Wood is a familiar natural resource to most people and nowadays, nothing could process it as efficient and convenient as the folding saw. Sure, folding saws are not exactly powerful but in term of versatility and portability, they are able to perform admirably. If you’re a person who loves a survival life in the wilderness then a folding saw is a must-have item. You could tuck a folding saw in your backpack and take it out in time of need without any difficulty. If are considering to get the best folding saw in the near future, this article got something for you. Down below are several popular examples on the market along with their specifications and reviews. To help you make a wise investment, a detailed list of important criteria is provided as well.
Contents
Top 10 Best Folding Saws
Best Folding Saws | Blade Length | TPI (Teeth per Inch) | Price | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander - Best of the Best | 7.5 Inches | 7 | $$$$ | ***** |
EverSaw FOLDING HAND SAW - Editor's Choice | 8 Inches | 9 | $$$$ | **** |
Corona RazorTOOTH - Editor's Choice | 10 Inches | 6 | $$$$ | ***** |
TABOR TOOLS T6 - Best Bang for The Buck | 8 Inches | 6 | $$$ | **** |
SOG Folding Saw | 8.25 Inches | 9 | $$$ | *** |
Fiskars PowerTooth | 7 Inchs | 7 | $$$$ | *** |
Hooyman Extendable Tree Saw | 28 Inches | 6 | $$$$$ | ***** |
Primos Folding Saw | 6 Inches | 5 | $$$ | **** |
SHINE HAI Folding Hand Saw | 7 Inches | 7 | $$ | *** |
SE PS185 Folding Camping Saw | 5 Inches | 7 | $$ | *** |
1. Bahco 396-LAP Folding Saw | Best of the Best
Specification
- Blade Length: 7.5 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 7
Why It’s The Best
Affordable and dependable, Bahco 396-LAP Folding Saw is considered by many people to be the best folding saw on the market. It’s a lightweight product so you should be able to carry it across long distance without any major difficulty. Thanks to the ergonomic handle, this saw possesses excellent handling characteristics even when you wield it at odd angles. The razor sharp teeth of the blade are arranged at alternate angles which mean you could cut through chunky branches in no time.
In term of safety, Bahco 396-LAP Folding Saw utilizes a simple yet reliable single button locking mechanism that secures the saw blade. If you intend to use the saw regularly, it’s a good idea to purchase a holster sheath from Bahco and store the saw in it. You could attach the sheath to your belt while collecting wood which substantially enhances your convenience. In general, the saw is capable of handling normal branches but when it comes to logs, be careful. For sizable logs, you have to create a couple of grooves before applying strong strokes.
Pros
- Low friction and rust resistant blade
- A versatile general purpose cutting tool
- The best folding saw for backpacking and similar activities
Cons
- The quality control needs to be improved
- The customer service is less than helpful.
2. EverSaw Folding Hand Saw | Editor’s Choice
Specification
- Blade Length: 8 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 9
Why This Is An Editor’s Choice
Made from top of the line material, EverSaw Folding Hand Saw is the best folding saw in term of endurance.
Its blade utilize carbon steel which offers adequate flexibility while remanding razor sharp as time goes by. Though the blade is fairly big in size, it should have no trouble folding itself into the saw handle. With up to 9 teeth per inch, the saw is able to deliver smooth cuts which make it a good choice for many tasks. An adjustable bolt is available as well, you can use it to tighten or loosen the blade depends on the current need.
To improve the user comfort, the ambidextrous handle of EverSaw Folding Hand Saw possesses a slip-resistant grip. As a result, both left and right-handed users would have an easy time manipulating the saw as they like. In most of the case, the saw could easily go through 4 inches of conventional materials such as wood, plastic and bone. To show the confidence they have in this product, EverSaw back their folding saws with an attractive lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Reasonable price and high quality
- The best bushcraft saw available for purchase
- Excellent post-purchase support and customer service
Cons
- The blade is too thick in certain cases.
- The latch of the saw is barely acceptable.
