Best bushcraft saw
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Bug-out adventure can be so much better when you find a top-notch saw that cuts through the woods!
This is the ultimate BugoutBill.com Bushcraft Folding Saws review, and today we’ll be looking at:
- Top budget-friendly folding saws with top-notch features out of the box;
- Some pros and cons that you should consider, and;
- Lots more!
You better have one of these folding saws for another epic adventure you’re planning – this is definitely a good cut for your buck.
If you’re looking for…
Saws that are lightweight and tough for everyday use and at the same time sharp to cut various woods.
You’ve come to the right place because we’ve got it all covered!
Name it – pruning trees, bush cutting, camping, backpacking, fire preparation, and even building your survival bushcraft.
These wood saws will have your back for your buck.
Pull those strokes away…
Introduction
A standard wood saw is inconvenient to use while camping due to size and weight.
Fortunately, manufacturers continue to design and discover ways to make these tools smaller, collapsible, and outdoor-friendly.
Now,
Whether you want a tool that falls in half or comes apart and stored in itself – you can have that too.
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
Thanks to modern innovation, the current camping styles can be performed with proper research and ultimate artistry.
But, with the huge plethora of folding saws available on the market, it’s difficult for someone to make an informed choice…
That’s why,
We did the hard part for you, and we’re going to talk about ten beastly saws for bushcraft and other bug-out adventures.
So, without further ado…
Let’s cut to the chase!
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1 - Best Rust Resistant Bushcraft Saw - Editor’s Choice Award
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
- Manufacturer: Silky
- Blade Length: 6.75 inches
- Blade Thickness: 1.2 mm
- Cut Capacity: 3-4 inches
- Weight: 0.46 pounds
- Material: Chrome-plated - carbon steel
Bottom Line: Silky Pocketboy 170mm all-around saw is one of the best on the market that offers rust resistant features and robust qualities to meet your needs in bushcraft, camping, and even backyard work.
Pros
- It features a non-slip rubberized handle.
- The blade has two locking positions.
- The blade is resistant to resin and easily wipes clean.
- The blades are interchangeable within the same length.
- It comes with a case, and belt loop included.
Cons
- The blade flexes quite easily and is prone to breakage.
- It cuts only pull strokes.
SUMMARY:
As they say, smooth like butter…
Silky saw cut through softwood, hardwood, greenwood, and even dead branches with its sharp and aggressive set of medium teeth.
Not to mention that the teeth seem never to get clogged with debris and are resistant to rust.
Aside from being rust resistant – the Silky saw features a high carbon steel blade with chrome plating.
The great thing about Pocketboy 170 is that it also features a locking mechanism to position the blade at an undercut angle when cutting tree branches without hitting the ground. This way, your hand won’t get scratches.
Moreover,
This saw is designed with a thin, ridiculously sharp blade that only cuts on pull strokes.
But, you don’t need to worry; there’s a slight curve if you accidentally do a push stroke that prevents you from bending the blade or, at worst, jamming it.
A friendly reminder…
Since the blade is thin – force should be minimal; otherwise, the blade would break. This saw will last for years, given that it’s handled with care.
Overall, this Editor’s Choice Awardee Silky saw is bushcraft approved for the price you’d pay – the case is functional, the blade is very sharp, lightweight, and comfortable to grip.
If you’re on the fence – do yourself a favor and add this saw to your bug-out bag.
Related: Best Bushcraft Shelters
2 - Best Budget Bushcraft Saw - Best Value Award
Primos Folding Saw
- Manufacturer: Primos
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Thickness: 3 mm
- Cut Capacity: 3-4 inches
- Weight: 0.45 pounds
- Material: Nylon rubber (handle)
Bottom Line: Primos is one of the cheapest saws on the market that offers excellent and robust features perfect for a bug-out adventure.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- The teeth are pretty sharp.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
Cons
- The saw blade is slightly wobbly from the handle.
- The handle would put blisters on delicate hands.
