Ever tried to cut a branch with a regular saw when you’re out camping or working in a tight space? It can be a real hassle, right? Those big saws are bulky and heavy to carry around. That’s where the humble folding saw steps in, a real hero for quick cuts on the go.
But walk into any hardware store or browse online, and you’ll see a wall of folding saws. They come in all shapes and sizes, with different teeth patterns and handle designs. How do you pick the best one for your needs? It’s easy to get confused by all the jargon and features.
This post cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a good folding saw and help you understand the important things to look for. By the end, you’ll know exactly what features matter for your next adventure or project.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect folding saw for you!
Top Folding Saw Recommendations
- Durable SK-5 steel blade for efficient cutting during camping survival bushcraft landscaping and general yard work
- Heavy duty rugged 11" long blade helps you power through thick branches faster, 11" blade is ideal for cutting 6" - 7" diameter branches
- Aggressive staggered teeth ( 7 TPI ) allows ultra smooth and sharp sawing
- Comfortable and longer rubber coated polymer handle ensures a firm grip in any weather condition
- Extra long design folding saw
- Foldable Design: Foldable saw is easy and safe to carry around with you. This camping saw engineered for smooth, fast, and precise cutting, perfect for tackling branches, wood, and other outdoor tasks.
- SK5 High Carbon Steel Blade: Our pruning saw is built with premium-grade steel for long-lasting performance, suitable for both green and dry wood.
- Ergonomic Handle: Designed for a secure grip and reduced hand fatigue during prolonged use, even in wet conditions.
- Double Lock for Extra Safety: The compact folding mechanism with a secure lock ensures safe storage and portability.
- Versatile and Lightweight: Ideal for gardening, landscaping, tree trimming, camping, and bushcraft, making it a reliable tool for outdoor enthusiasts.
- READY FOR ANY CUT: Built for hunters, campers, and survivalists, this folding saw tackles green/dry wood, bone, and plastic. Its rust-protected blade and ergonomic handle make it a must-have for bushcraft, trail maintenance, and campsite prep.
- PRECISION XT TOOTHING: The 9" blade features XT toothing with 7 TPI for fast, clean cuts through wood and brush. A rust-resistant, low-friction coating boosts performance and longevity - ideal for wilderness work, trail clearing, or quick campsite setups.
- COMPACT & LOCKABLE DESIGN: Folds securely with a built-in safety lock for both open and closed positions. Packs down small for easy transport in gear bags or packs - ideal for remote work, field repair, or emergency survival situations on the go.
- COMFORT IN ANY CONDITIONS: Two-component plastic handle ensures a solid, non-slip grip in all weather. Includes a leather strap for added carry convenience - great for one-handed use when managing overgrowth, wood, or gear in rugged outdoor terrain.
- VERSATILITY FOR THE OUTDOORS: From forestry work and gardening to camping and survival, this lightweight folding saw is a high-performance tool that excels in tight spots - reliable, durable, and ready to handle whatever the wild throws at you.
- 10” Long Pruning Saw: Fit for heavy work, powerful and strong enough, can cut through branches with 6” diameter with ease. Very efficient for various outdoor work as Camping pruning shrubs and trees, hiking, tree trimming garden work, landscaping etc.
- Sharp Blade: WEIMELTOY Large tree trimming Saw with SK5 material, flexible and durable, triple sharpen blade,been hardened for extra durability, can cut fast and accurate in all direction, (pull or push),not only fit for green wood also fit for dry wood. Can cut through wood,plastic easily.
- Soft Handle:Our Pruning folding hand saw with rubber soft handle, comfortable to grip even for a long time, non-slip, ensures a firm grip in any weather condition, save effort.
- Folding design: Folding Pruning Saw with rubber handle to cover the sharp blade, also have button to lock the blade in position firmly when open and closed. It also take much smaller room, easy to carry for outdoor work.
- Warm Service: Any question in using, just write to us any time. We will reply within 24 hours to serve for you.
- RUGGED SK-5 STEEL BLADE: Ideal for a wide variety of activities including gardening camping survival bushcraft landscaping hunting and cutting wood
- COMFORTABLE GRIP: Unlike similar products on the market, this hand saw for cutting wood comes with an ergonomic non-slip handle supported by a leather strap, providing stability and enhancing maneuverability.
