I think you’ll agree with me when i say….
Finding a good and durable survival saw is quite difficult nowadays…Because there are too many options available in the market and it seems confusing.
So in this post i’ll review some of the best survival saw. And i’ll cover all the good and bad aspects in details. So that you can finally decide which one to buy.
Best Survival Saw
In this article...
1. Bahco 10-24-23 Bow Saw with Ergo Handle, 24-Inch
The Bacho force 10 is a great survival bow saw that is a very efficient cutting tool for the large log. It is perfect for those people who do lots of car camping and need lots of wood for the campfire.
The saw comes in several different sizes for 21 inches and goes up to 30 inches. Not only this, but it also has different blade types which makes it very versatile. You can pick either a dry wood blade or a greenwood blade according to your need.
For campers, the dry wood blade is more suitable as compared to the greenwood blade. As you are mainly going to use it for the campfire. The saw works like a machine and can process a huge amount of logs with ease. The teeth of the saw are very aggressive and just destroy the wood in no time.
Moreover, the back of the saw has a very big tension screw. It is used to loosen or tighten the blade and makes it very convenient to use. The frame of the saw is made from high-quality steel that is lightweight and provides durability.
The frame has a pointed nose that provides better access in tighter areas. It is coated with high-impact enamel paint that protects it from corrosion and provides longevity.
Apart from this, the saw features a really ergonomic and comfortable handle that makes your job easy. It is made up of hard plastic and also consists of a knuckle protector. It gives you the power to thrash through a thick piece of wood without any issue.
2. Agawa Canyon – BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw – Black Frame, Green Handle, All-Purpose Blade
Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 is a compact folding survival saw that is optimally sized for power sawing. It is perfect for campers and backpackers. Who needs an efficient cutting tool with great portability. The saw comes in 21 inches and folds up into a very compact package.
It also weighs only just over 1 pound which is very less for a survival saw. The compact and lightweight nature of the saw makes it very easy to pack inside a backpack without taking too much space. The saw features a folding design that hides the blade very nicely to avoid any mishaps.
When in use, it snaps into place easily without the use of tools. It also has an included guide to help you with the process. This makes it very versatile for home or clean trails on an outdoor trip. Moreover, the frame of the saw is made up of anodized 6063 aluminum which is very durable and rugged.
The high clearance frame structure can withstand heavy use. And also space for large diameter cuts. The blade, on the other hand, is made from high-quality stainless steel that is coated and hardened for extra durability. The teeth of the saw are very aggressive and effortlessly cut through the big pieces of logs.
However, it does not consist of a tension screw to adjust the tension of the blade. Instead, the blade tension is automatic. And set to an optimal level to provide the best possible performance.
Apart from this, it features an ergonomic handle that is very comfortable to hold and use. It is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon which makes it lightweight and durable as well.
3. Zippo AxeSaw
Zippo axesaw is a very interesting piece of survival tool that offers a variety of uses. It is a combination of a survival saw and survival hatchet. It is made for those people who want a bit of both worlds but do not want to spend money on separate tools.
Talking about the tool itself, the 5-inch long hatchet is made from 420 stainless steel ax heads and works as a handle for the saw. The steel is very easy to sharpen and holds its edge well, even with repeated use. The hatchet comes with a super sharp edge right out of the box.
It provides a huge area for your hand that helps to have a very comfortable grip while working as a saw. However, due to its shape, it is not suitable for heavy or long term use without gloves. The sheath of the hatchet provides sufficient grip. And protection to use it safely under any circumstances.
Additionally, the head also consists of a hammer back that can be used to pound things. On the other hand, the handle of the hatchet servers as the frame of the saw that holds everything, including the saw blade, in its position. It is made from a polymer material that not only makes it durable but also very lightweight.
However, due to the shape of the hatchet, the front of the saw becomes very narrow. This limits the usability of the saw with the bigger logs which is quite disappointing for us. Now talking about the saw blade, it is 15 inches long and made from hardened stainless steel.