SUMMARY:
Coming in with our Best Value Awardee – Primos saw price point is incredible and indeed a best value bushcraft-approved tool.
Unlike the Silky Pocketboy 170, this saw cuts on both push and pull strokes. The blade thickness is good, not too flexible, and stiff.
This saw crosscut design is large enough to cut branches and bushes smoothly. It’s lightweight to add to your adventure bag or even hang on your belt.
However, it’s not as fast as the pull stroke on a double tooth of Silky folding saws, and the blade doesn’t always line up perfectly straight when closing.
Not only that,
The case can be easily damaged, but who would’ve thought it comes with a two-pocket velcro carry case at a cheap value.
But, these shouldn’t hinder you from purchasing Primos. It feels sturdy in hand and rips through wood with the greatest ease without applying a ton of force.
Overall, it’s not Silky but pretty sharp and locks up well – an excellent saw for the cheapest price point on the market.
Related:Best Bushcraft Knife Under 50
3 - Best Lightweight Bushcraft Saw- Top Pick Award
AGAWA - BOREAL21 - 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
- Manufacturer: AGAWA CANYON
- Blade Length: 21 inches
- Blade Thickness: Not specified
- Cut Capacity: Not specified
- Weight: 1.29 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel hardware
Bottom Line: Agawa Canyon folding saw is made of high strength anodized aluminum frame that works well through push and pull strokes, and you can take this to every bushcraft adventure - even backpacking, if you want.
Pros
- Lightweight
- It unfolds and folds easily.
- The blade is pretty sharp and sturdy.
- It fits medium and large backpacks.
- The blade is intact and can be replaced inexpensively.
Cons
- The price can be expensive for some.
- If not careful - folding and unfolding could leave a cut.
SUMMARY:
From what this folding saw offers – this sure deserves the Top Pick Award.
This saw is multi-purpose, and it does work well. It features an ergonomic fiberglass reinforced nylon handle that’s a comfortable grip and doesn’t get as cold as the other saw.
Of course, the blade is very easy to replace – you can have a dry blade, hunting blade, or even an all-purpose blade.
I recommend carrying at least one blade with you when out in the bush, just in case. The saw does include a couple of extra clips just in case you lose them while replacing the blade.
Most importantly,
You can use this with just about anything and will fit well into your bug-out life – bushcraft, backpacking, hunting, farm work, and lots more!
This saw is light enough to take on any ride and can do some serious cutting!
The BOREAL21 will hold the tension for years without the need for adjustment. AGAWA purposely designed this saw to hold tension and without the risk of overtightening the frame.
Also, if you encounter any issues with tension – you can send an email to them, and surely they’ll fix it for you.
If you’re on the fence…
Of course, you could go out and buy a less expensive saw, or you could spend a little bit more and get something that would exceed your expectations because that’s what this saw would do.
It’ll absolutely blow you away with its excellent performance and durability.
Related: Best Survival Knife Under 50
4 - Best Bushcraft Saw For Beginners
Coghlan's Folding Saw
- Manufacturer: Coghlan
- Blade Length: 21 inches
- Blade Thickness: Not specified
- Cut Capacity: 3.5 - 8.0 inches (based on reviews)
- Weight: 1.0 pound
- Material: Aluminum
Bottom Line: 21’’ Coghlan’s saw features a triangular folding design that’s completely replaceable with a standard 21’’ blade and can store at least three to five blades if you prefer.
Pros
- It’s compact and lightweight.
- It’s easy to fold and unfold.
- It cuts on both pull and push strokes.
Cons
- The saw blade flexes quite too much when sawing.
- It comes with a plastic pivot point that’s quite weak.
- The triangular design of this saw prevents the cutting of bigger logs.
SUMMARY:
If you’re skeptical with the previous bow saws’ price point, e.g. (Boreal21) – Coghlan might change your mind.
You can have this triangular saw at an affordable price with excellent qualities fit for bushcraft, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and even more bug-out adventures.
It cuts perfectly fine from greenwood to hardwood. However, this saw features a triangular design that limits the maximum diameter of logs to be cut yet is still perfect for bushcraft.
