Black Diamond Guide Snow Saw
Black Diamond's Guide Snow Saw is a unique multitool. Sure it rips through snow with the razor-sharp teeth, but it also has bonus features that are just what you need when you pull it out. There is a pit cord attached for cutting ECT blocks that stores on the handle, potentially helping with grip while sawing. Also integrated is a crystal card so it really is a many-in-one snow science tool. Maybe they couldn't squeeze in a magnifying glass or maybe that will be in the next version. Either way, the Black Diamond Guide Snow Saw is a super versatile cutter that clocks in as a volume conscientious and durable snow saw.
- Teeth are optimized for cutting hard snow.
- Integrated crystal card lets you size up the danger.
- 250cm of 3mm polyester cord(+17g) for cutting large blocks.
- Pit-cutting cord wraps conveniently around the handle.
- Comes with a lightweight sheath(+17g) to protect your pack.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
130g |
| Length | 47.5cm |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Stainless steel |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Cutting snow blocks, analyzing snow, cutting branches |
| Notes | Cord handle can be used as rushblock cord |
| Bottom Line | Thin and durable |
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Questions & Reviews
11/15/2023
How is this saw at cutting wood / tree branches? The super wide serrations in the middle part make it look not so effective for that task.
11/15/2023
Hi Steve,
I conferred with a coworker of mine and we agree that you 'can' use it to cut branches but it might not perform as well to that task compared to the G3 Bonesaw.
I conferred with a coworker of mine and we agree that you 'can' use it to cut branches but it might not perform as well to that task compared to the G3 Bonesaw.
Answer this question:
Getting excited about a snow saw is definitely a challenge, but as a skimo race organizer and racer and as an avalanche safety instructor for AIARE and NSP, if anyone can rise to the challenge, that would be me! First the weight, shockingly omitted from the Skimo Co listing: about 5.7 ounces, including the protective sheath and the cord.
In exchange for the weight savings, compared to the competition from G3 and BCA, the handle is just an extension of the snow saw – like on the old Life-Link snow saw in days of yore, if anyone reading this is old enough to remember that model – not really a separate piece. So if you’re planning to saw up block for an igloo or something like that, would probably become uncomfortable. But for typical snow pit work, it’s fine.
The length is also minimal, with no readily available means of lashing any extension to it, but once again, for typical snow pit work, it’s fine. The imprinted snow crystal “card” is a nice touch, although rather small.
Unlike that previously referenced Life-Link model, this BD model is far more impressively machined, with greater rigidity and hence efficacy (especially for our impressive melt-freeze crust layers out East, interspersed with dense wind slab).
Overall, if you want a lightweight, compact (given its “2D” design), feature-rich, effective snow saw, this is it for sure!
In exchange for the weight savings, compared to the competition from G3 and BCA, the handle is just an extension of the snow saw – like on the old Life-Link snow saw in days of yore, if anyone reading this is old enough to remember that model – not really a separate piece. So if you’re planning to saw up block for an igloo or something like that, would probably become uncomfortable. But for typical snow pit work, it’s fine.
The length is also minimal, with no readily available means of lashing any extension to it, but once again, for typical snow pit work, it’s fine. The imprinted snow crystal “card” is a nice touch, although rather small.
Unlike that previously referenced Life-Link model, this BD model is far more impressively machined, with greater rigidity and hence efficacy (especially for our impressive melt-freeze crust layers out East, interspersed with dense wind slab).
Overall, if you want a lightweight, compact (given its “2D” design), feature-rich, effective snow saw, this is it for sure!
6/25/2022
It's certainly nice when useful tools become so lightweight and compact that one barely has an excuse /not/ to bring them!
I was shocked about the glaring weight omission as well, and thankfully all current snow saw product listings have now been updated to include weight notes for each component. Thanks for the detailed review and for keeping us on the path of lighteousness!
I was shocked about the glaring weight omission as well, and thankfully all current snow saw product listings have now been updated to include weight notes for each component. Thanks for the detailed review and for keeping us on the path of lighteousness!
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