The Agawa Canyon saw comes in a 21 inch and a 24 inch which I have, it's an absolute buzz saw , makes incredibly fast work of small to mid size trees and branches , a great tool for the backwoods. I was told to get the 24 inch because it's easier to go into a hardware store and find a 24 inch blade instead of going through the manufacturer. A great store to buy the saw is Canadian Outdoor Equipment out of Mississauga, Ontario just outside of Toronto, fantastic items and great staff to help you. Thanks again Dave for another great video, always enjoy and learn something from you each time 👍
Have to correct Dave on something ... I have the Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw 24", if you fold the saw back together correctly the handle piece won't fall out and locks in place. If look closely at frames @10:08 thru @10:19, you will see there is a hole in the aluminum casing and if you look at the wooden handle there is a small screw. When you put it back together and fold that aluminum piece that screw will match up with that hole locking the wooden handle in place. Just wanted to point that out ...
+wildernessoutfitters took me a few minutes myself trying to figure out what and why that screw was there, serves no other purpose Hope you and your family/friends have a great holiday Dave, been a huge fan for years now and been subscribed to Pathfinder TV since it first came out ... a lot of wealth of knowledge you share ... Semper Fi ...
Reminds me of my What-A-Saw that I have had for years. Mine uses 17 inch blades and is shaped like a triangle when set up. Yours looks like an greatly improved version of that saw. My only advantage (a small one) is the three blades in the top shaft that are easily changed with no tools at all! So I carry a green wood blade a dry wood blade and a metal cutting blade at all times.
It seems the Agawa Canyon saw is only available in 21". It would be good to have options for other blade lengths (24" and 30" specifically) when one is going to be cutting much more wood in a winter setting.
the C clips are called " Jesus Clips " because when one goes flying , you will yell JESUS . You better have a couple spare C clips , along with the spare blades
I got an original one of these Boreal saws when they came out on a kickstarter funded project ... the simplicity and usability is awesome. I also have a dustrude and this is easier (and safer?) to put up and take down.
Hey Dave C. I'm kicking myself after seeing this. I just ordered the Boreal 21 online. I didn't realize SRO sold them or I would have bought from you. I have a ton of Pathfinder gear and highly recommend it to everyone I meet. I'm sure I've brought you some business from Texas!!! Rock on Dave!!!!
Nice saw with advantages over the Dustrude of which is the one piece construction. One dis-advantage is the diminishing front end, shortening the stroke on beefier lumber. Nonetheless thanks for sharing :)
+Switcher I will give you that much for sure but the difference is only about 2" within 4" of stroke, this will easily process 5" logs without rolling and I believe for a saw this size, that should be large enough to be both structural and usable in any camp-
+wildernessoutfitters Good saw, but with the limitations stated, which is why I prefer the Silky Saws like the beefy Big Boy, and the Katana Boy. It probably makes sense to have both if that works for each individual.
+wildernessoutfitters Agreed. Just pointing out some obvious :) When determining a purchase the size of the throat should be 1/3 the length of the blade e.g an 8" throat for a 24" blade for maximum efficiency. Right from Mr Boreal himself ;) Nonetheless, a great saw only pointing a minus on the Boreal vice Bob's saw, where he maintains the throat depth throughout. Should the Boreal mfr (if they can address this issue) would win hands down any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Without pointing out some obvious points, they get overlooked, but an important aspect nonetheless. that may be capable of being corrected.
+Barry Schwienteck Agreed :) When we apply everything learned from the xperts out there (fundamentals) they apply everywhere. IMHO not in one aspect and not in another etc... Calorie expenditures and fatigue are important factors not easily dismissed, depending where you find yourself utilizing the saw. If it had an even throat, it then becomes a no brainer. Hey, folks have complained for years about the triangular bow saws (extremely inefficient. The squeaky wheel got the grease and we are now (for several years) seen innovation in throw while maintaining compactness. Without obse4rvations like mine, innovation becomes stifled :)
I like to put a cardboard blade protector on the blade of my Bobs saw it's quite helpful stops the scratching and keeps the blades sharp when transporting because it's not clinging around as much.
