Great Little Camp Saw!

[Nonprophet]

I've had a Sven saw for about 20 years (sheesh, has it been that long???) that I use for camping. It only cost about $30 or so new, and I've certainly got my money's worth from it.

It has gotten a little dull over the years (though it's still pretty darn sharp considering how many logs I've cut and never sharpened it....) and so lately I've been looking for a replacement. One of the great things about the Sven saws is that not only are they razor-sharp, but they fold up into a nice small package great for camping or especially backpacking.

In looking for a replacement I came across these pruning saws by Corona http://www.coronaclipper.com/index.c...category_id=27

Man, are these little suckers sharp! I can literally cut through a 4" log in about 10 seconds! Their blades are quality steel, and feature the Japanese-style pull stroke cutting that IMHO is so much better than push cut or even cross cut blades (much less effort--much faster cutting). Between the pull-cut and the curved blade, these saws go through wood like a hot knife through butter! Our local Jerry's (our equivalent of Home Depot) has them for only $19.95, and you can even buy a nice nylon/plastic sheath for the saw for only $9. (http://www.coronaclipper.com/index.c..._category_id=1
The Corona saw and sheath are roughly the same size and weight as the Sven saw, though true backpackers would probably be better off with the Sven as it is thinner.

I've been using the Corona saw for a few weeks now and while I'll keep my trusty Sven saw around for emergencies, the Corona saw is the simply the best hand saw I've ever used--all for only $20!!!


NP

[bigreen505]

This begs the question, admittedly from a newbie, if you have this do you still need an axe?

[Bergger]

Saws are good for deadfalls or cutting up large stuff but I never go out without an axe. It's tough to split firewood or shave kindling with a saw.

[Nonprophet]

This begs the question, admittedly from a newbie, if you have this do you still need an axe?

In my "camping kit" (a large plastic roughneck bin w/lid) I also carry a small Estwing wood splitter. I used to carry a small axe too, but found that the only thing I really needed an axe for was to split larger logs (and really, I think with a well-built and hot fire that that's really not necessary) , and most axes do a very poor job of this IMHO.

It's far easier to fell and/or cut limbs to length with a sharp saw than with an axe IMHO and kindling is readily available via smaller branches and twigs.

With my new 13" Corona saw and my old Estwing splitting mawl, I've got all my needs covered.