Best Folding Saw for Backpacking – 2021 Reviews & Buying Guide

As a camper or backpacker, a saw is an essential item you need before setting out. There are different types of saws you can go for, but mostly, folding saws are ideal. To buy the best folding saw for backpacking, you need to put several factors into consideration—factors like size, material, weight, and more.

However, having to decide on all of this might give you a hard time. Not to mention that there are many backpacking folding saws on the market; it could be work having to go through them all.

Nevertheless, you do not have to go through much trouble as we have done most of the work to make your selection process smoother. Below are some best picks you can choose from;

1. Agawa Canyon Folding Bow Saw – BOREAL21

This saw from Agawa Canyon is a versatile product that is ideal for camping, hunting, and other outdoor activities. It is a folding bow saw with a lightweight weight of just 17 oz, so it is easy and convenient to carry in your backpack.

This saw is easy and safe to use. It features an aluminum frame with a reinforced nylon handle, which makes it comfortable to hold. The blade is made from stainless steel and well coated for durability. Also, it opens and closes quickly without you having to touch the blade.

 

2. Coghlan’s Folding Saw

Having been producing outdoor products for over 60 years, the Coghlan brand knows what a reliable folding saw should entail.

The Coghlan’s folding saw features a serrated blade, which is about 21 inches in length. The frame was made with aluminum and anodized for durability.

This saw is a bow saw and effortless to use. Folding it for backpacking is easy, and the product weighs about 16 ounces, which makes it very light. You can rely on its quality as it is an Amazon Choice product.

 

3. REXBETI Folding Saw

Here we have a simple folding knife with a blade made using sturdy SK-5 steel. It is an ideal survival knife and would function effectively for your camping.

The saw blade is a lengthy one as it measures up to 11 inches. It features aggressive staggered teeth, which ensure that sawing is sharp and smooth.

You’ll be comfortable while using this REXBETI folding saw as its handle is coated with rubber. Just like the blade, the handle is long, so you get a firm grip. The saw weighs 14.9 ounces.

 

4. Primos Folding Saw

Unique features of this Primos Folding Saw make it one of the best saws for backpacking and camping. It is a very compact piece that can be folded and unfolded easily using a push-button lock.

The saw has a sturdy blade designed with offset teeth. It is capable of cutting through woods without any difficulty. Also, the saw handle is rubber-coated with a nylon overlay, and that makes the saw safe and convenient to use.

With 7.2 ounces weight, this is one of the lightest backpacking saw you can get. A sturdy carry case is included so you can easily carry the saw along.

 

5. Sven Saw Folding Saw 15 inch Blade

This is an all-metal folding saw. The manufacturer describes the saw blade as wicked-sharp; it was manufactured with high-quality Swedish steel material.

The Sven Saw Folding Saw Blade (15 inches) has a multipurpose handle. It doubles as the saw handle and as a protective sheath.

It is sturdy as it was made using hardened aluminum material. An anodized finish ensures that it doesn’t rust or corrode under any weather. Also, it’s red color provides high visibility.

The saw has a weight of 12 ounces and is very compact when folded.

 

6. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw

From the Bacho brand, we have this general-purpose Laplander folding saw. It features a steel blade that measures seven and a half-inch in length. The blade is very functional with its XT toothing, and there are about seven teeth per inch.

This saw is a durable one; it was coated to provide low friction and avoid rusting. The handle is dual-component and made from sturdy plastic; it also includes a leather strap.

A safety lock holds the saw in place when folded and makes unfolding easy too.

 

7. MOSSY OAK Folding Hand Saw 

This folding hand saw features three blades. It has a pruning blade, a plastic blade, and a metal blade. The first is a 5 TPI blade, the second 11 TPI, and the third 18 TPI.

Switching blades can be done quickly and easily using the featured knob. The knob also helps keep the blades in place while you cut.

The Mossy OAK folding hand saw has a solid handle, which is soft at the same time. It has a TPR rubber coating and is slip-resistant for a comfortable grip. A saw sheath made from nylon is included.

 

8. EverSaw Folding Hand Saw

Home Planet Gear made this hand saw using premium materials. It features an adjustable blade with a full length of 8 inches. The blade is made with SK5 carbon steel material and features medium toothing.

Using this folding hand saw is safe and secure. It has a dependable gear lock for secure unfolding and folding of the blade. Accidental snapping or close won’t be experienced.

The EverSaw folding hand saw weighs just 10.1 ounces. It is light and compact for easy mobility.

 

9. Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

The Gerber Freescape Camp Saw was designed uniquely. Thanks to its design, you can completely fold this camp saw without any part getting loose. It stays wholly assembled even when folded.

It has a long 12 inches blade that can be removed and replaced whenever necessary.

Four pivot points are featured for better and larger cutting diameter. A rubber textured handle ensures that your grip is firm and comfortable as you cut.

The Gerber Freescape Camp Saw weighs about 15 pounds, which makes it lightweight.

 

10. Corona Razor Tooth Folding Saw

This folding saw from Corona is an Amazon Choice Product for folding hand saw camping. Its blade is 7 inches in length, and there are about six teeth per inch.

