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Reviews > Snow Gear > Axes and Shovels > Black Diamond FlickLock Snow Saw > Owner Review by Andrea MurlandBlack
Diamond FlickLock Snow Saw
Tester Information
I began hiking frequently in 2006 and have since hiked in Western Canada, Australia, and spent 2 months backpacking in the Alps. I spend most weekends either day-hiking or on 2-3 day backpacking trips, with some longer trips when I can manage them. I also snowshoe and ski in the winter, but don’t have a lot of experience with winter in the backcountry yet. Elevation is typically 500-3,000 m (1,600-10,000 ft), in the Canadian Rockies and the Selkirk, Purcell, and Monashee ranges. I try for a light pack, but I don’t consider myself a lightweight backpacker. Product Information
Description The Black Diamond FlickLock Snow Saw is a, well, snow saw. It has large serrations with teeth in groups of three. The blade is 35 cm (13.8 in) long, and has a line and “30 cm” (11.8 in) printed on it on one side. Also printed on the blade is the Black Diamond name and logo. The handle is made from black plastic and has the Black Diamond logo moulded into it. The handle is marked with “35 cm” (13.8 in) where the blade ends. The key feature of the FlickLock Saw is the ability for it to attach to compatible Black Diamond poles (I have a set). The end of the saw handle has two holes (for two different pole sizes), and the lower section of a pole can be inserted into the holes with the FlickLock mechanism open. Once the lever is closed, the saw stays on the end of the pole.The FlickLock Saw comes with a sheath which seems to be made from some kind of plastic. The sheath is printed on one side with the Black Diamond logo and name. The saw slides into the sheath and it covers the blade entirely. Field Conditions I have been using the FlickLock Saw since 2009 as part of my snow kit. It has primarily been used for snow study work in test pits, for cutting and isolating columns. I have used it on the end of my pole about 5 times for when I need to reach farther with the saw than I can reach with my arm, for extended column tests and for cutting cornices. In addition to snow work, this saw was an essential piece of gear for clearing a heli-pad on an overnight avalanche/rope rescue. I spent several hours cutting down trees up to about 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter with the saw. It has also been used for some winter trail clearing work to make enough space for a stretcher. I estimate that I have used the saw about 20 times for snow or tree sawing, in addition to carrying it around a lot, in temperatures ranging from -25 C (-13 F) to 10 C (50 F).I carry the saw inside the sheath in my pack, against the back panel, with the handle facing up. The saw is stored full-time in my search & rescue pack in the winter, always ready for action. Review Summary
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