Splitting Logs With A Folding Saw

[@kobudo4]

Nice vid Sean don't know how I missed this one. Very handy for me as one of my kids is too young ( or small ) to be wielding an axe. After watching this I'm going to buy him a folding saw and show him this method of splitting wood. Cheers Bud

[@Hard2HandleRandall]

Sean TSF always produces great videos... thanks for your hard work. i always look forward to seeing them... thanks.

[@bizzarrogeorge]

Thanks Sean. Just watched short clip of Ray Mears demonstrating this technique, however you took it to the next level. Can't wait to try it.

[@blamshiza]

thanks for the tip! never used this technique before, but I will certainly try adding it to the repertoire. Excellent videos btw, you're a savvy bushcrafter. This video made me subscribe.

[@panachevitz]

That splitting wood trick is pretty sweet. I wish I had known that when I was back in Scouts. Good job!

[@michaelkulman7095]

Great video on this important to know technique!

[@Clip7heApex]

i bought a similar saw by wilkinson sword. its for pruning stuff in the garden, i got it from B+Q. the blade is about 12" long slides into the handle and is locked pretty securely by a finger/wing nut in the open and closed position. i have used it quite heavily and the blade has lasted a good while. it's suprisingly lightweight and i always take it with me when i go camping. i used to struggle with the splitting of the wood though so thanks for the tip. nice vids sean keep postin :)

[@YeOldeTowneCryer]

I like the concept of carrying just the folding saw and a sturdy knife. lighter then an axe and more versatile. Never thought about the splitting technique, it works good, I'll have to remember that.

[@AaronAlso]

I have to say I've never seen a log split like this; it's always nice to learn new ways of doing such tasks. At the same time, I still prefer the hand axe (Gerber Back Paxe) for use as a hammer and as a splitting wedge for large logs. I do still carry a folding saw for smaller and more precise tasks; but weight isn't a big issue to me.

[@seanmulhall]

A very comprehnesive reply. Thank you. I agree with what you are saying but I still believe its easier to use a hand saw than a hand chain saw. Also in my expereince those hand chain saws or wire saws do not last very long. They go blunt or the rings come of the end. I have not used the BCB one though.

[@orcaluv]

I love this vid. I put away my axe a year ago. I just use a sawvivor now or a kershaw saw. I like it much better. everyhing processes much quicker and a lot safer. especially when I get to camp and I'm tired. all i carry in the woods anymore is a sawvivor and a rc6. yours and nutnfancy's vid converted me.

[@AdirondackBushcraft]

I've never thought of splitting a log this way. Will have to try it now. Good video Shaun. 5/5

[@kevporteretna1]

Great Video. I will have to get myself a new saw that folds, since my last one got stolen along with my ax. I always held the saw tightly so i will have to try it your way now.I get out of breath easily so hopefully your way will help, Thanks.

[@wildlifeed]

Wow, Awesome Sean!! Never seen that done before. Gotta try it next time I'm out. Thanks again for the great video. Ed

[@m3tZg0r3]

this is a very good technique. thank's for sharing sean.

[@Ghostkamo]

Good tips, I like to refine what I carry and lighten the load also. I have an axe but, don't use it often. I prefer a folding saw in the bush.

[@sean3470]

Totally agree. I actually use both. THe saw is 100 time easier to use when cutting the right lengths for your fire and it takes less effort. I keep the axe to split hte lengths if the wood has been wet or it's been raining heavily. But definately saw saves on the energy.

[@seanmulhall]

@iwalkedinawall It was Ray that go me into Bushcraft many years ago. I remember watching him in awe when he first came on to the TV.

[@seanmulhall]

I'd be interested in your results as I have a few tree surgeon frinds and could probably get my hands on an old chain.

[@seanmulhall]

@tanaoi Agreed but I havent got a 1kg sharpened axe head to content with. I still like this method but a year on and now with my SFK I prefer to use my knife. Still its a handy technique to show. Maybe I'll have to remake some videos.