Both saws look awesome I don't own one I have the usual garden variety (many) only bothersome thing is the c clips. Ya really gotta be careful or they might go flying away into the wood. Any thoughts an that?
Became aware of these a little while back, looks a good overall design. The only thing not too sure about is the circlips holding the pins. Can't imagine changing blades that often and certainly not likely to go back and for peg and raker toothed blades, so maybe a bolt and medium threadlocker.
I love these folding bow saws, both the Bob Dustrud and the Boreal 21, however after looking at reviews and the sites for them, I just can't justify spending the money. I have a 21" bowsaw from the hardware store I picked up for $7 and after replacing the junk blade on it with a better one, it works fine. Don't get me wrong, I love the folding bow saws and the packing convenience of them. I just can't afford it and will stick with the simple tube frame one I have for now. However, I might be ordering a couple of the Sydney Rancher 2 blades. Keep up the great videos Dave! And Merry Christmas!
I've had a Boreal 21 for about 8 months now and there is NO better saw in its class.... best $60 a man can spend... It's right up there with man must have items..
is there a way to silence the smack of locking the blade in place / i heard it in the woods behind you / im still practicing stealth mode / camping in a field still bothers me even in a friendly area / army 76-79 (not a war vet) just the way i was trained
Hi, David, I decided to take a look at the Boreal21 saw. One of the options for blades is the "all purpose blade", which seems to be a mix of "Dry Wood". What is your opinion on the "All Purpose Blade"? Much thanks.
That's a great design but C clips outside no way they are easy enough to lose when one takes off on a bench let alone outdoors. R clips would be easier to use and less likely to vanish.
I wonder if it is possible to turn the Boreal 21 bucksaw into a turning bucksaw without it becoming flimsy and unstable. I guess I have to buy one and have a closer look, Anyway, as always great video.
lol its all in the user and care taken with them they cut so fast and just like how you can takle any width branch to a point. i would like them but im in uk so postage maybe a nightmare thank you for offer and have a warm and relaxing christmas. alex
+Alex piv The advantage of a Silky is it does not have with restrictions. The disadvantage of the Silky is they do not have nearly as much blade support, so they have a habit of snapping if you suddenly hit a nail or something hiding in the wood.
LOOKS LIKE DECENT SAW, FOR ANYBODY THAT WOULD NEED A SAW TO PROCESS WOOD EVERY DAY OR SO BUT UNLESS IN A SERIOUS SURVIVAL TIME OF NEEDING TO BE SO BACK IN DEEP SOME WHERE, MY SMALLER SAWS WILL WORK FINE FOR MY NEEDS. NOW DID GET ME WRONG, NOT TRYING TO SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT YOUR OPINION OR THE QUALITY OF THE SAW, AS A MATTER OF FACT I HAVE ONE. I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT ME AND THE TIMES I CARRIED IT & HOW MUCH I USED IT. AND YOUR OPINION OF REVIEWS OF PRODUCTS I HOLD IN THE HIGHEST REGARDS , NO OFFENSE MEANT IN ANY WAY, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, REVIEWS, AND MOST OF ALL ENJOY YOUR METHODS OF HAMMOCK, TARPS & THE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO STAY WARM ON THOSE COLD NIGHTS, PLUS SO MUCH MORE, LIKE USING THAT OLD TWELVE OF YOURS TO SHOOT SO MANY DIFFERENT RIFLE ROUNDS I GOTTA BE HONEST , I HAD NO IDEA, BEEN AROUND WEAPONS ALL MY LIFE. TRAPS & snares best of teaching, i've even heard you tell us in few cases where to buy something cheaper other than your store, got to admire that. your a very knowledgeable bush craft man, and i hold your words and teaching to be the best you know, i don't think you hold back anything. your one of the few i would want with me in desperate times. well look at me going on & on, i should of just shut up about me and the saw, which truly is a quality tool. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS.MAY GOD BLESS, HAVE A GREAT 2016, LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR TEACHING!!!!!
