Living in the wilderness, whether it’s for camping, hiking, or backcountry expedition, is a call that many of us answer whenever we need to escape from our routine. The rustle of trees, the fresh water in the creeks, to the crisp sound of dead leaves under our feet are the things we dearly miss. Feeling like heading out yet? Prepare yourself for whatever is ahead. Make sure you get the best folding saw for camping to clear out your paths or practice bushcraft. Wonder which folding saw is for your adventure? Read on to find out!
How To Choose The Best Folding Saw for Camping
Folding saws weren’t only made for arborists or gardeners but they also make a great tool you carry on camping. They are lighter than an ax but more compact than a machete. After years of upgrading and re-innovating, it can be hard to find the one that fits your activity. That’s why we have compiled several things you need to consider before getting the best folding saw for camping.
Material and Comfort
Folding saws handle are made of different materials where plastic is the lightest and steel is the heaviest. Depending on your camping style, we highly recommend plastic handles with rubber coating for their lightweight and decent strength. Wooden and steel handles are sturdy and great but they’re more suitable if you don’t plan to go mobile too much.
Blade
This point is has a heavy point in your consideration since it’s essentially what you’re buying for. The best folding saw from camping is made of steel alloy. Steel alloys have great tensile strength and durability so your folding saw can stay functional and sharp for a longer time before you need to sharpen it.
The blade is also the house for saw teeth. Sawteeth define how smooth and efficient a folding saw can be. Folding saws with high TPI (tooth per inch) will let you make a smoother cut with less energy but those with large teeth allow you to cut branches more quickly in exchange for more energy. If you often use your folding saw to cut materials to make stuff, we recommend you to get one with more teeth.
Safety
As we have mentioned in our EDC knife pocket knife review, the last thing that we want from our folding saw is to have the blade collapses onto our precious fingers. The best folding saw for camping has great safety features like a locking button, knuckle protector, or at least a handle stop. Find these features on your folding saw especially if you’re new to folding saws.
Why does my hand saw keep getting stuck?
Several cases make your sawing stuck: It could be the wood pinching the saw blade or you don’t cut it straight. Another reason is that your saw teeth don’t make enough opening for the blade to slide easily so it causes a lot of friction.
Do saws go blunt?
All sharp tools tend to get dull over time. However, you can always sharpen the teeth of your folding saw using a sharpener. Many EDC knife sharpeners can also sharpen saw teeth.
Can hardened teeth be sharpened easily?
Unfortunately, folding saws with sharpened teeth can only be sharpened by diamond files/sharpeners. It takes more time and effort but it all worth it!
Mossy Oak 3-in-1 Folding Hand Saw
13
Mossy Oak 3-in-1 Folding Hand Saw is a great saw if you’re new to transferring from hatchets or machetes. This folding saw has 3 interchangeable blades with different specifications and for different purposes. It’s the best folding saw for camping to acquire the experience you need before deciding on your preference. The saw will arrive folded at your doorstep in a pouch included in the purchase.
The main blade is black powder coated with triple teeth to make a fast-cutting action. It expands and locked using the slide on top of the blade to prevent the blade from collapsing while you’re using it. The grip is fairly grippy with a non-slip coating handle. You can change the angle of the blade to adjust to the task at hand. To do this you can locate a small black knob where you fan release or fasten the axle of the blade.
What We Love
A great starter folding saw!
Pros:
- 3 different interchangeable blades
- Ergonomic plastic handle
- Including locking mechanism
- Cuts different materials cleanly
Cons:
- The blade may bend if you don’t saw straight
EverSaw Folding Hand Saw
12
This product looks a little similar to the previous product we reviewed but it’s a completely different product in several areas. EverSaw Folding Hand Saw is the best folding saw for camping after you’ve achieved a steady rocking motion when sawing. This folding saw is made for avid campers and survivalists where they need a dependable tool that doesn’t break at crucial moments.
This folding saw has a durable blade with triple-cut sharp teeth that are made of carbon steel. It has a solid, smooth cutting action you’ll soon love. It’s worth mentioning that the blade uses a pull-cut system rather than a pull and push. The blade is fully extended and locked by a button close to your thumb. We can see this unit hanging around your survival kit for a long time!
What We Love
A great alternative to transfer to more professional folding saws.
Pros:
- Gear-lock mechanism
- Pull-cut sawing
- Rubber-coated plastic handle
- Medium-toothed
Cons:
- The rubber coating may wear off over time
Primos Folding Saw
11
If you’re practicing bushcraft skills, you might know the Primos Folding Saw with its powerful performance. Although advertised as the best folding saw for backpacking, this durable folding saw makes great camping saw as it packs a lot of power in such a small size. It’s indeed most compatible for smaller branches as it has a 6-inch blade, but it’s enough for smaller projects or making fire.
