Just a quick thought on the wire saw....

I recently purchased two Coghlans wire saws. I thought I'd test one and put the other in my kit. Being fairly cheap, i didn't expect too much out of it, but was still disappointed.

This is the single wire type which cuts via "teeth" notches raised in the saw.

My hiking trip last weekend was an excellent opportunity to try out my new saw. I got it out with a bit of optimism. Found a dead Oak branch with a diameter of about 2 1/2 inches. I thought this was ideal test material because it's a hardwood and had be dried for some time.

I got about 2/3 through the branch when the binding occured. I was able to force cut my way through the rest, but this was entirely too much work. When i was done, the Saw looked like a curly-q. The second cut went even worse. About 1/2 way into the cut the wire saw kinked. when I removed it I tried pulling the ends away from each other to "un-kink" the saw, and it broke.

I was standing there with two rings in my fingers with a useless saw. Needless to say I took the other out of my kit and I'll hopefully have better luck with the braided type wire saws.

Has anyone had any similar experience?

--Luke

Yeah, the Coghlan's are pretty poor. If you compare their's to say one from BCB, you will see the differance. All mine came from England, I do have a couple that are US military issue, and I like the BCB better. A little hint, when possible try to find a piece of wood and make a "bow saw". This helps with the kinking issue and is easier for you. In any kit larger than a PSK I include a small folding saw. I like the FS 2 from Allway tools, about $3 or $4.00, has 2 blades.

that reminds me of the cheap wire saw i got with a "rambo" survival knife i bought in the 80s.

it barely worked, and then snapped completely.

I have a BSA red Folding Pocket saw. It looks like a large lock-back knife. I've used it quite often and it is a great saw. It cuts very well and is pretty easy to clean out a clog. I find it to be just the right size for normal camp work.

BSA as in Boy Scouts America ? Thanks, Dave

Yup, however, checking just now I don't see it on the website anymore.
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Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for one.

SAK Backpacker model with non-locking saw are available for $7.99 at www.cdnninvestments.com

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?

Coghlans has two versions of the wire saw; the single strand one that you tried and one they call the Commando Wire Saw. Their Commando version is an 8 strand stainless steel saw that is identical to the BCB saw and is even made in England. I don't know if they are made by the same manufacturer, but they look and cut the same. Retail on the Commando saw is about $7.50.

Semper Fi, George