+bodegabandit Actually it doesn't, but if I am going to carry something plastic for a good reason like construction or better fit up, it should be something easily replaced in case it does fail and a Bow Saw can be manufactured in about 10 minutes as long as you have the blade-
Dear Mr. Canterbury, Merry Christmas Dave; for you and Iris and also Dick and Johnny. I really appreciate your simple teaching method and the instruction videos given already. you have given us all so much already and I just wanted to personally thank you for that. seasons greetings to the pathfinder school and I hope that new Dirty Rotten Survival will be out soon. I got my sister into it and we are both hungry for more. I live in Oregon so episode ten hit home for me. again, in a brotherly way; love you, love your channel; pass my greetings onto dick and johnny for me. sincerely yours, Alonzo Rosas-Nasario
Dave: Why not develop some kind of "roll-up" saw that can be used with a frame you make in the woods? I remember Mors Kochanski did a saw video & there was a 3-foot roll-up style saw that he said would be "astounding" if it could be used with a frame. This way you can carry a large blade in a coat pocket, in case you need large logs.
+Atkrdu No trick there brother, I have videos on making these type saws, and a blade can roll into a bush pot or be duct taped inside your belt, nothing to develop there really-
+wildernessoutfitters No, I don't mean like that. I mean like a 3-foot one that's kind of like those Sabercut saws. That way, it could be put in a fairly small tin (multi-purpose) that you can just chuck in your pocket & make a frame for it with your multitool. I'm thinking about how you might have need of larger logs that you'd typically cut with a very large bowsaw, but carrying a blade that long might be an issue (I know my belt isn't large enough for that).
In the market for one of these two saws. This review answered none of my questions. This is why. I have dealt with the E clips, that you did not show, a lot and found them to be a huge pain for several reasons. Not shown. People complain about the noise of the Bob saw. How does the Boreal 21 compare? Its been said just stuffing a stick in the back will solve this. Is that the case with either or both saws? The taper at the end of the Boreal saw reduces the size wood you can cut. Not discussed. How about the comfort of the grips? Some folks say the Bob will eat your hand up. What is your take on that? Not sure about the plastic handle on the Boreal. Will it crack or fail in the cold? Plastic can get very brittle, especially with time. You can always carve a new handle for the Bob if necessary. The Boreal looks slicker for sure, but I am not convinced it is a better tool. Still don't know which to buy.
The Agawa Canyon saw comes in a 21 inch and a 24 inch which I have, it's an absolute buzz saw , makes incredibly fast work of small to mid size trees and branches , a great tool for the backwoods. I was told to get the 24 inch because it's easier to go into a hardware store and find a 24 inch blade instead of going through the manufacturer. A great store to buy the saw is Canadian Outdoor Equipment out of Mississauga, Ontario just outside of Toronto, fantastic items and great staff to help you. Thanks again Dave for another great video, always enjoy and learn something from you each time 👍
Damn It, Now I have to buy one of these.............
Have to correct Dave on something ... I have the Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw 24", if you fold the saw back together correctly the handle piece won't fall out and locks in place.
If look closely at frames @10:08 thru @10:19, you will see there is a hole in the aluminum casing and if you look at the wooden handle there is a small screw. When you put it back together and fold that aluminum piece that screw will match up with that hole locking the wooden handle in place. Just wanted to point that out ...
+Anthony Maske You are correct on that point Sir, I do stand corrected, just never paid attention I guess, when putting it away-
+wildernessoutfitters took me a few minutes myself trying to figure out what and why that screw was there, serves no other purpose
Hope you and your family/friends have a great holiday Dave, been a huge fan for years now and been subscribed to Pathfinder TV since it first came out ... a lot of wealth of knowledge you share ...
Semper Fi ...
Dave I am glad to see this review. I had mentioned this saw on one of your other vids. I have been using mine for about three months and I love it.
