Another great video discussion on bushcraft tools. I always enjoys Mors' take on equipment and methods. I've been following his writings since the early 80's when he wrote articles in the Wilderness Education Magazines which I still treasure in my literature collection. Never had the opportunity to take a course but maybe someday.
Thank you Mors Kochanski. You have such a wealth of useful knowledge. I had no idea you have written that many books. I definitely love the laplander folding saw and usually its all I need but there are times when a buck saw is extra useful.
***** Hey Leif, thanks mate, I'm doing good, been quite busy lately. I post now and then on my blog skwbushcraft.wordpress.com/ It's in slovak, but it can be translated. Right now I'm thinking of making some vids again :). Hope all is good with You too. All the best! Matt
Mr Kochanski... another very informational video, thank you. I would love to see you back in the field, doing bushcraft, rather than talking about the tools of bushcraft. I understand the tools are obviously important, but watching you build a shelter or so forth would no doubt be much more informational, and possibly more enticing to your viewers... please don't take that the wrong way, I just know (from watching many archival videos of your work that) you have so much more to offer... regardless I really enjoy these videos... I just feel you are in your element when actually building something. All the best, from one of your biggest fans. Paul.
RE survival situations: He notes the benefits of a good sleeping bag vs the need/energy to build a big enough fire to stay alive twice in this video. A few lbs of down makes survival easier than the weight of an axe and saw combined -which he advocates for. I appreciate his emphasis on survival in general not just the best gear, in a consumerist sort of way.
I agree with you Jeffrey. Modern tools can be extremely efficient and if used together can be just as sustainable. I don't think I'd take an axe out into the wild (unless I had a vehicle close to the camp site - car, truck, horse, quadbike. But, in that case is it really "survival"?). I'm also not sure that I would need to cut "hug-size" logs for any reason. For all practical purposes one wouldn't need logs greater than 12-15 inches in diameter, and those one can saw with the appropriate Silky saw with ease (like a Katanaboy). For most work around camp a Silky Bigboy would be perfectly adequate, while for fine work the 4+ inch saw on a Victorinox Hercules (or Ranger Grip) knife is really good for precise cutting such as notching etc. If a Silky saw is used with the correct technique, it will last many years, almost indefinitely, before becoming too blunt to use effectively. I see NO use for an axe in this context, other than splitting logs. Even there, in an arboreal forest, there should be sufficient supply of smaller logs to keep one going almost indefinitely. The sheer physical energy expenditure in chopping logs out of trees with an axe is counter productive. A proper saw will do the job with far less energy consumption than an axe. Remember, trees one might want to cut don't always just appear at exactly the right height/angle required for the best axe blow, where a saw is much more accommodating. Splitting logs can be done with wedges. In fact this was the only method of making planks/boards for centuries. A handmade baton/mallet and several wedges WILL do the job of splitting quite effectively. Hatchet. I see no use for a hatchet, as I would ALWAYS have a large knife (like a Cold Steel Trail Master, or Falkniven Modern Bowie) and this would do that kind of work quite comfortably, and much more besides. Cheers mate!
I've incoperated a folding saw into my day to day carpentry and building tasks. I have become very fast and effecient with one. The ones I use on the job have 9 tpi and up. Thats a bit fine for heavy woodcraft use. 7 tpi, like the laplander is better suited in the woods. When I head out into the woods I feel naked without it! I purchased one of the aluminum folding buck saws you show in this video and really like it as well. Thank you for your wisdom!
I'm living on the wrong continent :-( I would love to apply for one of your winter courses... Thanks for the great amount of knowledge you share with all of us!!!! Andreas
Great info in this video, however I would not disregard wire-saws (except gigli saw), because they pack very well in a pocket and they are good to make walking sticks and I've made my bucksaw with it, later processing material with a knife. Basically they are cheap alternative to a folding saw. As to sawblades with hardened teeth, heard somewhere that they can be resharpened with diamond files and to some extent I've succeeded with it but they become dull again quicker than before. Maybe bad metal/heat-treat. But thanks again for sharing info.
