[Branned]

I have three Utility Saws; Kershaw, Craftsman, and Buck. These are the order of the ones I like most. I carry the Swedish coated steel Kershaw as it has all the right balance of features. The Craftsman was my best deal and my backup. The Buck is nice, but too short and bulky.

KER-2550, Kershaw Folding Saw:thumb:
Kershaw Knives, Folding Saw features: 7” Swedish saw steel blade with black coat, and molded Santoprene handle with push button safety lock and lanyard hole. 16” overall open, 6.4oz.,
Made in Sweden
MSRP $35 (I got one for 50% off a few years ago).
http://www.knifedealsplus.com/Kershaw/K-2550.html


Craftsman 7-1/2 in. Utility Saw, 12 TPI:
Versatile pull-to-cut utility saw cuts lumber, PVC and ABS plumbing pipes, melamine, particle board, plywood, molding, styrofoam, plastic, veneer, treated wood, bone and other materials quickly and effortlessly. This saw features a unique extra-wide angle position for flush cuts and undercuts. The blade locks in (1) regular cut, (2) extra-wide open and (3) closed positions.
Locks at 3 angle positions for regular cuts, flush cuts and closed
Cuts most materials except metals.
Pull-to-cut 12 TPI blade is made with high-quality Japanese spring steel
Each tooth has 3 sharp cutting edges with special hardening treatment to stay sharp. Super-thin flexible pull-to-cut blade gives clean straight cuts.
Blade is removable for easy replacement.
Soft elastomer handle provides comfort and control.
Fits into most tool bags, Sheath with clip, 2nd loop for belt is included in the package.
Made in Japan
MSRP $19.99 (I just got a new one for $9.99 today)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00994919000P


Buck 821 Grip Saw
Buck Knives SAW, Non-folding, 5.5” Blade, 10” Length, 821 L1, Fat ergonomic Handle, sharp, and lightweight. This unique saw with a sure-grip design is ideal for tasks around the house and campsite. The 5 3/8" blade is hardened, plated high-carbon steel for corrosion resistance. One-piece blade/tang runs the length of handle. It is 10" overall. The handle is Kraton® for secure, comfortable grip. The sheath is injection molded, high-density plastic.
Made in Tawian
MSRP $25 (I got two for $10 each on clearance a few years ago)
http://www.bestknives.com/buck821gripsaw.html

 

[EdD270]

WOW! A post that's actually related to survival and preparedness! How refreshing! Thank You so much!! Sorry, rant off.
Good post, too.
I have a cheap Coghlan's folding saw that actually works pretty well. I also have a collapsable Sven saw that works really well, but is a little big to carry around unless wearing a full-size pack. I've been looking at other saws and thinking I need to get a good folder. Your info will help.
Thanks again.

 

[Steve_NH]

Here's another option for a good camp saw. I've had one for years and it's never let me down. Folds up nice and compact.

Sven Saw

 

[kev]

Emergency zone saw from ReadyPro.org

 

[Pandora]

On this note...Do any of you guys have any general brand recommendations for building up a basic supply of non-electric hand tools? We'll be cutting alot of firewood, and while we'll have some gasoline stored for the chainsaw, obviously that is not a viable long-term plan. We're bugging in - we don't need the tools to be compact, just good quality. Which should be buy first? I swear the only non-powered tool we own is an axe, hatchet and a small, poor quality hand saw.

 

[Beaterar]

In tree care I get the ability to use just about every new ground breaking hand saw at there, most of the ones posted by users above are actually saws made by someone else with a known companies label.
Here is a link to the company we buy our saws from
http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/Hand-Saws_2

I use silky saws almost always, they just seem to be better given everyday abusive use.

Side note, Impulse hardened blades can not be sharpened effectively, make sure you get a decent saw that doesn't have an impulse hardened blade, again I say silky is a great brand. Fanno is cheap and work but dont know how they are hardened. I have a Carona saw that is holding up pretty well, and for the price its a heck of a deal, but again I always go back to the silky.

 

[Branned]

I saw a silky (made in Japan) one yesterday. Very well made and large. I want one.:thumb: Too big to carry, but auto and house its great.

 

[Beaterar]

Silky makes many sizes, I prefer the larger ones and in my gear I dont carry one that folds. I wanna be able to saw some big stuff but that's just me.

I have one of these in the truck that I use when i only need to get out and prune a branch or two, its a great saw and ideal for most backpacks.

You can also just carry the larger blades and make a handle when you need to use it.

 

[stevelutah]

The kershaw saw made in Sweden has also been sold as SANDVIK and BACHO in a green color. They are excellent and IMO the best folding saws out there.

 

[rover]

I've had this forever, it dosn't look as bad as photo.