3. Corona RS 7265D Folding RazorTOOTH Saw | Editor’s Choice
Specification
- Blade Length: 10 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 6
Why This Is An Editor’s Choice
As a heavy duty saw with a massive blade, Corona RS 7265D Folding RazorTOOTH Saw would help you cut through any wood efficiently and effortlessly. The blade steel contains high carbon content which offers excellent durability and sharpness, the blade itself is chrome plated to minimize friction. Featuring a TPI of 6, the Corona saw is an ideal tool when it comes to fast cutting action and going through thick wood pieces. These triple-ground teeth are impulse hardened so they would remove up to 3 times more material per stroke compared to other products.
Because of its big handle, people could use Corona RS 7265D Folding RazorTOOTH Saw comfortably even with their gloves on. Equipped with a tough polymer grip, the saw hard plastic handle let you wrap your finger around it without any inconvenience. The blade lock release is located on the back of the handle so you can operate the saw with either hand.
Pros
- Replaceable blade
- Ergonomic grip handle
- Cut smooth and quick
Cons
- Slightly bulky for backpacking
- A small portion of the blade is not covered
4. Tabor Tools T6 Folding Saw | Best Bang For The Buck
Specification
- Blade Length: 8 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 6
Why You Should Get It
In the aspect of cost-effectiveness, Tabor Tools T6 Folding Saw is the best folding saw on the market. The saw blade is powerful enough to go through materials up to 4 inches in diameter. As a result, the saw should handle oak and pine branches without requiring much effort from the users. The Tabor Tools saw also possesses a compact profile along with a lightweight body which makes it an excellent cutting tool for camper and backpacker.
To ensure that the user could wield the saw comfortably and conveniently, Tabor Tools T6 Folding Saw comes with a slip-resistant grip handle. The handle is designed to offer consistent performance with hands ranging from small to extra big. In the folded position, the handle also serves as the sheath for the saw blade. Similar to other folding saws, the Tabor Tools saw has a locking mechanism that prevents the blade from flopping around when not in use.
Pros
- Reliable lock
- Rugged and versatile handle
- Match the wallet of most people
Cons
- Several products come with a flimsy handle
- Must tighten the blade every once in a while
5. SOG F10N-CP Folding Saw | The Best Survival Saw For The Price
Specification
- Blade Length: 8.25 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 9
Why We Love It
Come with a quality 8.25-inch high carbon blade and a black powder coat, SOG F10N-CP Folding Saw is a beautiful yet practical tool. All of the saw teeth are differentially tempered to ensure long effective lifetime and consistent performance on a wide range of wood. In term of all-around performance, the SOG product is the best survival saw available for purchase. The saw is able to endure harsh working condition without failing so it’s well liked by hiker and camper around the globe.
For storage, you would receive a black sheath that possesses belt attachment and snap closure when you buy a SOG F10N-CP Folding Saw. SOG is well known for its quality product and this saw, the brand is willing to back it with a limited lifetime warranty. Generally speaking, for survival situations, you have to consider including the SOG saw in your equipment inventory.
Pros
- Well-aligned blade
- Affordable price tag
- Versatile and reliable
Cons
- Thin blade
- Mediocre quality control
6. Fiskars PowerTooth Folding Saw (93516935) | A versatile Cutting Tool
Specification
- Blade Length: 7 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 7
Why We Love It
Fiskars is a famous name in the industry and PowerTooth Folding Saw (93516935) is going to solidify the brand popularity further. It’s the most convenient tool to take down trees limbs that prove too thick for an ordinary lopper. With triple-ground razor-sharp teeth, the Fiskars saw is capable of making aggressive cuts which substantially increase your cutting speed and efficiency. The blade steel is hardened so the edge would stay sharp for quite some time.
Given the fact that it’s a folding design, Fiskars PowerTooth Folding Saw (93516935 could be packed into your backpack with no significant trouble. In the aspect of controllability, the non-slip handle of the saw let you have a firm grip on the saw movement. All things considered, the Fiskars saw is comparable to EverSaw Folding Hand Saw so it could be called the best bushcraft saw on the market due to its versatility and flexibility. Though it could not handle demanding tasks, the saw should be able to take care of light duty tasks.
