Victorinox SAK Saw Firecraft Showdown. Plus extra firecraft.

A few months ago I did a survival comparison video between the SAKHiker and Farmer. Several people commented the back of the saw makes for a good ferro rod striker. So in this video we put the saw blades to the test comparing different SAK saws. We also used the old aluminum can bearing block made during another video but this time enhanced with duct tape. Here is that video. • Igniting a Core 4 Ti S...

[@mitchwells69]

I have watched literally hundreds of people start a fire with a ferro rod and this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone strike it with a rock. Outstanding!

[@robertmtz94]

This man is the happiest person I’ve ever seen. Life is good my dude.

[@vincentwesley6343]

Yes, I'm gonna miss him....he was one of my favorite youtubers. R.I.L walker.

[@vincentwesley6343]

He was one of my favorite youtubers

[@ChristianW1975]

You have got to be the happiest reviewer on youtube, love it 🙂👍🏻

[@MegaWoodswalker]

You're in!

[@jasonhoyt8232]

Don't get me wrong: a fixed blade knife is to be preferred in the woods. But folding knives such as SAK's work great for a ton of tasks. The survival community has lost their way in this respect. I'm glad to see you putting out such videos.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I think there is a certain amount of dogma within the survival community. I am more of a woods bum but know enough that yea use what's on hand. Rarely in the real world does a person have the perfect tool for every job. More so if things go wrong IMHO.

[@totallyfrozen]

Please explain why “a fixed blade knife is to be preferred in the woods.” ?

[@destinationbushcraft1833]

@@totallyfrozen generally speaking, a fixed blade is more robust, usually larger in size and weight which allows for greater durability and capable of handling more diverse tasks. For example, when preparing a larger amount of wood for a fire - a fixed blade ( in most cases) will allow you to Baton larger pieces making smaller pieces for kindling/tinder. Folding knives in most cases, use some kind of locking mechanism in order to keep the blade safely in the open position. And as such, are mechanically weaker than a fixed blade especially when under forces like when batoning. That said, there are hard use folding knives which preform extremely well even when batoned (see benchmade adamas 275 model). Hope this helps a little in explaining the above-mentioned statement pertaining to the difference between fixed blade and folding knives. 🙂

[@timsummers870]

@@destinationbushcraft1833 I don't think there's anything wrong with using a folding knife outdoors. I've been using SAKs since 1995. It's a personal preference.

[@redsorgum]

Setting aside all the other good information, using a rock to get sparks, that alone was worth watching. 👍🔥

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Yes it works. Not as good compared to a dedicated sharp striker but does work. Thanks for watching!

[@grannieannie1371]

I'll never forget the lessons you taught us. Thanks RIP 😔

[@animalscars3799]

Grannie Annie what happened to him?

[@grannieannie1371]

@@animalscars3799 he died. At the end of last year 😔

[@CONEJOMAC2]

How did he die ? was it Covid ? :(

[@brianmcwhorter2867]

Excellent video. I've never seen anyone use a rock on a ferro rod before. That blaze orange SAK is beautiful.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Works ok in a pinch. If you are familiar with traditional flint and steel the same kinda rocks work for both applications though in flint and steel material is removed from the carbon steel and in ferro rod it's from the actual rod. Thanks for watching!

[@f22shift]

Brian McWhorter me either. Good to know!

[@jelkel25]

Great stuff. The saw blades in the Boker Tech Tools work too, in fact the backs of their saw blades might be slightly sharper than the SAKs. The spines of the Opinels work great. When I'm travelling light and hiking a fair distance an SAK (Camper) and an Opinel no#8 are very useful, weigh very little and won't break the bank.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottnorvell2955]

RIP Woodswalker. Hope you’re hiking in heaven. ❤

[@leighrate]

Couple of points, and this is from experience: 1) Always have a striker. If you loose your knife, you've just given away two capabilities rather than one. 2) Not everywhere has flint, chert or similar. It's not something to rely upon. 3) Be careful of you grip on the SAK saw's, they are none locking and very sharp. 4) Lightly filing the back of the saw (diamond sharpener works best) enhances it greatly.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavesRange]

It's great to see a another fellow woodsman out in the sticks

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@husseinhell1194]

Man this guy is always smiling! Cool vid

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@totallyfrozen]

Swiss Army knives make men smile. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@issacnewton9237]

What is his name

[@husseinhell1194]

Man i wrote this comment 2 years ago my intrests completely changed lol

[@mheermance]

Well done with the bow drill as you can't argue with success!

[@JBOutdoorsAndMore]

Love that fire steel super thick. Thanks again walker.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks for the reviews, I have a SAK Farmer and One handed Trekker. Never tried using the saw spines for striking ferro rods. Good to know!

