Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original Review

Why the **Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original** Might Be Right for You

For anyone venturing into the outdoors, preparedness is key, and sometimes that means making do with what you have. The Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original is one of those unassuming tools that might just save the day when you need to process wood for a fire or shelter. It’s a compact, lightweight saw designed for portability, making it a viable option for those who prioritize minimalism in their gear. My own experience with the tool stemmed from a desire to carry a more robust fire-starting capability without adding significant bulk to my backpacking load. After looking at a few options, this specific model stood out for its perceived simplicity and advertised durability. It felt solid enough to handle basic tasks, offering a sense of confidence that even a small piece of equipment could be reliable.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original** to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested this wire saw during a multi-day backpacking trip in a temperate forest environment. The primary scenario was processing fallen branches for evening campfires. My initial interaction involved unspooling the wire and attaching the metal ring handles. It took a moment to get the hang of the back-and-forth sawing motion, especially when trying to maintain consistent tension on the wire. After a few awkward strokes, I managed to sever a finger-thick branch; it wasn’t lightning-fast, but it was effective.

The performance in slightly damp conditions was decent, though prolonged exposure to moisture made the wire a bit slicker. The metal rings provided a secure grip, which was crucial for maintaining control. One minor surprise was how quickly the wire could become tangled if not handled carefully when packing it away. It wasn’t difficult to untangle, but it required a bit of patience to avoid creating a knot.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several trips, totaling roughly two weeks of active use, the Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original has held up surprisingly well. It’s been used to cut branches ranging from pencil-thick to about an inch in diameter, primarily for firewood. There are no visible signs of significant wear on the wire itself, such as fraying or thinning, and the stainless steel construction seems to resist corrosion effectively, even after being exposed to dew and occasional light rain.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick rinse with water and a thorough drying before storage is all it requires. It’s also straightforward to coil and store without damage, fitting easily into a small pouch. Compared to flimsy, cheaper alternatives I’ve encountered in the past, this saw feels significantly more robust. Those cheaper versions often snagged easily or the wire would kink, rendering them useless after only a few uses. This model, however, has maintained its cutting edge and structural integrity.

Breaking Down the Features of **Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original**

Specifications

The Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original is constructed from a tightly woven (8 wire) stainless steel material, designed for durability and resistance to rust. It features a metal ring handle style at each end, providing a grip point for the user. The saw also comes with swivels and two different sized split rings, which are attached to the wire and the handles, respectively, allowing for a more comfortable and secure connection. Its advertised weight is a mere 0.75 oz, NATO approved, emphasizing its lightweight and portable nature.

The 8-wire construction is a key indicator of its strength and cutting potential, suggesting it’s more robust than simpler single-strand wire saws. The stainless steel material ensures it won’t degrade quickly in outdoor environments, a critical factor for survival or bushcraft gear. The inclusion of swivels is a thoughtful touch, as it helps prevent the wire from twisting and binding during use, contributing to a smoother sawing action. The metal ring handles are a practical design choice, offering a solid grip even with gloves on or when hands are cold.

Performance & Functionality

This wire saw performs its primary function – cutting wood – competently, though not with the speed of a traditional saw. It excels at processing smaller diameter deadfall, which is often the most readily available material for a quick fire. For thicker branches, it requires considerable effort and time, as expected with a tool of this nature. It can indeed cut through wood, plastic, and bone as advertised, although bone cutting would likely be a strenuous and potentially damaging endeavor for the wire.

Its main strength lies in its compactness and portability, making it an ideal addition to an emergency kit or a minimalist backpacking setup. The weakness, if one can call it that, is the inherent limitation of wire saws when dealing with larger or greener wood; it’s not a replacement for a full-sized saw or hatchet for serious wood processing. It meets expectations for its intended purpose: a lightweight, emergency wood-cutting tool, rather than a primary wood processing implement.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original is inherently simple, which contributes to its reliability. The 8-wire stainless saw feels substantial for its size, and the weaving provides a degree of rigidity that prevents it from feeling too flimsy. The metal ring handles are functional; they are large enough to accommodate most finger sizes and offer a secure grasp. While not ergonomically shaped for comfort over extended periods, they serve their purpose effectively for short to medium-duration cutting tasks.

The addition of swivels where the wire meets the rings is a well-implemented detail that reduces torsional stress on the wire and user’s wrists. The two different sized split rings allow for adjustment, ensuring a snug fit onto the handle rings, preventing accidental detachment. The overall feel is that of a robust, no-frills tool designed for utility rather than comfort.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original appears to be built for the long haul, assuming reasonable use. The 8-wire stainless construction suggests high tensile strength and excellent corrosion resistance. I haven’t observed any signs of fatigue, kinking, or weakening after multiple uses, which is impressive for such a thin wire.

Maintenance is commendably simple. After use, rinsing the wire and rings with fresh water and ensuring they are completely dry before storage is sufficient to prevent any potential issues. Storing it loosely coiled, perhaps in a small pouch or wrapped around a card, will help maintain its shape and prevent tangles. There are no complex parts to break or fail, making it a very low-maintenance piece of gear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original comes with a few key components that enhance its usability. These include the metal ring handles and the swivels that connect the wire to these handles. The inclusion of two different sized split rings is a practical accessory that ensures a secure attachment of the wire to the handles.

Beyond these included parts, there isn’t much scope for customization. The tool is designed as a self-contained unit. However, users might choose to attach the wire to different handles if they find the included ones unsuitable, or they might integrate it into a more elaborate custom kit. For its intended use, the provided accessories are sufficient and well-chosen.

Pros and Cons of **Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original**

Who Should Buy **Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original**?

The Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original is an excellent choice for backpackers, hikers, survivalists, and anyone who needs a lightweight, compact tool for processing small amounts of wood for fire or emergency shelter construction. It’s also a solid addition for an escape and evasion kit due to its minimal size and weight. Individuals who prioritize preparedness with minimal gear will find this saw invaluable.

Those who need to process large volumes of wood quickly or consistently might find this saw to be too slow and labor-intensive. For example, if you’re building a substantial shelter or need a large amount of firewood for a prolonged stay, a folding saw or hatchet would be a more appropriate primary tool. For this saw, I’d recommend pairing it with a ferrocerium rod and some tinder for a complete fire-starting system. A small pouch or container to keep it organized and prevent tangling is also a smart accessory.

Conclusion on **Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original**

The Bushcraft Commando Wire Saw Original stands out as a practical and well-built tool for its intended purpose. Its 8-wire stainless construction and included accessories like swivels and metal ring handles contribute to a surprisingly robust performance for such a small item. While it’s not a replacement for a full-sized saw, its extreme portability and effectiveness on smaller wood make it a valuable asset for anyone looking to travel light or be prepared for emergencies. For its modest price of $7.99, the value proposition is strong, offering a reliable backup cutting tool that won’t weigh down your pack. I would confidently recommend this wire saw to anyone who values preparedness and understands the limitations and strengths of compact bushcraft tools.