Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter

With the project called The Bushcraft Knife 2015, were I'm comparing 15 different robust forest knives I hope to find out what we really are looking for in a bushcraft knife. One of the test objects in this project is the Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter; a now three year old knife model that have been well discussed among us bushcraft enthusiasts. You can see the whole bushcraft knife field test by clicking HERE.




History
The American company Benchmade's history reaches back to 1979 in California when the founder Les de Asis and his wife Roberta started marketing their Balisong knife (butterfly). The Balisong originate from the Filipine marchal arts that lay close to Les heart. The business in California  picked up speed and by 1990 the company moved to Oregon were we today find Benchmade's head quarters and production. Today Benchmade offer a wide range of products; both folders and fixed blades appreciated by Outdoor people, Law enforcement, Military personnel and Collectors all over the world. Experiments with different materials has lead to the 9 different blade steels offered today.
Benchmade is a premium knife manufacturer and cooperation with well known knife makers result in interesting knife designs. One nice example of this is the 162 Bushcrafter designed by Shane Sibert. As the knives name indicates; this is a product aiming for the growing crowd of bushcraft enthusiasts, appreciating a robust knife for forest use. And when the 162 Bushcrafter was launched back in 2013 Benchmade also made it clear that this knife means business, by publishing a video showing the stamina of the product.




Design
The knife has the characteristic lines of a bushcraft knife in it's 112 mm long drop point full tang blade and big handle. The 4,2 mm thick blade is made of the stainless steel S30V and has been given an interesting edge profile. The edge is a high flat grind but instead of using the more traditional 40° angle to the primal bevel, the narrower angel of 30° are used to give a bit more bite into harder materials like wood.




The back of the blade has sharp edges to enable good sparks form a ferro rod. This is actually a good example on how Benchmark value input from their customers. The first batch of this knife model actually had rounder edges to the spine. But when customers pointed out their need of flicking sparks off their fire tools by using the knife Benchmade quickly added this feature to the product.
The knife's handle is made of green G-10 that I think goes really nice together with the red vulcanized liners. The handle is hold together by pressed titanium tubes where the one on the end also can be used for attaching a lanyard.




The sheath made of brushed deer skin is held together by seams and metal rivets and contain a removable plastic inlay. The sheath is equipped with a ferro rod holder and a D-ring for low carrying. No rod or dangler are included, but I've been using a carabiner attaching the D-ring to my belt. For high carrying a regular belt loop is to be found on the back of the sheath. The knife is secured in the sheath by a traditional snap lock. Unfortunately the sheath don't have any drainage hole by the blade's tip, so make sure the blade is clean/dry enough before holstering it. A Kydex sheath is also available as an option, the same sheath that is standard on the younger sibling 162-1 Bushcrafter that also have a desert colored handle. I haven't yet had the chance to look closer at the Kydex version, but I'm guessing the Kydex sheath enables better hygiene while hunting and dressing game.





Robust Forest Knife With An Interesting Angle
I think it's inspiring that Benchmade and Shane Sibert are experimenting with bevel angles and this knife grows on me. But it ended up in 12th place in my bushcraft knife field test. The reason for this is the combination of a wide blade and a square shaped handle. Features that feels in your hands after hours of whittling. I know some users complain about the leather sheath but I like it. It allows flexible carry but be careful not to cut he leather when taking the blade out and inserting it. This is a good looking robust knife that I will continue using on my hunting trips in the Swedish woods.



A group photo of the 218 g Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter (middle) together with two buddys from the same knife model segment; Spyderco FB26G Bushcraft (top) weighing 227 g and Casström No.10 Swedish Forest Knife (bottom) weighing 179 g.


Specs
Manufacturer: Benchmade, Oregon USA
Model: 162 Bushcrafter, leather sheath
Blade material: Stainless steel S30V, 58-60 HRC
Blade thickness: 4,2 mm
Blade length: 112 mm
Blade width: 29,8 mm
Edge profile: Double edge with a high flat grind secondary bevel and a primal edge using a 30 degree angle
Knife length: 233 mm
Handle material: Green G-10, red vulcanized liners
Handle thickness: 23,6 mm
Sheath: Brushed deer skin
Knife weight: 218 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 292 g
Price: 2479 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: EQUIPT

Welcome to Jonas Vildmark Bushcraftcenter, we offer classes in  Bushcraft - Survival - Jägarexamen and Motorsågskörkort.