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching. It works very well!

[@dominickcabal5347]

Excellent video as always bro. The Farmer is my favorite EDC knife. I also own the OHT (One Hand Trekker), which I tote once in a while. It rides in a Victorinox nylon sheath because it's much larger and heavier than my Farmer. I agree, the saw spine makes for a great firesteel striker but the awl on my Farmer is my preferred tool to use as a striker. Those teeth are very sharp on the saw and as klutzy as I am in my old age, it is an accident "waiting in the shadows" so to speak ha ha! Nonetheless, it's good to know the saw can be used, but with caution. Thanx again for sharing! DomC

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Everything you are saying is spot on. The Farmer's awl makes for a fantastic ferro rod striker. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imjGeItpmZh0f6c Thanks for watching!

[@nwprimate6416]

Nice work buddy! You have to love those surprise embers. :)

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I thought for sure it over when that line flew off the bow. My fault for over bowing but dang! Got lucky. Thanks for watching!

[@markashlock8058]

+MegaWoodswalker I'd rather be lucky than good any day ; )

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I hear that brother!

[@survivalmike]

Thats it. Nice job. You did awesome especially with the bowdrill. You got a new Subscriber. Thx man. Mike

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for the sub and watching brother!

[@KarlBrau]

Excelent video! Please more videos using SAK in the woods! Regards from Danmark!

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Sure. I do pack them so it's an easy request as they're great! Thanks for watching!

[@riccartwright5623]

dang never thought of using rock very well done

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Yup. They work but needs to be a type that takes an edge. Thanks for watching.

[@bearsuo1759]

I learn alot from your videos. Great work.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertjohnson2586]

Like your shirt, I lived in that area in naples,fl. Great vid!

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasholden9741]

*Tip:* Put a little twig in the handle of the knife then fold the blade closed on it. Makes it easier to scrape the rod without cutting yourself on the saw.

[@John..18]

Great tip,, thank you,,

[@daveinsertlastname9984]

Hi, great video. I tried the wood saw blade back and the file/hack-saw back on a ferrocerium rod (Swedish Light My fire scout) with my 25 year old "OFFICIER" knife and the saw blade back was best Also for interest, I have a cheap Chinese magnesium block with a small ferrocerium rod down one side. I tried the file/saw and it scrapped the magnesium OK but the wood saw back was better and the small knife blade was better again. However, the best tool to scrape off bits of cheap magnesium was the awl. It shredded off much more faster than the other 3 combined. I do sharpen each bit to suit my needs. I hope that you can do a full review of the champ knife in the Swiss range. I want one, lol.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching. The awl is a really good tool. Used it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imjGeItpmZh0f6c

[@jameslane9918]

Good job Captain Walker james-lange always your friend Kansas City

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks brother!

[@bubba7626]

Outstanding Sir!

[@LazyRadagast]

I like scraping with the back of my opinel! You dont have to open it so its very safe for the hand :)

[@MegaWoodswalker]

So do I. I have a number 8. Thanks for watching!

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good video good job on the bow drill fire

[@MegaWoodswalker]

It was fun but enjoyed using a rock as a striker more as have not done that in a few years! Thanks for watching!

[@davidcarroll2035]

You make it look so easy. Good fire making skills. How are you when it’s all wet through windy and cold? I’m enjoying your videos a lot thanks

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Cold. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3uXlpambcuah5o Wet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXWyg6eLrqupl8k Not bad but have failed before. Thanks for watching!

[@kazumasnowboard4135]

The smile is wonderful

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Nice demo

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks brother. I hope all is well with your knee. The woods are calling!

[@bubba7626]

If you place a small stick between the saw and blade housing. To elevate the sawblade from the handle. You can hold it even easier

[@robbabcock_]

I will use a knife spine to strike a ferrorod if I have to but I prefer the GobSpark Armageddon steel with its own striker that acts as a sheath to protect the rod. It doesn't really add much of anything to the size and very little to the weight but really helps prevent damage (and to some degree oxidation) to the mischmetal rod.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Yup. I went out of my way the say as much in the beginning as there is nothing wrong with packing a dedicated striker. Thanks for watching!

