.

Hey Craig you are welcome to borrow it if you like-see if you like it.