Having the best survival saw is an essential need for your survival kit and bug out bag. There are a lot of survival saw options on the market, but not all options will serve you well when SHTF.
A survival saw can help you cut through wood, plastic, bone and even metal, which is why it should be at the top of your list when you start thinking about survival gear.
But how do you know which one is the best one for your needs?
To help you find the answer, I’ve compiled a list of ten of the best survival saws on the market today.
10 Best Survival Saws On the Market
1. Best Survival Saw : Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
The Bahco Laplander Folding Saw is our pick for best survival saw and it’s also the best bushcraft saw on the list. If you’re looking for something that can make quick work of tough tasks, then this is the right choice for you!
The Laplander Folding Saw has a tapered blade. This allows you to cut deeper into thicker materials than other survival saws on the market.
The Bahco Laplander is a Nordic-style saw that features a 7.5 inch steel blade with 7 teeth per inch. This makes it great for cutting in small spaces or tight spots.
The blade is made from high-quality steel and has a coating for low friction and to prevent rusting. Which means it’s very durable. The saw blade is strong enough to cut through even bone.
The handle is made from plastic and is easy to grip even when wet or cold. This survival folding saw is versatile enough for use in a variety of different situations. From camping trips to hunting, to bushcraft adventures.
Plus, it has a leather strap that can be worn on your belt loop. So that you don’t have to worry about losing track of it while working out in the field!
Pros
- Lightweight: Weighs only 7.1 ounces
- Durable: Specially coated to prevent rust and made tough
- Safe: Equipped with a safety lock for both when it’s open and closed.
- Compact: Folds down to only 9 inches
- Powder coated for low friction
- Cuts on both push and pull
Cons
- Replacement blade is expensive
- Doesn’t come with a sheath
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2. Honorable Mention : Corona Tools 10-Inch Razortooth Folding Saw
The Corona Tools Razor Tooth Folding Saw is one of the best survival folding saws on the market. This high-quality folding saw has a razor-tooth blade with super sharp teeth for faster and smoother cutting.
With an ergonomic handle for comfort and control. The curved blade with 3 sided teeth provides added power. Which is especially useful when cutting thick branches.
This Corona Razortooth Folding Saw is made from high quality chrome plated steel with impulse hardened teeth. So, it will last for years of use in all weather conditions, whether you’re out on the trail or at home in your yard.
This tool weighs 1.15 pounds making it easy to carry around with you, and it can cut branches up to 6 inches thick with ease!
Pros
- Lightweight design – weighs just over a 1 pound
- Ergonomic handle design – comfortable grip
- Lifetime warranty: against defects in materials or workmanship.
- Durable: Chrome plated curved blade with hardened teeth
Cons
- There is a small gap when closed due to the curved handle
3. Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw
The Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw 36 Inch Long Chain is the best pocket chainsaw money can buy. It’s a very versatile saw. With bi-directional cutting teeth that are able to cut through wood, limbs and even metal.
It’s also lightweight and portable. So you can easily carry it around with your other survival gear. It’s made from heat treated steel, which means it won’t dull out as quickly as other saws tend to do.
This gives you plenty of time before having to replace the blade or sharpen them again!
The Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw is very durable and will give you years of use. It is small enough to fit in your pocket, but long enough to cut through large pieces of wood.
Best of all, this pocket chainsaw comes with a 100% lifetime guarantee.
Pros
- Self Cleaning
- 100% Lifetime Guarantee
- Firestarter and case included
- Bi-directional cutting teeth
Cons
- Requires a lot of physical effort
4. Best Budget Survival Saw : Rexbeti Folding Saw
The Rexbeti Folding Saw is a great option for anyone looking for an inexpensive survival folding saw. It’s capable of making quick work of large branches. The blade has razor teeth made from high carbon steel.
Which means that it’s durable and can withstand high-impact forces.
This folding saw has triple cut teeth with 7 teeth per inch. So it cuts through wood quickly without splintering or dulling the high carbon steel blade. Its handle is made from rubberized material that provides a comfortable grip.
Even when your hands get wet or sweaty in hot weather or during physical activity.
The Rexbeti folding saw can be used on both dry and green wood as well as plastic and bones. So it’s versatile enough for survival situations, bushcraft or your next camping trip.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Made from high-quality high carbon steel
- Thin and lightweight design
- Triple cut teeth for smooth cuts
Cons
- Bulky
5. Agawa Canyon Boreal21 21 Inch Survival Folding Bow Saw
The Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know it’s a quality product. In my opinion it’s the best folding bow saw available. It has an impressive 7.5-inch blade that can be used to cut through all types of wood, including large chunks and logs.
The first thing that stands out about the Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Survival Folding Saw is its durability. This bow saw is made from stainless steel and the blade is impulse hardened and rust protective coated.
