Pocket Chain Saw

orrey45

orrey45

Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
1,825
Im not talking about one of those cheap wire saws.(Ive used one of the crappy wire ones and it was actually good until it broke in a few uses.)
liberty-mountain-lm-pocket-wire-saw.jpg


I refering to one of these.
pocket_saw.jpg


A saw seems like it would be better to use then a axe or hatchet in some instances. This kind would be smaller and lighter then a folding job as well as well as longer to get bigger strokes. I guess you could even make a bow when using it for longer periods of time.

Does anyone have any experience with these?
 
I actually own the pocket chain saw, have owned the wire saw (yes most are crap) but prefer the SAS wire saw. It is cheaper, lighter, packs smaller and works faster. I haven't been able to break it yet.
The chainsaw version works well, but takes some practice. The cutting edge is only on one side and it takes a little doing to get the groove started.
 
I have both as well and I agree for the most part. There are different types of the wire saw, and the cheaper versions do break easier. The SAS or "commando" or "NATO approved" ones are the ones you want as they seem to be stronger and have more strands. They only cost a few bucks more than the regular ones and they last longer. The heat from the friction seems to be what causes them to break faster, but for the price it is easy to carry two. I keep one in all my cars and trucks and bug out packs. They are also great for sawing through bone, pvc, heater hoses, etc.

The chain saw cuts faster IMO, but as said, it takes more practice. It works best for logs already felled that you can brace with one foot and then pull up against to work the saw; like in the picture. The one I have came with the chain in a can and nothing to carry the handles in.

So, they're both good and compact. Just have to realize their limitations.
 
I have a couple of the pocket chainsaw ones and they are awesome. Here is some information I posted about them a while back. I have owned the other ones mentioned in the thread, and found this one to be the easiest and fastest, but that is just me.
 
I have one of the wire ones in my PSK. I confess I have not bothered to test it yet (so sue me). Its made by Pro Force and looks pretty sturdy. I replaced the split rings with loops made from paracord which I figured would be easier on the fingers.

I have checked out the other version at EDCdepot but it wouldn't fit into my PSK (an Otterbox 2000) which is pretty jammed.

In all honesty, I much prefer the saws on the SAKs, and I recently got a OH GAK, which has the longer saw, and that just kills.
 
The SAS or "commando" or "NATO approved" ones are the ones you want as they seem to be stronger and have more strands. They only cost a few bucks more than the regular ones and they last longer.
Click to expand...
I have a British Commando saw made by a current NATO contractor in the UK, and while it works ok, it gets hung-up very easily in knots even very small ones. Additionally, it is a bit of effort to prevent the saw itself from kinking up. I bought one of the pocket chainsaws to replace it- the pocket chainsaw is a much better tool- better quality, more durable. I found that my Vic SAK saw was more efficient than the Commando saw- even when I had to make multiple cuts. Likewise the Pocket chainsaw is very efficient. For the couple extra ounces, it's worth it. FYI- I have the customer supplies his own handles model, and I carry a couple of nice, smoothed down pieces of branch (1.25" )about 4" long with it- very handy indeed.
 
I have one and use it. My only complaint is the constant action of the pocket chainsaw wears me out faster than the spurt/rest action of a hatchet. I can swing my hatchet all day long and don't get all that tired. But a few 30 second cuts to get through a few logs and I'm huffing and puffing. Maybe I'm out of shape, but the point is the pocket chainsaw takes more of a toll on me than a hatchet. The same should be true for anyone, to one extent or another.
 
I've tried a few different ones and never got on with them. The Pocket Chainsaw is apparently an improvement. I've not tried it, but the person who recommended it to me said it was better once you'd got the hang of the tendency for it to flip on the side. I usually go with either the little SAK Outrider saw or a full on 12inch bow saw. If I wanted something between I'd likely get one of these.
 
I like the pocket chainsaw so much that it is in my PSK. I find it great for making sawdust to help a fire get going and works really well at larger pieces if you have to. As far as handles go I have just snapped off a couple of branches and slid them into the handle rings so I do not have to carry the bulk.
Seen here:
Survivaltin1.jpg

It does take up a bit of space but IMO it is worth it.
 
After braking two wire saws (after reading what you said about NATO aproved ones... I guess they were the cheap ones,... maybe not!) I bought a Pocket Chainsaw and I couldn't be happier.
I find it really easy to use and I it doesn't feel like it is going to break at all. I got the one with the plastic handles but if you like traveling light you could just put two pieces of wood through the metal rings. If i ever break it, I will get another one for sure.
I know that some people have experimented with the saws from chain saws but they only cut one way.
Mikel
 
Liam Ryan said:
So I doubt these are an improvement over those fold up bow saws I was looking at.
Click to expand...

I guess they just pack smaller. Think about an Spec Ops sheath with a 4" knife on it and a Pocket Chainsaw in the sheath's pouch for example...
I won't say they will be more reliable but I think that if you ever break it... you could always get rid of the last pin and attach the handle there... you end up with a shorter saw but you still have a saw!
You can also cut recesed stuff that you couldn't reach with a fold up bow saw.
Mikel
 
Hi!

Since the search function is not avaliable (any more) for non paying users(registered users) it took me some time to find this thread :rolleyes:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=505918
...it started very similar to this and it is also pointing to some other useful information about saws.
I hope that helps You find a saw for yourself. A good saw is definitively better than a hachet or axe, specially if you carry your axe only for cutting wood .. you can not use a folding survival saw for your tent stakes and similar :D
 
I have used one of the pocket chain saws for years - with no problems. Like some of the other posters have stated, it is tiresome to use. However, it is efficient, has never broken and can be used simultaneously by two people to lesson the burden of sawing.
 
AfterTFD said:
Could one of those be used to quarter game, or would that just be too messy?
Click to expand...

I would guess that a wire saw would do ok. The chain saw would like a Texas Chainsaw Massacre bloodbath.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, I think I might give one of those chain saws a try.
 
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