As per observation,
Coghlan should replace the glass fibre-reinforced plastic parts, like the hinge and locking mechanism, with aluminum materials; otherwise, construction might limit the lifespan of this saw.
The finishing of the sharp edges could even be better to prevent from getting a cut.
Just a small tip…
If you hear the blade rattling against the side of the saw – put a piece of cloth or foam beside the blade to get rid of the sound.
Overall, this is one of the cheapest bow saws available on the market that’ll make your outdoor life fun and exciting without cutting too much of your buck.
5 - Best Smooth Cutting Bushcraft Saw
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
- Manufacturer: Corona Clipper
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Blade Thickness: Not specified
- Cut Capacity: 6 inches
- Weight: 0.8 pound
- Material: Chrome-plated blade
Bottom Line: Corona Razor Tooth saw features a pretty sharp and reliable curved blade with an ergonomic handle that’s very affordable for starters and enthusiasts out there.
Pros
- Inexpensive and affordable.
- Lightweight with ergonomic handle.
- It could cut larger pieces of wood.
Cons
- The blade is slightly exposed in a locked position.
- The blade is flexible.
SUMMARY:
When it comes to affordability, this saw is phenomenal and will make every outdoor work possible.
It features a curved blade that could cut larger pieces of logs compared to other hand saw blades.
However,
This saw will last longer if used on light work – medium to heavy work is possible, but you need to be extra careful with the push and pull strokes; otherwise, the blade could break.
Apparently, the teeth per inch aren’t closed with each other but a very aggressive blade while sawing wood.
Overall, the Corona Razor Tooth saw is a reliable and affordable saw for your buck and your bug-out life.
6 - Best Safety Lock Bushcraft Saw
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
- Manufacturer: BAHCO
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Blade Thickness: 1 mm
- Cut Capacity: 4 inches
- Weight: 0.44 pound
- Material: Stainless steel
Bottom Line: The Bahco Laplander folding saw is made of Sweden high quality hardened stainless steel that features an excellent locking mechanism for a safe and secure sawing and resistance to rust.
Pros
- Lightweight with a good lock safety button.
- The blade is coated to prevent rust development.
- The blade is securely locked when folded and unfolded.
Cons
- It has a cringing sound when sawing large branches.
- The handle was made of plastic.
SUMMARY:
Is the question – will Bahco getcha back?
Well…
Compared to the previous saw, the blade of the Bahco folding saw wasn’t bendy or flexible when doing the push strokes unless you put a little extra force.
It comes with seven teeth per inch for fast-cutting hardwood and dry wood but isn’t as reliable as Silky and Corona in bushcraft.
Overall, it does well and would last long in light cutting activities and careful maneuver.
7 - Best One-Handed Bushcraft Saw
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
- Manufacturer: Kershaw Sporting Goods
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Blade Thickness: 0.33 inches
- Cut Capacity: 2-3 inches
- Weight: 0.22 pound
- Material: High carbon steel blade
Bottom Line: It’s one of the best one-handed bushcraft folding saws with a push-button lock to disengage and deploy the blade without accident and efficient cutting.
Pros
- Lightweight and feels great for small hands.
- It features a locking system.
- It’s a little cheaper than other bushcraft saws.
Cons
- The screws would fall off when exerted too much force sawing.
- The blade doesn't have an anti-corrosion coating.
SUMMARY:
Like the manufacturers mentioned earlier, Kershaw is also known for quality compact folding blades and is a little cheaper than Bahco.
This is a lightweight saw for pruning thicker branches, greenwood, wet wood, even cutting firewood.
As per observation,
Bahco and Kershaw had the same serrated tooth pattern, and the blade measures about 7 inches.
It’s a pretty decent saw and a perfect addition for a light camping trip, hiking, and bushcraft memories.
