8 Best Camping Saws in 2018

How We Chose Our Selection of Camping Saws

A camping saw is essential outdoor gear to keep in your backpack, pocket, or car. It serves multiple purposes and comes in handy in survival situations too. Picking the best camping saw though is not the easiest. We based our selection on the following criteria.

Brand - There are many brands producing camping saws, but we only included the established ones in our search. We’re not saying you can’t find a good alternative elsewhere, but those who have been involved in the development of these tools for decades just have the know-how and means to manufacture reliable and durable saws meant to live up to the expectations.

Quality - The most important things when assessing the quality of a camping saw are the blade and the handle. All products featured in our list have strong blades made of durable materials like hard-carbon steel, tempered steel, or impulse hardened steel.

These tools also have strong, ergonomic handles and reliable joints to guarantee years of dependable use.

Ease-of-Use - Your pocket saw won’t bring too many benefits if it’s cumbersome or hard to use. Two things to have in mind are ergonomics and weight.

The tool must feel balanced in your hand and provide a comfortable, non-skid, grip. It must also be lightweight. Otherwise, it may cause user fatigue. Lastly, check the size of the blade too, especially if you want to cut thicker branches.

Reviews - All saws featured in our list were praised by their users as reliable and durable. Our selection only includes saws rated above the average in terms of quality.

Price - The price doesn’t always reflect the quality of a product, that’s why we only chose those camping saws which offer a true value for the money.

Features To Look For In Camping Saws

Blade Material - Camping saw blades are made of either carbon steel or stainless steel. The latter is more expensive, but the strength and anti-rust properties of the material pay off in the long run. Carbon steel is also a good choice, but pay attention to choose a blade coated with an anti-corrosive material.

Blade Type & Performance - Three things to check are the blade angle, the teeth positioning, and the teeth density.

• The blade angle can be either straight or curved. Curved camping saws are more suitable for thinner branches, whereas the straight blades can handle thicker branches.
• The teeth positioning impacts maneuverability. In our experience, the blades with the teeth slanted towards the handle are easier to use and give you more control over the cut, although these blades tend to be thinner than the ones with teeth slanted away from the handle.
• Lastly, the teeth density, measured in tooth-per-inch (TPI) determines the accuracy of the cut. The higher the TPI, the more accurate the cut, but these blades also cut slower. For the best balance between performance and accuracy, we recommend a medium-toothed blade with around 8-9 TPI.

Handle Design - A camping saw’s handle must be ergonomic and big enough to hold the blade securely when folded. High-density plastic or metal with the rubberized coating is your best options.

Size & Weight - A good camping saw must be compact and lightweight. They must add minimum bulk to your camping gear and ideally fit into a backpacking backpack or pocket. A length of around 8 inches or less when folded is sufficient. Survivalists may even benefit from smaller pocket saws with a length of around 5 inches.

Portability - Camping saws are portable by definition but don’t forget to check the blade locking system. Carrying pouches or cases add further value.

Features - The most important features to look for are the availability of replacement blades and spare parts, including any nuts and rubberized handle sleeves, the warranty, and the availability the customer service.

Types of Camping Saws

There are three major types of camping saws to consider, pocket, folding, and bow saws.

Pocket Chainsaw - It is lightweight, compact, and the most portable of all three. As its name suggests, it often fits in a pocket, but this type is also the least resistant, and the blades are usually non-replaceable.

Folding Saw - Larger than the pocket chainsaw or a camping knife, the folding saw still fits in a backpack and is a great survival tool to keep in your car. It handles thicker branches and even thin tree trunks, and some models have replaceable blades.

Bow Saw - The bulkiest but also the most performing of all three, the bow saw is sometimes a pain to transport but can rip thicker trees and has blades that can cut both dry and green wood. You can typically store the blades inside the handle, and all bow saws come with replaceable blades.

Camping Saws FAQ

Q: What is a camping saw?

A: A camping saw is a miniaturized version of a handsaw, a hybrid between a full-size tool and a tactical knife designed for camping, hunting, or survival.

Q: Which type of saw should I get?

A: A pocket saw is the best choice for survivalists and hunters. Campers may benefit more from a folding saw, whereas a bow saw is ideal for the adventurer who needs a tool for cutting all kinds of wood.

Q: What are bow saws generally used for?

A: Bow saws are generally used for cutting branches and tree trunks up to 6 inches thick. Some models also incorporate other tools, such as an axe and mallet, and are ideal for camping.

Q: How easy is it to replace a dull or damaged saw blade?

A: Changing the blade is usually simple. Unscrew the nuts holding the blade in place, change the blade, and fasten the nuts again. However, remember that not all camping saws have replaceable blades.

Q: What’s better: a bigger sized saw or a smaller one?

A: It really depends on your purpose. A bigger saw is more resistant and can handle more applications. A smaller one may be more delicate, but it’s easier to store and transport.

Q: How do I sharpen a pocket chainsaw?

A: We suggest using a handheld chainsaw sharpener compatible with your pocket chainsaw’s chain.

Q: Should I oil my saw?

A: Yes. Lubrication keeps your saw in optimal conditions for longer. If you intend to use the saw to cut game or edibles besides branches, use a food-grade lubricant.

Q: Why does a survivalist need a saw more than an axe?

A: A saw requires less energy to handle; it’s more portable, and less dangerous than an axe if you are less experienced in handling these tools.