I found the survival tool kit mentioned in another thread, and bought one from the NRA sight, but it does not include the saber-cut saw which is included in the non NRA kits. The kit was only 13 bucks, much lower than the 80 it was listed at with the saw, and I am wondering how good these saws are in comparison to a regular wire saw, and if i should consider buying one. If I do get one, which websites that sell them are reputable and trustworthy? Thanks for the help once again! --Ian

I have a 'hand chain saw'. I can't remember the name of it right now....the saw is incredible. It cuts through THICK trees with ease. It is DEFINITELY better than the wire saw. Get one.

I have the Sabre Saw and the Pocket Chain Saw. The Pocket Chain Saw is far, far better.(you can get it at Campmor) The Sabre is better than a wire saw but for the money I would get the Pocket Chain Saw hands down. Anyway that is my .02.

How does the Pocket Chain Saw compare to a folding saw like the Gerber Sportsman?

Thanks!

I have a pocket chain saw, a wire saw, and a 15" hand saw. the pocket chain saw is lighter and cuts tree limbs faster than the 15" hand saw. The cut are not like a band saw, but it will saw a tree limb in half in a few minutes with less work than anyother manualy operated type saw. I have used the pocket chain saw during camping trips to cut fallen tree limbs for the campfire. The best part of the saw is that is can easily cut through any size of tree or limb. The pocket chain saw is in my BOB, while the wire saw is in the PSK vest.

I like it better: curls up small, longer cuting surface, and I think it cuts better. Here is the discpription from campmor.
<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Pocket Chain Saw
Item Number: 27001


The world's fastest cutting pocket saw. Made of high strength, heat treated steel, coated for rust resistance. 28 in. long. 140 bi-directional cutting teeth can cut a 3 in. limb in under 10 seconds. Easy to use. Can be used by one or two people. Storage can included for chain. Wt. 1 lb.

I wonder if there is any survival utility in one-hand operation of a saw?

Absolutely there is utility to one-hand operation of a saw.

I heard of a survey done by the Canada Ministry of Transport of pilots who went down and survived. (Of interest to me because I am a pilot.) The study concerned what did they have versus what did they need.

One of the things noted was that you need to be able to deploy and use your equipment with your non-dominant hand, because in a crash the pilot frequently ended up with his dominant hand broken.

Don't know 'bout you, but I do not want to try to cut wood with a hatchet or axe left-handed; seems dangerous. Suggests a folding hand saw.

The idea behind the wire saw is that you are supposed to use hollow boot laces & put the saw inside. This was a WWII idea to prevent the Gestapo from finding it. The concealment factor was important, not the speed of cut.

Hanscom,

Please post any other items that the pilots used or needed. That would be very valuable information!

Thanks!