When I heard what you said about how you use the broken blade of a folding say, I couldn't help to tell you that I have a saw just for how you use that broken piece of a saw, I have a Folding Jab Saw just fir that, I put a wood blade on my folding Jab Saw and it works great, I also got a family long saw on my Victorninox Delemont Collection Ranger Grip 78. I like pairing my knives usually a large knife with a smaller knife and that's my Fav's system, But I find with my Fallkniven A-1 which I consider a good one tool option, I like my Victorninox Delemont Collection Ranger Grip 78 because the blade is almost a 4" blade and tge two go together real good and it has a saw about the same size, But yeah, If we go into the bush and live off the kand, Then I bring my Folding Jab Saw to make traps and need other things. Yeah, I like the Lenox but the Milwaukee has a easy saw replacing sytem.
i have couple them saws the one in leather pouch i have but i use rope and trow one end over a high branch for cutting high branches also useful if use two people. and i got pair them pliers but until never worked out what they were for nice vid
After a re-look at this video, I have a question: Why would one want to cut down a "hug-size" tree? With some thought I came up with the reason that it would be for firewood. As I understand it, in arboreal forests there are usually any number of fallen trees, branches and other bits of timber all over the place. [Unless of course the place you're at has been denuded by other people doing the same thing.] I would think that collecting fuel off the ground or from fallen trees would be a better use of energy than felling a huge tree. Would several smaller trees not work as well? Then, that folding bucksaw seems very useful, but would be rather difficult to pack. It certainly would not fit in my backpack. Also, that rattle would drive me crazy as I walked along the trail! To my mind, and if I was intending to cut down quite big dead trees, the Silky Bigboy has quite a decent length and should do quite a decent job. One could actually cut down a "hug size" tree with it, but it would certainly take quite a bit of effort (not as much as with a much heavier axe though!). The Silky Bigboy does fit snugly in the average backpack. Bottom line is that one HAS TO pack a saw for just about any foray into the wilderness/forest which is likely to last for more than a very short duration. It is such a basic tool for crosscut work that no other tool even comes close, both in effort and usefulness of final product (clean 90deg ends). Sorry for the axe lobby, but it is a fact. In addition, axes are dangerous, and often result in substantial and very serious injury in the hands of less-than-expert users. Saws need much less effort and a bit of patience for excellent results.
Would appreciate your opinion on the Silky Folding Landscaping Hand Saw BIGBOY 2000 Extra Large Teeth 356-36, available on Amazon for $54 and all of a pound. Or the 1.45-pound (sheath included) Silky Straight Landscaping Hand Saw ZORIN 370 for $90. Mind you, these are merely 2 of MANY Silky pull saws. As for personal experience, for multiple reasons I prefer my Silky Gomboy over my Bahco Laplander (which I respect, but purchased prior to garnering a more complete education on the alternatives).
Mors what do you think of my idea of the aluminum roycraft frame I made it folds up into three simple very light pieces and you can use the aluminum for many other things but it isn't made of wood is the only thing so you can't break it down and use it for a fire or Kinley if needed be but you could also stuff the hollow aluminum frame with things you need and such but I thought I was on to a really good idea and it is very light I really do like it and I would send you a picture if you would like of what I have come up with thank you for all your advice!!!
How much space do people need in order to survive in an arboreal area? If every one is burning wood, using wood to build homes and such, how long does it take before you run out of lumber like they did on Easter Island where the civilization died off because they consumed all their trees?
Sorry but I've never heard of the Bachco Laplander being used in the Swedish army .. with possible exeptions of some special forces up north, but since it's a bit pricy .. we often have to do with cheaper and not so .. fancy tools. We didn't even get a Mora knife .. but a cheaper copy of it, with no sharpening stone available.
I wild guess is that when he said the Swedish army, he thought of the people he first met back in the days and they were probably what some would call special forces (or sf training units if you will) even if they may not have been formally labeled so until much later. I think more than one who met Mr. Mors Kochanski become survival instructors themselves. Mr. Lars Fält is one well known public example; at FJS, but also become the first head of the Försvarsmaktens överlevnadsskola, helped on national manuals and wrote several books. Another founding person in the service is Mr. Ingvar Krancher, but I do not know if he met Mr. Mors Kochanski. Aside from that, I believe we may be talking about the guys doing the "early-but-still-modern" experimentals to field test human limits, group dynamics, new teachings, new methods and new gear. From the basis of these, manuals were written and issued gear standardized within categories (budget limitations probably not helping to let everyone get the better gear...). I would guess that the issued gear varied not only from decade to decade but from various branches within the armed forces.
