Bushcraft saws fall into three main types — folding saws, bow/frame saws, and pocket chainsaws — and each suits a different camp task.
Whether you’re processing firewood at basecamp or trimming branches on a backpacking trip, the right bushcraft saw makes the difference between a clean cut and a frustrating workout. The three main bushcraft saw types are folding saws, bow saws (also called frame or buck saws), and pocket chainsaws. Folding saws are the most popular first choice because they pack small and handle most camp cutting jobs.
The Three Bushcraft Saw Types Explained
Each saw type solves a different problem, and knowing the difference helps you match the tool to the task.
- Folding saws: A blade that folds into the handle. Compact, safe in a pack, and ideal for branches and small logs up to 5–6 inches in diameter.
- Bow / frame / buck saws: Larger framed saws with a blade stretched across a frame. Built for higher-volume wood processing at basecamp. “Buck saw” usually refers to the older H-frame style; “bow saw” is the modern curved metal-frame version.
- Pocket chainsaws: A chain with cutting teeth and two pull handles. A compact backup tool, but less precise and more tiring than a real saw for regular camp work.
Some guides treat pruning saws as a subtype of folding saws. They share the same folding design, but pruning saws are tuned for green wood and finer cuts rather than firewood processing.
How To Choose The Right Blade Size
Blade size determines what the saw can actually cut, so match it to the wood you expect to process.
For general camp use, folding saw blades around 7–10 inches cover most needs — branches, tent stakes, and small firewood. Below 150 mm blade length, you’re limited to small branches. Above 300 mm, the saw adds weight and bulk that backpackers rarely want. Larger framed saws make sense for basecamp and serious firewood processing where weight matters less.
Tooth count matters too. Larger teeth (under 6 TPI) cut faster through green or wet wood. A 6–8 TPI range balances speed and finish for general camp use.
Popular Bushcraft Saw Models Compared
These are the saws most frequently recommended in current gear reviews, with the specs that actually matter.
| Saw Model | What It Does Well |
|---|---|
| Bahco Laplander 396-LAP | 3-sided razor teeth; cuts branches up to 5–6 inches; folding blade with safety lock; handles green and dry wood. |
| Silky PocketBoy 130mm | Compact folding saw for small branches and light camp work. |
| Silky PocketBoy Curve 170mm | Slightly larger folding blade; curved design for faster cuts. |
| Silky GOMBOY 210mm | Mid-size folding saw with medium teeth; a solid general-purpose pick. |
| Silky BIGBOY 360mm | Large folding saw for thicker logs; available in large-teeth and professional variants. |
| Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw | 24-inch frame saw; folds to 25 inches; fast assembly; weighs about 1 lb. |
| Boreal 21 Saw | 21-inch frame saw; very fast assembly; weighs 18 oz. |
| Ka-Bar Folding Saw | 7.75-inch high-carbon steel blade; nylon/fiberglass handle. |
| Gerber Freescape Camp Saw | 12-inch high-speed steel blade; rubber over-molded handle. |
Silky’s Outdoor line of folding saws spans from the 130mm PocketBoy at around $43 up to the BIGBOY 360mm at about $99, with Outback Edition variants at a premium. The Katanaboy Professional 1000mm is a specialty two-handed saw that runs $880 to $1,430 — mostly for serious log work, not camp chores.
Bushcraft Saw Safety And Common Mistakes
Most saw problems come down to using the wrong type for the job or skipping basic safety habits.
Always lock the blade open before cutting and lock it closed before packing. Folding saws should ride secured closed in transit — an open blade in a pack is a genuine cut hazard. When comparing models, the safety lock is a feature worth checking, not assuming.
A few mistakes come up constantly:
- Treating all saws as interchangeable. A folding saw, a bow saw, and a pocket chainsaw each suit a different task.
- Relying on a pocket chainsaw as your main saw. It’s a backup tool. It cuts slower, tires the arms faster, and doesn’t handle precision work.
- Choosing too-small folding saws. Below 150mm you’re limited to small branches; above 300mm you’re carrying weight and bulk you may not need.
If you’re weighing specific models and want to see how they perform side by side, our tested roundup of the best bushcraft saws breaks down the top contenders for different budgets and uses.