Saw recommendations

[ozyclint]

To you guys complaining about cutting bone with Silky's, what tooth size are you using?
I have a Silky Big Boy with a set of large, medium and fine blades. The fine blade goes through bone like butter. I use it at home when butchering. I can split a hanging pig or deer in half down the spine in what feels like seconds.

I suspect you're using large tooth blades meant for soft green wood.
Like what was said earlier- different materials require different tooth sizes.

 

[Djacker]

To you guys complaining about cutting bone with Silky's, what tooth size are you using?
I have a Silky Big Boy with a set of large, medium and fine blades. The fine blade goes through bone like butter. I use it at home when butchering. I can split a hanging pig or deer in half down the spine in what feels like seconds.

I suspect you're using large tooth blades meant for soft green wood.
Like what was said earlier- different materials require different tooth sizes.

I used a fine blade.

 

[svivian]

Ultralight Saw Option

Hey everyone, Some of you may already know about this, but many might not be aware of it. I’m also apart of the backpacking light forum. There’s a member on there, Jan (I believe from Prague) that makes a super awesome 3D printed silky saw handle. If you like to carry a saw like me, you know...

rokslide.com

2.5oz

 

[The_Jim]

I'm definitely not a good resource for ultralight advice but this saw works great for me...

BOREAL21

VERSATILE: Take the BOREAL21 folding bow saw wherever you go - camping, backpacking, canoeing, off-trail, hunting, trail clearing or around the home. EASY: Opens in seconds - just unfold, snap into position & start sawing. Automatic blade tensioning with no loose parts - No need to touch the...

agawagear.com

 

[jsbymaster]

If you're interested in a DIY route, a piece of 3/4" PVC and some p-cord will let you use any reciprocating saw blade. Just heat the PVC and flatten the end enough hold the saw blade (notches help keep it in place). I flattened the remainder of the pipe perpendicular to the end and wrapped it in hockey tape. The cord passes through the pipe and any stick can be used to twist/tension the blade. The 9" blade stores inside the handle for a super light option, but you can use any blade you want.

 

[schur7559]

I just carry the PS 10 Stihl handsaw. It’s like 5 ounces if I remember right.

 

[mike257]

Wyoming saw

 

[bradmacmt]

Ultralight Saw Option

Hey everyone, Some of you may already know about this, but many might not be aware of it. I’m also apart of the backpacking light forum. There’s a member on there, Jan (I believe from Prague) that makes a super awesome 3D printed silky saw handle. If you like to carry a saw like me, you know...

rokslide.com

2.5oz

I had forgotten about those. I have one of each size enroute from Jan. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[30338]

I do euro mounts. If a guy skins the head, pops off lower jaw, carves out eyes and trims a bit, it cuts weight pretty good without sawing. Typically would debone with just a knife and no saw along. But everyone has their preferences.

 

[bradmacmt]

I do euro mounts. If a guy skins the head, pops off lower jaw, carves out eyes and trims a bit, it cuts weight pretty good without sawing. Typically would debone with just a knife and no saw along. But everyone has their preferences.

Yup - I don't use a saw on an animal.

 

[mobohunter]

+1 silky saws

 

[Medicwp]

Love my silky saw!

 

[ssloat17]

For those that have the Sven Saw, would you recommend the 15" or 21"?

 

[lyle_destroys]

Consider looking in "free gifts" that conservation/hunting organizations give out for small donations periodically. I got mine from RMEF. They're usually cheap and not the fanciest things ever, but they're usually pretty small and light if you're looking for something simple and packable.

I got my best one from buck hunter magazine I believe when I was about 12. Orange handled super light folding saw, same one you see in garden sections or landscaping stores, some Chinese thing. Costs a few bucks and will absolutely rip through wood. Idk about bone.

 

[jhm2023]

Agawa boreal saws are easily the best packable saw I've ever owned. Pick the size that best suits your needs, carry a wood blade and a bone blade and go have at it. I own the largest for less weight restrictive hunts and the smallest for backpack type hunts. Go cut some firewood with a silky and then switch to the Agawa, I bet you'll never want to use the silky again. I have lighter saws, but you burn so much energy using those damn things you might as well have just carried a nicer easier cutting saw and save some effort in the long run.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I have 2 Silky's. I keep a 130 Pocketboy, with fine teeth, at camp for cutting skullcaps. I carry a 170 Pocketboy, with large teeth, for when I need to clear a trail or make a quickie blind, etc.

 

[Beendare]

I pack one of those small Silky’s around bowhunting as sometimes I find a spot to brush in and set up a blind Or trim some branches for my saddle.

I stopped using a saw for animal processing decades ago- no need

I’m going to revise my statement after packing my bulls skull 4 miles this year. I'm also reevaluating my solo elk processing...it would have been easier bucking the legs off shorter than that last joint with a knife. so I could flip him easier. A guy can do a lot with a knife...but solo has its own challenges.

Im glad I checked back in on this thread…many good options. I also have the Dustrade I use base camping- excellent but big and wood only. And the Sven, the triangle design shortens the stroke and gives it a weird push stroke.

Edit- Does anyone know if the short Pocketboy Silky blades fit the 180mm saw? Amazon sells an ultra fine blade...and a fine blade for the pocketboy.

 

[Flea]

Currently using a Silky F180, 5.3 ounces with a 7 inch blade. Works great for smaller logs to feed lightweight stoves.

I’ll eventually replace with one of the Suluk saws. He’s got a lightweight buck and pull saw that both look sturdy enough. The pull saw takes a silky 240 blade and is less than an ounce heavier than the F180.

YUKA 240 PULL SAW • Suluk 46

Ultralight Pullsaw

suluk46.com

UKI BUCK SAW • Suluk 46

Ultralight 12" buck saw

suluk46.com

 

[EJFS]

Hard to imagine anything beats a Silky, you can order a fine tooth blade that cuts bone pretty darn well.

 

[Beendare]

Hard to imagine anything beats a Silky, you can order a fine tooth blade that cuts bone pretty darn well.

Worth mentioning on the Silky's....they make different grade blades....the professional blades are thicker and heavy duty, more appropriate for the stuff we do. I have a Professional 180 and it's cut through miles of stuff and is still sharp...though it has needed a few cleanings with mineral spirits due to pitch buildup.