Folding Saw Field Test 2015

Back in 2009 I conducted a field test on saws and I'm grateful for all the interesting and nice feedback I got from you guys. Now I've done another test of folding saws and I hope it will help you to find out what you are looking for in a folding saw. These tools are a nice complement to your axe and knife while out enjoying the outdoors.




Thought the years I have had the pleasure of getting aqueinted with more saws than the four tested during the first field test I made six years ago. This means that this years test consist of 12 differet test objejcts. I've kept the old saws and just added new ones along the way. This means that the test period of these saws vary from two months up to six years. So some of these saws have been in the game for some time know and it's interesting to see how the connection between the ratio of price, quality and durability applies. You can see my old test by clicking HERE.




Different Saw Concepts
When it comes to man power driven saws there are a great variety of concepts; Crosscut, Bow, Buck, Rip, and so on. There's a lot of interesting bow saw versions adapted for carrying in the backpack, but these acquire some assembly/dissemble in between use during hiking. The folding saw is somewhat more accessible as it's a hybrid between a folding knife and a saw. Of course the folding saw's often shorter blade gives a tool with less cutting capacity than the often bigger bow saw, but the folding saw's availability makes it a pleasant choice for outdoor exploring. But frequently new interesting saw concepts pop up in the market using techniques like wires, chains and  on. Two interesting examples of this is the holster saws with fixed blades like the Fiskars 123840 or the Casström No.11 Field Saw.

Test Execution
I now have actively used these saws out in the field throughout different seasuns working on different wood. I've also used the tools when out hunting taking care of the game, but this test mainly look at processing wood with these saws. More about the test methods are to bee found under each feature.

Results
Below you'll find my test results in the form of a picture and a list ranking which position the saws placed themselves regarding each feature. And in the end I've also picked out my two personal favorites from this test.

The Test Objects
The saw's I've included in this field test are (in alphabetical order):

Bacho Laplander 396-LAP
Biltema 16424
Fiskars Small Garden Saw
Fiskars Xtract SW73
Fiskars Xtract SW75
Jula 702047
Opinel No.18
Opinel No.12
Silky Pocket Boy 130
Silky Super Accel 21 
Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve
ØYO Butchering Saw

Please click on each saw name to read my review on that particular saw.

Features
The four features I've prioritized in this test are; Capacity, Size, Weight and Functionality.

Capacity
My definition of capacity is how quick the saw cut the wood. In the final run of this test I lined up all saws and used them in a structured way cutting fresh and dry branches of Birch, Pine, Aspen and Apple Tree Wood. The branches had diameters ranging from about 30 mm - 100 mm and I counted the number of strokes it took to cut the branch. I strive to apply the same force by using the same technique when cutting with each saw on each branch. Here you have the result of my capacity test with the saw needing the lowest number of strokes to cut the branches placed in 1st place, and so on.



  1. Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve
  2. Silky Super Accel 21 
  3. Opinel No.18
  4. Fiskars Xtract SW75
  5. Bacho Laplander 396-LAP
  6. Silky Pocket Boy 130
  7. Fiskars Small Garden Saw
  8. Fiskars Xtract SW73
  9. Opinel No.12
  10. Jula 702047
  11. Biltema 16424
  12. ØYO Butchering Saw
Note: As a reference I also used a full-size bow saw on the same branches just to see the difference. The big bow saw had twice as good cutting capacity compared to the folding saw with the highest cutting capacity. This didn't come as a surprise as the full-size tool's have longer blade and a very powerful design, compared to folding saws.

Size
In this feature I've measured the length of the saws when folded. Sometimes a longer saw actually feel shorter because of a slimmer design. But in this comparison I have focused on the actual length of the folded saw to make my ranking. Here are the result placing the shortest (folded) saw on top, and so on.



  1. Opinel No.12
  2. Silky Pocket Boy 130
  3. Fiskars Small Garden Saw
  4. ØYO Butchering Saw
  5. Fiskars Xtract SW73
  6. Jula 702047
  7. Bacho Laplander 396-LAP
  8. Opinel No.18
  9. Silky Super Accel 21 
  10. Biltema 16424
  11. Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve
  12. Fiskars Xtract SW75

Weight
Using a kitchen scale I've weighed each saw. Here you have the ranking between the saws when looking at the weight feature.