8 - Best Dual Function Bushcraft Saw
Zippo 3-in-1 Axe Saw
- Manufacturer: Zippo Manufacturing Company
- Blade Length: 15 inches
- Blade Thickness: Not specified
- Cut Capacity: 3-4 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel blade and a polymer handle
Bottom Line: Zippo offers a 3-in-1 tool that can cut, chop, and pound things. The saw features a sharp and excellent blade that’s replaceable and rust protected.
Pros
- The blade has rust protection for long-lasting performance.
- It features an integrated blade handle storage to provide safety and easy access.
- It comes with replacement blades out of the box.
Cons
- You can’t interchange blades with other off-the-shelf blades.
- The plastic piece that holds the blade is plastic and prone to breakage.
- The handle is way too large for the average hand.
- The tension of the saw isn’t sufficient for cutting wood.
SUMMARY:
Be your own version of Thor with this axe saw in your grip!
Having an axe, saw, and mallet in one is a good idea from Zippo because it’s not just solely for cutting firewood but also for pounding and chopping branches.
However,
The saw’s blade is sharp, but the handle is not as comfortable as other folding saws.
The mallet’s head is made from plastic, so be careful and consider that you don’t use it for anything except pounding light things.
Thus, limitations are using this 3-in-1 Zippo axe saw. If Zippo would redesign this one and change some parts with metal and place the locking mechanism in a secure place, this would be a convenient all-in-one tool.
In summary,
Zippo 3-in-1 comes with a good saw and two more tools that perform at a satisfactory level. You might not be thrilled using the handle, but it’s decent and good for limited outdoor work.
9 - Best Folding Bushcraft Saw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
- Manufacturer: Silky
- Blade Length: 19.7 - 25.6 inches
- Blade Thickness: 2.0mm - 2.5mm
- Cut Capacity: 9.9 - 12.8 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Material: Synthetic
Bottom Line: Katana boy large folding saw features a safety lock and a sharp blade with monstrous teeth that cut through larger branches - one of the best folding saws for trail clearing.
Pros
- It comes with an over the shoulder carrying case.
- The sharp blade can be resharpened.
- It’s more effective when doing pull strokes.
- It’s easy to fold and unfold.
Cons
- It can be an expensive starter saw.
- It bent when doing pull strokes.
- It’s quite heavy for some.
SUMMARY:
It’s not a samurai sword, but you’ll experience the samurai feels when you hold this Katana Boy.
This survival folding saw features large teeth with blade lengths from 19.7 to 25.6 inches.
It’s a two-handed, professional, heavy-duty saw that can easily compete with a pocket chainsaw or standard chainsaw.
The long, well-balanced, taper ground blade is subject to impulse hardening technology, and non-set tooth design provides faster cutting of dry wood, large limbs, and trunks with less effort.
Not only that…
It features a non-slip rubberized handle that provides a secure and comfortable grip even in difficult indoor or outdoor tasks.
Thus, an exceptional design, strength, balance, and superior finish quality come with a sturdy nylon shoulder bag with velcro fastening and a pocket for replacement blades.
10 - Best Bushcraft Saw For Garden
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
- Manufacturer: Silky
- Blade Length: 14.2 inches
- Blade Thickness: 1.8 mm
- Cut Capacity: 8 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Material: Synthetic
Bottom Line: The Silky BIGBOY 2000 folding survival saw is the ultimate outdoor adventurer’s tool with rubber cushioned two-hand grip that allows you to cut in a straight line on every pull stroke.
Pros
- It’s easy to fold and unfold.
- The folding blade is easily and securely locked in two-angle positions.
- It features a replaceable, low angle curved blade with impulse-hardened teeth.
Cons
- It can be quite expensive for some.
- The blade becomes slightly dull after several uses.
SUMMARY:
The BIGBOY is equipped with a perfectly balanced, uniquely shaped nickel-plated blade.
The low angle curved blade enables cutting wood smoothly and quickly as the extra-large teeth dive into the wood fibers on the pull stroke.
Like all Silky saws,
This features impulse hardened and tapered ground teeth for easier and faster-cutting performance and improved durability.