Reminds me of my What-A-Saw that I have had for years. Mine uses 17 inch blades and is shaped like a triangle when set up. Yours looks like an greatly improved version of that saw. My only advantage (a small one) is the three blades in the top shaft that are easily changed with no tools at all! So I carry a green wood blade a dry wood blade and a metal cutting blade at all times.
It seems the Agawa Canyon saw is only available in 21". It would be good to have options for other blade lengths (24" and 30" specifically) when one is going to be cutting much more wood in a winter setting.
the C clips are called " Jesus Clips " because when one goes flying , you will yell JESUS . You better have a couple spare C clips , along with the spare blades
The saw comes,with extra clips from Agawa Canyon.
Just ordered one with a case and an extra hunter's blade for processing deer. Thanks for introducing this to us.
I got an original one of these Boreal saws when they came out on a kickstarter funded project ... the simplicity and usability is awesome. I also have a dustrude and this is easier (and safer?) to put up and take down.
Just added another item to my Christmas wish list!
Hey Dave C. I'm kicking myself after seeing this. I just ordered the Boreal 21 online. I didn't realize SRO sold them or I would have bought from you. I have a ton of Pathfinder gear and highly recommend it to everyone I meet. I'm sure I've brought you some business from Texas!!! Rock on Dave!!!!
I'd planned on a folding saw in the near future was thinking Silky, You've just changed my mind. Thanks Dave!
what a great item for backpacking!
thanks for sharing dave..!
greetings from cologne, germany
arthur
Nice saw with advantages over the Dustrude of which is the one piece construction. One dis-advantage is the diminishing front end, shortening the stroke on beefier lumber. Nonetheless thanks for sharing :)
+Switcher - Agree, but still a good piece of functional kit for most applications.
+Switcher I will give you that much for sure but the difference is only about 2" within 4" of stroke, this will easily process 5" logs without rolling and I believe for a saw this size, that should be large enough to be both structural and usable in any camp-
+wildernessoutfitters Good saw, but with the limitations stated, which is why I prefer the Silky Saws like the beefy Big Boy, and the Katana Boy.
It probably makes sense to have both if that works for each individual.
+wildernessoutfitters Agreed. Just pointing out some obvious :) When determining a purchase the size of the throat should be 1/3 the length of the blade e.g an 8" throat for a 24" blade for maximum efficiency. Right from Mr Boreal himself ;) Nonetheless, a great saw only pointing a minus on the Boreal vice Bob's saw, where he maintains the throat depth throughout. Should the Boreal mfr (if they can address this issue) would win hands down any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Without pointing out some obvious points, they get overlooked, but an important aspect nonetheless. that may be capable of being corrected.
+Barry Schwienteck Agreed :) When we apply everything learned from the xperts out there (fundamentals) they apply everywhere. IMHO not in one aspect and not in another etc... Calorie expenditures and fatigue are important factors not easily dismissed, depending where you find yourself utilizing the saw. If it had an even throat, it then becomes a no brainer. Hey, folks have complained for years about the triangular bow saws (extremely inefficient. The squeaky wheel got the grease and we are now (for several years) seen innovation in throw while maintaining compactness. Without obse4rvations like mine, innovation becomes stifled :)
Thank you Dave...
I might have to pick one of these up.
I like to put a cardboard blade protector on the blade of my Bobs saw it's quite helpful stops the scratching and keeps the blades sharp when transporting because it's not clinging around as much.
+Infinite Outdoors Probably cuts down on the rattling noise as well. yes clinking around, sometime pack noise is annoying.
Definitely works!
Another piece of equipment i like to always pack. Can i get some instructions for building a buck saw frame by hand, in the bush? Thanx Dave.
Pretty awesome tool!
Merry Christmas ! to you and your family.
Both saws look awesome I don't own one I have the usual garden variety (many) only bothersome thing is the c clips. Ya really gotta be careful or they might go flying away into the wood. Any thoughts an that?
Reminds me a little bit about EKA Kombisaw when it comes to mechanism... Really nice vid!