[@sanitaryskillet]

This is great. i always Bring both a hatchet and a saw, but the saw is definitely the way to go. I'm always so afraid of chopping my fingers off so my hatchet gets minimal use. Definitely gonna do this from now on

[@seanmulhall]

Tha saw I have is made by Stihl the chainsaw manufactures. The most popular is the Balco Laplander. Like most of my stuff I try and use other makes rather than the leading brands if possible to be different. I must admit I have not tried others but go for teeth that will cut both green and dry wood. There is a difference. Saw length - you want around 12", any less and you will sruggle with larger logs.

[@tanaoi]

@seanmulhall sean for me everyday is a school day and thanks to you i can continue to learn from home when work and family chew up my dirt time outside,i understand that that vid is a year old, it's just that i intend on watching all your videos as i love your views and your eagerness to share your knowledge,have nearly viewed them all at this stage so please keep them coming!!!

[@nashntth]

That is fantastic. I have never heard of this or seen it. Would someone have told me, I wouldn't have believed them.

[@epetrie]

I have never seen that before. I like that. safer than an axe for the inexperienced camoer/bushcraft people. Thanks Sean.

[@Balefulmoon]

Damn, I'm sold. I like a hatchet (you'd call it a small axe, I guess) but I'm like you and I always travel light. I can't stand to carry too much junk with me. With this trick you have shown us, I can't think of any situations in which I would likely find myself in which an axe would be better than a folding saw and a decent knife.

[@seanmulhall]

In my experience it works with all woods. If they are too rotten they just snap in half.

[@LoveRise]

What brand saw is this and how would it compare to a gerber 6 inch sliding pruning saw? I learned alot about technique from your video...Thank you! Warmly, Laurie

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good idea. Thank you very much

[@ayokay123]

What about a 12" bladed Golok compared to the saw? And what size knife would you carry along with your folding saw? Great video....thanks!

[@enjoythewildUSA]

Great trick Sean!

[@Miggy965]

what kind of saw is that? they seem to vary grately in price from just a few pounds to well over 40, what would you say is the right price range for a decent saw? thanks

[@patje0109]

Nice trick sean, always good to know!!!

[@seanmulhall]

@blinkvirus Turn the log over 90 degress and it should split the log.

[@JJRSURVIVAL]

great method sean really good

[@iwalkedinawall]

@seanmulhall i saw you were at the pathfinder spring gathering this year. do you have contact with dave canterbury?

[@LoveRise]

I just love this video and I was wondering if you think a pocket chainsaw or a folding saw is more efficient?

[@satyratron]

how much does that folder weigh? i use a 17 oz collapsible buck saw. that and my recon scout or rat 7 to baton logs works great for any survival situation. saws are safer, less strenuous, easier to use a night, require less dexterity, and are way lighter! personally i would never split logs like he does id just baton but good to know. thanks for all your vids sean!

[@DavidCharriez2010]

What is the brand of the folding saw being used?

[@madcow1001NL]

I use this my self too. But if the wood has a lot off knots, its impossible or very hard. but still very useful

[@bewarethegreyghost]

Very nice little trick. I was worried you were going to baton with the saw.

[@BravoAlphaLimaJR]

so much more energy to saw all your firewood!

[@ayokay123]

@bewarethegreyghost I thought he was gonna baton with it too! I definitely learned something about splitting, though. Fascinating.

[@thanson77]

Brilliant. 500 cool points.

[@MrWalloping]

hi sean what brand of saw are you using cheers keep up the good work

[@seanmulhall]

I'd like to see that. Either photos or video.

[@seanmulhall]

No I havent. Any idea who makes them?

[@hobbexp]

i have hear about it before, but i have never done it that way, really good video,, thanks,5/5

[@grinninggnome]

I generally agree with all you had to share. Defintely a saw is safer and a lot less woresome when minding other people like children. The only place I prefer a small ax is making decent kindling albeit a large knike with a thick back will do the trick nicely.

