Interesting and nasty consequences of a folding saw failure.

FWIW, I think many folding pruning saws (like mine by Sandvik) are designed to cut on the pull stroke, minimizing the possibility of injury from this kind of failure, assuming proper technique.

Probably a noob question, but what are the advantages of a hatchet/axe in comparison to a saw beside splitting logs ?

Besides splitting wood, I'm planning on using the hatchet for removing branches from smaller trees so they can be used as poles. The saw wouldn't be suitable for this and it would be too hard on my knife.

Sir, IMHO, there are no better production axes then those produced by Gransfords Bruks. Welterings are a close second. The way I heard the story, the smaller an axe gets, the more dangerous it becomes. If I may, I would direct your attention to the previously mentioned Bushcraft by Mors Kochansky and Old Jimbo's site. Both contain good information on axe selection and use. The saw is safer to use then the axe, but cannot match the axe in versatillity. A properly designed axe can be used like a knife to make fuzz sticks or to skin game, can be used to make a shelter, and can split wet wood to allow you to make a fire fast when you need a fire NOW. Yes, I can do the same things with my knives and this reflects the redundancy I seek in my equipment, but I recognise which tool accells at which jobs and I use them that way. It seems we get into trouble when we use a tool for things it was not designed to do. Within space and weight constrants, I always carry to biggest axe I can and saws increase in size and capabillity to match the axe. Jim

What about a tomahawk like the Voyager from Two Hawks ( he sadly passed away recently). Can it replace a large axe or hatchet?
Oliver

Many of the reproduction 'hawks copy older designs with different ergonomics. You have to remember these were combination fighting and light camp use tools- think Ka-Bar. They can be used, just be sure to choose one with a good handle and know the metallurgy. www.ragweedforge.com has a link in his bookfiles to the tomahawk association with more definite feedback.