Became aware of these a little while back, looks a good overall design. The only thing not too sure about is the circlips holding the pins.
Can't imagine changing blades that often and certainly not likely to go back and for peg and raker toothed blades, so maybe a bolt and medium threadlocker.
Blades... that's right Dave. My cheapo 10 dollar bow saw works just fine. I prefer the wet blade. Just seems to fly through any wood.
I love these folding bow saws, both the Bob Dustrud and the Boreal 21, however after looking at reviews and the sites for them, I just can't justify spending the money. I have a 21" bowsaw from the hardware store I picked up for $7 and after replacing the junk blade on it with a better one, it works fine. Don't get me wrong, I love the folding bow saws and the packing convenience of them. I just can't afford it and will stick with the simple tube frame one I have for now. However, I might be ordering a couple of the Sydney Rancher 2 blades. Keep up the great videos Dave! And Merry Christmas!
I've had a Boreal 21 for about 8 months now and there is NO better saw in its class.... best $60 a man can spend... It's right up there with man must have items..
Awesome design.
This is the saw I have been looking for. I never really like the Bob dustrude, so I just keep using a hardware store saw.
Thank you ive been looking for one and this one fits the bill
Say Yeah Dave is the Dry Blade a All Purpose Blade. and is it better for our type of woods than the Aggressive Blade. Thanx You in advance.,,.
great vid and review dave. I luv u and ur channel. I cnt wait for ur show to come back on :)
is there a way to silence the smack of locking the blade in place / i heard it in the woods behind you / im still practicing stealth mode / camping in a field still bothers me even in a friendly area / army 76-79 (not a war vet) just the way i was trained
Hi, David,
I decided to take a look at the Boreal21 saw.
One of the options for blades is the "all purpose blade", which seems to be a mix of "Dry Wood". What is your opinion on the "All Purpose Blade"?
Much thanks.
That's a great design but C clips outside no way they are easy enough to lose when one takes off on a bench let alone outdoors. R clips would be easier to use and less likely to vanish.
I wonder if it is possible to turn the Boreal 21 bucksaw into a turning bucksaw without it becoming flimsy and unstable. I guess I have to buy one and have a closer look, Anyway, as always great video.
silky is better still due to not having width restiction in what you can cut
+Alex piv I have 2 broken Silky's at my school you want them?
lol its all in the user and care taken with them they cut so fast and just like how you can takle any width branch to a point. i would like them but im in uk so postage maybe a nightmare thank you for offer and have a warm and relaxing christmas. alex
I agree. I'd take the Katanaboy over this any day. These small bucks saw are very limited in the size of logs you can cut.
+Alex piv The advantage of a Silky is it does not have with restrictions. The disadvantage of the Silky is they do not have nearly as much blade support, so they have a habit of snapping if you suddenly hit a nail or something hiding in the wood.
But why would you want to cut anything larger than 6" in diameter I that it would way to much effort if all you ate doing is camping.
LOOKS LIKE DECENT SAW, FOR ANYBODY THAT WOULD NEED A SAW TO PROCESS WOOD EVERY DAY OR SO BUT UNLESS IN A SERIOUS SURVIVAL TIME OF NEEDING TO BE SO BACK IN DEEP SOME WHERE, MY SMALLER SAWS WILL WORK FINE FOR MY NEEDS. NOW DID GET ME WRONG, NOT TRYING TO SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT YOUR OPINION OR THE QUALITY OF THE SAW, AS A MATTER OF FACT I HAVE ONE. I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT ME AND THE TIMES I CARRIED IT & HOW MUCH I USED IT. AND YOUR OPINION OF REVIEWS OF PRODUCTS I HOLD IN THE HIGHEST REGARDS , NO OFFENSE MEANT IN ANY WAY, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, REVIEWS, AND MOST OF ALL ENJOY YOUR METHODS OF HAMMOCK, TARPS & THE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO STAY WARM ON THOSE COLD NIGHTS, PLUS SO MUCH MORE, LIKE USING THAT OLD TWELVE OF YOURS TO SHOOT SO MANY DIFFERENT RIFLE ROUNDS I GOTTA BE HONEST , I HAD NO IDEA, BEEN AROUND WEAPONS ALL MY LIFE. TRAPS & snares best of teaching, i've even heard you tell us in few cases where to buy something cheaper other than your store, got to admire that. your a very knowledgeable bush craft man, and i hold your words and teaching to be the best you know, i don't think you hold back anything. your one of the few i would want with me in desperate times. well look at me going on & on, i should of just shut up about me and the saw, which truly is a quality tool. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS.MAY GOD BLESS, HAVE A GREAT 2016, LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR TEACHING!!!!!
