This post has been edited and expanded on the evening of June 23rd, 2022.
Every tool has its place, and having the right tool for the job can make the difference between success and failure. These three saws have been tested, and here are my opinions about each one so you can be better informed if you are considering this kind of tool. Whatever your needs, from bushcraft to pruning, these might be just the ticket.
Top: Gerber Gator Machete
Wait, what's a machete doing on a list of saws? The Gerber Gator gimmick is a functional saw blade on the spine. Saw teeth properly alternate left and right, and are capable of cutting on both the push and pull motions. Strictly as a saw, this is not my preferred option. The ergonomics are less than ideal. The blade makes a wide kerf, so the extra length is not as beneficial because so much more wood needs to be removed with each stroke.
The machete blade is a decent tool with a nicely ground edge, but on my test today, this did the worst of all three saws. I do prefer the hilt design on the new model. Mine is an earlier version I bought many years ago.
Your mileage may vary if you need a machete, but the evergreens of the inland northwest where I live are best managed with saws and axes. It does come with a nylon sheath, which protects the blade from impacts, and protects you from the stored blade, but it is not great. I don't know the country of origin, but when in doubt, assume China.
Center: Silky Gomboy 210
Silky saws were highly recommended to me both online and in person when I was discussing the topic with a library patron. Spoiler alert: this product line is, in my opinion, the best option on the market. I picked this specific saw because the dimensions fit better with my kit, and my 210 with large teeth chewed through more wood than either of the other two saws here despite only cutting on the draw stroke.
Fit and finish are excellent. The rubber handle is comfortable and gives a secure grip. The blade latch is strong and locks positively in place, with two positions available depending on your situation. A small hole near the spine of the blade makes it easier to grip when opening. Long-term durability remains to be seen, because unlike the gator, I have only used this a few times. The blade is thin, so I can see it bending or breaking under stress from abuse. Maybe the rubber deteriorates over time, but I haven't heard any real complaints from anyone.
This tool is made in Japan, and the little details all just feel right. Nothing is shoddy or half-done, and no sharp edges or pinch points snagged me. The blade is even thinner at the spine than at the teeth, reducing binding. The case in which it is sold theoretically works as a belt-mounted scabbard of sorts, but I am unimpressed with that feature. That isn't my solution anyway. More on that at the conclusion.
Bottom: Bahco PG-72
Unless I am missing something, this is essentially the blaze orange high-visibility version of the Laplander saw. The blade tooth profile cuts in both directions like the Gator, but much more effectively thanks to the thinner blade. The blade locks closed, too, so this can't accidentally open in a pocket or pack and damage other items or injure you. Mine at least does not lock open, but it does feel like there is some tension holding the blade. I don't see any risk of it closing on my fingers during use.
Plastic handles are usually a sign of trouble, but this feels surprisingly sturdy. A slightly softer overmolded handle helps secure the tool in hand during work. It was also cheaper, so if you're on a budget, this is not a bad choice at all. The Laplander set linked above even includes a decent-looking knife if you need one for your emergency kit.
This saw is made in Sweden. Mine was sold on a cardboard holder with no case, but it is quite pocket-able, and since it locks closed, it is safe to carry however you like. The blade also seems to be coated in a finish that resists collecting debris.
Conclusions
SILKY WINS! Well, that's actually a bit simplistic. It's earned a spot in my emergency kit with my Ka-Bar War Sword. Between cutting logs with the saw and batoning pieces with the big knife to split them, I am reasonably confident in processing firewood with these tools. Is it best for you, though?
If you simply want the best folding saw, my Silky is far and away my favorite of these three so far. There are models in a wide range of sizes from the Pocketboy to the Katanaboy. The Gomboy and Pocketboy lines are worth a look. I'd suggest anyone looking into these consider the Silky Gomboy Curve for that extra bit of bite at whatever length suits your situation. The rest are probably overkill though, and if you need something bigger, you need a proper saw instead of an awkward large folding contraption. The patron mentioned earlier swears by the KatanaBoy for clearing trails, though. Another patron who works in landscaping prefers the fixed blade Zubat and folding Supper Accel, which differs slightly in ergonomics and blade lock design from my saw. I also want to reiterate that these are sharp! Use with the care and respect any other edged tool or weapon warrants.
Bahco is a balance of budget and performance, and should be more than adequate for occasionally pruning trees and other home gardening tasks. I like the orange handle for visibility because stuff gets dropped, and this will be less likely to just vanish into the underbrush. For small jobs, I don't think the slightly lower cutting power is really a problem, and the lower price is a huge win. I can see keeping this one in my bike pannier for trail clearing. The Laplander saw and knife set might be a decent combo if you don't already have a bushcraft knife, but I have no direct experience with that part of their kit.
The Gerber Gator is a fine machete, but the bulk isn't justified if you don't need that tool because the saw is not efficient enough on its own. That said, I used to keep it in my car, and in a pinch, it did work to remove a fallen tree across a road. The length was beneficial then. I'd still steer readers away from that if they live in my kind of environment though.
I also want to point out another perspective on the topic from Wranglerstar on YouTube comparing two Silky saws and another alternative I have not tried, plus an idea to improve a dirt-cheap Harbor Freight saw.
I don't claim to be the be-all and end-all expert on this topic, just an intrigued amateur, so do your research until you're comfortable making a purchase. Have you used any of these tools long-term? Which features do you like, and what do you dislike?
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