The blade is one of the thickest in the market. It has a 3mm blade thickness so you won’t worry about binding when sawing. The handle is quite sturdy with a stop at the back to prevent you from slipping – though it’s unlikely since the handle is coated in. This handle is made of hard plastic that can withstand the beating of the wild. Take this folding saw wherever you go since it only weighs less than a pound!
What We Love
A handsome and compact folding saw for everyday carry.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Comfy nylon handle
- Rubber-coated handle
- Locking mechanism
- Offset teeth
Cons:
- It’s more suitable for small to medium branches or tool building
Coghlan’s Folding Saw
10
Many have tried the Coghlan’s Folding Saw and many have stayed loyal to it. We fell in love right from the first movement where cutting wood feels like cutting butter. This triangular folding saw could easily be the best folding saw for bushcraft for its versatility and lightweight property. It weighs only 16 ounces including the blade and the blade can be neatly tucked inside the frame when not in use.
The construction is made of hard plastics and aluminum. The 21-inch serrated blade is supported by an anodized aluminum frame that makes cutting almost effortless. It can cut bones, wood, or metal without any problem. Mind that this isn’t for first-time users. You need a steady hand to prevent it from bending too much.
What We Love
The folding saw for a steady cut.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Aluminum handle
- 21-inch serrated saw blade
Cons:
- The hinges are made of plastic
Sog Folding Saw
9
Sog Folding Saw is a strong candidate to be the best folding saw for camping. This lightweight folding saw is robustly built and became the blueprint of many folding saws that comes after it. There are a lot of similar products but none can compete with this solid unit. You’ll see that it’s an amazing product when you can get confidence by merely holding it.
The blade of this folding saw is made of high carbon steel that can easily tackle from soft to hardwood and from life to dead trees. It’s coated by a black coat finish to minimize friction and help battle rust. To house the blade, the handle is made of TPR plastic that’s coated in cushy rubber. Do your project for hours without a fatigued hand because the handle is super comfy!
What We Love
An all-rounder folding saw for bushcraft practice.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Black powder coated
- Smooth cut
- High carbon steel blade
- Comfy rubberized handle
Cons:
- It’s not very suitable for backpacking
Rexbeti Heavy Duty Folding Saw
8
Take Rexbeti Heavy Duty Folding Saw to your next expedition for the maximum chance of survival! This folding saw is the best folding saw for camping where the woods are thick and you’re required to create an opening for your trail or campsite. This folding saw might be compact but it’s built for some heavy-duty projects. Luckily, this saw is thin enough to be in your camping gear so you can always have a saw ready when you need it. By the way, have you got the best tarp for camping today?
The long grippy handle complements the long blade beautifully. It fits 2 hands on the handle to help you cross-cut thicker branches. The blade is made of an SK-5 steel blade with triple-cut teeth (7 TPI) for a smooth cutting action. If you’re planning for a week in the woods to camp or hunt, having this in your camp gear will be really helpful!
What We Love
The folding saw to tackle thicker branches.
Pros:
- Long SK-5 steel blade
- Sturdy and long handle
- Aggressive teeth
- Locking mechanism
Cons:
- It’s bulky
Wicked WTG-003
7
The tough Wicked WTG-003 is the best folding saw for survival you need in your survival gear. Its robustly-made grip feels firm and assuring in your hand. It understands whatever assignments you throw at it no matter how challenging it is. This folding saw was built with hunters and bushcraft practitioners in mind. Let’s find out how it can make your life in the wilderness a little bit easier.
It has one of the sharpest blades in the industry that’s perfectly paired to stainless steel and a TPR handle coated in rubber. The handle is long enough for a two-hand operation when you need to crosscut wider branches. The best part of this folding saw is the ability to holster the saw when it’s open. The belt pouch included in the purchase is embedded with a hard plastic lining to protect the sharp teeth of the blade.
What We Love
The folding saw often used by hunter due to its practicability
Pros:
- Holster when still open
- Ergonomic handle
- High carbon steel blade
- Locking mechanism
- Durable
Cons:
- The scabbard is heavier due to the extra lining
Opinel No. 12
6
In need of a trusty folding saw for your next backpacking trip? Opinel No. 12 could be your next companion. This big boy cuts wood like butter and leaves a clean cut with minimum effort. The secret is in the blade that’s housed by a beechwood handle that looks beautiful in any weather. This is simply the best folding saw for bushcraft you’d want to invest your dime in.
The blade is made of high carbon steel known for durability and sharpness. The dual-row razor teeth will stay sharp for a long time without sharpening. It has a pull-cut system to minimize the energy you spend while still performing clean cuts. This folding saw has a safety hook to prevent the blade from collapsing while in action. Get this beauty in your gear and you won’t be disappointed!
