The swede saw, in all it's forms is a great tool, for everyday work, camping and survival. Although I would never want to be without an axe, the saw runs a close second. I carry a Trail Blazer type saw when expecting to use wood fires.

Terms as commonly used in the logging industry in my experience (local terms may vary):

Swede Saw - A usually bow shaped steel frame with a tensioned blade (see the picture from Scafool on P 4). First imported from Sweden in the early 1900's. Usually set up for one man to cut more quickly since the blade is in tension (pulled) in both directions.

Bow Saw - Any saw with a bow shaped frame.

Buck Saw - A saw where the blade is tensioned by a screw or cord (again see the picture by Scafool). Designed for Bucking wood - crosscutting down timber to appropiate length for expected use (often on a crossbuck, a stand to hold the wood).

Two man saw - Any saw used by two men, could be a Swede saw, a crosscut saw or a whip saw (or one of several other types).

Two man crosscut - A large saw (often from 4 feet to 8 feet long) that is used in felling trees and cutting them to length (cutting across the grain of the wood).

Two man rip saw (a Whip saw) - A large saw, usually similar in shape to a crosscut, used for making planks out of trees. Often a wider blade (to keep the cut straight for long distances), the teeth are different to improve cutting speed when cutting with the grain. Different teeth may be used for green and dry wood.


The best,

JerryF