So, it can withstand the elements and won’t rust or corrode like other metals might.
The handle itself is made from fiberglass reinforced nylon with an ergonomic design. Which makes it comfortable to hold onto, even when your hands are wet or sweaty.
The saw blade is replaceable and easy to switch out when required. The Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Bow Saw is lightweight at just 1.29 pound. Plus it folds down small enough to fit into most backpacks or emergency kits.
Because of its durability and efficiency, its one of the best survival saws on the market today!
Pros
- Easy to use – opens quickly with one smooth motion with ergonomic grip
- Durable – Rust coasted and impulse hardened teeth and saw blade.
- Stainless steel hardware
- Lifetime warranty on everything except the blade
- Excellent blade tension
- Replaceable blade
Cons
- Pricy
6. Silky Professional Series BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw
The Silky Professional Series BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw is a high-quality survival folding saw. Made by Silky, a company that has been in the business of making quality tools for over 100 years.
The saw has a blade length of 14 1/5 inch with 5.5 teeth per inch. It also comes with a rubberized handle for comfort and grip.
The Silky BIGBOY 2000 Folding Saw is made from strong SK4 high-carbon steel and uses a lever system to open and close the blade. The saw blade is also impulse hardened and taper ground for added durability.
At 1.25 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry around all day without feeling weighed down. But, heavy enough that it won’t break under pressure.
Pros
- Non-slip handle for comfort and safety
- Tightly spaced teeth make it easier to cut through thick materials
- Durable: Blade made from strong Impulse hardened high-carbon steel
- Safe: Spring loaded thumb lock
Cons
- Large blade and 20 oz weight make it less portable than other folding saws on the list
7. SkyOcean Pocket Chainsaw with Paracord Handle
The SkyOcean Pocket Chainsaw with Paracord Handle is a great little tool to have on hand in any situation. It’s made from high quality steel, so it can take a beating. The handle is covered in paracord for extra durability and grip.
The Paracord handle has a dual function that comes in handy for survival situations. As it can be unraveled and become a 23 foot emergency rope.
The SkyOcean Pocket Chainsaw is only 6 inches long when folded up. Making it easy to store in your backpack or car without taking up too much space.
Plus, it weighs less than half a pound, so it won’t weigh you down when you’re carrying it either!
Pros
- Lightweight and compact: Weighs only 5 ounces and can fold down to 6 inches
- Chain has 11 saw blades
- Paracord handle can be untied and unraveled into a 23-foot emergency rope
- Carrying case included
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an instruction manual
8. Home Planet Gear EverSaw 8.0 Foldable Hand Saw
Home Planet Gear 8 Inch Foldable Hand Saw is the perfect size for cutting branches, twigs and small logs. It’s lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack when you’re on the move.
It has an 8-inch blade length and is made of Japanese SK5 steel. Which is both durable and sharp, so you won’t have any problems cutting through wood quickly. This hand saw works fast and is efficient. It’s designed with super sharp hardened triple cut razor teeth and has 9 Teeth per Inch.
It’s very easy to use. Just unfold it, lock the locking mechanism into place with your thumb, and start cutting!
Plus, it has an ergonomic grip that provides a comfortable hold while you’re working. It also has rubberized grips on either side of the blade to prevent slippage during use.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship
- Budget friendly
- Safe: Gear style locking mechanism
Cons
- The blade isn’t coated so it’s susceptible to rust
9. Sven-Saw 21″ Folding Survival Bow Saw
The Sven-Saw 21″ Bow Saw is a multipurpose folding saw that can be used for anything from cutting firewood to cutting meat. It’s loved by campers, survivalists and bushcraft enthusiasts alike.
It’s made by Sven Saw, a US company that is known for making high quality saws for almost 60 years. So, you can be assured you’re getting quality when you choose the Sven brand.
The blade of this saw is made from hardened Swedish steel. It has a ergonomic hardened, aluminum handle that is comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
The triangular design and super sharp blade ensure quick efficient cutting.
This bow saw has a 21-inch blade length, but folds down to fit into your backpack or emergency kit. So, it’s great for camping and hiking trips, as well as for emergencies.
It’s painted in a visible bright red, so you won’t have any issues finding it out in the wild.
Pros
- Lightweight: weighs under 14 ounces
- Very sharp
- Durable: Hardened steel blade with a tough aluminum frame
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Using the saw may be a little tricky for beginner due to the wingnut design
- No Sheath
10. Mossy Oak 3 in 1 Folding Saw
The Mossy Oak 3 in 1 Folding Saw is a lightweight, portable saw that is great for camping, hunting, or as a bushcraft saw. It has a plastic handle with non-slip grips and a blade made of stainless steel.
