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As an avid bushcrafter, I know the importance of having the right tools for the job - with a reliable folding saw being an essential part of my arsenal.
The best folding saws for bushcraft are:
- 1. Best Overall: Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
- 2. Best Budget: Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw
- 3. Best High-End: Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw
- 4. Best for Heavy-Duty Use: Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
- 5. Best for One-Handed Use: Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw
- 6. Best for Backpacking: Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw
At the end of the day, choosing the right folding saw for your bushcraft needs can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. But with the information and recommendations in this article, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect folding saw for your next outdoor adventure. So let's dive in and explore the world of folding saws for bushcraft!
Key Takeaways
- The best overall folding saw for bushcraft: Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw.
- Folding saws are an essential tool for bushcraft.
- Consider saw features such as blade length, teeth per inch, and overall build quality.
Table of Contents
Understanding Folding Saws
As someone who loves bushcraft, I know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. A folding saw is an essential piece of equipment that can make your life so much easier when you're out in the wilderness.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this section, I'll give you a brief overview of what you need to know about folding saws.
Blade Length
Firstly, let's talk about blade length. The length of the blade will determine what kind of cutting tasks the saw is suitable for.
A longer blade will be able to cut wood, particularly thicker branches, while a shorter blade will be more maneuverable and better for precision work. Most bushcraft folding saws have blades between 6 and 10 inches long.
Locking Mechanism
Next, let's look at the locking mechanism. A good folding saw should have a secure locking mechanism that keeps the blade in place when it's open.
This will prevent the blade from folding back on your fingers while you're using it. Look for a saw with a safety lock that is easy to use and won't accidentally disengage.
Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
The teeth per inch (TPI) of the blade is also an important consideration. A higher TPI will make the saw better for cutting through softer materials like green wood, while a lower TPI will be better for harder materials like dry wood.
Consider what kind of materials you'll be cutting the most, and choose a saw with an appropriate TPI.
Steel Type
Blade steel is another factor to consider. Look for a saw with a blade made from high-quality steel that will hold its edge well and resist corrosion.
Impulse-hardened blades are a good choice as they are more durable and will last longer than non-hardened blades.
Top 5 Folding Saws for Bushcraft
1. Best Overall: Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
The Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw is a compact and lightweight folding saw that is perfect for bushcraft.
It has a 7.5-inch blade with 7 teeth per inch, making it ideal for cutting through wood and branches. Many bushcrafters regard this product as being one of the best bushcraft saws that money can buy. The following are the specifications, benefits, drawbacks, and who should buy this product.
Specifications
- Blade length: 7.5 inches
- Teeth per inch (TPI): 7
- Weight: 7.5 ounces
- Blade material: Carbon steel
Performance
The Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw is easy to use and produces clean cuts. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw has a comfortable handle that provides a good grip, even when wet. It also features a safety lock that keeps the blade securely in place when not in use.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable handle provides a good grip
- Safety lock keeps the blade securely in place
Drawbacks
- Blade may become dull over time
- May not be suitable for cutting larger branches
Who Should Buy This Product?
Anyone who needs a reliable and easy-to-use folding saw for bushcraft should consider the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw on Amazon or at the Bahco website.
2. Best Budget: Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw
The Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw is an affordable folding saw that is perfect for those on a budget.
It has a 12-inch blade with 7 teeth per inch, making it ideal for cutting through wood and branches. The following are the specifications, benefits, drawbacks, and who should buy this product:
Specifications
- Blade length: 12 inches
- Teeth per inch (TPI): 7
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Blade material: Carbon steel
Performance
The Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw is easy to use and produces clean cuts. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw has a locking mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place when in use. It also features a comfortable handle that provides a good grip.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Locking mechanism keeps the blade securely in place
Drawbacks
- Blade may become dull over time
- May not be suitable for cutting larger branches
- Handle may not be as comfortable as other models
Who Should Buy This Product?
Anyone who needs a budget-friendly folding saw for occasional use should consider the Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw on Amazon or at the Opinel website.
3. Best High-End: Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw
The Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw is a high-end folding saw that is perfect for professional use.
It has a 9.5-inch blade with 8.5 teeth per inch, making it ideal for cutting through wood and branches. The following are the specifications, benefits, drawbacks, and who should buy this product:
Specifications
- Blade length: 9.5 inches
- Teeth per inch (TPI): 8.5
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Blade material: High-carbon steel
Performance
The Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw is easy to use and produces clean cuts. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw has a curved blade that allows for faster and more efficient cutting. It also features a comfortable handle that provides a good grip.
Benefits
- Curved blade allows for faster and more efficient cutting
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable handle provides a good grip
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Blade may become dull over time
- May not be suitable for cutting larger branches
Who Should Buy This Product?
Professional landscapers and arborists who need a high-quality folding saw for frequent use should consider the Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Silky Gomboy Professional Folding Saw on Amazon or at the Silky Saws website.
4. Best for Heavy-Duty Use: Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
The Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw is a heavy-duty folding saw that is perfect for cutting through larger branches. It has a 10-inch blade with 6 teeth per inch, making it ideal for cutting through wood and branches.
Specifications
- Blade length: 10 inches
- Teeth per inch (TPI): 6
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Blade material: High-carbon steel
Performance
The Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw is easy to use and produces clean cuts. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw has a curved blade that allows for faster and more efficient cutting. It also features a comfortable handle that provides a good grip.
Benefits
- Curved blade allows for faster and more efficient cutting
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable handle provides a good grip
Drawbacks
- May not be suitable for cutting smaller branches
- Blade may become dull over time
- Locking mechanism may not be as secure as other models
Who Should Buy This Product?
Anyone who needs a heavy-duty folding saw for cutting through larger branches should consider the Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw on Amazon or at the Corona Tool official website.