[@bunyipdan]

Thats not the only fire lighting trick with a SAK.....have a go at exchanging the toothpick (I personally have never use the SAK toothpick) with an aftermarket "Firefly" Ferrocerrium rod insert. Also a few suggestions for your friction fire method......try reducing the length of your drill, you will get a lot more control and less fatigue if you can lock your hand/forearm holding the bearing block into your shin. Also orienting your hearth so the v notch is perpendicular to your stroke direction reduces the potential of the drill popping out, and you might like to try the double loop method for your bow string. Instead of using a single bow string with the drill twisted into it, try tieing the bow string into a loop, tie/secure the knotted end to one end of your bow and then tie a larks head onto the drill. Separate the knot so the upper part is about 1-2" appart and so that the end loop is a little shorter than the bow, place one or two fingers from your bow holding hand into the loop so you can maintain/adjust string tension. This method provides more control, reduces bow drill flick out, minimises string chafing, while maximising string grip. Keep on having fun, cheers

[@Grant_Gold]

Thank you for the tips

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching.

[@malachimcdonald1]

New sub, im really enjoying your style. Thanksgiving

[@malachimcdonald1]

Thanks *

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for the positive comment and watching!

[@281covfefe5]

Improving #Firecraft skills ! In the great outdoors & in real time with #MegaWoodswalker ! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks!

[@tomfaranda]

Great video

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jesusandbible]

Which Wenger is that specifically? Wenger AP Blaze 55, orange? The 57 is cool too

[@jasholden9741]

Sawdust from inside wet wood is good tinder, especially under a fire drill

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikemalinconico5243]

Awesome vid, what Ferro rod are you using?

[@MegaWoodswalker]

One of those cheap 1/2 X 5 INCH blanks you see all the time on eBay or AMZN. The Kydex is DIY. Thanks for watching!

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah The Walker, Bingo, yeah, the Farmer is one of my Fav's. But I always wanted a Wenger similar to your friends, But by the time I was ready to pull the trigger on one, it was discontinued . So I got the Victorinox Collection Rangergrip 78 which I like a lot too. Infact I use the Rangergrio 78 as my back-up for some of my Lite Trio Carries like my Mora 2000 with my Mora Hatchet and Bacho Laplander. Infact a Paulie's A La Chicken and Dumplings (in a can). It simply doesn't get any better. But Thanx The Walker, you did good, Thanx for the tip.,,.p

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Yea the larger Wenger is nice. I think Victorinox discontinued it when they bought the company but not sure. Thanks for watching!

[@paulie4x1]

MegaWoodswalker yeah Wenger is now Victorinox, and the Vic Collection Rangergrip is almost the exact multi tool, infact the Logo Botton unlocks the knife which Iike a lot, the Saw is also larger. But I luv my Farmer too, I like the compact size and the Alox Handle. But my larger Rangergrip 78 I ue it as a back-up knife with some of my Trio Carriers, Dilly Dilly.,,p.

[@snaponjohn100]

Great job with the bow drill fire. What type of wood to use for the Heart board and spindle? Be blessed. John

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Yucca spindle. Not sure about the fire board sycamore unless mistaken. Thanks for watching.

[@varunkate1247]

What ferro rod are you using? Also, good videos!!

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Those big 1/2 x 5 inch ones on Amazon or EBay. Added a DIY Kydex handle. Thanks fr watching!.

[@varunkate1247]

MegaWoodswalker thank you so much. Pls continue making these videos !!

[@YourHuntingBuddy]

Good video. I have an off topic question. How do you keep the ticks off of you? If I wore shorts in the woods I would be covered with them.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I actually came down with Lyme 3 weeks ago. Sad part being I was wearing pants at the time. Problem was I didn't use my normal anti bug juice. All my clothing is treated with Sawyer sawyer permethrin and that includes shorts, shoes, shirt etc etc etc. Also have natural DIY anti bug solutions (should do a video on that) plus normal deet. But the one time I go out without doing precautions I get hit hard.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Lyme has sickened nearly everyone around me. Serious stuff. doxycycline helped. Thanks brother!

[@BingWatcher]

Hey M.W., Sorry to hear about the Lyme. My daughter has been infected twice and she hates the woods (even before Lyme). She got it from our front lawn, which is not in the woods. We live in a typical sub-division, in Northern NJ.!? WTF... Just wondering what the fire 🔥steel you were using? I remembers the videos that demonstrate how you used the long, bright cord, it just escapes me the maker

[@59chevt]

Nice vis thanks.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I was surprised at how well the saw blade back actually worked. Thanks for watching!

[@charlesmckinney]

What brand ferro rod did you use with the quartz. I have rods that will not work with anything other than a steel striker or knife blade but have three rods that do.

[@Pinki2019]

The Wenger can opener also makes a good striker. It's safer than using the saw.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching. I will give that a try!

[@LEE-ck8yi]

Good One....Cheers....

