Making a Simple Bucksaw for Camping

I have tried several of the “survival saws” on the market today. I’ve tried the various wire saws, and even some of the ones that use a short length of chainsaw chain. None of them seem to work very well for me. Even with a long piece of parachute cord as “handles”, the cutting edge seems to flip sideways and not cut very well. I decided that the best option for me would be an old fashioned takedown model of a bucksaw.

I started off by tearing down a bucksaw that I bought from the internet for a pattern. But I made a few modifications, hopefully for the better.

I bought a Bahco 21” saw blade with teeth rakers for the fastest cuts.

The measurements are as follows for the frame:

Each frame part is cut from strips that are 1 5/8” wide X 3/4” thick.

21” blade

19 3/8” cross piece

10 1/2” uprights to the frame

6” X 1” turnbuckle

The frame cuts for the cross piece is made 5” from the bottom.

A 1” slot is cut for the insertion of the blade

2 machine screws 10-24 thread pitch

2 wing nuts 10-24 pitch

4 medium fender washers

A 3” round in 1/4” thickness

Tenons are made from 3/16” round stock

A loop of parachute cord long enough to twist at the top of the saw to hold it together tightly

After measuring and cutting the notches for the cross piece, I center drill through for the tenons.

I cut tenons from the 3/16” round stock and insert them in the frame uprights with glue.

The entire bucksaw parts laid out.

The assembled bucksaw ready to use. Later on, I’ll sand and stain the entire saw frame and seal it with boiled linseed oil.

The bucksaw broken down for storage and transportation.

The blade came with a protective plastic piece that wraps around the blade to prevent the teeth from getting snagged on your other gear or your skin. Made this entire saw for less than $40, including the cost of the blade.