It is quite flexible and consists of pretty sharp teeth. It only takes 3 easy steps to attach it to the hatchet. The attachment system consists of a self-adjusting tension compensator. That keeps the saw blade tight while sawing wood.
However, due to this attachment system, the handle of the hatchet feels uncomfortable while working. It comes in the way quite often while using the hatchet.
4. Primos Folding Saw
Primo’s folding saw is a well-designed survival saw that comes with great performance and durability. The saw features a folding design that makes it very small and compact for outdoor trips. It unfolds very easily and locks into position with a push-button on the handle.
Implementation of this functionality makes it very safe and simple to use. Apart from this, the blade of the saw is a bit short and made of high-quality stainless steel. The steel is pretty strong and tough that can take a heavy beating.
The blade features sharp teeth that are very pointed and look very aggressive. It can easily cut through pieces of wood like butter which makes it a pleasure to use on the field. However, due to its small size, the actual cutting edge on the blade is less. And you cannot cut big logs with it which was quite disappointing for us.
But this does not mean it is useless, due to its small size, the saw is very portable. It can easily be packed in the backpack while consuming a tiny bit of space. Moreover, the handle is made of lightweight nylon material with rubber grip on top.
The handle is nicely designed and curves as it goes to the bottom. It is very comfortable and feels very natural to hold. The rubber grip over the handle adds to the overall handling of the saw. Apart from this, the saw also comes with a nylon carry pouch that makes it very easy to carry during a trip.
It is a decent quality nylon that will last you a good amount of time. The saw, on the other hand, fits securely inside the pouch and stays in its place. The pouch also consists of a back loop to mouth it on a molle webbing which is very convenient.
5. Fiskars 7 Inch Folding Saw
Fiskars 7 inch folding saw is a thin and very lightweight survival saw that comes at a very affordable price. As the name suggests, the blade of the saw has a length of 7 inches which is a decent size for small to medium-sized logs.
The blade itself is made up of fully-hardened steel which is durable and corrosion-resistant. The blade is tightly fixed to the handle and does not show any play whatsoever. However, it is flexible to provide a smooth and easy cutting experience.
The teeth, on the other hand, are small but densely packed together. They are quite sharp and perform well when taking down thick tree limbs. Additionally, it also stays sharp for a longer period of time even after heavy use.
Moreover, the saw features a folding design that makes it very compact and portable to take on camping. It folds up nicely to provide much safe storage as well as easy transportation. It also consists of a locking mechanism that works very well and provides a safe cutting experience.
Furthermore, the saw has an ergonomic handle that is quite comfortable to use. The handle also features a soft over-molded grip that adds comfort and provides a solid grip.
However, the grip is quite aggressive and wear your hand out if you use it without gloves. The only thing that we are not happy about is the fact that it does not come with a carry case.
6. BIGBOY 2000 Extra Large Teeth Silky
Silky big boy 2000 xl is the largest survival saw on our list. The saw comes with a 14-⅕ inch curved blade that can be used for a variety of tasks. Due to its size, the blade is thicker when compared to the other saw blades and offers a larger cutting surface.
The blade itself is made up of chrome-plated stainless steel that is uniquely shaped with a low angle curve. The steel is quite tough and flexible that provides durability to the blade. Apart from this, the teeth on the saw come with XL teeth configuration with 5.5 teeth per inch density.
Due to its size and sharp teeth, it can easily handle large limbs, small trunks, and even construction projects. And the best thing is, it can fold up nicely to provide you with a compact form factor. That can easily be packed inside a backpack when going out on a trip.
This ability of the saw makes it versatile and perfect for a variety of tasks. Moreover, the handle is constructed out of aluminum and has a non-slip grip on top of it. The handle is quite large that makes it very suitable for two-handed use.
It also shaped very nicely and tapers down as it goes from bottom to the blade. This helps to provide a comfortable grip that makes cutting large logs very easy. The grips are textured to provide a good grip over the saw and prevent your hands from sliding.