The long and thick rubber handle is comfortable to hold with one or both hands. It reduces vibration and offers superior grip even when your hands are wet, cold, or wearing gloves.
Not only that…
BIGBOY 2000 is ideal for trail building, camping, snowmobiling, and other motorized outdoor adventures in the woods.
Why Trust Us
At BugoutBill.com, our team ensures that every bit of information we give is up to date and tested from start to finish.
Before presenting these ten portable saws – we have given them to different bushcraft enthusiasts and experts to use on their outdoor adventures.
This ultimate review is worth the read to help you find the best portable and versatile saw on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What are bushcraft bow saws used for?
A - It’s a tool that can be used for cutting branches or wood to build shelter and firewood on your outdoor adventure.
Question 2: How often should I replace my blade?
A - It depends on the quality of the blade and how often you use it. If you observed that it’s broken or has missing teeth, that would be the time to replace your blade.
Question 3: What’s better: smaller bow saws or larger ones?
A - In my honest opinion, the smaller wood saw is better than larger ones for convenience. But regardless if it’s a small or large bow saw, as long as it’s lightweight, tough, affordable, and made with high quality materials that would last long - you better have it.
Our Analysis. Comparisons & Test Results
Value for Money
Just so you know…
All of these saws would satisfy you in various ways. However, Silky Pocketboy, Primos, and Corona received the highest marks in achieving the optimum cost, quality, and sustainability.
Value for Money Rating
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
Primos Folding Saw
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Coghlan's Folding Saw
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
Build Quality
On the other hand,
It’s amazing how these saws have been designed with quality material to meet your indoor or outdoor needs.
As you see, no one received the highest mark of 10 since these saws have their own flaws that the manufacture could look for an upgrade to make it better.
You might be wondering about the Zippo 3-in-1 Axe Saw…
This portable saw is a good concept, but the maker could improve parts to meet indoor and outdoor needs.
Build Quality Rating
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
Primos Folding Saw
AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Coghlan's Folding Saw
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
Blade Efficiency
Moving on to blade efficiency…
Silky and AGAWA lead for this feature, but they’re different in terms of design. However, these two show the state and quality of being efficiency in cutting through woods.
Blade Efficiency Rating
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Primos Folding Saw
Coghlan's Folding Saw
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
Portability
There’s not much to say about these saws’ portability – all of them are lightweight and easy to carry and fit on your bug-out build because they can be folded.
The three silky saws got the highest marks for this area, along with Primos, AGAWA, BAHCO, and Zippo.
Why Zippo?
Despite its build quality, Zippo is a 3-in-1 tool but light.
Portability Rating
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
Primos Folding Saw
AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
Coghlan's Folding Saw
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
Versatility
Like, the previous feature, there’s not much to say, for these saws are versatile in cutting a variety of wood of different sizes and types.
And, the three Silky saws got it again as well as Primos, AGAWA, and Coghlan.
You can never go wrong with these saws, and they’ll do the work with less effort for you.
Versatility Rating
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
Primos Folding Saw
AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Coghlan's Folding Saw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
Our Final Verdict: Best Bushcraft Saws
After all the observations and testing with these beastly saws – we’ve come to the final verdict that Silky Pocketboy, Primos, and AGAWA’s top-notch features surpass the others.
This is not to say that the others are not good – they have amazing features and performed well.
Best Bushcraft Saw Rating
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw 170mm Medium Teeth
Primos Folding Saw
AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Coghlan's Folding Saw
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Silky New Professional Series KatanaBoy Folding Saw
Silky Professional BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw XL Teeth
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade
Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw
Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
Conclusion: Best Bushcraft Saws
If you’re still on the fence,
That’s not a problem at all – just don’t opt for saws that are a bit awkward to use. Choose what’s best for you and your budget.
There are brands like Sven and Opinel with a virobloc safety ring. You can also opt for longer blade lengths like the Silky Katana Boy.
If you want a starter portable and affordable saw…
Don’t go too far because Silky Pocketboy, Primos, and AGAWA Boreal21 will make your bug-out life even better.
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