Say Heah MM, Yeah, Check out the Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Bow Saw. It also doesn't have Screws, Boots and Nuts to loose. Yup, you clamp down the ABS handle and not wood handle to apply the tention on the saw blade. Yeah, check it out, maybe you can help sell them. Contact Graham, he's a nice guy.,,.
faultroy I think he mentions in one of his videos that using a full size axe as fast as a saw requires a lot of skill and practice. Also it's heavier and harder to pack.
Another great video discussion on bushcraft tools. I always enjoys Mors' take on equipment and methods. I've been following his writings since the early 80's when he wrote articles in the Wilderness Education Magazines which I still treasure in my literature collection. Never had the opportunity to take a course but maybe someday.
Thank you Mors Kochanski. You have such a wealth of useful knowledge. I had no idea you have written that many books. I definitely love the laplander folding saw and usually its all I need but there are times when a buck saw is extra useful.
Thank you for your knowledge. Your words are golden my friend.
Thanks for all the great information Mors. The GODFATHER of survival knowledge.
I enjoyed the lecture. I could listen to this wise man all day long. Thanks for the vid Karamat!
All the best!
Matt
I haven't seen you in a while. How you been?
***** Hey Leif, thanks mate, I'm doing good, been quite busy lately. I post now and then on my blog skwbushcraft.wordpress.com/ It's in slovak, but it can be translated. Right now I'm thinking of making some vids again :). Hope all is good with You too.
All the best!
Matt
SKW Bushcraft Glad you are doing well. I hope you do some more videos I have always enjoyed them. Talk to you soon my friend.
great vid
Mr Kochanski... another very informational video, thank you. I would love to see you back in the field, doing bushcraft, rather than talking about the tools of bushcraft. I understand the tools are obviously important, but watching you build a shelter or so forth would no doubt be much more informational, and possibly more enticing to your viewers... please don't take that the wrong way, I just know (from watching many archival videos of your work that) you have so much more to offer... regardless I really enjoy these videos... I just feel you are in your element when actually building something. All the best, from one of your biggest fans. Paul.
Thoroughly enjoyable and informative video, Sir! Many thanks for sharing your knowledge, it is appreciated.
love this gentleman very knowledgeable and informative thx
RE survival situations: He notes the benefits of a good sleeping bag vs the need/energy to build a big enough fire to stay alive twice in this video. A few lbs of down makes survival easier than the weight of an axe and saw combined -which he advocates for. I appreciate his emphasis on survival in general not just the best gear, in a consumerist sort of way.
I agree with you Jeffrey. Modern tools can be extremely efficient and if used together can be just as sustainable. I don't think I'd take an axe out into the wild (unless I had a vehicle close to the camp site - car, truck, horse, quadbike. But, in that case is it really "survival"?). I'm also not sure that I would need to cut "hug-size" logs for any reason. For all practical purposes one wouldn't need logs greater than 12-15 inches in diameter, and those one can saw with the appropriate Silky saw with ease (like a Katanaboy). For most work around camp a Silky Bigboy would be perfectly adequate, while for fine work the 4+ inch saw on a Victorinox Hercules (or Ranger Grip) knife is really good for precise cutting such as notching etc. If a Silky saw is used with the correct technique, it will last many years, almost indefinitely, before becoming too blunt to use effectively.
I see NO use for an axe in this context, other than splitting logs. Even there, in an arboreal forest, there should be sufficient supply of smaller logs to keep one going almost indefinitely. The sheer physical energy expenditure in chopping logs out of trees with an axe is counter productive. A proper saw will do the job with far less energy consumption than an axe. Remember, trees one might want to cut don't always just appear at exactly the right height/angle required for the best axe blow, where a saw is much more accommodating.
