Knives - Tools & Art: Fiskars

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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.

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.

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

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.

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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)

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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.

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)

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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)

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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)

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Testing four different folding saws 2009

Usually I bring an axe when out in the bush to help collect wood to fire and build shelter. But lately I've also started using a small folding saw. The saw has the advantages of being small, light and safe. There's a number of different saws out there on the market and to get a better picture of four of them I now will perform a test. I've chosen four different saws from different price ranges. The test objects are: Jula's Folding Branch Saw, Biltema's Camping saw, Fiskars Pruning Saw and Bahco's Laplander.
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Since this test was executed I've made another field test on folding saws. See more about the test covering 12 different saws by clicking HERE.

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Test method
I weigh and measure each saw myself therefore the values may differ from the data you can retrieve from the producers. During the test I cut bout fresh and dry material of maple, aspen, birch and spruce. The thickness of the material is 30-70 mm in diameter. I've tyred to use each saw the same way, at the same occasion, counting each stroke with the blade and trying to use the same amount of force in each stroke. The amount of counted strokes define the tools cutting capacity.

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Jula's Folding Branch Saw
Supplyer: Jula
Price: 59 SEK
Weight: 210 g
Measures closed: 225 mm / 57 mm / 27 mm
Measures open: 400 mm / 73 mm / 27 mm
Plus: The handle offers a good grip, Good price
Minus: Bad cutting capacity

The rubber handle offers one of the best grips comparing these four saws. The folding mechanism is a bit untight but there is a safety lock keeping the blade secure bout open and closed. Between these four tools this saw has the worst cutting capacity. The design is a bit off balance but the price is nice and low. I'll keep this one in the back of my truck as a backup saw.
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Biltema's Camping saw
Supplyer: Biltema
Price: 70 SEK
Weight: 240 g
Measures closed: 294 mm / 51 mm / 29 mm
Measures open: 512 mm / 76 mm / 29 mm
Plus: Long blade, Good price
Minus: No safety lock

This is the biggest of these four tools and the design is nice and slim. The long blade has some advantage over the Jula saw. Unfortunately this saw hasn't any safety lock. This means that the blade accidentally can slide open although it's closed. But after locking the blade open I like this saw's long blade.
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Fiskars Pruning Saw
Supplyer: K-Rauta
Price: 169 SEK
Weight: 86 g
Measures closed: 196 mm / 50 mm / 30 mm
Measures open: 353 mm / 58 mm / 30 mm
Plus: Small, light and good cutting capacity
Minus: Handle can be a bit slippery when whet

This is the smallest and lightest of the four tools. Despite this it has the best cutting capacity. The telescopic mechanism is nice and tight. The saw comes with a belt clip but I think a saw this small fits nicely inside the pocket of the jacket.

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Bahco Laplander
Supplyer: Järnia
Price: 389 SEK
Weight: 175 g
Measures closed: 233 mm / 50 mm / 30 mm
Measures open: 402 mm / 68 mm / 30 mm
Plus: Robust design, Good cutting capacity
Minus: Expensive

The Laplander is probably the most well known of these four saws. It's also the most expensive among the four. The design is very nice and robust and the blade is treated with a black coating to prevent corrosion. The tool comes with a leather lanyard.
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Conclusion
The two cheapest saws was prize worthy but in comparison with the two more expensive tools the cheaper ones loose when looking at cutting capacity. The saw that surprises me the most is the one from Fiskars; although it's the smallest of the four and is offered for half the price of the Laplander, it has the best capacity of the four.Therefore I see the Fiskars saw as the winner of this test followed by the Bahco Laplander.

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