As with most cool bits of kit that arrive in the office for review they are received with excitement, and an eagerness to get out and play with them (that can be interpreted as taken out and used very constructively and responsibly). So, when we received the Nordic Pocket Saw it didn’t take us long to get out into the woods and give it a go.

For years companies have tried to combine chainsaw blades and easy carry personal saws, for the most part, this has worked ok, mainly because these saws nearly always have the advantage of small size and are fairly easy to use, even though they take a lot of effort.Flexible saws have ranged from the thin wire saws that come in survival kits through to the more normal, off-set tooth, design from traditional saws, made flexible with a link system. The main difference here is that most other saws haven’t been able to successfully marry the chainsaw tooth to the flexible saw idea, the Nordic Pocket Saw seems to have made a good job of this.

Flexible saws have ranged from the thin wire saws that come in survival kits through to the more normal, off-set tooth, design from traditional saws, made flexible with a link system. The main difference here is that most other saws haven’t been able to successfully marry the chainsaw tooth to the flexible saw idea, the Nordic Pocket Saw seems to have made a good job of this.As with most

As with most saws of this type, the pack size is good and it’s one of the main advantages over fixed blade/folding blade saws, the Nordic Pocket Saw can be held in your fist and weighs in at just 132gms

 

Rolls into a tight bundle

It has a strong construction and I’d imagine it will be very reliable over time as long as the cutting edges are maintained well when needed.

I’ve only ever had one folding saw break on me but it has happened, I’d not expect that to happen with this saw even with two people pulling on it which works well once you’ve got a rhythm going.

This saw chain isn’t like a normal powered chainsaw chain, with all the teeth pointing in the same direction, this has teeth pointing both ways so that you cut in both directions and it seems to work well, it cuts and clears the material at the same time so the cut and saw stays clean.

 

Cutting teeth face both ways

Manufactures description

Nordic Pocket Saw (£45.00)
This pocket-sized manual chainsaw is a little dynamo combining light weight, packability and efficiency, making it an essential companion on any backcountry adventure. The 65cm chain is made from heat-treated high carbon steel and features double cutter teeth on every major link, providing effective cutting in both directions. Heavy duty nylon handles ensure comfortable and safe grip at all times. Chain and handles strength-tested to 5,940 Newton (about 600 kilo). Supplied in a nylon case that can be belt-mounted. Saw weight: 132g.

 

In Use

Materials need to be held quite securely or the saw can foul and it does often foul right at the end, just before it cuts all the way through, this isn’t a big deal but it can be frustrating.

 

The weight the of wood makes the end drop and sawblade binds

 

It’s generally easy enough to snap the last bit if the saw snags

My initial feeling was that hardwoods can be disproportionately hard, with a lot of effort needed to cut through a piece of Oak or Beech, but after using the saw for a lot of cuts I’ve revised my opinion and it cuts quite well through most things, it’s just slow going through some bits of wood.

Make sure you cut on a straight bit of the log, avoid knots etc as they’re a nightmare for binding and taking a lot of effort to get through.

You can hold the straps or put your hands through the loops, I’ve got big hands but they go through the loops fine and this allows a little less grip and an ease of movement but can be uncomfortable if the saw binds, although probably not any more uncomfortable than pinched fingers when it binds.

It can be better than a straight bladed saw in some tight spots where there’s not a lot of space to get a bigger blade in or there are lots of snags, the pocket saw can bypass all this and that’s a big advantage when you’re working in a tight spot.

 

 

 

If you’re in an awkward position the pocket saw can be hard to use as it needs both hands, this means that generally, you’re only going to be cutting something you can pin down with your feet or is already in a secured position such as attached to a tree or laying on the ground.

If you do get a good position the saw cuts well as you’re able to exert a lot of power through your arms back and shoulders, don’t get me wrong, the saw will cut it’s way through branches even if things are awkward and you can’t deliver maximum power, it just takes more effort and more patience.

 

 

I’ve watched a few of the videos online and they seem to focus on the speed in which you can cut a piece of wood, as fast as possible seems to be the name of the game, but it’s not all about this, it’s also about cutting over an extended period of time, cut after cut after cut, blasting away will tire you out quickly, so be careful when you watch the videos that you don’t get false expectations.

I’ve used chainsaws quite a bit and they need regular upkeep, the pocket saw is going to need the same if it’s well used, so having a file on hand at home to sharpen it could be a useful thing. The better the edge the less time and effort to get through the material.

The saw needs to be oiled regularly to keep it in good condition, it does come pre-oiled but that will wear off after a time.

 

The saw clears the cut well leaving it nice and clean

Conclusion

The Saw cuts well, it does what it says on the box and I think it will give years of faithful service. Would I buy it for £45? Well, yes if I was looking for a small pocketable saw that will last a lifetime, I would just need to be very very sure that’s what I needed.

While I may not carry the Nordic Pocket Saw as my main saw I would definitely carry it in my emergency kit as a backup, or if I wanted something with me that can sit in a pocket and be forgotten about unless I need it.

NOTE: We will be updating this review with some video in the near future