Vintage Saws - One Man Crosscut saw vs Bow/Frame saw?

[Amin_1992]

Hey guys. I buck my own firewood and live pretty rurally. I'd like to have an old school backup to a chainsaw for a few reasons: in case my chainsaw ever goes down, kind of as a prepper thing, and honestly just for the fun and experience of bucking wood the way it used to be done sometimes.

Anyway, I'm having a hard time figuring out what would be a better saw to find: a One Man Crosscut Saw, or a Bow Saw (also seeing it called a Frame Saw, Bucking Saw, etc).

I have done enough research to know that I need to pay attention to the type of teeth. Sounded like Great American tooth would work for me.

I'm typically bucking logs anywhere from 12" to 35" diameter, usually oaks but also maple and ash here and there. I would also like the saw to be able to be used for felling a tree if need be.

My question is, what is the difference between these two types of saws in terms of use? I know the designs are obviously different but what did old loggers prefer?

 

[AT sawyer]

If I had to choose, I'd pick this one. Atkins 390, two cutters/raker, hand filed and rakers swaged.

 

[Mad Professor]

Get both. Bow saw is better in small stuff < ~15", and a crosscut in bigger stuff. Pulpwood cutters used to use bow saws.

I've got 2 crosscuts (~4 and 5') and a 7' two man felling saw. The crosscuts have a handle on both ends where two men can use it if you have help.

Also have a 36" bow saw.

I know they make 42" bowsaws.

The 5'





If you get used crosscut have it sharpened professionally, or get the tools to maintain it yourself.

Get extra blades for a bowsaw.

 

[AT sawyer]

+1 on the bow saw though best used on a sawbuck. The thin blades are easy to pinch when trees are on the ground and under various binds.