Let’s Talk About Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps
The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps is a compact, lightweight tool designed for emergency situations and outdoor activities. Manufactured by Rothco, known for their military and tactical gear, this wire saw promises to be a reliable cutting solution in a small package. What really caught my attention was the claim of ‘strongest wire saw anywhere’ and a 48-kilo breaking strain, suggesting a tool that punches above its weight.
I’ve always been a proponent of carrying backup cutting tools, especially when venturing into the backcountry. A fixed-blade knife is my primary choice, but a lightweight wire saw can be invaluable for processing firewood, building shelters, or even creating makeshift traps. I needed a compact, reliable saw that wouldn’t weigh me down.
Upon unboxing the Rothco Commando Wire Saw, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It’s essentially a length of twisted wire with nylon loops attached to each end. The stainless steel wire looks durable enough, and the nylon straps seem adequately attached. However, the initial build quality felt basic, reflecting its budget-friendly price point.
Compared to other wire saws I’ve used, such as the pocket chainsaw-style saws with teeth, the Rothco Commando Wire Saw looked incredibly minimalist. I chose this over others primarily for its packability and weight. Other saws tend to be bulkier, while this one can easily fit into a small pocket in my pack or even my survival kit.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism. The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps seemed adequate, but I was keen to test Rothco’s claim of “strongest wire saw anywhere.” Could this unassuming tool really perform under pressure?
Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps during a recent camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. The area features a mix of hard and softwoods, providing an ideal environment to assess its cutting capabilities. The weather was dry and relatively mild, offering optimal conditions for using a manual saw.
I primarily used it to cut small branches for kindling. The saw performed surprisingly well on branches under 2 inches in diameter. It took a bit of elbow grease and a steady rhythm, but it eventually sawed through the wood. Larger branches, however, proved much more challenging and time-consuming.
Using the Rothco Commando Wire Saw was straightforward. The nylon hand straps provided a decent grip, allowing me to maintain a consistent pulling motion. However, I found that my hands started to fatigue after prolonged use, highlighting the need for gloves for extended tasks. After the first use, I noticed some minor fraying of the nylon straps near the attachment points.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of sporadic use, the Rothco Commando Wire Saw has held up reasonably well, considering its price. There’s no significant damage to the wire itself. However, the nylon hand straps show continued signs of wear, especially where they connect to the wire.
The durability seems acceptable for light-duty tasks, but I wouldn’t rely on it for heavy or frequent use. Maintenance is minimal; simply wiping the wire clean after use prevents rusting. Compared to a folding saw, the Rothco Commando Wire Saw requires significantly more effort for similar tasks. However, it is much lighter and more compact.
Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps
Specifications
- The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps features a stainless steel wire construction. This provides corrosion resistance and a decent level of strength.
- It boasts a 48-kilo (approximately 105 lbs) breaking strain, which indicates the amount of force required to break the wire. This is a crucial specification that determines how much stress it can handle during use.
- The handles are made of nylon. This material offers a comfortable grip and adds to the overall lightweight design.
- The saw is designed for cutting wood, plastic, bone, and other soft materials. This versatility makes it suitable for various survival and outdoor tasks.
- It’s classified as unisex, meaning the design is suitable for both men and women. This emphasizes the wide range of users who can benefit from the product.
These specifications are important because they determine the Rothco Commando Wire Saw’s practicality and effectiveness in real-world situations. The breaking strain indicates its strength, the material affects its durability, and its cutting capability dictates its usefulness in survival scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps performs adequately for small cutting tasks. Its compact size makes it easy to pack, but it requires significant user effort. For branches under 2 inches, it can saw through with persistence, but larger diameters become increasingly difficult.
Its strengths lie in its portability and lightweight design. The main weakness is the amount of time and energy needed to cut even relatively small pieces of wood. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly emergency tool, but it’s not a substitute for a proper saw or axe.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is basic but functional. The materials used, while not top-of-the-line, are appropriate for the price. The stainless steel wire is thin but appears reasonably strong.
The Rothco Commando Wire Saw is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Just loop the nylon straps around your wrists and start sawing.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Rothco Commando Wire Saw should last for several uses, especially in emergency situations. It isn’t built for heavy-duty tasks but can withstand reasonable wear and tear. Minimal maintenance is required; keeping it clean and dry will prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps comes with no additional accessories beyond the nylon hand straps. There are no customization options available for this product. It is a simple, utilitarian tool designed for basic cutting tasks.
Pros and Cons of Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and packable, making it ideal for emergency kits and backpacking.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Simple and easy to use, requiring no specialized skills.
- Can cut through various materials like wood, plastic, and bone.
- Stainless steel wire offers decent corrosion resistance.
Cons
- Requires significant physical effort and time to cut even small branches.
- Nylon hand straps may wear out quickly with frequent use.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty cutting tasks or large diameter wood.
Who Should Buy Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps?
The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps is perfect for:
- Hikers and backpackers who need an ultra-lightweight emergency cutting tool.
- Survivalists looking for a backup saw to include in their kits.
- Campers who need to process small amounts of kindling.
- Anyone assembling a bug-out bag or emergency preparedness kit.
Who should skip this product? Anyone needing a reliable tool for frequent or heavy-duty cutting tasks. Those individuals would be better off investing in a folding saw or axe.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Gloves to protect your hands during prolonged use.
Conclusion on Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps
The Rothco Commando Wire Saw with Nylon Hand Straps is a no-frills, budget-friendly tool that serves a specific purpose: emergency cutting. It’s not the fastest or easiest saw to use, but its compact size and lightweight design make it a valuable addition to any survival kit.
The price is certainly justified for what it offers. It’s an inexpensive insurance policy against being caught without a cutting tool in a pinch. I would personally recommend it as a backup option, not as a primary saw.
For a few dollars, you get a potentially life-saving tool that takes up virtually no space. Add the Rothco Commando Wire Saw to your kit today, and have peace of mind knowing you have a cutting solution readily available.