What's the difference in the throat of the Boreal 21 and the Bob Dustrade? The latter is a rectangle, so it can handle larger diameter logs, right?
+Bill McDonald 2" over the last 4"
It seems your opinion changes frequently on the use of plastics in durable goods.
+bodegabandit Actually it doesn't, but if I am going to carry something plastic for a good reason like construction or better fit up, it should be something easily replaced in case it does fail and a Bow Saw can be manufactured in about 10 minutes as long as you have the blade-
Outstanding
Dear Mr. Canterbury,
Merry Christmas Dave; for you and Iris and also Dick and Johnny. I really appreciate your simple teaching method and the instruction videos given already. you have given us all so much already and I just wanted to personally thank you for that. seasons greetings to the pathfinder school and I hope that new Dirty Rotten Survival will be out soon. I got my sister into it and we are both hungry for more. I live in Oregon so episode ten hit home for me. again, in a brotherly way; love you, love your channel; pass my greetings onto dick and johnny for me.
sincerely yours,
Alonzo Rosas-Nasario
Dave: Why not develop some kind of "roll-up" saw that can be used with a frame you make in the woods? I remember Mors Kochanski did a saw video & there was a 3-foot roll-up style saw that he said would be "astounding" if it could be used with a frame. This way you can carry a large blade in a coat pocket, in case you need large logs.
+Atkrdu No trick there brother, I have videos on making these type saws, and a blade can roll into a bush pot or be duct taped inside your belt, nothing to develop there really-
+wildernessoutfitters No, I don't mean like that. I mean like a 3-foot one that's kind of like those Sabercut saws. That way, it could be put in a fairly small tin (multi-purpose) that you can just chuck in your pocket & make a frame for it with your multitool. I'm thinking about how you might have need of larger logs that you'd typically cut with a very large bowsaw, but carrying a blade that long might be an issue (I know my belt isn't large enough for that).
Nice saw
where do i get the C clips..are they common?
Most any hardware store will have them
ok so they are just regular ole c clips...cool thank you very much sir!
Ordering one of these suckers ASAP.
Wait, is this thing plastic?
+TheUptoparr The Handle is ABS
+wildernessoutfitters hmm, still looks and sounds stout. Wonder how it would deal with extreme temperatures. Good video by the way. Respect.
+TheUptoparr Made in Canada, I sure its seen use in plenty of cold weather brother
+wildernessoutfitters That's true, thanks Dave. and Merry Christmas.
OH man need to have one im in canada and they selling in usa dollars lol
Great
Has anyone ever told you you look like the witcher
In the market for one of these two saws. This review answered none of my questions. This is why. I have dealt with the E clips, that you did not show, a lot and found them to be a huge pain for several reasons. Not shown. People complain about the noise of the Bob saw. How does the Boreal 21 compare? Its been said just stuffing a stick in the back will solve this. Is that the case with either or both saws? The taper at the end of the Boreal saw reduces the size wood you can cut. Not discussed. How about the comfort of the grips? Some folks say the Bob will eat your hand up. What is your take on that? Not sure about the plastic handle on the Boreal. Will it crack or fail in the cold? Plastic can get very brittle, especially with time. You can always carve a new handle for the Bob if necessary. The Boreal looks slicker for sure, but I am not convinced it is a better tool. Still don't know which to buy.
build a better mousetrap and folks will follow .