One thing that we really miss in the pack is the lack of a sheath or carry case. Due to its huge size, it is sometimes difficult to carry it with you. A carrying case with a mounting point for molle is absolutely necessary. If you want to carry it without any hassle. Silky does offer a carrying case, but it is sold separately.
7. Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw (2555X)
Kershaw’s taskmaster is a compact but excellent survival saw. It enables you to accomplish everyday backyard chores with ease as well as accompany you to the most intense hunting and camping adventures. The blade of the saw is 7 inches long which is a perfect size as far as we can tell.
It is made of high carbon steel that is tough and flexible for a long time. The steel is pretty strong and can take a heavy beating. The blade features sharp teeth that are very pointed and look very aggressive. It can cut overgrown bushes, prune, or dead tree limbs without any issue.
However, due to its size, the actual cutting edge on the blade is less which restricts the usability with the big logs. But this makes it very portable and can easily be packed in the backpack. Furthermore, it features a locking mechanism that keeps the blade under constant tension.
This helps to block the butt end of the blade to prevent accidental closure. There is also a spring-loaded lock with a button on the side of the handle. That safely deploys the blade upon button activation. Apart from this, the handle of the saw is made from heavy-duty glass-filled nylon.
It is comfortable and stiff for a secure and stable grip. It also consists of a rubber over-mold that is nicely textured and provides extra grip even when wet.
8. Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw 36 Inch Long Chain
Sportsman pocket chainsaw is a pretty unique survival saw on our list. It is very different from a tradition saw in design as well as working. It is a great backup saw and perfect for people who want to a really portable and compact tool for firewood.
The chainsaw is 36 inches long and made from the high-carbon 65mn thick chain steel. Because its longer length is much stronger and efficient in cutting any kind of wood that you will encounter. It is also very lightweight and compact for easy carry on a backpacking trip.
On top of that, the saw can be easily re-sharpened with a 5/32 round chainsaw file after heavy use. The teeth on the saw come sharp from the factory and provide a nice cutting surface. The saw can rip through all types of wood hard or soft with ease.
Though, it is easier to cut through a greenwood opposite to dead dry wood. With dry wood, you have to spend more time and energy to get the desired results. Apart from this, the handle of the saw is made from ballistic nylon that is very durable for long term use.
The handles are also cross-stitched to provide additional durability and ruggedness. Although it is not very comfortable for long use with bare hands. But with gloves, you will not have any problem with it. Moreover, the chainsaw comes with a heavy-duty nylon storage pouch.
The pouch consists of a front snap clip that keeps the saw securely inside. There is also a belt loop that makes it very easy to carry it on the outdoor trip. Additionally, the package also includes a fire starter that works fine and produces nice sparks.
9. Coghlan’s Folding Saw
Coghlan’s folding saw is a compact folding survival saw that is a great tool for heavy wood processing. It is an essential cutting tool for campers, backpackers who like to travel light. The saw comes in 21 inches and folds up nicely into a very compact package.
It also weighs only just over 16 oz which is very less for a cutting tool of this caliber. Due to its compact and lightweight nature, it is very easy to pack inside a backpack without taking up too much space. The saw features a folding design that hides the blade very nicely to avoid any mishaps.
The saw snaps into place easily without the use of tools during the usage. This makes it very versatile for home as well as outdoor use. Moreover, the frame of the saw is made up of rugged anodized 6063 aluminum which is very durable for the long term and heavy use.
The frame is optimally designed for cutting big pieces of wood with ease. However, the clearance of the frame is low and not suitable for extremely large diameter cuts. The blade, on the other hand, is made from high-quality stainless steel. That is hardened for extra durability and high performance.
The big teeth of the saw are very aggressive and effortlessly cut through the big pieces of wood. However, it does not consist of a tension screw to adjust the tension of the blade. Instead, the blade tension is automatic and set to an optimal level to provide the best possible performance.
Apart from this, it features a plastic handle that is very comfortable to hold and use. It is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon which makes it lightweight and durable as well. However, it is not very comfortable for long term use with bare hands.
10. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade, 7 TPI
Bahco Laplander is an aesthetically pleasing folding survival saw. That gives a unique personality among other saws. It is a great utilitarian tool for wood processing that is a great addition for a camper or backpacker. The saw consists of a full 9 inches replaceable blade that makes it a pretty sizable tool for working.
The blade itself is made up of carbon steel that makes flexible as well as durable for heavy use. The front of the blade is narrow to provide access to the location that is somewhat tricky to access. The blade is also covered with a friction coating that helps to prevent it from corrosion.
The teeth of the saw, on the other hand, are super sharp and designed to cut in both directions. The teeth are hardened and the blade has 7 teeth per inch. It can easily chew through a piece of wood or cut through materials like plastic and bones.
However, due to its size, it has its own limitations and can not work well with large logs. Moreover, the saw features a foldable design that makes it a suitable cutting tool for backpacking. It folds up nicely to a compact size of 7 inches that can be stored inside a pocket.
The saw has a safety lock that the blade securely in its place when opened or closed. This keeps you have and supports the sawing motion of the blade. Apart from this, the saw consists of a plastic handle that is covered with the leather straps.
The handle is very comfortable and provides a nice grip while cutting the wood. It also consists of a lanyard that allows you to gain more reach and avoid any accidents.
11. Folding Hand Saw Wood Saw Multi -Purpose 8″ Triple Cut Carbon Steel Blade
This multi-purpose survival saw is well built from high-quality material that comes at a very affordable price. The blade of the saw has a length of 8 inches which is a decent size for small to medium-sized wooden logs. The blade itself is made up of sk5 carbon steel which is fully-hardened for durability.
The blade is tightly fixed to the handle and does not wobble that ensures the ruggedness of the saw. It also is flexible to provide a smooth and easy cutting experience. The teeth of the saw consist of the triple cut razor teeth that are thin yet very durable.
They are quite sharp and cut through the wood, bone, or plastic up to 4 inches very easily. Additionally, it also stays sharp for a longer period of time even after heavy use. Moreover, the saw features a folding design that makes it very compact and portable to take on camping.
It folds up nicely to provide much safe storage as well as easy transportation. It also consists of a locking hinge/notch that works very well. And provides safe firm support while cutting. Furthermore, the saw has an ergonomic handle that is quite comfortable to use.
The handle also features a soft as well as grippy over-mold that adds comfort and provides a solid grip. However, in some areas, the grip is quite aggressive and wear your hand out if you use it without gloves.
There is also a lanyard hole for the lanyard to keep it secure and avoid any accidents. The only thing that we are not happy about is the fact that it does not come with a carry case.
Things to consider before buying survival saw
There are few you should consider while buying a survival saw
Durability
Durability is the number one priority when it comes to survival saw. You should only buy a quality saw even if it costs a little more than the low-quality one. The superior quality blade will provide you many years of usage, unlike the low-quality one that may break easily.
Materials
The next thing to consider is the materials of the saw as it plays a huge part in the durability of the saw. The material should be suitable for withstanding any heavy or rough use. Choose something that at least a couple of years so you don’t have to replace it sooner.
Ease of use
A good quality survival saw that should be ergonomic and easy to use. It should fit nicely in the hand and does not hurt your hand. Choose something that can cut through wood rapidly without any kind of discomfort or complication.
Flexibility
Another thing to consider while buying a survival saw is the flexibility or the versatility of the saw. A flexible saw can be stored in a backpack or even the pocket. It should not only be useful for hiking, backpacking, or camping. But also during an emergency situation.
Portability
This is one of the major features that you should consider in a survival saw. A survival saw exists due to its portability and because of its cutting. It does not do things in a better way but provides a high level of portability. This makes a survival saw very suitable for camping or backpacking trips where portability matters the most. Check out other survival gears survival machete, survival shovel, survival multitool, survival watch, survival flashlight, survival axe, bug out backpack, survival hatchet, survival saw, survival bow
