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Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 4:53 pm
by mickb
Hi guys, retiring my army entrenching tool from the pack as well as a 2lb small forest axe. Nice bits of kit but too heavy for the functoinality I need. Figured I can hike a lot lighter and wondered what folks use. I am not an ultralight packer by the way "lightweight or even lightish weight" is fine by me :)

To outline the digging requirment while not intending to dig pits to fight WW3, would still like something that digs better than a tent peg as the ultra light crew use. I fossick a litte depending where I am moving throughand being able to excavate 12-18" of dirt would be an 'occasional'bonus as well as levelling ground for sleeping, ablutions. Was thinking a decent garden spade would stretch it, but is there anything in between that and entrenching shovel? In rainforest I may need to punch through detritus/root matting before hitting soil..

For the sawing something fairly compact but effective. I'd like to be able to take apart decent branches and small trunks for firewood, at least as good as a small axe in the 1-1.5lb head category can.

Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 4:56 pm
by simonm
What about some of the Silky Saws like you get from Luke at Drifta?

http://www.drifta.com.au/silky-saws-and-blades/

Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 5:49 pm
by Franco
As for sawing I suggest you look at some of the pruning saws.
I have a Felco (I use it at home...) that cuts through a 2-3" branch pretty fast.
Many recommend the similar Bahco Laplander.

Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 8:02 pm
by mickb
Both look good fellas, thanks!!

Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 8:03 pm
by corvus
This is great little saw ,easy to use and not expensive :D
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bahco-Prunin ... rmvSB=true

Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 8:24 pm
by simonm
I do actually have a Bahco or very similar and it works well, though I have my eye on the Silky Saws.

Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sun 17 Jan, 2016 10:58 pm
by Strider
I have a silky pocketboy but recently snapped the blade :(

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Re: Lightweight shovel/scoop and bush saw suggestions

PostPosted: Sat 30 Jan, 2016 8:13 am
by Chris-Toms Outdoors
If you'd like a folding saw with a couple of blade options consider the EKA Combi http://www.eka-knivar.se/Products/tabid/114/cid/326/pid/4599/pmid/496/Fritid/EKA-Combi-Saw-Viking/language/en-US/Default.aspx. It has a wood, metal and meat blade, its built more for hunters than general bush hiking, but as a wood saw its hard to beat a bow saw style.
Cheers
Chris