Packable bone saw?

[SDHNTR]

Over the years I have used both a Wy saw and a Gerber folding saw. Both work great but I consider them to be a little too big and heavy to really warrant packing on a backcountry trip. Is there anything better out there that is light and compact? The only reason why I think I might need it would be to cut out a skull cap. Is it worth packing any sort of saw for just that task alone? I realize ditching the skull doesn't save that much weight, but it might be worth it if the saw required to do so only weighed a few ounces. Thoughts?

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I have never really used a saw, will be interested in the responses.

 

[littlebuf]

look into a cable saw. i carry one and its great. wieghs nothing takes up no room and they work. i bought mine at cabelas and its came in a nice little blaze orange pouch

 

[sk1]

theres another post floating around about this, people posted some great ideas and links to various small cable saws, i think the one weighed like an oz or two

 

[jquarnberg]

I pack this saw sometimes... I liked it better than the gerber or any others I found. Lighter and really thin. It has held up well. Pretty inexpensive too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5uz1KmyCWgE

 

[blb078]

I believe this is a lighter version of the WY saw, think it's actual weight is about 10oz. Don't know if it's as good quality wise though.
http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Blazer-SSW-15-Sawvivor-Collapsible/dp/B002J91TCI

 

[DWarcher]

I realize ditching the skull doesn't save that much weight, but it might be worth it if the saw required to do so only weighed a few ounces. Thoughts?

I know that my Gerber folder certainly ways a heck of a lot less than a skull and because of that I always have mine with me.

 

[bandit1]

Outdoor edge. 2.5 ounce folder

 

[JNDEER]

Outdoor edge. 2.5 ounce folderView attachment 5523

Have you tried it on taking off antlers from the skull?

 

[gobbler1662]

I use the outdoor edge grizz saw. It weighs less than the folding gerber and is a great saw. With that said I carry a saw to keep from carrying the entire head of an elk out. I usually just skull cap the elk letting me just take out the antlers. I believe it saves a ton of weight and definitely warrants an extra 9 or 10 ounces for a saw.

 

[gobbler1662]

The outdoor edge pictured by bandit, I also have that saw. It isn't big enough in my opinion to skull cap an elk. The grizz is quite a bit longer and is not a folding saw. The folding saw,it might do the job but you'd be sawing for quite awhile.

 

[bandit1]

yes, I've cut off antlers with it, works fine. Obviously not as easy as a larger saw like the gerber folder but the small size and weight, combined with a very rigid blade, makes this little saw a permanent part of my kit.

 

[bandit1]

I've done elk and mule deer with it. like gobbler sez, it's not ideal but I can tell you that it does work. Lots of sawing of course. It won't go clear through to saw both sides, you have to work on one side at a time. I'd say it took me about 7 or 8 minutes to do my spike this year and a little longer to my 6x5 a couple years ago. I think it's worth carrying. My buds don't carry a saw but sure seem to be happy to see this thing come out of my pack when I show up to help out.

 

[Muledeernv]

I have used outdoor edge folder it works ok better than nothing

 

[SDHNTR]

What is the model name on that Outdoor Edge folding saw? The only one I could find was a lot bigger, like 13" overall, and is heavier. 2.5 oz sounds like just the ticket.

 

[BigSurArcher]

In my opinion, if it's not a cable/ wire saw, it's not necessary. I used to pack in a Wyoming saw... what a waste of space and weight! Besides cutting off the skull cap, you can use a knife to de-bone and cut every joint needed to break down an animal. Knees, hips, spine... no saw needed. And even though some of these saws weigh less than a skull, I like to do Euro mounts a lot of times so I don't mind carrying the skull. Lot's of personal preference when it comes to "saw or no saw".

Nice responses guys.

 

[gobbler1662]

With me I debone everything but like stated a saw is a heck of a lot lighter than an elk head. So therefore that's the only reason i carry a saw.i don't know the model of the outdoor edge it is sold with a knife and sheath. Outdoor edge has several models that are noteworthy of talking about. I believe the kodi pak has a smaller version of the grizz saw that's real nice then there are two versions of the folding saw. The smaller one comes with a swing blade knife in a sheath.

 

[Mike 338]

I've used the Wyoming Saw http://www.wyomingknife.com/saws.htm which works exceptionally well. I use a hatchet now which is a little heavy but I think it good weight. These tools may not meet your weight requirements but I deal with it because of how well they work.

 

[SDHNTR]

Yeah, I realize a saw isn't needed to break down an animal. I don't need it for that. Just the skull cap.

OK, so this smaller saw is the one that comes with the Swing Blade? I might have to call OE and se if they will sell it seperately.

 

[johnson taxidermy]

There are some great videos on making a bow saw on youtube. All you carry is the blade and some rope. Make it as needed.