[@seanmulhall]

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments. I'll keep making and posting my videos for as long as people keep watching them. Sean the Silver Fox

[@painfull94]

what is the best folding saw in your mind i was thinking of a sog folding camp saw what you think

[@Gokunama]

@aseglkj - nope, he gives further info, like the advantages of a folding saw over an axe.

[@TheLimbReaper]

Understanding a knife has it's place and value....One sharp saw is worth a hundred sharp knives (or how ever many teeth the saw has). I agree with the saw, as I use an arborist pruning saw quite often. If people are interested, there are many affordable, quality folding and non-folding saws available through arborist supply stores as compared to the cheap, low quality department store offerings.

[@nextexhale]

I see your point about the danger of using an axe vs using a folding saw. The axe is inherently more dangerous yet they can be fun to use in a non survival situation. I've got a tomohawk that I love but I'm not skilled with it and I think a folding saw would be a safer choice for a survival kit or even camping.

[@slapoutz]

@juice420eco i agree i mean this is a cool tip but still an axe is better, i mean i could chop that tree in 3 or 4 swings with a ka bar knife which takes almost no effort, to me an axe is way less offort, i can split logs with an axe longer than i can cut through logs with a saw.

[@seanmulhall]

Thank you for your comment.

[@Frostdme]

holy fuck this is a great idea, my brother carries and ax, and i a saw, and i tell him its to much weigh, he always said you cant split wood with a saw, AND YOU CAN!! thanks man!

[@THREEFLOORSDOWN1]

nice splitting technique!

[@hanford_adventures]

u can put a big log standing vertical and cut and cut until say half of it is split turn it around and cut the other side vuala there u go splitting a big log with a saw

[@bajabugblast]

Well I for one have experianced the use of both tools in the bush and I would like to see you sharpen the saw after you have dulled it cutting up some dirty wood. I have been able to sharpen my axe with a stone after it was dulled by hitting a stone. let me see you do that with a saw?

[@seanmulhall]

Re watch the video and you will see that I am talking about two different scenarios. The video was about what I would choose to take and why. I get your point but swinging an axe when in that condition is far more dangerous. Also I was explaining that using a saw is alot easier and uses less energy. I would only saw smaller logs in that condition and would not be attemting to split larger logs.

[@seanmulhall]

Thank you

[@seanmulhall]

You said its easy to chop your chin. Chop your fingers maybe but not your chin. How are you swinging your axe?

[@The.positive.pessimist.]

That's a great idea, except your not freezing, dehydrated, exhausted, or disoriented. I think an axe would have used less calories and less chance for mechanical injury considering you beating the log on the other log could cause injury to your hand from the shock of the wood banging if you had cold hands, and the pieces of wood could fly up and hit you in the face or even in your eye. I think an axe would be more efficient and safer. If you don't know how to use an axe, use a knife and baton.

[@Pikknick]

as shown on Ray Mears xD great vid thou ^^ keep them comming mate ;)

[@bxxj]

@juice420eco well placed is the key!!! tired = stupid choices = danger. for a bug out kit he is right. a saw can do fine work that an ax can't. I like axes because that is what I was taught ... I'm a convert with this vid

[@serridgeas]

i suggest 70 strokes per minute with a saw as that will stop your arm tiring, matches (more or less) your heart beat and means the full blade is used

[@seanmulhall]

I agree but I always carry a knife. And my knife plus a folding saw still weighs alot less than an axe.

[@ipedros7]

Seen it before and its a good skill to have if you happen to find yourself in a situation with a saw only! Why you'd have a saw and not an axe or a knife(battoning), I don't know! :) Still I agree with others its very energy expensive and the chances of hand damage or injuries due to flying debri (e.g. eyes) is high. More dangerous than a knife and a batton for instance. Still, from the point of the skill itself, good demo. Thanks.

[@CanItAlready]

I've seen the Ray Mears video and it is a handy technique to know, but it's not as much fun as chopping and, frankly, sawing seems more tiring to me. Maybe you need to be a guy to find sawing to be have those sawing muscles already conditioned...

[@Junriah]

@Twacool Where do you think those bushmen got their knowledge from? Knowledge cycles around.

