Let’s Dive into Coghlans Commando Saw 8304
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 promises to be a compact and versatile cutting tool for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike. Marketed as a NATO-approved device capable of tackling wood, plastic, bone, rubber, and soft metal, its small size and intriguing design immediately caught my attention. For a mere $5.19, could this seemingly unassuming tool truly deliver on its claims?
My interest in the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 stemmed from a need for a lightweight and easily packable cutting tool for my bug-out bag. Space is always at a premium, and the promise of a single tool that could handle multiple materials was highly appealing. I was specifically looking for something that could handle small branches for shelter building or fire starting in a survival situation.
Upon receiving the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304, I was initially impressed by its compact size and minimal weight. The saw comes coiled tightly, easily fitting in the palm of my hand. The stainless steel blade, although thin, appeared relatively robust, and the plated swivel ends seemed securely attached.
Similar products I considered included the S.O.L. Survival Gear Pocket Saw and the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw. I ultimately chose the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 due to its significantly lower price point and the claim of cutting various materials beyond just wood. The low price made it a low-risk experiment.
My first impression was a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. The size was perfect, but the lightweight nature raised concerns about its durability and cutting ability, especially with tougher materials. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 took place during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The environment offered a variety of wood types and sizes, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of its performance. I primarily used it to gather small branches for kindling and to test its ability to cut through thicker logs.
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 performed adequately in dry conditions but struggled significantly when the wood was wet. The blade seemed to bind easily, requiring considerably more effort to maintain a consistent cutting motion. Additionally, the small diameter of the handles made it uncomfortable to grip for extended periods, especially with gloves on.
Using the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 required some initial adjustment. The back-and-forth sawing motion felt less efficient than using a traditional saw or even a folding saw. The thin blade often got caught in the wood, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain a straight cut.
After the first use, I noticed some fraying of the steel cable near the swivel ends. This raised concerns about the long-term durability of the saw, especially under heavy use. The plated rings, intended to convert the saw into a snare, seemed a bit flimsy and unreliable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 showed noticeable signs of wear and tear. The fraying near the swivel ends worsened, and the blade developed several kinks. The cutting performance also deteriorated, requiring even more effort to saw through even relatively small branches.
The durability of the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 proved to be its biggest weakness. While the stainless steel blade is resistant to rust, its thinness makes it prone to bending and breaking under stress. The plated swivel ends also appeared to be a weak point, showing signs of corrosion and loosening over time.
Maintaining the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 is relatively simple. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth after each use is sufficient to remove any debris. However, there is no way to sharpen the blade, and the fraying cable cannot be repaired.
Compared to my previous experiences with other saws, the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 falls significantly short. While its compact size and low weight are appealing, its poor durability and cutting performance make it a less-than-ideal choice for serious outdoor use. Folding saws and even small hatchets offer far superior performance and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Commando Saw 8304
Specifications
- Stainless Steel Blade: The 20-inch stainless steel blade is the primary cutting component. While stainless steel resists corrosion, the blade’s thin profile compromises its strength and durability.
- Eight-Strand Design: The unique eight-strand design is intended to improve cutting efficiency. In practice, it seems to make the blade more prone to binding and fraying.
- Plated Swivel Ends: The plated swivel ends are designed to prevent twisting during use. However, they appear to be a weak point in the overall design, showing signs of corrosion and loosening over time.
- Plated Rings: The plated rings allow the saw to be converted into a snare. These rings seem flimsy and unreliable for serious snare use.
- NATO Approved: The product description states that this tool is NATO approved. While this might imply a certain level of quality, the saw’s actual performance suggests otherwise.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the saw’s performance and usability. The thin blade limits its cutting ability, while the weak swivel ends compromise its durability. The overall design seems more focused on compactness and low cost than on actual functionality and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 struggles to efficiently cut through anything beyond very small branches. Its performance is particularly poor with wet or dense wood. The sawing motion feels inefficient, and the blade frequently gets caught, requiring constant adjustments.
The strengths of the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 are its compact size and low weight. Its weaknesses include poor cutting performance, questionable durability, and uncomfortable handles. It meets only the lowest expectations for a cutting tool and would be unreliable in an actual survival situation.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 is underwhelming. The materials used are inexpensive, and the overall construction feels flimsy. The weight is negligible, but the thin handles are uncomfortable to grip for extended periods.
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup or instruction. However, the inefficient cutting motion and frequent binding make it frustrating to use. There is a definite learning curve involved in mastering the sawing technique, but even with practice, its performance remains subpar.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 is not built to last. Its thin blade is prone to bending and breaking, and the swivel ends are susceptible to corrosion and loosening. With regular use, it is unlikely to survive more than a few camping trips.
Maintenance is limited to basic cleaning. There are no replaceable parts or sharpening options. Once the blade frays or breaks, the saw is essentially useless.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 comes with no accessories. There are no customization options available. Its simple design and construction make it incompatible with aftermarket parts.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Commando Saw 8304
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: Easily fits into a backpack or survival kit.
- Low Price: Extremely affordable.
- Simple to Use: Requires minimal setup or instruction.
Cons
- Poor Durability: Blade prone to fraying, bending, and breaking.
- Inefficient Cutting: Struggles with thicker or wetter wood.
- Uncomfortable Handles: Thin handles cause hand fatigue.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Commando Saw 8304?
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 might be suitable for casual campers or hobbyists looking for an extremely inexpensive and lightweight cutting tool for very light tasks. It could also serve as a backup tool in a survival kit, but should not be relied upon as a primary cutting implement.
Anyone who needs a reliable and durable cutting tool for serious outdoor use should skip this product. Hunters, survivalists, and experienced campers will find it woefully inadequate.
A must-have modification would be replacing the handles with something more substantial and comfortable. However, given the saw’s overall limitations, it’s likely not worth the effort.
Conclusion on Coghlans Commando Saw 8304
The Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 promises a lot for a very low price, but ultimately fails to deliver on its core functionality. Its compact size and low weight are appealing, but its poor durability and inefficient cutting performance make it a questionable investment.
The price of $5.19 is certainly attractive, but the saw’s limited lifespan and subpar performance make it a poor value proposition. It’s better to invest in a slightly more expensive but significantly more reliable cutting tool.
I would not personally recommend the Coghlans Commando Saw 8304 for anyone who needs a reliable cutting tool for outdoor use. While it might serve as a backup in a pinch, it should not be relied upon as a primary cutting implement. Save your money and invest in a quality folding saw or hatchet.