Gerber bear grylls sliding saw, compact parang and hatchet

Over the last few years I reckon I’ve tested many products from Gerber’s Bear Grylls Survival Series of kit and the following trio of products seem ideal for the outdoorsman and the ‘hide builder’.

BG Sliding Saw

First up is the BG Sliding Saw which measures 8.5 inches in the closed position and 14.75 inches with the aggressive toothed blade deployed, yet it weighs just 5oz. The crosscut teeth cut on both the forward and backward stroke while the rugged, rubberised handle ensures that you won’t lose your grip. Releasing the generously sized locking screw on the right-hand side of the tool allows the six inch blade to be slid out from the handle and to either/or hold it out securely in the open position or keep it safely in the closed position when it’s retracted into the handle. If cutting small branches to length clearing a path or collecting firewood, the sliding saw works quickly and efficiently, in both wet and muddy conditions.

BG Compact Parang

Modelled after the tool Indonesian tribesmen have carried into the jungles for generations, the BG Compact Parang is Gerber’s ‘compact’ answer to the ‘billhook’ for clearing foliage.

With an overall length of 15.08 inches and weighing 13oz, the high carbon 1005 steel, full tang construction, means strength isn’t an issue. Its compact 9.34 inch blade also makes it easier to handle. The ‘zero-slip’ rubberised polypropylene ergonomic handle, oversized bolster and butt keeps the tool snug and safe in the hold. For extra security the strong lanyard cord (supplied) can be slipped around your wrist. Also, the size and shape of its blade focuses weight toward the tip for more power behind every swing. With a high carbon steel, full tang construction, it’s not going to bend, bow or wobble when it strikes hardwood.

The compact blade is more manageable for clearing away ground foliage or undergrowth. For safety and stowage during transportation it comes supplied with a military-grade, mildewresistant Nylon sheath that can be strapped to your belt or backpack.

BG Hatchet

Last but not least and measuring 9.46 inches in length from top of head to bottom of handle, the BG Hatchet boa a 3.5 inch axe head and weighs 20.8oz. Due to the design, most of its ‘heft’ is concentrated in the head so it’s able to easily chop above its weight class. The razor sharp 3Cr13MoV Steel blade gives swift precise cuts and is equally adept at limbing dead trees as it is splitting logs, so if building a more substantial hide this tool would be a useful addition to your kit.

The hatchet’s sturdy stainless steel, full-tang construction stands up to the hardest tasks. The ergonomic polypropylene rubberised handle fills your hand to create a lock-tight grip that won’t let go even when wet. The addition of finger notches just below the head let you choke up securely on the axe for more precise control when feathering kindling or stripping bark. There’s also a handy lanyard hole at the base of the handle.

The back of the head features a crosshatched striking surface that can be used for all types of duties, from hammering in hide-pegs to tenderising meat. When not in use, you can keep the blade safe inside its military-grade, mildew-resistant Nylon sheath, complete with loops that strap to your belt or backpack.