  1. Fiskars Small Garden Saw
  2. Opinel No.12
  3. Fiskars Xtract SW73
  4. Silky Pocket Boy 130
  5. Bacho Laplander 396-LAP
  6. Opinel No.18
  7. Silky Super Accel 21 
  8. ØYO Butchering Saw
  9. Jula 702047
  10. Fiskars Xtract SW75
  11. Biltema 16424
  12. Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve

Functionality
By functionality I refer to the mechanical solutions, design and choice of materials in the saw. All my experiences from using these saws out in the field I've toked in consideration when choosing my personal favorites in the end of this test. One functionality aspect I'd like to highlight is the safety advantages of a double action locking mechanism. A blade lock that also secure the blade when folded decreases the risk of damaging gear or limbs during transport. Therefore I give the below saws some extra cred as they all use a double action blade locking mechanism. If you have a saw without this safety feature: my advise is to now and then tighten the blade screw to maintain a high friction securing the blade in folded position.




Jonas Favorites
Based on the above results and my time spent with each saw I've picked out two of my personal favorites among these 12 nice saws. For trips when I have room in my backpack for carrying my saw; the Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve is more than welcome to tag along. The Ultra Accel is a very capable tool when it comes to cutting due to the generous blade length and design in combination with a robust and effective grip. For occasions when I want to be able to carry my saw inside the pockets of my pants or jacket I choose my old partner; the Fiskars Small Garden Saw. Although this six year old saw have been through a lot it still measures up to it's younger siblings. The strength of the Fiskars Small Garden Saw is it's small size and weight (lightest in his test) combined with excellent cutting ability. An impressive note is that this actual little Fiskars saw also came out on top in my field test on saws back in 2009.





I hope you found this field test on folding saws useful and inspiring. Don't forget to click on the above text's links to read more about each saw. The results of this test is entirely based upon on my alone opinion on these tools after using them. I welcome your input regarding these saws or other saw models you have used. I always appreciate your feedback. I learned a lot from this test and I'm looking forward to Jonas Vildmark's next test on saws. Hope it doesn't take six more years until then.

På Svenska

Silky Pocket Boy 130 Folding Saw

Japanese Silky has delivered saws since 1919 and 1991 Grönyte-Konsult AB brought the saws to Scandinavia. Pocket Boy 130 is Silky's smallest folding saw and in my test on saws there was only one saw smaller than the Poket Boy; the Opinel No.12 only 1 mm shorter. However the Pocket Boy's advantage over the Opinel No.12 is it's 11 mm longer blade. Speaking of my folding saw test; I'd like to crown the Silky Pocket Boy as the test's most efficient saw, when looking at the ratio between size and cutting performance. See more about the saw test covering 12 test objects; click HERE.




Silky Pocket Boy's handle consist of a steel frame covered in rubber featuring a nice ergonomic shape and a lanyard hole. A robust leaver locks the blade in two different positions unfolded. Folded the blade is not locked by the locking mechanism, however the friction is keeping the blade tucked in securely during transport. Unfolded the blade has a slight play vertically, this is nothing bothering me though. The saw comes in two different colors (red or black handle) and is delivered with a basic sheath made of transparent plastic.




I've now been using Silky's saws since 2011 and I'm still very pleased with their performance.
Take a look also on my reviews on the Silky Super Accel 21 and the Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve.




Specs
Manufacturer: Silky, Japan
Model: Pocket Boy 130
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 133 mm
Blade thickness: 1,18 mm
Blade width: 35,3 mm
Unfolded length: 291 mm
Folded length: 166 mm
Handle material: Steel and rubber
Handle thickness: 21,9 mm
Weight: 173 g
Price: 330 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: Grönyte-Konsult

På Svenska

Opinel No.18 Folding Saw

The traditional French knife manufacturer Opinel offer two models of folding saws; No.18 and No.12. The big model (No.18) delivered very good results in my latest field test on saws. When it came to cutting performance the No.18 ended up in top three. See more about the saw test covering 12 test objects; click HERE.
I appreciate Opinel's basic design and functionality. The saws follows the same principles as the classical Opinel folding knives; a cylindrical wooden handle with a spring-less folding mechanism holding a thin Sandvik steel blade. See also my review on the Opinel No.08 knife by clicking HERE.




This saw's 18 centimeter long blade is locked tight in unfolded position via a buckle mechanism and the back of the Beech handle is equipped with a lanyard hole. The blade is also available as a spare part on their homepage wish is a nice and environmental statement of sustainability, that I think rhymes very well with Opinel's brand profile.