5. Best for One-Handed Use: Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw
The Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw is a compact and lightweight folding saw that is perfect for one-handed use. It has a 6.1-inch blade with 6 teeth per inch, making it ideal for cutting through wood and branches.
Specifications
- Blade length: 6.1 inches
- Teeth per inch (TPI): 6
- Weight: 2.7 ounces
- Blade material: High-carbon stainless steel
Performance
The Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw is easy to use and produces clean cuts. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw has a comfortable handle that provides
a good grip, even when wet. It also features a locking mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place when in use.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable handle provides a good grip
- Locking mechanism keeps the blade securely in place
Drawbacks
- Blade may become dull over time
- May not be suitable for cutting larger branches
- One-handed use may take some getting used to
Who Should Buy This Product?
Anyone who needs a compact and lightweight folding saw for one-handed use should consider the Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw on Amazon or at the official website.
6. Best for Backpacking: Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw
The Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw is a lightweight and compact folding saw that is perfect for backpacking. It has a 15-inch blade with 7 teeth per inch, making it ideal for cutting through wood and branches.
Specifications
- Blade length: 15 inches
- Teeth per inch (TPI): 7
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Blade material: High-carbon steel
Performance
The Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw is easy to use and produces clean cuts. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it perfect for backpacking. It also features a comfortable handle that provides a good grip.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable handle provides a good grip
- Designed for backpacking
Drawbacks
- Blade may become dull over time
- May not be suitable for cutting larger branches
- Locking mechanism may not be as secure as other models
Who Should Buy This Product?
Anyone who needs a compact and lightweight folding saw for backpacking should consider the Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Sven Saw 15-inch Folding Saw on Amazon or at Sven Saw website.
Features to Look For in a Folding Saw
When it comes to choosing the best folding saw for bushcraft, there are several features that you should consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
Size and Weight
A folding saw should be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your backpack. Look for a saw that is small enough to fit in your pocket but large enough to handle the job.
Materials and Construction
The blade of the saw should be made from high-quality materials such as carbon steel, which is durable and long-lasting.
The handle should be made from non-slip materials such as plastic or rubber to ensure a secure grip.
Cutting Capacity
The saw should be able to cut through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and bone. Look for a saw with a high cutting capacity to ensure that it can handle any job.
Durability and Lifetime Warranty
A good folding saw should be durable and able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for a saw that comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure that you can rely on it for years to come.
Versatility and Portability
The saw should be versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks, from pruning branches to cutting firewood. It should also be easy to transport, with a compact design that makes it easy to pack in your backpack.
Ergonomic Design
Look for a saw with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand. The handle should be designed to reduce hand fatigue and provide a comfortable grip, even during extended use.
Value for Money
Finally, consider the price of the saw and whether it offers good value for money. Look for a saw that offers a good balance of quality and affordability, with features that meet your specific needs.
Folding Saws for Different Materials
When it comes to bushcraft, having a reliable folding saw is essential. However, not all folding bushcraft saws are created equal, and some are better suited for certain materials than others. In my experience, here are the best folding saws for different materials:
Dry Wood
For cutting through dry wood, I highly recommend the Bahco Laplander. The sharp blade and comfortable handle from Bahco make it easy to use, and it can handle even the toughest of branches.
Green Wood
When it comes to cutting through green wood, the Silky Katanaboy 500 mm Folding Saw is my go-to choice.
Its long blade and sharp teeth make quick work of even the thickest of branches. Plus, its durable construction means it can handle even the toughest of jobs.
Firewood
When it comes to gathering firewood, the Gerber Freescape Camp bushcraft saw is an excellent choice. Its 12-inch blade is perfect for cutting through logs, and its comfortable grip makes it easy to use for extended periods.
Bone
If you need to cut through bone, the Gerber Vital Pocket Folding Saw is an excellent choice. Its serrated blade makes quick work of even the toughest of bones, and its compact size makes it easy to carry with you on the go.
That said, if you are having trouble finding a folding saw suitable for the job, quality bow saws are great for this task.
Logs
For cutting through logs, the Fiskars Xtract SW 73 Folding Saw is an excellent choice. Its 225mm blade is perfect for cutting through even the thickest of logs, and its comfortable grip makes it easy to use for extended periods.
The Best Folding Saw Material for Durability & Longevity
When it comes to choosing the best folding saw for bushcraft, blade material and durability are critical factors to consider.
The blade material determines how well the saw can cut through different types of wood, while the durability determines how long the saw can last in harsh outdoor conditions.
High Carbon Steel
One of the best blade materials for folding saws is high carbon steel. This aggressive blade is known for its strength, durability, and ability to hold a sharp edge for a long time.
A carbon steel blade is also resistant to corrosion and rust, making them ideal for use in wet or humid environments.
Stainless Steel
Another folding saw blade material to consider is stainless steel. While not as strong as high carbon steel, stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust - while also boasting a durable blade.
This makes it a great choice for use in wet or humid environments where rust can quickly damage a blade. The good news is that replacement blades are very accessible and easy to install.
Additionally, stainless steel saw blades are easy to sharpen and maintain, making them a popular choice among bushcraft enthusiasts. The razor sharp blade is ideal for cutting wood, as well as performing a variety of different tasks.
About THE AUTHOR
Brittany Melling
Brittany has been in the land business since 2020 when the world was starting to shut down. Since then, we’ve sold to dozens of people from ATV weekend warriors to camping enthusiasts to retired truck drivers. Our inventory spans mostly in the western United States. We’ve been trained by experience, land acquisition courses, and hundreds of hours meeting with county assessors and clerks, zoning officials, realtors, and land investors. We’ve answered hundreds of questions from people regarding the buying and use of land.
Read More About Brittany Melling