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HitTheTrail
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PostSat Dec 05, 2020 6:24 pm 
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
GOLD Gear saw. He can make it sub 3 ounces if you want.
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
Silky saw blade with 3-D printed handle

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HitTheTrail
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PostSat Dec 05, 2020 8:56 pm 
But will it trim brush between two trees so they don't scratch your butt while you lay in your hammock?

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Downhill
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PostSat Dec 05, 2020 9:11 pm 
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

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HitTheTrail
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PostSat Dec 05, 2020 9:27 pm 
Downhill wrote:
I shouldn't hijack your topic.
I can't take any credit for this topic. It has been on BackpackingLight for years.

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rossb
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PostMon Dec 07, 2020 8:49 am 
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.

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HitTheTrail
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PostMon Dec 07, 2020 1:42 pm 
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
handle outline
Cut handle
Cut handle

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HitTheTrail
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PostMon Dec 07, 2020 1:44 pm 
rossb wrote:
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.
I agree, this nice little saw can just be left in a pack with no problem. I think if Jan starts production the response will be overwhelming.

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BigBrunyon
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PostWed Dec 09, 2020 12:54 am 
A good harvestin' saw will give you a decent chance at rising to power on a multi day group trip

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HitTheTrail
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PostSun Jan 31, 2021 8:12 am 
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.

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rossb
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PostTue Feb 02, 2021 6:10 pm 
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.

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Sky Hiker
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PostTue Feb 02, 2021 6:36 pm 
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.

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Downhill
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PostFri Feb 05, 2021 10:52 pm 
I haven't hiked with a saw in 40 years. How is this even a thing??

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Sky Hiker
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PostSat Feb 06, 2021 10:01 am 
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.

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HitTheTrail
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PostMon Feb 08, 2021 10:17 am 
It is also cheaper and more environmentally friendly than large controlled burns.

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rossb
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PostTue Feb 09, 2021 8:38 am 
Sky Hiker wrote:
It's a thing because some of us hikers want the trail better when we left than when started.
Exactly.

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