Opinel No.18 is a very capable and nice saw. If I have to say something negative about the tool I could mention that the wide part of the handle may feel a bit over-sized. But if I would like to change this; that's easily fixed with some carving tools, as the handle is made of solid wood. Also check out the smaller Opinel No.12 folding saw.




Specs
Manufacturer: Opinel, French company based in the Savoie area
Model: No.18 Saw
Blade material: Stainless 12C27 Sandvik steel with a 0,40% mix of carbon
Blade length: 183 mm
Blade thickness: 0,95 mm
Blade width: 34,75 mm
Unfolded length: 407 mm
Folded length: 237 mm
Handle material: Beech wood
Handle thickness: 27,2 mm
Weight: 179 g
Price: 619 K (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: Sundqvist

På Svenska

Opinel No.12 Folding Saw

The traditional French knife manufacturer Opinel offer two models of folding saws; No.18 and No.12. The smaller saw (No.12) is a light and handy tool that fits nicely in most pockets. This saw was the smallest (folded length) test object in my latest field test on saws. To see more about the saw test covering 12 test objects; click HERE.
I appreciate Opinel's basic design and functionality. The saws follows the same principles as the classical Opinel folding knives; a cylindrical wooden handle with a spring-less folding mechanism holding a thin Sandvik steel blade. See also my review on the Opinel No.08 knife by clicking HERE.




This saw's 12 centimeter long blade locks tight both in unfolded and folded position by the Opinel patterned blade lock called Virobloc. The wooden handle is available in color or natural finish and a lanyard can be applied if one so wishes. The Opinel No.12 is available both as a stand-alone product or as a part of the 3-piece Garden Kit; also including two folding knives.




I like the Opinel No.12  folding saw. This tool has also become a favorite of my 3 year old daughter Sonia when we practice wood carving together. As I said; this saw fits nicely in my pocket cos of it's neat size, and the quality is of he well known Opinel standard. But for more serious cutting I choose a bigger saw instead. Also check out my review on the bigger Opinel No.18 folding saw.




Specs
Manufacturer: Opinel, French company based in the Savoie area
Model: No.12 Saw
Blade material: Stainless 12C27 Sandvik steel with a 0,40% mix of carbon
Blade length: 122 mm
Blade thickness: 0,8 mm
Blade width: 24,8 mm
Unfolded length: 288 mm
Folded length: 165 mm
Handle material: Beech wood
Handle thickness: 26,15 mm
Weight: 109 g
Price: 300 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: Sundqvist

På Svenska

Fiskars Xtract SW75 Large Garden Saw

Fiskars little garden saw Xtract SW73 is a very nice saw that placed it self high in my latest field test on folding saws. The Xtrac SW75 is a bigger sibling to the smaller models SW72 and SW73. To see more about the saw test covering 12 test objects; click HERE.




I really like the Fiskars concept of using a telescopic mechanism to extract the blade from the handle. The hollow handle contain the effective saw blade that can be extracted seamlessly and locked tight any where along the way. The locking screw on the side of the handle also ensure that the blade doesn't unintentionally extract while carrying.




I'm impressed with the Xtract SW73 and it's precursor when it comes to capacity and comfort. But in my opinion the concept of the smaller saws doesn't really work as good in this big scale. The Xtract SW75 gives an impressive reach and cutting capacity but the longer blade of the SW75 tend to vibrate while cutting giving a buzzing noise to the handle. Also the locking mechanism that works so nicely on the smaller models doesn't really lock the big blade of the SW75 as tight. The Xtract SW75 end up high in score talking about cutting capacity in my field test, but I'm afraid the overall impression of this saw is harmed by the above mentioned vibration problem.




Specs
Manufacturer: Fiskars, Finish company with production in South Korea
Model: Xtract SW75 Large Garden Saw
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 252 mm
Blade thickness: 1,1 mm
Blade width: 33,93 mm
Unfolded length: 552 mm
Folded length: 335 mm
Handle material: Plastic and rubber (SoftGrip)
Handle thickness: 24,8 mm
Weight: 249 g
Price: 459 SEK (Sweden 2015)

På Svenska

Fiskars Xtract SW73 Small Garden Saw

Fiskars Small Garden Saw became one of my favorite saws when I executed my first field test on folding saws back in 2009. Since then Fiskars have updated the model both in design and denomination. Now the saw is named Xtract SW73 and the design consist in a some what beefier handle with rubber inlays, now also including a carbine hook to attach the saw to clothing or bags, while transporting. If you want to read more about the saw test covering 12 test objects; click HERE.