The blade is curved and razor-sharp; it was made using Japanese SK5 steel material, which is very durable.

Latching is easy, which makes this saw safe to use. A co-molded handle that doubles as the blade protector when folded is featured. It is a pistol grip, so it is convenient to hold.

The product manufacturer issues a limited lifetime warranty. Not to mention the saw is very light, just 4.8 ounces weight.

 

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Best Backpacking Folding Saw – Buying Guide

Having listed some best folding saws for backpacking, here is a buying guide to help you buy the right product.

In this buying guide, we shall be discussing some things to consider before choosing the best backpacking saw and also look at which products fits best.

 

Weight

Whenever it comes to backpacking, weight is a factor that must be considered. You do not need any heavy or else it would inconvenience you.

Generally, folding saws are lightweight, and being foldable makes them compact. Carrying them in your camping backpack would be hassle-free.

If weight is of significant importance to you, the Corona Razor Tooth Folding Saw is an ultra-lightweight backpacking folding saw to check out.

 

Blade Material

The material with which the saw blade was made is vital for durability. It also tells how well or not a folding saw will perform.

Almost all folding saws you’ll see have blades made using steel. However, some are more durable than others.

Steel can rust and corrode over time, so some manufacturers coat their blades to resist these. Also, some have high carbon content, which enables them to stay sharp for more extended periods.

Products like the REXBETI Folding Saw and Corona Razor Tooth Folding Saw are both backpacking folding saws with quality blades material.

 

Blade Teething

Folding saw blades feature different teeth configurations. Double-ground teething and Triple-ground teething happens to be the most efficient ones.

Still yet, among the two, triple-ground teething will be more preferred due to its ability to cut bi-directionally.

An example of a backpacking folding saw with triple-ground teething is the Bahco Laplander Folding Saw.

 

Blade Edge

The blade edge of a folding saw is an important feature that most buyers overlook. Folding saws can either have a straight edge or a curved edge. Both edges are functional and can give you the results you want, but they have different use purposes.

Straight edge folding saws are ideal for cutting very thick logs and hardwoods, and that is because they are very sturdy.

On the other hand, curved edge folding saws are the best for starters. They are easier to use and often feature a more natural design. Such saw edges are best for light works like cutting thin branches.

 

Handle 

The saw handle tells how comfortable or not you will be working with it. For optimal comfort, you need something soft and ergonomic. It will prevent strain and fatigue while working.

Manufacturers are aware of this, which is why the backpacking folding saws listed all have soft, comfortable handles.

 

Lock Safety 

When the saw is unfolded, it’ll be dangerous if it accidentally folds. Therefore, the best folding saw for backpacking should be one that stays in place when folded. The EverSaw Folding Hand Saw is a folding saw that provides complete lock safety as it features a Dependable gear lock.

 

Folding Saws for Backpacking – Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions on folding saws for backpacking;

Q: What type of teeth configuration do folding saws have?

A: Folding saws for feature different teeth configuration. The most you will see are double and triple-ground teeth configurations.

Q: Which teeth configuration is the best for a folding saw?

A: The various teeth configuration have their advantages and disadvantages. However, triple-ground teeth have the upper hand as they cut bi-directions.

Q; Between a curved or straight edge folding saw, which is best?

A; both curved and straight edge saw function very well, but curved edge saws are more comfortable to use.

Q; What is the meaning of TPI? 

A; TPI is a regularly used acronym for Teeth Per Inch

 

How to Sharpen a Folding Saw

Some folding saws stay sharp such that they do not need to be sharpened for a very long time. However, whenever they get dull, you sure need to sharpen them.

You sharpen a folding saw just like you sharpen any other saw. The essential tool you need for sharpening is a mill file.

First of all, you have to protect yourself to avoid injuries. Wearing a cut-resistant hand glove is recommended. Also, clean the saw with a brush to remove dirt. While cleaning, pay attention to the spaces in between the tooth.

With the saw cleaning, start sharpening by using the file on the saw blade teeth. Ensure that the saw is held firmly in place, using a clamp would do.

After sharpening, you should clean the saw for a second time and, if possible, use some oil on the blade.

Why You Should Carry a Saw

A saw is a handy tool that you will need when outdoors. In camps, you are sure to go search for wood to make shelters or build a campfire. With the help of a saw, you can easily cut your woods.

Most people often break woods with their hands, but that can be dangerous as you might get injured. Besides, some hardwoods are impossible to break with hand.

We know a saw is not the only tool that can cut wood. Some people use knives, axes, etc. No doubt, these tools are reliable, but there are several reasons why a saw is better.

A saw will work best in cutting more significant pieces of wood with less difficulty. Also, it assures a clean-cut as you saw in a particular direction.

Saws are generally large, but folding saws are compact when folded, which makes them ideal for backpacking.

 

Final Thoughts

To summarize, the ten best backpacking folding saws listed and reviewed above are unique products that you can rely on. Any of them that meets your interest is ideal to purchase.

In addition to the backpacking saw reviews, the buying guide will also help you make the best buying choice.

After your purchase, attention should be paid to the use and maintenance of your saw to ensure that it lasts. Sharpen the blade when dull and store it safely.