Folding saws
Folding saws
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE FOLDING SAWS
Why buy a folding saw?
There are many good reasons to choose a folding saw—whether for garden work, outdoor use, or woodworking. Across all applications, the key advantages remain the same:
Compact: When folded, they fit easily into a backpack or toolbox, and some models even slip into a trouser pocket.
Safe: When closed, the blade is fully covered, protecting you from accidental contact with the sharp teeth.
Durable: The folded blade is shielded by the handle, reducing the risk of damage and helping it stay sharp for longer.
Because folding saws are designed for different applications, here is a structured overview.
Folding saws for garden and forestry work
The terms garden saw and pruning saw are often used interchangeably. For general gardening tasks, we recommend a versatile, medium-sized folding saw with a total length of approximately 400 to 500 mm.
Pruning saws with a slightly curved blade are best suited for shaping trees. The curve makes overhead work easier, as the blade bites into the wood more effectively and tracks better through the cut.
Saws with a straight blade, on the other hand, are easier to maneuver and position within dense vegetation or tight branches.
For fruit tree pruning, choose a blade with a tooth pitch that leaves a smooth surface. This allows water to run off more easily and promotes the tree's natural healing process.
Note: The blade length should be at least twice the diameter of the branch you intend to cut.
Saws for outdoor activities
- Mini saws: With a blade length of less than 150 mm and minimal weight, mini folding saws fit into pockets or small pouches. They are practical companions for hiking and trekking, ideal for light crafts or collecting kindling.
- Camping saws: When holidaying in a caravan or at a campsite, a hand saw is primarily used for preparing firewood or small tasks like making tent pegs. For these jobs, a straight blade designed for dry wood is the best choice.
- Outdoor saws: For more intensive tasks like building a shelter or base camp, a robust saw is a vital partner to your axe. A handle in a high-visibility signal colour makes the tool easier to find on the forest floor. The Silky Outback Edition and Agawa folding saws are particularly highly regarded for survival and bushcraft use.
Folding saws for joiners and carpenters
These specialized models can be found under Japanese folding saws (for woodworking).
- Folding Japanese saws: Professional tradespeople often require folding Japanese saws for dry wood. Under the Robusuta range, we offer traditional types such as Dozuki and Kataba in folding versions. The high-quality blades are perfectly protected by the wooden handle during transport, while a solid locking mechanism ensures maximum stability. These saws are suitable for both precision joinery and assembly work on-site.
- Folding saws for carpentry. For on-site work—such as construction sites or roof framing—carpenters often rely on compact hand saws. Models like the Silky Gomboy 270-20 and Bigboy 360-10 are well suited for crosscuts and diagonal cuts in standard timber dimensions.
Most Japanese saws in our range are fitted with replaceable blades with impulse-hardened teeth that cannot be resharpened. These blades offer excellent longevity and hold their edge well in use. When a blade eventually dulls or is damaged, it can simply be swapped out. We maintain long-term stock of replacement blades, so the correct replacement will be available years after your original purchase. A small number of Ryoba saws — including our Deluxe models, made in small Japanese workshops — have fixed blades that can be resharpened with the appropriate saw files.
Tips for safe sawing
Most folding saws cut on the pull stroke, meaning they cut on the stroke towards the body. This tensioning effect stabilizes the blade, removing the need for a thick back reinforcement. To start, place the section of the blade nearest the handle onto the wood and begin the cut with a controlled pulling motion. Apply no pressure on the forward stroke. (Exception: saws with universal teeth that cut on both the push and pull stroke).
Use caution when folding! The teeth are extremely sharp. Always hold the blade by the spine (the back), disengage the locking mechanism with your other hand, and fold the blade back into the handle in a controlled manner.
Avoid lateral stress on the blade, as Japanese steel is sensitive to bending and may snap if twisted or stepped on. Always fold the saw immediately after use to prevent damage from accidental falls or mishaps. Many of our saws also feature a lanyard hole in the handle for a wrist strap.