The saw's design is robust despite it's low weight. The hollow handle contain the effective saw blade that can be extracted seamlessly and locked tight any where along the way. The locking screw on the side of the handle also ensure that the blade doesn't unintentionally extract while carrying.




I'm impressed with the Xtract SW73's precursor and a lot is carry over on this newer version. Sadly though this specific saw's outer tip has gotten a bit bent after a longer period of testing. But I can't really say that this has effected the saws cutting capasity to any extent. The stength of the Xtract SW73 is it's low weight and good capacity. I can mention that Fiskars also is offering a more fine teethed version of this saw; the Fiskars Xtract SW72 Carpenter Saw. I haven't yet gotten the opportunity to test the SW72, but I'm guessing it could be really nice for harder materials like bone while taking care of game. Also take a look at the biger sibling Xtract SW75.




Specs
Manufacturer: Fiskars, Finish company with production in South Korea
Model: Xtract SW73 Small Garden Saw
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 161 mm
Blade thickness: 1 mm
Blade width: 28,18 mm
Unfolded length: 355 mm
Folded length: 197 mm
Handle material: Plastic and rubber (SoftGrip)
Handle thickness: 21,45 mm
Weight: 116 g
Price: 349 SEK (Sweden 2015)

På Svenska

Fiskars Small Garden Saw

This little saw became my favorite when I did my first field test on folding saws back in 2009. The saw has tangled along since and the model has been updated to the Xtract SW73 by Fiskars. This year 2015 I've conducted yet another field test on saws and this old little trooper once again, despite even tougher competition, ended up as one of my favorites. To read more about my test; click HERE.




The saw's design is robust despite it's low weight. The hollow handle contain the effective saw blade that can be extracted seamlessly and locked tight any where along the way. The locking screw on the side of the handle also ensure that the blade doesn't unintentionally extract while carrying. If I'd like to carry the saw on my belt; the saw came with a plastic belt loop featuring a quick lock that can be attached to the saw's handle by a twisting motion.




In the beginning I was skeptic if the hard plastic surface of this saw's handle could offer a good grip when wet. But now after six year in the field I don't have any complaints. However the thin and efficient blade have gotten a bit bent from the hard years gone, but this is nothing bothering me. I'm very impressed with how much abuse this thin blade can cope. And it is a great achievement by this old saw to perform at the same level as it's five year younger sibling, when it comes to cutting capacity in my latest test.




This saw's strength is it's low weight and good capacity. On trips when I want o be able to carry my saw inside a pocket in my pants or jacket; my choice of saw is this old Fiskars Small Garden Saw.

Specs
Manufacturer: Fiskars, Finish company with production in South Korea (the above saw is manufactured in Finland)
Model: Small Garden Saw
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 161 mm
Blade thickness: 1 mm
Blade width: 28,18 mm
Unfolded length: 354 mm
Folded length: 197 mm
Handle material: Plastic
Handle thickness: 19,6 mm
Weight: 95 g
Price: 169 SEK (Sweden 2009)

På Svenska

Fiskars Fixed Blade Saw 123840

In my field tests on saws Fiskars has always done well. This fixed blade saw and sheath is a very interesting alternative to the folding saws for times when size ain't an issue. I've been carrying this saw easy reachable mounted on the outside of my backpack.




The long an narrow blade enables a high cutting capacity hard for any folding saw to compete with. And the Fiskars Fixed Blade Saw 123840 is actually lighter than several of the folding saws I've tested.




The comfortable rubberized bent shaped handle has a hole for lanyard and are easy recognizable color when out in the bush. The plastic sheath is easy to clean and have nice drain holes. The belt loop is not so robust but as I said I prefer to carry this saw attached to my backpack. The Fiskars Fixed Blade is a nice mix between a folding saw and a full size saw. If you want to read more about my latest field test on folding saws; click HERE.