[@Matttheprat]

very nice!

[@tanaoi]

you talk about the simple motions of the saw if your fatiqued and how much safer it is than the saw,but then you swing the log like an axe using up similar calories and energy.

[@seanmulhall]

@MrWalloping Its made by Sthil

[@karlsefni01]

Well, this was a very good video about using a small folding saw. But honestly, I think that saws have so many limitations. For example, even a very small axe can cut up very large pieces of wood (albeit more wastefully than with a saw) but the length of the saw blade limits the diameter of the log you can use. But a good video nonetheless 5/5

[@DangerDad29]

or cold, or rushing getting fire and shelter built, or not paying attention.or inexperienced. Saws are safer than an axe in that regard. 1 hit ? :) post it. I live in Canada and used to pack an axe for a while, gave it up for a decent saw for the reasons in the vid. each to their own i suppose... my axe stays in the truck. Great vid, well done!

[@seanmulhall]

@iwalkedinawall Yes.

[@NDulge1]

There is a third choice. I take a hatchit.. I've split wood this way and you'll get a "zinger" in your hands the same way a baseball batter does when he breaks a bat. OUCH!

[@enjoythewildUSA]

@juice420eco I agree with Sean... a saw is far less dangerous.

[@ucaroy]

Gunshot at 6:38?

[@WannaBEEfarmer]

Nice! I love axes. But there is always a saw in my pack-basket. often the axe gets left out. I just let my seven year old cut down a pine of about 8" diameter that I need to clear. With very loose supervised. I would not let him do that with and axe! He will be excited to learn your wood splitting method. Take care Wanna BEE farmer

[@BlinkVirus]

i love this technique.. unfortunately everytime i've tried it i just snap the log in two :(

[@madcow1001NL]

P.S :) But I still carry and axe most off the time when i'm out, just because I like to use axe.

[@iwalkedinawall]

are you a fan of ray mears?

[@Lean540]

@Twacool Even if that was true, where do you think they all go the info? He is here teaching you completely free of charge. Seems you don't appreciate it so, you are no longer obligated to watch. I release you of that reponsibility. Better?

[@clap5]

This guy reminds me of Lord of the Rings. One of the Elf people.

[@lonefoxbushcraft]

Bow saw with 24 inch blade is wat I use

[@AlbinMyren]

yea, but can you carve with a saw? I saw is more safe than a axe, if you don't know how to use a axe. I would take both... but still, puting a sharp axe in you're leg is not fun...

[@lamaj2110]

man who ever said that you couldn't split a log with a folding saw got proved wrong striaght up

[@seanmulhall]

My saw is made by Stihl. The chainsaw manufacturers. I do not know about other makes of saws sorry. I guess they would be fine. You are not putting a lot of stress through the saw.

[@robmochdre]

Good vid but I also have to disagree , You say you like to travel light, yet you have the intension of processing wood for a fire or shelter on your travels . If there is a need to do this then carry appropriate tools food clothing ect Get a good small hatchet . I swear by them

[@seanmulhall]

Ray.

[@iscay666]

:P yeah it is lighter but swinging an axe is alot funner

[@seanmulhall]

If you were tired then a saw is far less dangerous.

[@Harryolo]

I'm sorry, but if you prefer that instead of an ax...well I can't express it with words! A sharp axe is by far a superior tool! First of all, if you know how to handle an axe, and with time you will, you'll also understand how you can split a BIG log with only a couple of hits. And most important: You don't waste a lot of energy! Though, perhaps if you're without an axe, your technique would be useful. No disrespect!

[@nitroflesh]

How can he compare axe with an saw? There is no comperisment. Two different tools.

[@magicster123]

yea and a saw takes too much energy and time

[@seanmulhall]

Chop your chin? What were you doing?

[@juice420eco]

are u serious ?really he used less effort with that saw ?i would down that tree in 2 swings with a good sharp axe and well placed hits or less i mean for real one hit and u could use your foot to snap the rest

[@karlsefni01]

Drunk typing or just bored?? LOL