Splitting logs can be done with wedges. In fact this was the only method of making planks/boards for centuries. A handmade baton/mallet and several wedges WILL do the job of splitting quite effectively.
Hatchet. I see no use for a hatchet, as I would ALWAYS have a large knife (like a Cold Steel Trail Master, or Falkniven Modern Bowie) and this would do that kind of work quite comfortably, and much more besides.
Cheers mate!
Appreciate the insights on saws.
Great video Mr.Kochanski
I've incoperated a folding saw into my day to day carpentry and building tasks. I have become very fast and effecient with one. The ones I use on the job have 9 tpi and up. Thats a bit fine for heavy woodcraft use. 7 tpi, like the laplander is better suited in the woods. When I head out into the woods I feel naked without it! I purchased one of the aluminum folding buck saws you show in this video and really like it as well. Thank you for your wisdom!
thank you for the great information.
Impressive collection of saws! I carry a 24" bucksaw on my pack, and a 32" in my car.
Interesting views on historical tools.
Mors is the man, baby.
I'm living on the wrong continent :-( I would love to apply for one of your winter courses...
Thanks for the great amount of knowledge you share with all of us!!!!
Andreas
Great info in this video, however I would not disregard wire-saws (except gigli saw), because they pack very well in a pocket and they are good to make walking sticks and I've made my bucksaw with it, later processing material with a knife. Basically they are cheap alternative to a folding saw. As to sawblades with hardened teeth, heard somewhere that they can be resharpened with diamond files and to some extent I've succeeded with it but they become dull again quicker than before. Maybe bad metal/heat-treat.
But thanks again for sharing info.
Fantastic Video
Very good video. This gentleman knows his stuff and I would rely on his knowledge anyday.
Please one day show a belt for carrying the saw blade.
Thank-you all for the videos you provide.
what's better for hoofing it long distances? small axes or collapsable saws?
Mr. Kochanski, what do you think of the Silky Bigoy 2000 folding saw as a survival saw.
he is a national treasure.
great vid
When I heard what you said about how you use the broken blade of a folding say, I couldn't help to tell you that I have a saw just for how you use that broken piece of a saw, I have a Folding Jab Saw just fir that, I put a wood blade on my folding Jab Saw and it works great, I also got a family long saw on my Victorninox Delemont Collection Ranger Grip 78. I like pairing my knives usually a large knife with a smaller knife and that's my Fav's system, But I find with my Fallkniven A-1 which I consider a good one tool option, I like my Victorninox Delemont Collection Ranger Grip 78 because the blade is almost a 4" blade and tge two go together real good and it has a saw about the same size, But yeah, If we go into the bush and live off the kand, Then I bring my Folding Jab Saw to make traps and need other things. Yeah, I like the Lenox but the Milwaukee has a easy saw replacing sytem.
i have couple them saws the one in leather pouch i have but i use rope and trow one end over a high branch for cutting high branches also useful if use two people. and i got pair them pliers but until never worked out what they were for nice vid
Thank you, Mors.
But now you realize that you'll have to show us one of those "kings of fires"?
Cristiano Nogueira
I fell innn-to a burning king of fire ...
Re: folding saws, Opinel has a 12" and 15" "pruning" pull saw.
Cm not inch , I have the 12cm and am a Opinel fan👍
After a re-look at this video, I have a question: Why would one want to cut down a "hug-size" tree?
With some thought I came up with the reason that it would be for firewood. As I understand it, in arboreal forests there are usually any number of fallen trees, branches and other bits of timber all over the place. [Unless of course the place you're at has been denuded by other people doing the same thing.] I would think that collecting fuel off the ground or from fallen trees would be a better use of energy than felling a huge tree. Would several smaller trees not work as well?
Then, that folding bucksaw seems very useful, but would be rather difficult to pack. It certainly would not fit in my backpack. Also, that rattle would drive me crazy as I walked along the trail!
To my mind, and if I was intending to cut down quite big dead trees, the Silky Bigboy has quite a decent length and should do quite a decent job. One could actually cut down a "hug size" tree with it, but it would certainly take quite a bit of effort (not as much as with a much heavier axe though!). The Silky Bigboy does fit snugly in the average backpack.
