A pocket underbucker attaches to an axe handle to hold the crosscut saw into the cut when cutting from the bottom of the log. There are a few vintage pocket underbuckers around but are very rare and when they do come up for sale the price is usually around $700. There are also some modern underbucker plans and even some offered for sale using off the shelf parts.

In the day some buckers would simply support the saw directly on a wood handle of the axe. That works for limited use but over time will cut deeper and deeper notches in the handle. Running the saw directly on the handle would not work for the vinyl grip/metal handle on my light weight Estwing camper’s axe. If walking a distance without stock I do sometimes only pack lighter tools.

Here is my version. It cost me less then $10, some scraps I had around the shop and some time in the shop. It attaches quickly and securely to wood, plastic, vinyl and metal (Estwing) axe handles without excessive pressure or marking the handle. For plastic and wood handles I have a small section of heavy shoe leather that I wrap the handle with to protect the handle and help to keep the underbucker aligned with the saw. It seems to work well and fits nicely into my back or side tool pocket on work pants. The underbucker weighs about 10oz and is easier to pack then a stand alone underbuckering tool. I will likely still pack the larger underbucker for larger logs because they are easier to set and will support more weight then the axe handle.

I started with an inexpensive $5.40 6 ½” long nosed locking pliers, then reshaped the nose to fit axe handles and attached a U shaped bracket for the roller. I had the roller laying around the shop but they can be bought for a few bucks. It has a double sealed roller bearings that cost about $1.10 and rolls smooth and free. Not bad, my cost was about 100 times less then a vintage one.