Has anyone used wire saw like this http://www.tinydeal.com/compact-wire-saw-px5kub-fth8032-p-9757.html ? It is said that it can be used for cutting wood, plastic, bone, rubber and soft metal.Is it really a useful great for emergency and outdoor activities? If yes, I want to order one for my brother who is a camping hobbyist. I need some professional tips first before I made my decision. Thanks in advance.

If you don't carry a good hatchet, then the wire saw is the next best tool for collecting fire wood or building a shelter. I have one in my day pack that I use for hunting and also wrapped one in my #18 Randall. Beware of the cheap ones. I used to have a web site for US made saws but it didn't work.

Pap

I just registered the other evening and this is my very first reply.
The survival saw mentioned IMO is a very weak argument as a survival tool. The photo given in the above link as an analogy, would be similar to scrubbing your floor with a toothbrush. If you had all day and the effort you might get through that 6" limb and maybe you won't. Chances are 1" limbs are all you need, however a folding limb saw can be carried in a back pocket and can make a pile of firewood before you ever make it through one branch. Forget the wire saw. If you feel the need to saw, pack dental floss. At least your teeth will survive.

Navi,
First of all ... WELCOME to the Forums!
Here are two suggestions...
The first one, the Gerber Gator Saw I is really good ... I bought one for my Son.
The second one is a little smaller.
Hope this helps. I think either of these would be better than the wire saw.
Although I know a lot of people keep the wire saw in their survival kits... it
would be better than nothing.
http://www.discountcutlery.net/en-us/dept_24706.html

http://www.rei.com/product/730550

Tony

(In my limited experience) I've never found need for a small (read wire) saw. If a person has a knife or a machete, or a leatherman multi-tool, or if they have the physical capacity to snap small sticks, they can do without a saw. (for wood, anyway) If space is so limited, I'd rather have vitamins, .22 ammo, matches, fishhooks and line, neosporin, chlorine tablets, etc... However, a different wire could be useful for snaring. Given the option, pack a real saw!

Like Tony said, Welcome to the forums!

JMHO

Well it's obvious that our new "Bill" hasn't ever been in a survival situation, or used a wire saw. Most all of the survival military kits have one. I have used them and the one's that I have used, work just fine and they are much faster than trying to chop a 5" woody with a knife. Like I said, if you don't have a hatchet, a wire saw will work just fine. I have also used the wire saw on large animals like elk and moose when cutting the "aitch" bone to keep from cutting a full bladder. It takes 2 cuts but works great and much better than a hand saw IMHO. Been there, used it.

I never used one, but I would take Pappy's word on on this one.
Hey Navi ... you out there?
Tony

Speaking of survival, is Big Earl coming to visit you Tony? Better get you wire saw ready.

Pap

This is the wire saw that I use:

http://www.bestglide.com/Wire_Saw_Info.html

I would rather see this thread in "Tents-N-Trails" but I have to agree with Pappy..."IF" the wire saw he uses is being dicussed. The one originally brought up doesn't look all that great to me. I use a wire saw. I carry 2 small wooden dowels that just fit in the rings. It makes the operation much easier on me. Your hands/fingers do not get nearly as tired and not nearly as fast!
My favorite "go-to" tool is my little Swedish limb saw. (I think it's Swedish???). I'll try and dig it up this weekend and post a couple of shots.
Best, Capt. Chris