Specs
Manufacturer: Fiskars, Finish company with production in South Korea
Model: Fixed Blade Saw 123840
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 325 mm
Blade thickness: 1 mm
Blade width: 39,7 mm
Saw length: 499 mm
Total length (saw and sheath): 502 mm
Handle material: Plastic and rubber (SoftGrip)
Handle thickness: 24 mm
Sheath material: Plastic
Sheath thickness: 2,25 mm
Sheath weight: 82 g
Saw weight: 190 g
Total weight (saw and sheath): 272 g
Price: 487 SEK (Sweden 2015)

På Svenska

Jula 702047 Folding Saw

There's a lot of fun and cheap stuff at the big supermarkets for us outdoor nerds to botanize among. These days there's often a bigger variety of products and quality in these big stores focusing on everything from car parts to kitchen utilities. You often find higher quality products side by side with the stores own brands. This folding saw is a good example on this. I bought the Jula 702047 Folding Saw back in 2008 and then it wasn't branded at all. The saw is still offered at Jula, but now a days it's branded Hard Head (Julas own brand). A low price tag doesn't necessarily mean bad quality by default. Therefor I think it's interesting to also bring a cheap product like this to my field tests. If you want to see more about my latest field test on saws; click HERE.




What I like most about this saw (besides the price tag) is the generous amount of rubber on the handle. Another plus to this saw is the blade lock that also locks the blade when folded. This is a nice safety feature that ensures that the saw doesn't unfold unexpectedly during transport. On the end of the handle there's also a lanyard hole.




I've now been using this saw for six years and unfortunately I must say that the blade's cutting capacity has gotten less and less effective trough the years. This is most likely the result of this saw's low price. As far as I know I don't think Jula offer spare parts for this product, too bad as the handle still are in pretty good shape. But on the other hand; today I can by a brand new Jula saw for only 85 SEK. So even though this saw didn't put up much of a fight in my latest field test on saws; I think I've gotten a hole lot of saw for my money as I only gave 59 SEK for this saw back in 2008.




Specs
Manufacturer: Jula, Swedish company with foreign situated production
Model: 702047 Folding Saw
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 179 mm
Blade thickness: 1,11 mm
Blade width: 35,5 mm
Unfolded length: 401 mm
Folded length: 226 mm
Handle material: Plastic and rubber
Handle thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 223 g
Price: 85 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: This saw came from Jula (2008)

På Svenska

Biltema 16424 Folding Saw

There's a lot of fun and cheap stuff at the big supermarkets for us outdoor nerds to botanize among. These days there's often a bigger variety of products and quality in these big stores focusing on everything from car parts to kitchen utilities. You often find higher quality products side by side with the stores own brands. This folding saw is a good example on this, it's the Biltema 16424 Folding Saw. A low price tag doesn't necessarily mean bad quality by default. Therefor I think it's interesting to also bring a cheap product like this to my field tests. If you want to see more about my latest field test on saws; click HERE.




Biltema's folding saw is a big tool but the slim design makes it nice to handle and carry. The signal red color of the plastic handle makes the saw easy to find out in the bush. The handle's rubber inlays offer a good grip and a generous lanyard hole is to be found in the end of the handle. The long blade has no blade lock in folded position but if you now and then tighten the folding mechanism the friction keeps the blade folded during transport. The blade lock offer a very nice and tight in unfolded position. The Biltema lock is very similar to the locking mechanism seen on the Opinel No.18.




I've now been using this saw for six years and unfortunately I must say that the blade's cutting capacity has gotten less and less effective trough the years. This is most likely the result of this saw's low price. As far as I know I don't think Biltema offer spare parts for this product, too bad as the handle still are in pretty good shape. But on the other hand; today I can by a brand new Biltema saw for only 75 SEK. So even though this saw didn't put up much of a fight in my latest field test on saws; I think I've gotten a hole lot of saw for my money as I only gave 70 SEK for this saw back in 2008.



Specs
Manufacturer: Biltema, Swedish company with foreign situated production
Model: 16424 Folding Saw
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 229 mm
Blade thickness: 1,16 mm
Blade width: 36 mm
Unfolded length: 513 mm
Folded length: 295 mm
Handle material: Plastic and rubber
Handle thickness: 25,9 mm
Weight: 255 g
Price: 75 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: This saw came from Biltema (2008)

På Svenska

Bahco Laplander 396-LAP Folding Saw

The Laplander has become a classic among us Bushcraft enthusiasts. Besides the nice quality of the saw the aspect of Bahco offering the Lap-Knife kit could be a contributing aspect to this popularity. The kit consist of one Laplander saw and one Bahco branded Companion knife from Morakniv.
This saw is one of the test objects in my latest field test on folding saws. See the test by clicking HERE.




