Woodsaw or Metal File on a SAK, Which one you prefer?

[condcup]

If you were to choose between the woodsaw or the metal file on a SAK. Which one would it be? The metal file seems less popular.

[KTesh]

You couldn't force me to choose between the two...  I need both.  That's why I love my Ranger Model.  Not too thick, not too thin, they're Just Right!

[Outback in Idaho]

You should put up a poll. We like polls. 

Myself I also carry Leatherman multitools. Not quite sure a knife can ever take the place of a pliers based multitool. However I would prefer a diamond-dusted file, preferably one with a nail cleaner or flat-Phillips like (that can be files over to a nail cleaner if wanted). A cross cut file on the other side seems to be about the norm. Not sure of the cross cut could be use as a flint steel/striker, yet a flint laden lanyard could prove to be a useful combination.

[condcup]

You should put up a poll. We like polls. 

Added.

[adobo]

20 years carrying a vic.. I have never ever used the saw.

[magentus]

I voted woodsaw; I use my Huntsman around the garden and for little jobs around the house that I can't justify getting a proper saw out for. I use the saw on a regular basis.

Having said that though, I'd love a file as well...................................

[Zed]

Sorry both for me but if i had too choose the wood 

[Landrew]

Wood saw. Only because when I needed it, it was the only tool that would work for that purpose.  I've never needed a metal file for anything but a minor fix.


Good to have both, but if I had to choose, I'd lose the file.

[Syph007]

Metal for sure.  You can use a knife to get through wood if need be, but you cant use it to get through metal.  So a metal file/saw for me. 

[AimlessWanderer]

Good question ... and it depends where I am  Out in the garden or country it would probably be a saw, for home/boat/work, probably a file 

Good job there's so many variations so we can choose the right one for the right activities 

[Taxi Dad]

I'm on the fence, i want/need both !
I just want it all only much bigger and easier to pocket

[Fishnuts2]

It's the saw for me as I use it a couple of times a month, whereas the file got used maybe once in the last year.

The saw is great for wood trim, light trail brush use, PVC, and anything else that might need adjusting.

Thanks for the poll!

[tim]

I voted for the metal file.  SAKs are most useful when travelling light, and when hiking and camping I use the metal file as a nail file and pumice to keep my hands and feet in good shape.  If I need to repair any gear, the metal file will go through anything (including wood if necessary) with good precision.

I can't think of any time I've needed a wood saw away from home.  Any wood dry enough to use for a fire I can usually break up by hand.  I use a SAK wood saw in the garden, but even for pruning it's often quicker to reach for a proper saw.

[Wootz]

For me hard to pick. Both go so well together.

Metalfile more usefull in urban settings, woodsaw in the outdoors.

I wish for an alox Pioneer with file ánd saw. On a cellidor model I would take either both or none.

[kkokkolis]

I need both, that's why I like Swisschamps.
I trust the new harder Victorinox metal file but I miss the fine side of the older type. Wenger's is like the new Vic type but they include a nail file most of the times. Anyway, when you carry a 7+ layers SAK a 58-74mm is almost mandatory and they include a nail file.  Perhaps it is time for V/W to offer a carbide or diamond coated fine side like LM.
One would say that the saw is obligatory for outreach, because it is included to most outdoor SAKs like my Harvester. But when Wenger made the Mike Horn and Ueli Steck Titanium, they chose a metal file/saw. Perhaps the truth is that every outdoor man is relying  on special equipment made of metal and plastic parts and such a tool might prove valuable in case of malfunction or need to adjust tolerances. On the other hand those people and most campers and survivalists would probably carry more substantial means of wood processing, such as a folding saw or axe, if really needed.
But for just EDC a saw might be very helpful once needed.
So, please, don't make me chose. I hate that. I would carry the XAVT or even the Wenger Giant if carrying and using them was possible!

[WiSAKfan]

Metal for sure.  You can use a knife to get through wood if need be, but you cant use it to get through metal.  So a metal file/saw for me. 

this is my thinking too.

[PTRSAK]

photos of the saw and file off my "Carried, used and abused" Wenger after 40 years.

The saw is still sharp enough to draw blood if it bites you as you're closing it but the file is worn out.




I think that pretty much sums up which tool I use more. (note: your mileage may vary)

[nuphoria]

Wow, that's been through a hedge backwards a few times!

[hiljentaa]

PTRSAK, can you indulge us with some full shots? I always love seeing well-loved SAKs.

[Landrew]

And, if it hasn't been already mentioned, if you're trapped under a rock or a tree, you can saw off a limb faster with a saw than by cutting it off with a knife.

[Outback in Idaho]

And, if it hasn't been already mentioned, if you're trapped under a rock or a tree, you can saw off a limb faster with a saw than by cutting it off with a knife.

Depends on how big the tree is too. You might have to saw off what is trapped underneath. Is why I carry a pliers based multitool too.
If you lived by the Navy Seals motto: 1 in none, 2 is 1. Then two sets of saws, one on a multitool and another on your knife. Should one break, you would have a backup. Then too, if you have a Leatherman Charge or Wave, you would want an MTO Charge Saw set in case you was trapped in a building and needed a metal saw to set you free.

Speaking of which, hope to see a set (variety) on EDC Source again. Still have the one J-Sews made for me, used it a few times even.     

[Jothra]

Whatever the particular merits of either tool, the main reason I eventually stopped carrying my Ranger is because I realized I rarely used the file/metal saw on anything but fingernails, and I could find a smaller tool for that. I often use the wood saw at work, either for breaking down pallets or cutting drywall.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

For normal EDC uses, a file is more useful for me than a saw.  That said, nothing cuts notches in a fireboard better than a small saw, like on a Vic, or a CS4.  Doing it with a blade can be done, but it's a PITA.

[Outback in Idaho]

You could add to more entries:
• Both
• None

Is what I like about this forum area, there are many different personalities. These guys & gals grow on you too.

Very few herd followers here. And always a jokester in the midst.

[PTRSAK]

PTRSAK, can you indulge us with some full shots? I always love seeing well-loved SAKs.

this thread
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,38149.msg613045.html#msg613045

and here  for the refurbishment/rebuild
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,38787.0.html

[nuphoria]

And, if it hasn't been already mentioned, if you're trapped under a rock or a tree, you can saw off a limb faster with a saw than by cutting it off with a knife.

Blimey! Speaking from experience mate?!

 

[Monrogue]

I prefer those tools to be on my full size multitool as opposed to my SAK.  If I had to choose though, I would go with the saw.  I see that as having more random situational use than a file, but that's just my opinion.

[KiwiMark]

I can't recall ever needing to use the saw, but the file has been useful on numerous occasions.  I don't necessarily use the file on metal though, sometimes I need to grind a little material off something so it will fit better or move properly - that material can be wood, plastic or metal.

Not long after starting out by EDCing a Cybertool (over 12 years ago) I added a Leatherman Wave (almost 12 years ago) and used that file on plenty of occasions.  I switched the Wave for a Victorinox SwissTool X which means I still have a saw and a file with me.  Over 12 years of carrying a saw and I've never needed to use it, but that may just be my primarily urban carry.  I have been camping, but I took some good choppers to cut wood when needed.

[Landrew]

And, if it hasn't been already mentioned, if you're trapped under a rock or a tree, you can saw off a limb faster with a saw than by cutting it off with a knife.

Blimey! Speaking from experience mate?!

 

Nope, but if I had, taking pics too would have been epic!

[nuphoria]

Well, I've seen 127 Hours, so I get the picture