bow saw blade advice please

[vizsla]

evening all, im just in the process of making a folding bow saw similar to the ray mears one, iv made the two side pieces but cant decide what size blade to go for, 21'' is probably best to use but is a bit long to keep in rucksack iv already got my axe pocking out, the alternate blades i think are 12'' or 15'' but ive never used one that small, just wondering if anyone has made one and what blade they chose.
thanks for any advice cheers ash

 

[Retired Member southey]

Howdy, I went for a 21" as I think it will give me a wider range of log thickness to be able to process, it isn't top long as to be unmanageable even if strapped to the outside of my pack and axminster tools stock org tooth and Raker tooth in this lenth.

 

[Shewie]

I'd say 24" for ease of availability (most DIY shops) and for the same reasons as Southey says.

 

[British Red]

I'd say

"Make several cross pieces and try a variety of sizes and find what suits you best"

Don't forget you can coil a bow saw balde inside a billy can to fit it in your pack. I use a 20" blade in a plastic cover - it slides inside the frame pocket.

 

[Retired Member southey]

DAMMIT! Forgot to grab one of those plastic clip things today in staples! Idiot!

 

[Ian S]

The classic way to carry a bow saw blade is coiled up in a billy can. Length (at least in carriage) is almost unimportant.

Cheers

 

[Ogri the trog]

I would have thought that the 12 & 15 inch blades would be so restricted in length of stroke as to be virtually useless and entirely surpassed by using a Laplander. 24" is my blade of preference, bundled with the rest of the buck saw frame which masks the teeth from catching in a pack but long enough to process reasonable logs if needed.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[vizsla]

iv been and got 2 21" inch bahco blades today which is about the same size as my sf axe, so now i can crack on whilst the missis watches the f a cup final(shes a stoke fan).
then i want to make a canvas sleeve for it,
il try and sort some picks out as i no pictureless threads can be boring
cheers gents ash

 

[vizsla]

As promised a pic.
Hope you like. Thanks ash

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

 

[Retired Member southey]

That's a cracker matey, nicely done.

 

[vizsla]

Cheers pal takes a fair bit of doing with a axe and knife. Well worth it tho

 

[Biker]

You used just an axe and a knife? I'm impressed!

Gorgeous looking bow saw that. Got one I made myself and another that's a bit different to the norm but does the job too. Anyway nice work, very nice work I should say.

 

[vizsla]

I also used sandpaper and block to sand it square but everything else was done mainly by knife.
Thanks ash

 

[Sparrowhawk]

DAMMIT! Forgot to grab one of those plastic clip things today in staples! Idiot!

What plastic clip things?

 

[vizsla]

I think its the cover that slides over the bow blade mate

 

[ged]

I would have thought that the 12 & 15 inch blades would be so restricted in length of stroke as to be virtually useless ... 24" is my blade of preference ...

I'd agree completely, except that I bought a cheap set from Aldi (I think) for my wife and it had a small one in with it. Can't off-hand remember if it's 12" or 15", but whatever it is she loves it.

As promised a pic.

Very nice job, especially with minimal tools. That's the Bushcraft Way!

 

[vizsla]

Thanks ged its the only way

 

[vizsla]

I went for a 21'' blade bahco and i keep it in a lenth of 25mm conduit. Not to keen on the billy can methed as the blades are lethal, if it flicked out it would about slit ya neck which would ruin ya day!

 

[Mesquite]

DAMMIT! Forgot to grab one of those plastic clip things today in staples! Idiot!

Brilliant Southey!!! I have been trying to find something to use for protecting saw blades. Never thought about them

What plastic clip things?

These are what he's on about