Keep In Mind
Pros
- Perform well for its price
- Simple to use and manipulate
- Deliver quick and clean cuts
Cons
- The handle durability is not very good
- If you not careful, you may bend the blade
7. Hooyman Extendable Tree Trimming Saw (655227) | The Best Saw for Hunters
Specification
- Blade Length: 28 Inches – 10 Feet
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 6
Why We Love It
Able to extend to 10 Feet and retract to 28 Inches, Hooyman Extendable Tree Trimming Saw (655227) is the best folding saw a hunter could get. Consists of the saw and the extension arm, the Hooyman product provide you with a way to remove obstructing branches from the shooting lanes. Equipped with 4 edge teeth that are impulse hardened, this saw blade offer unmatched cutting ability in a variety of setting.
If needed, Hooyman Extendable Tree Trimming Saw (655227) let you detach the saw from the extension arm and use it as an independent handsaw. In term of operation, the saw is quite forgiving, you could fold and lock the saw blade using only a finger. Due to the use of high-grade aluminum, the extension arm of the Hooyman saw remain light when fully extended but still possesses top-notch endurance.
Pros
- High endurance
- Straightforward operation
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Edge retention is barely acceptable
8. Primos Folding Saw | A Practical and Affordable Saw for Backpackers
Specification
- Blade Length: 6 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 5
Why We Love It
Simple to operate and comfortable to wield, Primos Folding Saw is cheaper than Bahco 396-LAP Folding Saw which makes it the best folding saw for backpacking in term of price. It is manufactured with practicality in mind so as a result, the saw doesn’t have any fancy features that could get in your way. The saw employ a push button lock that is safe and easy to manipulate.
To keep the saw portable, the handle of Primos Folding Saw is made from lightweight nylon with top-notch durability. The handle is also molded with a sure grip rubber so you don’t have to worry about accidental slipping. Since the blade teeth utilize an offset layout, the saw should go through the average wood just like butter.
Pros
- Portable and flexible
- Commendable cutting ability
- Come with a nice carrying case
Cons
- The handle wears out quick
- The blade tends to wobble
9. SHINE HAI Folding Hand Saw | The Best General Purpose Tool for Campers
Specification
- Blade Length: 7 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 7
Why We Love It
Capable of performing a wide range of task, SHINE HAI Folding Hand Saw is a flexible and affordable product. You could use it in many settings such as hunting, gardening and so on. To maintain a stable performance, the blade of the saw is made from quality rust-resistant steel. The triple cut razor sharp teeth of the saw support fast cutting actions without any drawbacks.
Equipped with a comfortable slip-resistant handle, SHINE HAI Folding Hand Saw could be used conveniently by almost everyone without being restricted by the hand size. Because of the handle, you don’t need to apply too much force in order to go through the material. To ensure user safety, the saw employ an efficient gear style locking mechanism to prevent the blade from moving by itself.
Pros
- Nice gear lock
- Rugged and cheap
- Excellent post-purchase support
Cons
- Mostly suitable for light duty works
- Certain products are assembled in a sloppy manner
10. SE PS185 Folding Saw | A great tool for Camping, Backpacking and Others
Specification
- Blade Length: 5 Inches
- TPI (Teeth Per Inch): 7
Why We Love It
If you are shopping on a tight budget and only need something for light duty task, SE PS185 Folding Saw is the saw for you. Its triple teeth saw blade would go through small branches and thin trees in a blink of an eye. The curve handle features a rubberized grip so you could hold it quite comfortably. As a lightweight and compact saw, it should come in handy if you have to travel long distance with minimum load.
In term of user safety, SE PS185 Folding Saw has a simple release button that requires human input before the blade position could be changed. If the button is not held down, the saw blade will not change position and therefore minimize accidental injuries. This is a major plus if you have to drive through less than ideal terrain that could cause shock and vibration.
