Outdoor saws
Outdoor saws
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OUTDOOR SAWS
Which outdoor saw is right for you?
Key considerations
Along with an axe and a knife, a pruning saw — most commonly a folding saw — is one of the three tools regularly carried on outdoor trips.
For outdoor and survival use, weight and packed size are usually the deciding factors. If you are travelling light — hiking or trekking with a minimal kit — a small, lightweight saw is the right choice. If you are building a bushcraft or survival camp, you need something with more cutting capability, and blade length becomes the key consideration: as a rule of thumb, the blade should be at least twice as long as the diameter of the material you intend to cut. A curved blade offers better control for overhead cuts; a straight blade is easier to guide on horizontal cuts. Tooth configuration is another variable — not just coarse versus fine, but also whether the saw is optimised for wet or dry wood. Think through your primary use case before you buy. If you will be working in wet conditions — in woodland or on damp ground in poor weather — look for a saw with a robust, moisture-resistant handle. Handles in bright colours are easier to spot on a forest floor or in low light. Above all, pay attention to the quality of the locking mechanism and the overall build: in the field, your saw needs to be something you can rely on.
What are outdoor saws used for?
- Pocket saws are ideal for spontaneous tasks on the move. Saw blades on pocket knives and small folding saws take up almost no space and can always be carried with you.
- For hiking and survival use, folding saws and collapsible frame saws offer a more capable option. Their blades are longer and more rigid, allowing you to tackle branches of a reasonable diameter.
- For camping and bushcraft — where packed size and weight matter less, since the saw is generally used in one place — larger folding saws and fixed-blade garden saws are a good fit.
Types of outdoor saws
Mini saws, including those on pocket knives, fit comfortably in a jacket or trouser pocket. They are perfect for cutting small twigs or thick rope. The sharp-edged spine of the blade can also be used to strike sparks from a fire steel (please observe local knife legislation).
A folding saw offers a longer, more stable blade and is robust enough for demanding tasks. Models with a cutting length of over 40 cm are even capable of felling larger trees. Generally, the blade is secured to the handle with a pivot screw and locks into place when opened. Some models, such as those from Silky, feature a second locking position that opens the blade beyond 180°. This prevents the handle from hitting the ground or a wall during flush cuts. Folding saws have one major advantage: when closed, the teeth are protected from damage, and the risk of injury is minimised. If carried in a backpack, your clothing is also safe from the sharp edges. Some Silky models are supplied with a folding plastic sheath for added protection against moisture.
Collapsible frame saws are made up of several parts that assemble into a bow or frame saw. They fold down compactly to the length of their longest component and pack into a robust carry bag. When assembled, the blade is held under tension and can cut on both the push and pull stroke. Most collapsible frame saws are fitted with aggressive, bi-directional teeth that leave a fairly coarse cut — they are primarily designed for firewood and rough outdoor work.
Wire saws and hand chain saws are exceptionally compact and well suited to cutting higher branches. To use one, attach a length of rope to each end of the saw, throw one end over the branch, draw the saw up and over, then work it back and forth by pulling alternately on each rope. Take care as the branch nears the cut — it will snap and fall. Stand clear, not directly beneath it.
Wire saws are extremely light and roll up small, making them ideal for ultralight survival kits. With a bent branch as an improvised bow, they can also be used one-handed. They are best suited to thinner branches, however, and can break under heavier loads.
Hand chain saws are more robust and durable. They take up only marginally more space but offer significantly better cutting performance, handling thicker branches without difficulty.
Fixed-blade garden and pruning saws are also excellent for outdoor work. They are often compact enough to be carried in a backpack. Many models come with a sheath for safe transport and belt carry. Since they lack a folding mechanism, the handles are often more ergonomic and shorter. A further advantage: there are no mechanical parts that can jam or fail.
