Camp Saws

Featured review by JWatson

The most versatile of the Silky lineup, the Bigboy can do just about any job a backpacker could ask of a saw.

After using Silky's Katanaboy on a trail maintenance gig, I knew I needed one of my own. I mean, the hatchet is useful and all, and a solid piece of trail maintenance kit; but those things are heavy, not really backpacking material. So I treated myself to an early birthday present—right before the pandemic hit. D'oh! Fast forward six months, and I finally got to put my saw to use. And it's good. It's very good. The Katanaboy I was let to use by the trail boss last year was amazing—with that half-meter blade and handle, it made short work of several twelve-inch diameter logs, as detailed in my previous review.

Read more: Silky BigBoy reviews (4)

Featured review by Dustin White

Great tool for the money and weight.

Bought this to replace a foldable saw that was really not much more than a toy. The Sven saw, OTOH is a viable tool for anyone who needs light weight and a self stowing package (saw collapses into the red handle you see in the picture). At 21" you won't be lumberjacking, but cutting up limbs and trees up to about 8 inches in diameter is very realistic. The blade is SHARP, goes through pine like butter, and harder wood very effectively. We use this saw during our yearly BWCA excursions to avoid carrying a hatchet (the most dangerous tool in the woods next to a dull knife).

Read more: Sven Sven-Saw 21UL-2 Folding Saw reviews (4)

Featured review by PNW_John

A great, lightweight handsaw to toss in your pack. It works well at cutting wood for a fire as well as clearing smaller sized blowdown from across trails.

 This saw has some terrific features that make it great for backpacking: It is lightweight at 6.4 ounces. The saw is a peg toothed design at 7 teeth per inch (TPI) which works well on seasoned or dry timber. It also cuts in both push and pull directions, reducing fatigue. The blade is powder coated to reduce friction. The blade locks in place with a simple push button release. The handle is made of Santoprene which grips well in wet and dry conditions. It folds down to 9 inches, that easily stows in pack side pocket.

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Reviewed by JWatson

In the family of folding saws, Silky plays the role of the teched-up young prodigal son—and the Katanaboy is his hulking, gym-rat persona.

After seeing a few recent reviews of other Silky blades, I thought I should toss in my experience with something a little more sizable. I was working on a trail crew in the PNW and the crew leader brought along his personal blade, along with all the tools supplied by the volunteer organization. I was tasked with building some new steps in a particularly eroded section, and we needed a few logs. The crew leader and I hiked downhill for a minute to some downed timber and he whipped out this amazing blade.

Read more: Silky Katanaboy 500 review (1)

Featured review by Eidsvolling

I've had one of these saws for more than twenty years. It's the handiest backpacking saw around, in my opinion. It will cut through softwoods like you-know-what. If I didn't already have two large bow saws, I'd buy the 21 inch version of this saw as well and just keep it in my car. If you've ever seen a tree blocking your drive back to civilization, you'll know why.

The Sven-Saw is lightweight and fits into any backpack worth carrying. The saw is easily assembled, even when wearing gloves or mittens.

Read more: Sven Sven-Saw 15UL-3 Folding Saw reviews (2)

Reviewed by Todd Papianou

I feel compelled to do trail work whenever I am out for a hike. If I don't do it, when will be the next time a trail crew gets to it?

I needed a handsaw to replace another I had lost. Grabbed this SILKY at a local gear store. So happy with how it performs. It's small yet big. I do a lot of different types of trail work for mountain bikes, ski glades, hiking trails. It's a must-have in my pack. 

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Reviewed by AlexT.

Bob Dustrude's Quick Buck Saw is the most powerful folding backpacking bucksaw on the market. This saw is a tool of choice for any wood processing job whether being in the woods or on your backyard. Folding, packable, relatively lightweight, rugged and reliable, it will fit in almost any backpack. Simple and efficient construction from reliable materials the Quick Buck Saw offers the best value for money and will serve for many years.

Being in a back country for multiple days never goes without making fire, be that for cooking, warmth, coziness or fun. Meaning wood processing is one of the most frequent and typical task out there and one should always be equipped with a tool for that. Having tried multiple tool options over years of backcountry journeys including axes, hatchets, different kind of saws, etc. the Bob's Quick Buck Saw is my current tool of choice for wood processing regardless of the purpose or location: be that on day hike trail, multi day journey, or even pruning trees on my backyard.

Read more: Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw review (1)

Featured review by David M

This is a really cleverly designed saw. It is compact, efficient, cuts well, and sets up easily.

This is a really cleverly designed saw. It folds up to far more compact (if a little long) than other bucksaws/bowsaws, and the way it folds protects the teeth and other gear in my pack. The best part, however, is the way it tensions: as the saw unfolds, the one part of the handle hinges onto itself, creating a lever which keeps the blade tensions really high (and can be adjusted). I have found this makes for excellent performance, especially when compared with conventional bow saws which rely on wing nuts for tension.

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Reviewed by George Of The Jungle

It weighs almost nothing, fits almost anywhere, and cuts almost anything (wooden).

Worth its weight in gold. I've owned the Gerber Sliding Saw for a few years now, and I completely love it. I've broken a hefty inch or so off the tip of the blade from it getting snagged and kinking a few times, but most of it is still there and works like a champ. I've learned to focus more on the pulling action of the saw than the pushing, to avoid snagging and breaking more of the blade. I wouldn't call it brittle or anything, I've just used it pretty hard for what it is.   It's 7 3/4" long when closed (the length of the handle), and 13 1/2" open with a snapped off tip.

Read more: Gerber Sliding Saw review (1)

Reviewed by LoneStranger

Small but efficient hand powered chain saw. Very useful for trail work, firewood gathering and even at home.

This saw was purchased primarily for testing purposes without much expectation for good results.  When I opened the package and discovered the size of the saw in its case I definitely wasn't expecting much. The case dimensions are roughly 5"h x 3.5"w x 1.5d and it comes with a wide loop on the back for wearing on a belt or lashing to the outside of a pack. On removing the saw from the case I got my first surprise.  The resemblance to an actual chainsaw made me wonder if maybe this thing really could cut wood.

Read more: Chainmate 36-Inch Survival Pocket Saw review (1)