Pros
- Cheap price
- Ergonomic handle
- Effective safety feature
Cons
- Unable to handle heavy duty works
- There are minor issues with the blade
The Key Qualities of The Best Folding Saw
Similar to others tool, knowing what kind of features and characteristics to look for is vital if you wish to buy the best folding saw. You should not buy a product just because it’s made by a well-known tool manufacturer and appears to receive positive feedback from customers. A folding saw could perform with distinction in several settings and still fail miserably in others. Therefore, purchasing without proper consideration is ill-advised, don’t waste money on a product until you know its capabilities. In order to help you make an informed purchase, here are several things you definitely need to keep in mind while shopping for a folding saw.
1. Dimension
For most of the time, folding saws possess a compact profile so you should have an easy time manipulating them. They are primarily used by campers but many backpackers also find having a good folding saw around is really helpful. Nonetheless, it’s widely recommended that you pay special attention to the dimensions of the folding saw. You cannot call a product to be the best folding saw if you feel stressful and frustrating while carrying it. A folding saw with suitable dimensions would not get in the way of your movement and it could a lot of packing space as well.
2. Weight
Compare to tools like small hatchets or big knives, folding saws are much lighter in most of the case. However,
no one likes to be slowed down by a heavy load so whenever it’s possible, you should attempt to keep the inventory weight down. Base on that principle, you should opt to get a folding saw that is light enough to be carried around without any problem. Do remember to keep the weight at an appropriate level though or it may get tricky to apply force later on. In general, if you are able to scale down the folding saw weight, you could carry more stuff and lighten the load at the same time.
3. Adjustability
Due to the advance of technology, several modern-day folding saws come with a versatile adjustable blade which substantially enhances the usefulness of the tool. Depending on the situation, these tools allow you to loosen or tighten the blade to match the current requirement. Some of the most flexible folding saws even let you change the blade so you could deal with complicated tasks effectively and effortlessly. In conclusion, if you want to buy the best folding saw, you must keep an eye on the adjustability of all products you come across and make your choice accordingly.
4. Grip
When it comes to folding saws, many people tend to underestimate the importance of the grip handle and that is a grave mistake. Even the best folding saw would become useless if you cannot get a good grip on its handle don’t overlook this particular part. A good grip must have an ergonomic shape which let you wield it as you please. If needed, you could always modify the saw handle on your own in order to increase its effectiveness. Nonetheless, it’s advised that you should go after a product with a good grip from the start.
5. Safety
You can never get too careful around sharp tools and that is why you have to take a good look at the saws safety features. Since these saws utilize a foldable design, one of the important safety features you must check is the handle lock. The lock purpose is to prevent the saw blade from swinging around on its own without human input which may cause unexpected damages and injuries. In any case, it’s best that you wear a pair of gloves while using a folding saw. The gloves would protect your hands, reduce sweat build up and let you achieve a firm control over the saw movements.
How to put the best folding saw to use
Having the best folding saw means nothing if you don’t how to handle it correctly. Though folding saws are quite forgiving, there are several rules you must obey if you want to get the most of out them. In the case you have no idea about the sawing rules, here is a quick summary:
- Know what you are cutting: Depending on the wood, the folding saw could slip unexpectedly so take your time to determine the proper sawing spot. If you manage to pick the correct area, you would enhance the sawing efficiency and reduce the time it takes to complete the task.
- Be aware of your surrounding: No matter what is the situation, you must remember not to use the saw recklessly, especially when you deal with thick logs and heavy branches. Before you attempt to saw off something, inspect and exam your surroundings to ensure that nothing could catch you off guard. For an example, many people have sustained nasty injuries due to failing branches because they failed to take into account the branches weight and their own position.
- Safety is number one priority: While wielding the saw, you should wear work gloves and safety goggles, this is very important if you are working in thick foliages. You also need to wear proper clothing, T-shirts and shorts are usually unsuitable since they expose your skin to splinters. However, wearing something that put too much restriction on your body is inadvisable. In order to saw at the correct angle, you have to be able to move comfortably in your clothing.
Last Updated on January 1, 2024
Great article. However, I will stick with my Victorinox SwissChamp’s small saw and Stanley axe.
Saw, next year, maybe.
Ra.