[HitTheTrail]

If you have been on the BackpackingLight forum in the past few years you know there are a couple of threads about light weight saws. Some of the most interesting discussion is in the DYI thread. I just picked up two saws from folks in that thread.

Dave Gardner from https://gold-gear-96.webself.net/home basically takes Corona saw blades (available on Amazon) then grinds them down and welds on a handle. I have field tested it in my garden and it feels and saws great.

GOLD Gear saw

GOLD Gear saw. He can make it sub 3 ounces if you want.

Also, It has been said that the Silky Pocketboy is one of the best small saws but the handle is bulky and makes it around a half pound. No problem....Jan Rezac from the Czech Republic has perfected a 3-D printed honeycomb handle that is about one ounce. Because of print time and availability of materials I am not sure they are in commercial production but I got lucky and managed to get one. I also tested this on green wood in my garden and it works great. What a nice little saw.

Silky saw blade with 3-D printed handle

[HitTheTrail]

But will it trim brush between two trees so they don't scratch your butt while you lay in your hammock?

[Downhill]

Sorry, Lloyd, I shouldn't hijack your topic.  Just being a smart***. 

I used to carry lightweight saw(s) but since most of the places I go anymore prohibit fires, it's become unnecessary.  I have some super-cool, light-weight saws that I use for pruning that I think could work well in the backcountry too

[HitTheTrail]

[rossb]

I got one of the folding ones. I like the idea of just throwing a small saw in my day pack, and having it handy for trail maintenance.

[HitTheTrail]

OOPS! My humble apologies to Dave, he does not weld the handle on to his saws. He cuts it from the mother blade. That would make it a much more substantial design.

handle outline

Cut handle

[HitTheTrail]

[BigBrunyon]

A good harvestin' saw will give you a decent chance at rising to power on a multi day group trip

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YOU NEVER KNOW!!

[HitTheTrail]

The latest on the Silky Pocketboy 170mm sub 3 oz saw is that Jan is now printing a new smaller version. It uses the 130mm silky blade and has a total length of 6.7" and weighs just 2 oz. If you want one he is taking orders over on the BackpackingLight DYI forum. You just have to send him a private message and have him put you on the order list.

[rossb]

Thanks for the update. I have the original one, and now I'm going to get the one that is even smaller. Either way, it makes a huge difference. It isn't really the overall weight, it is about putting it in your pocket. I've used the original one with a small blade when cross country skiing. I stuff it in my pack, and take it out as necessary. But after the first time I take it out, I just throw it my pocket. The standard handle was pretty heavy -- it would start to pull down my pants after a while. I can barely feel this one.

[Sky Hiker]

I would prefer a sturdy, ability to hold an edge, and if needed easy to sharpen saw. It's very hard to find one with these qualities. I probably should just find someone that sharpens crosscut saws.

[Downhill]

I haven't hiked with a saw in 40 years.  How is this even a thing??

[Sky Hiker]

It's a thing because some of us hikers want the trail better when we left than when started.  It's not all about bragging you put in 25 miles a day.

[HitTheTrail]

It is also cheaper and more environmentally friendly than large controlled burns.

[rossb]