Wyoming Knife Saw I Review

Let’s Dive into Wyoming Knife Saw I

The Wyoming Knife Saw I isn’t just another saw; it’s a purpose-built tool designed for hunters, backpackers, and anyone who needs a compact, yet capable saw in the field. Manufactured by Wyoming Knife, this break-apart saw boasts a hard-point heat-treated blade perfect for tackling both wood and bone. I’ve been using various cutting tools in the outdoors for over a decade, from hatchets to folding saws, and I was particularly intrigued by the Wyoming Knife Saw I’s packable design and dual-blade functionality.

I needed a lightweight saw that could efficiently process game in the field without adding excessive weight to my pack. The promise of easily cutting bone and wood with the same tool was very attractive. Unboxing the Wyoming Knife Saw I, I was immediately struck by its simplicity and compact size.

The die-cast aluminum handle felt robust, and the stainless steel frame provided a solid foundation. Compared to heavier alternatives like a full-sized bow saw or even some hatchets, the Wyoming Knife Saw I seemed ideal for minimizing weight and bulk. My initial impression was positive; the design seemed practical, although I had some reservations about the blade tensioning mechanism, wondering if it would hold up under heavy use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wyoming Knife Saw I to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Wyoming Knife Saw I was a deer hunting trip in the mountains of Wyoming. I needed to clear some shooting lanes and, after a successful hunt, process the deer. The Wyoming Knife Saw I handled both tasks reasonably well, allowing me to saw through small branches and then quickly switch to the bone blade for field dressing.

Conditions were dry and cool, which didn’t particularly challenge the saw. However, the bone blade, in particular, showed its worth by making clean cuts through the deer’s pelvis. I found the saw relatively easy to use, although assembling it quickly in the field took a couple of tries at first.

One initial concern was the finger guard; while it does protect your knuckles, it also somewhat limits hand placement.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Wyoming Knife Saw I continues to be a valuable tool in my kit. It has accompanied me on several backpacking trips, where I used it to gather firewood, and it’s become a standard part of my deer processing setup. While the blade has retained its sharpness, I have noticed some slight wear on the powder coating of the aluminum handle.

Cleaning is relatively straightforward; I simply wipe down the blade and frame after use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Compared to my previous experiences with folding saws, the Wyoming Knife Saw I offers a more rigid cutting platform, which translates to greater efficiency, especially when cutting through bone. However, the saw’s relatively short blade length does limit its effectiveness on larger diameter logs.

Breaking Down the Features of Wyoming Knife Saw I

Specifications

The Wyoming Knife Saw I is designed for portability and functionality. It features an 11.125-inch steel blade optimized for both wood and bone. The handle is crafted from die-cast aluminum, providing a lightweight yet sturdy grip.

The overall length of the assembled saw is 13.38 inches, and it weighs just 18 ounces when stored in its camo nylon sheath. The included accessories are a camo nylon sheath and two blades: one for wood and one for bone. These specifications are essential for judging the saw’s suitability for specific tasks; its lightweight design makes it ideal for backpacking, while its durable construction ensures reliable performance in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Wyoming Knife Saw I performs admirably for its size and weight. The ability to quickly switch between the wood and bone blades is a major advantage, allowing for efficient multi-purpose use in the field. While the wood blade works fine for small limbs and branches, it isn’t meant for processing larger trees.

The fine bone blade cuts through bone with ease, which is beneficial for hunters needing to quickly process game. One notable weakness is the relatively short blade length. This makes the saw less effective on larger diameter wood. However, it still does the job in many situations.

Overall, the Wyoming Knife Saw I meets expectations for a lightweight, packable saw designed for small to medium cutting tasks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wyoming Knife Saw I’s design emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The aluminum handle is comfortable to grip, even for extended periods, and the finger guard provides added safety. The saw’s break-apart design allows for compact storage and easy transport.

However, the assembly process can be a bit fiddly, especially in cold or wet conditions. The saw is fairly user-friendly, but some practice is required to master the assembly and blade tensioning.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wyoming Knife Saw I is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The stainless steel frame and aluminum handle are both durable and corrosion-resistant. With proper care and maintenance, this saw should last for many years.

Maintaining the saw is relatively easy; simply clean and lubricate the blade and frame after each use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wyoming Knife Saw I comes with a camo nylon sheath for storage and transport. While there are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this saw, the blades are replaceable. Users could potentially experiment with different blade types to further customize the saw’s performance.

Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited due to the saw’s unique design.

Pros and Cons of Wyoming Knife Saw I

Who Should Buy Wyoming Knife Saw I?

The Wyoming Knife Saw I is perfect for hunters who need a lightweight saw for field dressing game. It is also great for backpackers who want to minimize weight while still having a capable saw for gathering firewood. Survivalists who prioritize a compact and versatile cutting tool would find this to be a great addition to their kit.

This product is not ideal for those who regularly need to cut large diameter logs. Also, anyone who prefers the simplicity of a fixed-blade saw may want to consider other options. A must-have accessory is a sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Wyoming Knife Saw I

The Wyoming Knife Saw I is a well-designed, lightweight, and versatile saw that offers excellent value for the price of $69.99. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the fiddly assembly and short blade length, its overall performance and durability make it a worthwhile addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear. The price is justified, considering its quality and functionality.

I would personally recommend the Wyoming Knife Saw I to anyone looking for a compact and capable saw for backpacking, hunting, or survival situations. If you need a reliable tool for cutting both wood and bone in the field, the Wyoming Knife Saw I is an excellent choice. Add it to your pack and experience the convenience of a lightweight, multi-purpose saw today!