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@tphvictims5101]

try it without opening the saw. Now you have a larger handle.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

There is no exposed saw blade spine on the Trekker or Blaze orange knife when closed. The saw is totally within the handle plus over lapped by the primary blade which doesn't seem to have a squared spine. There is only a very very small amount of exposed saw spine on the Farmer. So could only try that with one of the 3 knives as the other two would be impossible without opening. Thanks for watching

[@jimbojet8728]

Ferry rods come with strikers that do the job just great! Don’t we all have knives as back ups? Then of course the might Clipper, fir m, every time. So why is the ferro rod strikability even worth talking about with a SAK? Mine works great by the way.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

The Mora Clipper is fantastic. Thanks for watching!

[@victorzaidan6493]

very nice

[@debajyotinath5021]

I miss this guy and his videos 😐

[@Jesusandbible]

Why does the Wenger look so big compared to the others? Can you link us to it?

[@MegaWoodswalker]

It is bigger than the rest. I had it for some time but believe the model is blaze 55 ranger. It is kinda hard to find these days but might be available here. I think this is it. Hard to keep track as have so many. I really it! www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army-realtree-ap-blaze-ranger-55

[@johnwalls4579]

Good video where did you get the Victorinox with the orange handles the large one and what's the number thank you

[@jasholden9741]

enter Rangergrip on Amazon, there are several models that size.

[@abrahanbrunette7389]

The orange Swiss army knife is a good Striker I made by one of those

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching!

[@elrabbitstacticalreviewsl3737]

What's the model name of that orange Sak? I was thinking the trekker or hunter was the biggest models out there. "111mm saw blade" thanks folks!!

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Wenger blaze 55 and it's no longer made. Darn shame as it's really really good! Thanks for watching.

[@elrabbitstacticalreviewsl3737]

MegaWoodswalker thank you sir. I appreciate you getting back to me

[@hydranim7325]

Hi. What brand of ferro rod do you use in the video?

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I got that ferro rod blank from Amazon for around 5 bucks. It's the .1/2 inch by 5 inch. The Kydex holder is DIY by me. Than ks for watching.

[@David-pk9be]

Great Vids but do you know that some of the thumbnails for you videos have a blue box around them? This is most certainly reducing your traffic because many, hopefully most of us NEVER click on a video where the ratings bar has been obfuscated.

[@lukeg2091]

Good stuff! You bear somewhat of a resemblance to George Jones.

[@leonardhill7023]

What model Wenger is that? I personally carry a One Handed Trekker

[@MegaWoodswalker]

This one here. www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army-realtree-ap-blaze-ranger-55 Thanks for watching!

[@leonardhill7023]

Sure is a beauty

[@snaponjohn100]

What model exactly is the Wenger? Please send a link to it. Thanks. John

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Blaze 55 but I believe it is no longer madr which is a shame. Wonderful blade profile as well and cool locking mechanism.

[@jasholden9741]

Look at the Victorinox RangerGrip models.

[@thecow123xxx]

MegaWoodswalker

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Thanks for watching brother!!

[@KaylynnStrain]

nice stuff!!! I have yet to get myself a Swiss army knife

[@MegaWoodswalker]

They're really kinda fun and easy to sharpen. Thanks for watching.

[@bryantherocker]

Told you so :)

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Works thanks for watching!

[@ZielenOorlog]

which sak is the most comfortable to use?

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I like the feel of aluminum scales on the farmer.

[@cartermcfarter8070]

He smiles more than a depressed guy frowns

[@bonztherumy]

The farmer's awl is different than any other awl on sak that I know of. It works way better than the saw

[@MegaWoodswalker]

I think you would like this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imjGeItpmZh0f6c The Farmer's awl was used and you are correct. It works very very well. Thanks for watching!

[@sipapito]

What do you use to protect from ticks?

[@MegaWoodswalker]

This on my clothing and shoes/boots. sawyer.com/products/permethrin-premium-insect-repellent/ and I spray like crazy with bug spray. Also avoid tall grass etc however sometimes get tagged. Thanks for watching!

[@sipapito]

That's what I thought, I got the same as I got a tick last year but everything is ok. Thanks for the reply.

[@BingWatcher]

Just wondering, for the Lyme, did you get prescribed steroids besides the antibiotics? I have been told that it is being used in the New England area, but can not be able to confirm the specifics because of the way the process is always a confidentiality agreement.

[@mikevandebunt811]

Sadly, this is something that can be found "in nature" that does not belong there... but a piece of broken glass (broken beer bottles work well) will work as a ferro rod striker in a survival situation. Just be careful how you hold the glass so that you don't cut yourself.

[@jameslane9918]

👍👏🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@pedroclaro7822]

12:20 Conclusion