Allow me to introduce the 40cm slim saw, which fits snugly into the handle of the Black Diamond shovel (BD shovel).
Thin and Long Saw
This slender saw measures an impressive 40cm. Iglooskiy constantly emphasizes that the minimum length for a saw should be 30cm, as anything shorter can only produce small blocks, making igloo construction challenging. This 40cm length is highly advantageous for cutting larger blocks. The longer the saw, the easier it is to build an igloo. Plus, there are no particular difficulties with its slender build. Similar to a coping saw, it can change direction while cutting, even at 90-degree angles.
For those who are looking to purchase a new saw for igloo building, this 40cm one comes highly recommended.
Although there seem to be options between coarse (red handle) and versatile (yellow handle) saws, the coarse type was sold out.
The fateful encounter of a saw and shovel.
Furthermore, there’s even more good news. From information shared by igloo enthusiasts in Hokkaido, it seems that this saw perfectly fits the handle of the Black Diamond shovel used by Igloosky 30 years. Upon trying it out, it was indeed a perfect fit, like a Cinderella moment.
While it’s something I’d recommend to all igloo enthusiasts, unfortunately, this shovel itself is no longer in production. You might occasionally spot someone who has been doing winter mountaineering for 30 years with one. In the last igloo workshop, there was even someone who had acquired it from Mercari.
The ideal shovel for igloo making
Typical snow shovels for mountain climbing are designed for digging out debris or shoveling snow around tents, so their scoops aren’t particularly flat, and both sides are slightly curved to prevent snow spillage.
However, for making igloos, the ideal shovel is one that can gently slide into gaps cut by the saw, carefully maneuvered to spread apart the gap for inserting hands. Therefore, a shovel with minimal curvature on the sides is preferable to avoid damaging the blocks. Additionally, a shovel with a rounded, curved tip may be more suitable for this task. Hence, there isn’t a specific shovel currently available that’s highly recommended. The curvature could inadvertently leave marks on the blocks. Of course, it’s still possible to build with what you have. Let’s do our best with the tools we have.
In a few years, if igloo making becomes even more widespread, it would be great to have shovels specifically tailored for igloo construction, perhaps custom-made by “experts of Japan”. Even if they’re replicas of the Black Diamond shovel from 30 years ago, that would be fine.