Our Favorite Fire Starters Of 2021

There are so many tools that make life easier. One of these is a chainsaw. But chainsaws are bulky, heavy and in a survival situation, it just doesn't make good sense to lug one around. You have survival essentials that you need to take up space in your bug-out bag and you just can't give a chainsaw that valuable space.

Unfortunately, though, there are going to be plenty of times when you're going to wish that you had a chainsaw with you. What you need then is a pocket chainsaw. This is basically a chainsaw blade on a cord, giving you the cutting power of a chainsaw wherever you go! Like most survival gear, the number of pocket chainsaws on the market can seem intimidating. So we did the work for you, finding a selection of what we think can be the pocket chainsaw options for you!

There are a lot of pocket chainsaws on the market, so we've helped you out by researching and choosing our top picks for the best choices you have. We even go over our process for finding them, so you can do your own research and know how to find your ideal pocket chainsaws.

What To Look For:

Material - Harder carbon-steel blades are better for the small blades, as they'll hold their edge longer. You want a Rockwell hardness scale rating of around 65.
Teeth - The "teeth" of a chainsaw are the small blades linked together in a chain. You'll want bidirectional teeth, so the chainsaw cuts in both ways when you're cutting. You also want to balance bladed links and smooth links. Too many bladed links can make the chainsaw hard to use, and too few will take longer as it takes more passes to cut.
Length - Most pocket chainsaws are between 24 and 36 inches long. Longer chains allow for longer passes and deeper cuts, while shorter ones can afford more blades per link without taking too much strenght and effort. Try and find a balance between length and bladed teeth.
Weight - Pocket chainsaws should be fairly lightweight. They're for carrying on long hikes, extended camping trips, and survival situations, where having a chainsaw would be ideal but the bulk impractical. Most pocket chainsaws weigh around 6 or 7 ounces, nylon case included.
Handles - The handles of your chainsaw are where the power comes from. They need to be strong enough to handle the cutting motions, large enough for any hands to grip, and not blister your skin. Most pocket chainsaws have large, nylon loop handles to slip over your hands and wrists. Brightly colored handles make it much less likely to accidentally grab the wrong part and cut yourself.

What To Avoid:

Dull Blades - While you should know how to sharpen the blades of your chainsaw, blades that dull often and quickly are a hazard. Try to find blades that fall around 65 on the Rockwell hardness scale.
Cheap Handles - Your grip on the chainsaw handles is not only how you gain leverage and provide the movement and force needed to cut wood, but also your safety. If a strap snaps mid-pass, the chain could fly out and injure you or others with you. Quality nylon can last a long time even under rough conditions. Some handles also use paracord, which is also made to be strong and durable.
Too Few Teeth - While it's true that fewer teeth can mean it's easier for more people to use, it also means that it will take more time and passes to finish the job. You should find a good balance between your own strength and the chainsaw's teeth.
Too Long or Short - A long chain can cut more wood in one movement, but the more bladed links there are the easier to get stuck. Conversely, a chain that's too short runs the risk of being both too small to fit around what you need to cut, and taking more passes to finish. However, they can also have more bladed links without requiring as much strenght. Try to find your balance between 24 and 36 inches.