Bottom line is that one HAS TO pack a saw for just about any foray into the wilderness/forest which is likely to last for more than a very short duration. It is such a basic tool for crosscut work that no other tool even comes close, both in effort and usefulness of final product (clean 90deg ends). Sorry for the axe lobby, but it is a fact. In addition, axes are dangerous, and often result in substantial and very serious injury in the hands of less-than-expert users. Saws need much less effort and a bit of patience for excellent results.
You may want to look into the 3 log fire Mors does.
Would appreciate your opinion on the Silky Folding Landscaping Hand Saw BIGBOY 2000 Extra Large Teeth 356-36, available on Amazon for $54 and all of a pound. Or the 1.45-pound (sheath included) Silky Straight Landscaping Hand Saw ZORIN 370 for $90. Mind you, these are merely 2 of MANY Silky pull saws.
As for personal experience, for multiple reasons I prefer my Silky Gomboy over my Bahco Laplander (which I respect, but purchased prior to garnering a more complete education on the alternatives).
Get the largest silky. The amount of work you can do with it for the little amount of effort is great.
Mors what do you think of my idea of the aluminum roycraft frame I made it folds up into three simple very light pieces and you can use the aluminum for many other things but it isn't made of wood is the only thing so you can't break it down and use it for a fire or Kinley if needed be but you could also stuff the hollow aluminum frame with things you need and such but I thought I was on to a really good idea and it is very light I really do like it and I would send you a picture if you would like of what I have come up with thank you for all your advice!!!
Is there a link for that DVD?
How much space do people need in order to survive in an arboreal area? If every one is burning wood, using wood to build homes and such, how long does it take before you run out of lumber like they did on Easter Island where the civilization died off because they consumed all their trees?
+SanFranciscoBay Many years ago, I was told that a family should have 13 acres of woods to have enough firewood to last their life time.
Sorry but I've never heard of the Bachco Laplander being used in the Swedish army .. with possible exeptions of some special forces up north, but since it's a bit pricy .. we often have to do with cheaper and not so .. fancy tools. We didn't even get a Mora knife .. but a cheaper copy of it, with no sharpening stone available.
I wild guess is that when he said the Swedish army, he thought of the people he first met back in the days and they were probably what some would call special forces (or sf training units if you will) even if they may not have been formally labeled so until much later.
I think more than one who met Mr. Mors Kochanski become survival instructors themselves. Mr. Lars Fält is one well known public example; at FJS, but also become the first head of the Försvarsmaktens överlevnadsskola, helped on national manuals and wrote several books. Another founding person in the service is Mr. Ingvar Krancher, but I do not know if he met Mr. Mors Kochanski.
Aside from that, I believe we may be talking about the guys doing the "early-but-still-modern" experimentals to field test human limits, group dynamics, new teachings, new methods and new gear. From the basis of these, manuals were written and issued gear standardized within categories (budget limitations probably not helping to let everyone get the better gear...).
I would guess that the issued gear varied not only from decade to decade but from various branches within the armed forces.
Mora is like $8 for a basic though..
RIP Sir!
the problem with a hug size log is you would not be able to move it.
+Dreoilín ÓCoigligh you miss the point.
Dropping the kids off at the pool
Ethan Allen people miss the whole point is how to think.
Not a big fan of the caber toss?
You can move hug size logs as long as you eat enough tofu
Silky saws are the best.
Someone buy Mors a silky boy for Christmas
He needs an agawa canyon boreal.
Say Heah MM, Yeah, Check out the Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Bow Saw. It also doesn't have Screws, Boots and Nuts to loose. Yup, you clamp down the ABS handle and not wood handle to apply the tention on the saw blade. Yeah, check it out, maybe you can help sell them. Contact Graham, he's a nice guy.,,.
that saw with the orange handle is meant as a snow saw. not wood...
I wonder if you could put a chainsaw blade set up in a bucksaw frame I wonder of anybody’s ever tried that!
48 inches is way too big imo.
faultroy I think he mentions in one of his videos that using a full size axe as fast as a saw requires a lot of skill and practice. Also it's heavier and harder to pack.
His a cool dude but I dont like the hat.