- SAFETY COMES FIRST: With a 2-angle adjustable blade, folding design and secure blocking system, this hand saw is highly convenient and safe for beginners and professional users!
- MULTI-PURPOSE & VERSATILE: This pruning saw is a must-have tool in your collection, being ideal for a wide variety of activities including camping, hiking, hunting and cutting wood.
- 100% MANUFACTURER MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - COHER Guarantees All of It's Products and Tools for Life!
- EASY CHANGE - Adjust the black knob to change the blades. [ATTENTION] : Choose special direction you need after changing blade, tighten black knob on the back before use, to prevent the blade remove or upward. Featuring triple-cut razor sharp teeth, the folding hand saw can easily cuts wood, tree, bone and plastic metal, be a great help in the bush for trail maintenance or while camping or constructing shelter
- THREE MULTI-PURPOSE BLADES - All blades are sharp for smooth, fast sawing: 1. [Pruning blade - black coated surface]: 5TPI, 65Mn, Length 190 mm (7.5 inch), for ≤ 70 mm branches; 2. [Hardwood/Plastic blade - gray surface]: 11TPI, 65Mn, Length 190 mm (7.5 inch), for ≤ 5 mm plastic pipe or 120 mm hardwood; 3. [Metal blade - polished coated surface]: 18TPI, 58CrV, Length 190 mm (7.5 inch), for ≤ 1 mm copper pipe or 1.5 mm aluminium pipe
- SOFT YET SOLID HANDLE - Economic slip-resistant comfort grip handle features with TPR rubber coated. The proper size can work with any hand size. The rugged razor tooth blade remains stable during strong pulls resulting in accurate cuts
- SECURE LOCK - Tighten the black knob during use to prevent the blade upward or remove. Lock System prevents the blade from accidental close during use. Push the green button and fold the saw blade, store it in your pocket when it's idle. Before putting into use, take the folding saw out from the sheath, open and stretch the saw blade and lock it
- BONUS NYLON POUCH - Nylon sheath in the package, can hold hand saw and 2 additional replaced blades as well, easy and safe to carry multi-purpose tool for utility job. Take different blades for real work of wood, bone, plastic according to the actual situation
- EFFECTIVE & ERGONOMIC DESIGN: BOREAL is a revolutionary folding saw that effortlessly unfolds in seconds. It's ultralight, well-balanced, and has sufficient blade length to cut quickly and smoothly through wood. Perfect for camping, backpacking off-trail, hunting, or clearing trails.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND THE ELEMENTS: Crafted from a high-strength anodized 6063 aluminum frame with stainless steel hardware and a fibreglass-reinforced nylon handle cover, this folding saw is made to endure whatever Mother Nature throws at you! No warping, rusting, or cracking under pressure. Even our saw blades have a rust protective coating and hardened points, making this versatile blade perfect for any of your outdoor tasks.
- EASY TO FOLD HANDLE: Thanks to its 3-hinged trapezium-shaped frame, the BOREAL hand saw open in seconds! Just unfold, snap into position & start sawing. Our automatic blade tensioning contains no loose parts, so no need to touch the blade while opening & closing for safe handling. The saw teeth are completely concealed, protecting you and your gear when folded.
- LIGHT & PACKABLE: Weighing at 18oz, this ultralight folding saw is designed to easily pack into your backpacking gear, camping supplies, and hunting bag. It safely folds into the frame when not in use, protecting you and your gear. Perfect for minimalist campers or hardcore survivalists.
- EASY TO CHANGE SAW BLADES: No need to touch the saw blade during opening and closing! Our BOREAL bone saw blades are simple to replace with no special tools required. Blade tensioning is automatic, reproducible and set to provide optimal sawing performance every time.
Choosing Your Perfect Folding Saw: A Buyer’s Guide
A folding saw is a handy tool. It helps you cut wood quickly and safely. It folds up small, making it easy to carry. Whether you are camping, pruning trees, or working on a small DIY project, the right folding saw makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a folding saw, several features matter most. These features determine how well the saw cuts and how long it lasts.
Blade Length and Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
- Blade Length: Longer blades cut thicker branches faster. Shorter blades are easier to carry in tight spaces. Think about what you will cut most often.
- TPI: TPI means how many teeth fit into one inch of the blade. Lower TPI (fewer teeth) cuts rougher and faster. Higher TPI cuts smoother but slower. For general yard work, 7 to 10 TPI works well.
