Gerber Gator Saw I [22-49472]

I wanted a backpacking saw for firemaking, so I looked this up. An online video showed a guy using the 15 inch version in the snow, and he said he was disappointed because it bent a bit when he was using it. Immediately after getting the saw, I took it out back to cut some firewood and an old coffee table. Both CUT LIKE BUTTER. It didn't bend, but the weather was in the 70s and dry. I think this is a great choice for light-backpacking. The 10inch blades limit the size of wood you can process, but that's a trade off the buyer will have to decide. The two blades: one with really deep teeth and one with much finer teeth. The carrying case is very useful, and it holds the saw securely. The only problems I have with the carrying case is that the interior loops that hold the disassembled saw handle is velcro. In snow/icy conditions, velcro becomes useless if it gets wet. The saw blades "slip" into two elongated pockets. It's a little difficult to slip them in ther because they teeth of the blades get caught up in ballistic nylon of the carrying case, but I feel this is good because they won't fall out. The 10 inch version is not super-light. But if you want the kind of capability that a saw provides, you will want to bear the weight.

This product is easy to assemble, compact, and light. I can't wish for more on my hunting trips. It has 2 saw blades (replacements for which are available at Home Depot or Lowe's) and sturdy nylon sheath. I'm yet to be disappointed by any of the Gerber products.

Great little saw. Folds up nicely in its own case, and is super sharp. I can't comment on its durability yet, as I've only used it a couple times, but it worked like a champ. If it's anything like other Gerber products, I suspect it will last a long time. Be sure to read the measurements of its size; this one isn't for sawing down redwoods.

We bought this for a friend as a thank you for helping us butcher. It was a disappointment that the blade moves around and is not held in place.

Stashes in my pack easily. That's where the positives end. Parts don't connect together very tight. Lots of play. Could not even get through a 2" diameter log without blade forcing itself out. I will be making several modifications to make this product work. Will also be buying more backup blades to carry with me storage case. Basically, the only positive is the compactness of the saw.

simple, strong, compact, and does the job when you really need it. After getting one, I ordered 3 more to give as gifts.

I had high hopes for this little saw. I never expected it to be the best saw in the world but something more than a cheap chinese saw. It's was not made in the USAMy gripes:I was unable to locate spare blades for this saw. I checked 13 tool and hardware companies. I never expected to use this saw as heavily for a 10 and 3/4 inches; wood blade without luck as any of my other saws, just keep it in my packs. It would have been nice to have spares. I have to check but I think some of my hack saw blades will fit.The saw came assembled, sure, but I spent 15 minutes trying to seperate the two metal pieces that attatch to the handle. It should fit better than that, luckily it doest stick the other side of the same piece.and now I can easily assemble/ dissassemble the saw.One of the major features I appreciated about the saw is that there is a small E clip on the end of the tensioner. While trying to reassemble the saw, the e clip fell off. The section its designed to fit doesn't really have a descent slot to kepp it from shifting. The clip itself is solid, I had to use pliers to snap it back in place. Time will tell if that happens again.Now the tensioner... while it is square and the handle is cut for accordingly there is just enough room for it to twist a bit. This was easy enough to address while tightening down I just feel it could be a little better as it can lead to the thumb nut loosening slightly while cutting. This is somewhat negligible as the operator needs to check the tension while sawing any way.Over all performance.There are 20 mph winds and with the dew point and wind the temperature is around 20°F outside so I didn't go up into the hardwood. I only used the course blade and easily cut through a few 2.5" box elder branches and cut down one 1.5" maple. All of these trees are encroaching on my out foundations on my out buildings on the farm and need to go anyway.The saw performed very well on the soft and frozen wood. I suspect it will do just fine on the hardwood. I'm anxious to see if the fine blade will work on bone.For the purpose of being a pack saw, it still has potential for firing lane clearing, camp work, and blind building.The size is quite handy for those hard to reach jobs near buildings.I took off one star for build quality and one for zero repacement blades.So far this saw has out performed any folding saw I have used.It is definitely a lot lighter than a chainsaw.

Choose this saw as it is compact and needed to reduce weight and bulkiness of hunting pack. It is easy to put together and dismantle and is super sharp - cuts through bone/wood quickly.Recommend this saw to anyone looking for a great saw for those smaller jobs