Why is a saw essential in bushcraft?
A saw gives you something no other tool can match: a clean, controlled cut. Unlike an axe, which bursts the fibres apart, a saw slices through them cleanly. That precision proves its worth for many jobs at camp.
Cutting a branch to an exact length for your shelter, cutting through a trunk too thick for the axe, preparing wood for your stove... A saw handles these jobs efficiently and with minimal effort. It is also the quietest tool for working wood. Where axe blows echo through the forest, a saw works discreetly. A real advantage if you would rather not disturb wildlife or other people out in nature.
Buying guide: how to choose your saw
The different types of saw
- The folding saw is the first choice for hikers and bushcrafters. The blade folds into the handle, making it compact and safe to carry in your backpack. Models with a 15 to 25 cm blade cover most needs.
- The folding bow saw (bucksaw) tensions a longer blade (30-50 cm) on a take-apart frame. Bulkier, but far more efficient for heavy work. Ideal at base camp for cutting large quantities of wood quickly.
- The fixed hand saw offers strength and power for intensive work. Best kept for fixed camps where carrying it is not a constraint.
What to look for
- The tooth pattern determines efficiency and the type of cut. Japanese teeth (cutting on the pull) are highly efficient for little effort. Western teeth (cutting on the push) suit heavier work better. Some all-round patterns cut in both directions.
- The tooth pitch affects how fine the cut is. A fine pitch (many teeth) gives a clean cut but works slowly. A coarse pitch (few teeth) cuts fast but leaves a rougher surface. For bushcraft, a medium pitch is the best compromise.
- Blade length sets the cutting capacity. A 15-20 cm blade is enough for branches up to 10 cm in diameter. Beyond that, a 25-30 cm blade becomes more efficient. Bow saws with their 50 cm blades tackle trunks of 20-30 cm.
- The locking system is what keeps you safe. A good lock holds the blade firmly open while you work and keeps it shut for carrying.
Our selection of saws
- For lightweight hiking, compact 15-20 cm folding saws disappear in the pack. They let you prepare kindling for your fire and handle small jobs without added bulk.
- For all-round bushcraft, 20-25 cm folding saws offer the best compromise. Long enough to be effective on decent sections, compact enough to carry easily. The ideal choice alongside a fixed blade knife.
- For base camp, folding bow saws get through large volumes quickly. Their long blade tackles diameters well beyond a conventional folding saw. Perfect for keeping camp supplied with firewood.
Looking after your saw
A well-maintained saw keeps its efficiency for years. Clean the blade after every use to remove resin and debris. A drop of oil on the pivot keeps the action smooth. Blades wear over time and can be replaced on most models. Keep a spare blade for long trips. Browse our tools and related accessories, along with our care products.
FAQ - Bushcraft saws
Folding saw or bow saw?
A folding saw suits 90% of uses thanks to how compact it is. Keep the bow saw for fixed camps that need large volumes cut.
Which blade length should you choose?
A 20-25 cm blade covers the majority of needs, cutting efficiently through branches up to 15 cm in diameter.
How do you make a blade last longer?
Avoid forcing a blade that is binding. Clean off resin regularly. Store the saw folded and dry.