I was thinking about wire saws after reading this thread, and although I carry a Varco Govt. Issue saw in my kit, I was doing a little reading on the web, and read about an older USMC issue wire saw. You can access the site http://www.donrearic.com/main.html . This site is accessable via ETS survival links, and Don has a lot of interesting things to say. Anyway, he tested out the wire saws, and I was impressed on his thoughts about the wire saws. I looked for one of these older USMC issue saws, and found it on eBay. I decided to pick one up. For most, $12 for the saw as opposed to $5 or 6 for the Varco may be steep, but there are 2 saw blades and it seems much more adaptable. I will get the saw later this week and let you know what I find. Will do a side by side comparison with some dead wood around the house. Do any of you have any experience with this saw?