No longer a myth, the Firesaw now exists. Cut logs and start fire with one
tool.

I've redesigned my time tested Hiker's Frame Saw to function as a bow drill.
Everything you need is built in to quickly assemble the extremely capable saw,
then recombine its components to build a fast acting bow drill for friction
fire. When the work is done, it can be strapped together in a compact size and
tucked into your pack or lashed to it. It's a transformer (a triple changer),
and a good solid tool in all its forms. Choose a different wood species like
mahogany or teak, or stick with tried and true lightweight pine.


- THE BOW DRILL -

Bow drill mode provides an easy way to use friction for fire. It's got all you
need to make an ember, and some may find it easier to use than the bow drills
we've seen. Most importantly, the hearth board and spindle are replaceable. Of
course they become worn away with use and have to be changed out, but this also
allows for using any wood you like. An excellent way to have a bow drill set
you can keep forever.

A COMPLETE BOW DRILL SET

INTERCHANGEABLE HEARTH BOARD

SOCKET BUILT INTO THE SAW ARM

BRACE THE HEARTH WITH A KNEE OR FOOT

I used basswood for the hearth pictured, and it's great. No problem getting a
coal with the red oak spindle. The hearth is made with dovetailed ends to fit
tightly into the frame. With that long of a board you can secure its end under
your knee. It can be a bit more comfortable than using your foot. Also, the end
of the socket piece can be propped against your other knee giving more options
for a secure hold. Some other noteworthy features: metal plate inside socket to
reduce friction, thin notches to pinch the cord at the length you like, order
replacement hearth boards or make your own.

Check out the video to see it in use


- THE FRAME SAW -

When camping and hiking, you are limited to a small set of tools. Usually this
means a small folding saw is your only option for cutting firewood and that
means pretty small logs which burn quick. If we want a good fire we need
bigger, dry, hardwood logs and that's why I made this frame saw.

WOOD OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS

WEIGHS ONLY 1lb 5oz

COMES APART FOR BUNDLING INTO A COMPACT SIZE

TIME TESTED DESIGN, 24" BAHCO DRY WOOD BLADE

USED AS A SINGLE OR TWO MAN SAW

CUTTING DEPTH OF 8.5"

LEATHER BINDING KEEPS ALL PARTS CONTAINED IN ONE NEAT PACKAGE

FAST AND STRONG

EACH SAW IS TESTED FOR FIT AND STRENGTH AS I MAKE THEM

I blaze through logs with this thing. Bahco makes a darn good blade (don't
even bother with a cheap one from the big-box stores) but this saw puts it to
use perfectly. The handles are shaped for comfort and strength and allow the
saw to be used by two people so you can get some serious work done. I've used
this design on my camping trips for the past 5 years and it exceeded my
expectations... getting through a 6-7 inch thick log with little effort will
put a smile on your face.

I couldn't possibly take a fully assembled bow saw hiking (store bought bent
metal frame ones are a little awkwardly shaped and wooden ones are usually big
and heavy) so this one comes apart. Breaks down or assembles in just a couple
minutes and all parts store safely together in the leather snapping straps. The
straps and tightening cord create easy ways to carry or strap to a pack. All
the blades teeth are confined between the wood so there's no danger of tearing
through other gear. Blade is held in place by 2 neodymium magnets for
convenience. Tightening cord is paracord so you can put hundreds of pounds of
pressure on the blade making it cut quicker and cleaner. The windlass (stick
for tightening the cord) is made from oak for added strength since it's quite
narrow.

* If choosing a special wood species, ask me about options, or tell me what
you want. After all, it's a custom made saw.

The combination of a frame saw and bow drill is something I've considered for
a long time. The components of the saw just ask for it. I came up with this
design so that the strength and function of the saw isn't compromised. The
hearth board should always be installed when using as a saw since it provides
strength across the center when tensioned. It only has to be removed when
replacing it.
I test all my tools thoroughly so that I can have faith in them. The saw has
already proven itself for years in many countries, many environments, and the
bow drill mode has been nothing but pleasing.

If you're like me, you'll find a certain magic in using a traditional tool
like this. The feel, the function, and form have gone through little change in
the past 2000 years. It makes sense and it works. To know you're sharing tools
and methods with the people who built this country is rewarding in many ways
and teaches that tradition is important.

* Choose a personalize option to have initials or full name added. I burn the
lettering onto a small piece of wood (in a style that compliments the saw) and
inlay that into the handle of the saw.

The projects I work on are widely varied, change often, and are each unique.
Please trust that genuine love for the craft is put into every piece.

Dimensions (assembled)
length: 24 1/8"
Height: 19 1/8"
thickness: about 3/4"

Dimensions (bundled)
length: 24"
Height: 2 1/4"
thickness: about 1 5/8"

Everything included:
3 frame pieces (2 sides and 1 stretcher with the leather straps), dovetailed
basswood hearth, 1 new bahco 51-24 blade, 2 metal pins, 2 metal pin clips,
paracord tightening cord, oak windlass/spindle

Be sure to check back for functional art, handmade camping and bushcraft
items, and woodworking pieces. Thanks for looking!