Locking Mechanism
Safety is key. A good folding saw must lock securely when open. This stops the blade from snapping shut on your hand while you saw. Look for a strong, easy-to-use lock, like a trigger lock or a secure button mechanism.
Handle Comfort and Grip
You will work harder if the handle hurts your hand. Choose a handle made from a comfortable, non-slip material like rubber or textured plastic. A good grip helps you apply more force safely.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in a folding saw affect its strength and cutting ability.
Blade Material
Most quality folding saw blades use high-carbon steel or chrome-vanadium steel. These steels hold a sharp edge longer. Some blades have a special coating, like chrome plating. This coating reduces rust and friction, making the saw glide through wood easier.
Handle Material
Handles need to be strong but light. Durable plastics, often reinforced with fiberglass, are common. Metal cores sometimes add extra strength. Avoid very cheap, thin plastic handles; they might break under pressure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all folding saws perform the same. Pay attention to these quality indicators.
Blade Design (Set and Sharpening)
A well-made blade has teeth that are slightly offset, known as the “set.” This set creates a wider cut path, preventing the blade from binding in the wood. The teeth should also be triple-ground or impulse-hardened. This sharpening method keeps the teeth extremely sharp for a longer time. Poorly sharpened teeth dull quickly.
Folding Action and Durability
The hinge mechanism needs to be robust. A smooth, tight hinge prevents wobbling during the cut. Wobbly saws waste your energy. Check user reviews to see if the hinge wears out fast.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to use your new saw.
Camping and Backpacking
If you carry the saw in a backpack, weight and size are critical. Look for saws under 12 inches when folded and those weighing less than one pound. These saws are best for cutting small firewood or clearing tent sites.
Gardening and Pruning
For trimming bushes or cutting dead limbs, you need a longer blade (10 to 14 inches) for better reach. Curved blades are often preferred here because they naturally pull the saw toward the wood, making the cutting motion easier on your shoulder and back.
General DIY and Carpentry
For small construction jobs or cutting lumber scraps, a straight blade with high TPI might be better for cleaner cuts. These saws often stay in the garage or toolbox, so weight is less important than power.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Folding Saws
Q: What is the difference between a folding saw and a pruning saw?
A: A pruning saw is designed mainly for live, green wood, often having a curved blade. A folding saw is a general-purpose saw that folds for safety and storage. Many modern folding saws are designed specifically for pruning.
Q: How often should I sharpen my folding saw blade?
A: If you use the saw often, check the sharpness every few months. If the saw starts requiring a lot of extra pushing force, it is time to sharpen or replace the blade. Never try to sharpen a blade with very fine teeth yourself; it is often easier to buy a new blade.
Q: Are folding saws safe to carry in a bag?
A: Yes, if they are properly locked in the closed position. A good locking mechanism prevents accidental opening. Some saws also come with a sheath or protective sleeve for extra security.
Q: Can I use a folding saw to cut very thick logs?
A: Folding saws are best for branches up to 6 inches in diameter. For very thick logs, you need a bow saw or a chainsaw. Using a folding saw on wood that is too thick will damage the blade and tire you out quickly.
Q: What does “skip-tooth” mean on a blade?
A: Skip-tooth means there is a gap between groups of teeth. This design clears sawdust better, which is great for cutting soft, wet, or green wood without clogging.
Q: Which blade length is most versatile?
A: A blade length between 7 and 10 inches offers the best balance. It is long enough for most common tasks but short enough to remain portable and maneuverable.
Q: Do I need a special saw for cutting plastic pipes?
A: While you can use a folding saw, a fine-toothed blade (high TPI) works better for smooth plastic cuts. Coarse teeth tend to chew up plastic.
Q: How do I clean my folding saw after use?
A: After cutting sappy wood, wipe the blade clean with a dry cloth or a rag lightly dampened with mineral spirits. This removes sticky residue. Make sure the blade is completely dry before folding it to prevent rust.
Q: What is the benefit of a pistol-grip handle?
A: A pistol-grip handle allows you to use your wrist and forearm more naturally. This style often provides better leverage for aggressive cutting strokes, especially when pruning overhead.
Q: Are expensive folding saws worth the extra money?
A: Often, yes. Higher prices usually mean better steel for the blade (it stays sharper longer) and a more durable locking and hinge system. These quality parts mean the saw lasts much longer.