Let’s Dive into Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw promises a lightweight and compact solution for cutting through bone and wood in the field. Coming from Outdoor Edge Cutlery, a brand known for its hunting and outdoor tools, this folding saw aims to be a versatile addition to any pack. I was looking for a more packable saw than my usual hatchet and thought this might fit the bill.
Upon receiving the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw, I was immediately struck by how light it felt. The rubberized aluminum handle gave a solid first impression. It seemed like a well-made, functional piece of gear.
I’ve used similar folding saws from Gerber and SOG in the past. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw stood out because of its weight and claimed bone-cutting ability. This lighter weight made it more appealing.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design made me question its robustness but also excited about its portability. I hoped the triple-diamond ground teeth could live up to their promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw on a recent deer hunting trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The weather was cold and damp. The saw was used for clearing shooting lanes and processing downed branches for a small fire.
The saw performed surprisingly well in these initial tests. The rubberized handle provided a secure grip, even with wet hands. It cut through smaller branches quickly.
Initially, there were no issues. The saw was easy to deploy and retract. The locking mechanism felt secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including some light trail maintenance and firewood gathering on camping trips, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the blade’s chrome coat. No significant wear or damage is present.
The saw is easy to clean with a brush and some WD-40. Keeping it dry between uses is crucial to prevent rust. It requires minimal maintenance.
Compared to my previous experience with a heavier, fixed-blade saw, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw trades some raw cutting power for significantly improved portability and ease of carry. It is a trade-off I’m generally happy with, especially for backpacking.
Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw
Specifications
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw boasts a 7-inch (18.8cm) blade made of 65Mn steel with a chrome coat. The overall length is 15 inches (38cm) when open. The handle is constructed from 6101-T6 aircraft aluminum.
These specifications translate to a lightweight and compact tool. The chrome-coated blade should offer some rust resistance. The aluminum handle provides a decent strength-to-weight ratio.
The saw weighs just 5.3 oz (150g). The blade is designed with compact triple-diamond ground teeth. It comes complete with a nylon belt sheath.
Performance & Functionality
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw performs its intended job adequately. It cuts through small to medium-sized branches and bone with moderate effort. The triple-diamond ground teeth do seem to bite effectively.
The saw’s main strength is its portability. A notable weakness is its relatively short blade, which limits the size of wood it can effectively cut. It meets my expectations for a lightweight backpacking saw but doesn’t outperform heavier options.
Design & Ergonomics
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. The rubberized aluminum handle is comfortable to grip. Its lightweight is excellent.
The saw is relatively user-friendly. It deploys and retracts easily with a positive locking mechanism. There’s minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw seems reasonably durable for its weight class. The chrome coating provides some protection against rust. The aluminum handle is sturdy.
Maintaining the saw is simple. Keeping the blade clean and dry is essential to prevent rust. Oiling the joint occasionally will ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw comes with a basic nylon belt sheath. There are no official customization options offered by Outdoor Edge Cutlery.
Being a saw, customization is limited. You can potentially sharpen the blade. Third-party sheaths might offer more carry options.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for backpacking and hunting where weight is a concern.
- Rubberized aluminum handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.
- Triple-diamond ground teeth offer efficient cutting through wood and bone.
- Easy to deploy and retract with a secure locking mechanism.
- Nylon belt sheath offers convenient carry and protection.
Cons
- The relatively short 7-inch blade limits the size of wood that can be effectively cut.
- The chrome coating on the blade can be prone to scratching with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw?
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw is perfect for backpackers and hunters who prioritize weight and packability. It is also well-suited for casual campers needing a small saw for basic tasks.
Anyone needing a heavy-duty saw for processing large amounts of wood should skip this product. Those who require a more durable blade should also consider other options.
A small sharpening stone and perhaps a higher quality sheath could be considered must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw is a competent lightweight folding saw that offers a good balance of portability and functionality. The triple-diamond ground teeth do a decent job of cutting through wood and bone. The rubberized aluminum handle is comfortable and secure.
The price of $37.79 is reasonable for what you get. I feel like it’s worth it.
I would recommend the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Flip N’ Saw to anyone looking for a lightweight and packable saw for backpacking, hunting, or camping. Its limitations in blade length should be considered. Ultimately, it fills a specific niche well. Add one to your pack and be prepared to tackle those smaller cutting tasks on your next adventure!