What We Love
A solid unit for heavy-duty cutting
Pros:
- Lightweight for its size
- Extremely well made
- Locking mechanism
- Anti-rust coated blade
- Clean cut
Cons:
- It may be too big for smaller branches
Spring Creek Tuff Camp Saw
5
Spring Creek Tuff Camp Saw is a great folding saw that has garnered loyal customers even though it hasn’t been in the industry for a long time. Hunters and campers love its versatility and cutting power to make woodworking easier in the wild. The saw blade is stored inside the foldable frame so you need not worry about separating the blades from the rest stuff in your carry.
The frame is made of light but sturdy aluminum that won’t bend or twist. Unlike wooden frames, aluminum doesn’t react to moisture or elements, so you can be sure that you’ll have a smooth, clean-cut in whatever weather or condition. This kit includes 3 saw options depending on your needs: 21, 23, and 30 inches. All of them provide you with a good drawing length and cut speed.
What We Love
The best folding saw for camping if you love buck saws.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact form
- Longer blade for thick branches
- Less vibration on your hand
- Cuts quickly
Cons:
- It’s not for first-time users
Corona RazorTooth
4
Powerful, dependable, and compact, Corona RazorTooth will impress you with a clean cut on every stroke you make. It gets the job done quickly and neatly that it’s so hard not to be obsessed with it. Could it the best folding saw for bushcraft in the market? what’s certain is that it will be with you for a long time. it may even last far after you.
The blade is a curved high-carbon steel with aggressive teeth that will never bind while you’re rocking the branches. The teeth are razor sharp and they will stay so for a long time before it needs some sharpening. The handle is quite comfy for either one or two-hand operation. It’s okay to work in the rain because the rubber-coated handle and backstop will provide the support and safety you need.
What We Love
A curved, aggressive folding saw for time-efficient campers.
Pros:
- Curved blade with aggressive teeth
- Ergonomic handle with stoppage
- Cuts quickly
- High carbon steel blade
- Cuts small to medium branches
Cons:
- Needs a better closure design
Sven-Saw 21-Inch
3
Sven-Saw 21-Inch is our go-to saw recently. It’s the best folding saw for camping due to its lightweight, durability, and portability. Even though it’s made of aluminum, the frame is quite sturdy to do everything from the lightest task to the toughest job of crosscutting a thick branch. Have mentioned that it has served campers and wilderness expert for decades? This saw lives up its reputation and now you can have it too!
Every stroke you make feels effortless while still gives a clean and smooth cut every time. The blade is stored in the aluminum frame with a little more room for an extra blade. The frame is painted in red to give you high visibility in case you dropped it while working. No matter what your outdoor activity is, pack up one of these solid units for an emergency!
What We Love
The folding saw for a better, cleaner, steady sawing action.
Pros:
- Excellent sharp blade
- Triangular frame
- Energy-efficient
- Well-built
- Aluminum handle
Cons:
- It takes extra steps to assemble
Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
2
Bahco Laplander Folding Saw isn’t only a great pruning saw but it’s also the best folding saw for backpacking in our humble opinion. We learned about this folding saw from testimonies made by arborists and bushcraft practitioners. They said they have a compulsory tool that’s inside their expedition gear and they introduced us to this folding saw.
The folding saw is superlight when we hold it in our hands. But the moment we hold the grip, we can tell that it’s a very well-made product. It’s sturdy and sticky to help us cut wood smoothly. The blade heaves the heaviest burden of the rocking motion, though we’re sure it’s not really a big deal knowing that its XT toothing and razor-sharp teeth will do the job nicely. It’s an excellent tool to have in your camping gear!
What We Love
The avid bushcraft practitioners’ favorite folding saw!
Pros:
- Good cut
- Sturdy grip with leather strap
- Safe-locking mechanism
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- The blade is un-plated so it can induce high friction when sawing
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy 170mm
1
Silky Professional Series PocketBoy 170mm easily becomes the best folding saw for camping among the products we’ve reviewed. It’s the brain-child of a Japanese company, Silky, that aims for excellence and quality. Their folding saws are energy-efficient and lightweight for their form factor and this unit is the embodiment of the principles.
The curved blade has 7 TPI to provide the best sawing experience. Those clean and smooth cuts are no longer a dream for you and you can achieve this with minimum effort on your part. It has a simple locking mechanism that works wonders to keep the blade safe and away from your knuckle. Hate to tediously sharpen the teeth? This folding saw won’t allow you to suffer like that because the hardened teeth are 3 times more durable than non-hardened ones!
What We Love
The best folding saw for camping from a legendary company.
Pros:
- Fast and smooth cutting
- Very compact
- Lightweight
- Brightly colored
- Impressively sharp blade
Cons:
- It has a small handle