The Bahco Laplander saw has a comfortable and high quality design. The blade lock is locking the blade in both unfolded and folded position wish is a nice safety feature when carrying. There is a small vertical play to the blade in unfolded locked position, but this hasn't bothered me or the saw's cutting abilities. The blade has a powder coated surface and is also available as a spare part. The rubberized handle enables a very good grip and the saw comes with a leather lanyard.




I've now been using this saw for six years and I'm very satisfied with it. To avoid the risk of displacing the black and green saw out in the bush I recommend you to give it some kind of signal color mark. One way is to use a colorful lanyard. The teeth pattern on the blade is rather fine on this saw. This gives a nice all round saw being able to process both soft and hard materials.




Specs
Manufacturer: Bahco, Swedish company own by Frensh SNA Europe
Model: Laplander 396-LAP
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 179 mm
Blade thickness: 1,18 mm
Blade width: 36,2 mm
Unfolded length: 402 mm
Folded length: 232 mm
Handle material: Plastic and rubber
Handle thickness: 22,55 mm
Weight: 182 g
Price: 449 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: This saw comes from Järnia (2008)

På Svenska

Silky Ultra Accel 240 Curve Folding Saw

Japanese Silky has delivered saws since 1919 and 1991 Grönyte-Konsult AB brought the saws to Scandinavia. Ultra Accel 240 Curve is one of Silky's biggest folding saws and one of the test objects in my latest field test on folding saws. The Ultra Accel turned out as the winner when it comes to cutting performance. Also I would like to say that this is my favorite folding saw for situations when carrying my saw inside the backpack. You can read more about the saw test covering 12 test objects by clicking HERE.




The handle consists of a steel frame covered by rubber. A big lanyard hole is situated on the handle butt and a robust leaver locks the blade in two different positions unfolded. Folded the blade is not locked by the locking mechanism, however the friction is keeping the blade tucked in securely during transport. Unfolded the blade has a slight play vertically, this is nothing bothering me though. The Ultra Accel 240 Curve has a curved blade, but if you prefer a straight blade; the the Silky Ultra Accel 240 Straight is offered. Also a Taiko version called Silky Ultra Accel 240 Taiko is avalible. So far I only had the pleasure of testing the Curve version.




The Ultra Accel is a very nice tool when robustness and performance is prioritized over weight and volume. I've now been using Silky's saws since 2011 and I'm still very pleased with their performance. Take a look also on my reviews on the Silky Pocket Boy 130 and the Silky Super Accel 21.




Specs
Manufacturer: Silky, Japan
Model: Ultra Accel 240 Curve
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 248 mm
Blade thickness: 1,38 mm
Blade width: 41,55 mm
Unfolded length: 525 mm
Folded length: 296 mm
Handle material: Steel and rubber
Handle thickness: 23,8 mm
Weight: 295 g
Price: 485 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: Grönyte-Konsult

På Svenska

ØYO Butchering Saw

The Norwegian tool manufacturer ØYO has a history reaching back to the year 1882. In their product portfolio you can find tools like; knives, axes and saws. The ØYO Butchering Saw is one of the test objects in my latest field test on folding saws. As this test focus on cutting dry and fresh wood this saw unfortunately ended up low in score. The ØYO Butchering Saw had the most fine toothed blade of all the test's saws. This saw's teeth pattern is best suited for cutting harder materials such as bone while taking care of the game. To see my latest field test on folding saws; click HERE.




The saw's design is very similar to a regular lock back folding knife's. The handle consists of a steel frame covered by plastic scales with rubber inlays, hold together by torx screws. The handle has no hole for a lanyard and the lock only fix the blade when unfolded. There is a small vertical play to the blade in locked position, but this is nothing that bothers me.




I like this saw's smooth design and nice pocket carrying feel. The saw is though relatively heavy considering it's size. Unfortunately this is not a saw I would bring on a trip if I need a allround saw. But the ØYO Butchering Saw is a good help when processing the meat after hunting.




Specs
Manufacturer: ØYO, Norway
Model: Butchering Saw
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 177 mm
Blade thickness: 1,55 mm
Blade width: 29,5 mm
Unfolded length: 380 mm
Folded length: 208 mm
Handle material: Steel, plastic and rubber
Handle thickness: 18 mm
Weight: 203 g
Price: 249 SEK (Sweden 2015)
Dealer: XXL Sport & Vildmark

På Svenska