Wouldn't a folding saw be better for a bug out bag? KenK mentioned the Sven-Saw. I hear that it is a good option but not the only one. There are other good folding saws.

Jeanette Isabelle

Agree with the folding saw for a BOB; I have a Bow Saw in the truck (there’s lots in the truck). For a BOB and the situation you may find yourself, a saw is safer, lighter and packs small. There are times an axe is a better tool, but for many tasks, a saw is better.

neither... a folding pruning saw and a 14" Tramontina bolo machete

A number of Boundary Waters Canoe Area paddlers pack this Irwin coarse cut saw for clearing Portage and camp areas, giving it great reviews. Somebody makes a sheath for it, but I don't have his contact info.

https://www.irwin.com/tools/handsaws/15-protouch-coarse-cut-saw

Irwin makes 15 and 20 inch versions.

Oddly, I once ordered the 20 inch coarse cut saw, but Amazon delivered the wrong model - Irwin's much more traditional hand saw. I returned it and never reordered the coarse cut saw.

For most uses, I agree. I have a lightweight saw in the kit as well.

I'm always torn. I like axes and hatchets, use them, and own a whole range. They're the original multitool (hammer, cut, chop, dig, split, pull nails if it's a shingling hatchet).

In a difficult situation, I would be happier to have one handy (preferably one that can take outrageous abuse). But that's tempered by the injury risk. Even highly experienced users will tell you they've had a lot of close calls. A wound caused by a hatchet or axe, or flying debris, is not trivial. Fatigue and stress increase the risk.

The longer the handle, and the heavier the head, the less chance of injury. This is counter-intutitive, but it lets you set up a safer swing zone and guide the head accurately instead of forcing it. Light, short handled hatchets are the worst.

As noted by others, when on foot I can rarely justify the weight. I carry a saw.

Hope that helps.

Here are a few old threads to look at as well. Kind of cool to hear from members from way back.

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=124226

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=121384&page=1

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=146074&page=1

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=173871

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=printthread&Board=1&main=10608&type=thread

Great stuff dougwalkabout!

I learned to use hatchets and axes when my age had a single digit — that was a long time ago. If you are a novice and you only have an axe or hatchet because you think one should be in your “kit”, lose the axe/hatchet and lighten up the kit. Take that axe/hatchet and use it, practice and get a mindset of what can go wrong.

My brother was in the wrong place when an axe glanced off its target and (fortunately) the axe handle hit him in the shin. I understand it hurt like hell and the neighbor holding the axe couldn’t get him to the hospital fast enough, but no permanent damage. Safety zones and situational awareness are critical.

BTW, a sharp axe may take a bite rather than glance. Keep it sharp.

Agree 100%. Well said.

Chaosmagnet there is always one overachiever in every crowd. Also why I said "as far as I can tell" because I NEW someone has probably broken one.