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Reviews > Knives > Saws > Nordic Pocket Saw > Test Report by Michael Pearl
DEL TORRI AB NORDIC POCKET SAW
INITIAL REPORT - March 01, 2017
TESTER INFORMATION
I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four-season backpacker and year-round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere. PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Del Torri AB INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Pocket Saw arrived cable tied to a display hanger. After removing the cable ties I opened the carrying case and found the saw inside a plastic bag. The saw arrived with a coating of chain oil. I assume the plastic bag is to maintain lubrication during shipping. Also in the case was a small sheet of paper with safety warning and warranty information. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The Pocket Saw did not arrive with instructions for its use. However, the company website has a video demonstrating its use (in Swedish). The design of the saw is simplistic enough that just seeing the video is enough to understand how to use it. TRYING IT OUT My first use of the Nordic Pocket Saw was cutting a 4 in (10 cm) diameter branch. The branch was cut from a tree at the end of the summer. I placed the branch over the end of our deck. I placed one foot on the branch to secure it in place and then began moving the Pocket Saw. The saw quickly bit into the wood. The teeth moved easily through the branch and increased the speed of moving the saw. The Pocket Saw cut clean through the branch with little effort without skipping or binding. SUMMARY
The Nordic Pocket Saw is compact, lightweight, solidly made wood cutting tool. I like its straight forward design and function. The Pocket Saw is easy to use and store between use. My one question now is how often will it require care as far as lubrication and sharpening. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Two trail maintenance hikes, both on the Appalachian Trail - Pomfret, Vermont - 4.4 mi (7 km) from 775 to 1295 ft (236 to 395 m). Temperature 60 F (15.5 C) and sunny. Pack weight - 15 lb (7 kg). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I have carried the Nordic Pocket Saw on multiple hikes but have used it on three. While stowed away in my pack I didn't even notice it. The Pocket Saw is compact and light taking up little space and weighing the same as two Clif Bars. When I encountered a trail maintainers most prized discovery of trees fallen on the trail the Pocket Saw burst forth from my pack. The first two cuts in the field were not 100% successful however. The design of the Pocket Saw makes cutting from the underside the easiest and most efficient approach. And this is how I approached the first two branches. The problem occurred about three quarters through the cut, the weight of the cut end caused the branch to sag pinching the saw. I was unable to pull the saw and complete the cut. Luckily I was able to lift the branch enough to free the saw. I then completed the cut from the top of the branch. Stubborn as I am, I tried the same approach on the next branch. The result was the same. Next I tried to prop the branch to be cut with a previously cut branch. The idea to hold the weight as the branch gave way from the cut. This worked better in that the saw was not pinched. At the point where the branch was no longer held together very well it became unstable. The supporting branch shifted and both branches crashed to the ground. While the saw did not completely cut through the branch it did detach and the trail cleared. The downside was the need to quickly jump back with a sharp tool in hand. The branch I made an initial cut from the top side of the branch about a third of the way through. This is kind of awkward as I had to reach under the branch to pull the handle furthest from me to move the saw. This worked but not as fluid and quickly as from the underside of the branch. Once the branch slightly sagged I moved the saw to the underside and completed the cut. When making this underside cut I rapidly moved the saw, especially toward the end. This had the branch dropping without the saw binding. On the smaller ankle size branches or ones with little weight on the cut end binding was not a problem. Increasing the speed of the saw near the end of the branch was enough complete the cut. The Pocket Saw is quick and easy to coil up and slip into the carrying case. The teeth of the saw remain very sharp to the touch and when cutting after about a dozen cuts. I have not performed any maintenance or special care at this point. The Nordic Pocket Saw remains in like new condition. SUMMARY
The Nordic Pocket Saw is easy to pack, lightweight and very sharp. It does a very good job cutting small to medium size branches. It has performed just as well if not slightly better than other wood cutting tools I have used. The major advantage of the Pocket Saw is its size and weight. I look forward to using the Pocket Saw in a camp setting on upcoming backpacking trips. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Two day overnight backpack to Stratton Mountain - Stratton, Vermont - 13 mi (21 km) from 2300 to 3950 ft (700 to 1200 m). Temperature 50 to 70 F (10 - 21 C) partly sunny, muddy and very buggy. Pack weight - 25 lb (11 kg). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
Both overnight trips were very buggy. During the day the infamous and often feared New England blackfly feasted. Sunset brought a change of shift and the mosquito went to work. While hiking or in the wind we had refuge from the buzzing and biting. While in camp these conditions were not possible. Therefore the first task was to make a nice and smoky fire. SUMMARY
The Nordic Pocket Saw has been an excellent addition to my trail maintenance tools. In addition it has been the lightest, easiest to pack and use tool for cutting campfire wood. The saw remains in very good working condition with only expect wear from regular use. There is no damage to any part of the saw or carrying case. I find the Pocket Saw best at cutting wood propped on a log on the ground, as shown in the photo above. But it can accomplish cutting branches in other positions as well. I will continue to carry the Pocket Saw on the trail maintenance hikes as well as whenever a campfire is an option. Read more reviews of Nordic Pocket Saw gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Pearl Reviews > Knives > Saws > Nordic Pocket Saw > Test Report by Michael Pearl |