This folding saw is one of the most versatile saws on the market. It comes with a total of three different 7.5 inch blades. Each with varying teeth per inch (TPI) and designed for different cutting purposes
- Greenwood (5 TPI)
- Plastic/Hardwood (11 TPI)
- Metal (18 TPI)
So, whether you need to build a shelter, make a weapon or field dress a deer, the Mossy Oak has got you covered.
The Mossy Oak 3 in 1 Folding Saw weighs only 9.1 ounces and folds down to 9.5 inches long. So it’s easy to carry around.
Pros
- Lightweight: Weighs only 0.57 pounds
- Versatile: 3 different types of blades included
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Locking mechanism is not the best
Types of Survival Saws
Folding Saws
Folding saws (aka pocket saw) are the most popular types of survival saws. Mainly because they are compact and portable. Around twice the size of a pocket knife
So, they can be easily folded up and carried in your pocket or bag.
Folding saws are great tools for survival. Because they’re lightweight and small enough to fit in your backpack or pocket. But strong enough to cut through wood, bone, plastic and even metal.
You can use folding saws to build a shelter, for cutting firewood, or even as a weapon.
They are great for camping, hiking, bushcraft or other outdoor activities. Because they are lightweight, compact, and durable.
Pocket Chainsaws
Pocket chainsaws are what I consider modern updates of the wire saws that were popular in the 80s. But, should definitely not be confused with wire saws. Pocket chainsaws are far more efficient than cumbersome wire saws.
These saws are the most compact and portable survival saws available. Most Pocket chainsaws weigh only a few ounces and come with carrying cases.
Making them easy to carry in your backpack, bug out bag, or even on your belt loop.
A pocket chainsaw is designed to cut through wood quickly so you can make fires and build shelters. But, they do have one major drawback. A pocket chainsaw requires the most physical exertion of all survival saws.
Bow Saws
Bow saws are not what usually comes to mind when thinking of survival saws. But if you need a saw to quickly trim or fell trees and cut logs. They do get the job done. Bow saws are more akin to a traditional hand saw.
But unlike traditional bow saws, the survival versions are able to be folded down. Making them more practical for survival situations.
As the name implies, bow saws typically feature a bow shaped metal frame. The saw blade is held between the two tips of the frame.
Bow saws are very efficient. They are designed for cutting both when you’re pushing and pulling the saw. The replacement blades are also pretty affordable.
But, the nature of the bow saw design can be a hinderance in certain scenarios and they are sometimes tricky to set up.
Why You Need the Best Survival Saw
Survival saws are powerful tools, and they have many uses. They’re great for cutting branches and other debris. So you can build a shelter, clear paths through thick brush, or for cutting firewood.
They also come in handy for hunting, as you can use a survival saw to field dress game. Survival saws can even be used as weapons if there aren’t any other weapons available.
So, whether you’re out in the wilderness, in a survival situation, camping, or on a bushcraft adventure. Having the best survival saw is a good idea.
Features to Look for
Size
When choosing a survival saw, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the tool. You’ll want to look for one that is compact enough to carry around with you in your bag or on your person.
Material
The material used in making a survival saw affects both its durability and weight. The best quality survival saws have blades made from quality steel. My personal recommendation is high carbon steel, as it’s durable, lightweight and affordable.
A good survival saw should also be able to endure the elements and stay sharp for extended periods. The best saws come coated to resist rust and hardened to keep the blade sharper for longer.
You should also check the warranty. The best survival saws will come with great warranties. A company that knows it offers a good saw, will stand by its product.
Teeth Per Inch
The more teeth a saw has the more effective it will be. In other words, the greater the number of teeth, the more efficiently and smoothly the job will be done.
In fact, having a smaller saw with more teeth can end up being far more effective than a large saw with fewer teeth.
Safety
Safety is another very important concern. The last thing you want to do is get injured during a survival situation. Good survival saws should have safety features implemented into the design.
A non-slip handle is essential as this ensures that you can hold the saw firmly in any weather conditions. Survival folding saws should have locking mechanisms in place to ensure that the blades stay in place while you use the saw.
The presence of knuckle protectors and handle stops should also be considered.
Ease of Use
A good survival saw should be easy to use with one hand. It should come with an ergonomic non- slip handle. One that fits comfortably in your hand and gives you a good grip and control over the blade.
The blade itself should be sharp enough to cut through wood quickly and smoothly.
Last Words
If you’re looking for a reliable survival saw, for whatever reason. Hopefully our top 10 list and buying guide has helped make that search just a bit easier.
The blades and the size are the main things to consider when it comes to these saws. But, other factors like weight, comfort, and ease of use are also important considerations. We urge you to investigate all options when shopping around for the best survival saw.
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