In the past, long before the invention of chainsaws, trees were felled using an axe and a cross-cut saw.
The cross-cut was a two-man saw, about 5 feet long. Although it made felling trees just slightly easier, sawing with this tool was pretty exhausting, tough, and time-consuming.
Fast forward to 2021, and we now have bow saws. Typically smaller than other types of saws, they’re about 2 to 3 feet long. They have a bow-like or C-shaped structure, which includes a blade with rough teeth to aid with cutting.
If you’ve been looking for the best bow saw - whether for camping or hunting - we can help. In this guide, you’ll find detailed reviews of the best bow saws and a quick guide to help you narrow down your options.
What are Bow Saws Best Used For?
While it’s not the most common power tool, a bow saw still has its place in the world of woodworking.
Its fairly compact structure and lightweight profile make it ideal for travel. Plus, some models have pointed noses, helping you make cuts in hard-to-reach areas.
If you’re looking to buy a bow saw, some of the applications where you can use it include:
Bow Saws vs Folding Saws
Yes, some bow saws are designed with foldable structures. But they’re still different from folding saws.
Folding saws are best suited for slicing through small-sized branches. Plus, they flip open with minimal effort. Furthermore, these saws have a knife-like design, which allows them to fit nicely into tight spots.
Bow saws, on the other hand, are sturdier, which is why they can tackle heavy duty applications like cutting thick branches and even fell trees. That said, they’re not as agile and fast as folding saws, primarily because of their bigger frames.
How to Choose the Right Bow Saw
Size
One of the most important things you should take into account when purchasing a bow saw is size, specifically, the length of the blade.
The blade length can be as small as 12 inches or as big as 36 inches. Small-sized blades have a decent capacity when it comes to the level of thickness they can cut.
Besides, they’re an excellent option if you’re looking to upgrade from, say, a pruning saw. They’re also easy to carry, making them a favorite for hunters and backpackers.
But if you’re looking for maximum cutting capacity, you’re better off investing in a large bow saw, which will have a bigger blade. The length of such a blade will likely range between 30 and 36 inches.
Such bow saws are capable of heavy duty cutting like slicing through thick beams and felling trees up to 18 inches thick.
Frame
Bow saw frames differ in two key ways. One, the material used in their construction, and two, their shapes.
Material
Most frames will be made from either steel tubing or aluminum. Steel tubing is the more popular option, and rightly so given the strength and durability it offers.
However, since it’s susceptible to dust, it’s often encased in powder coating to provide an extra layer of protection.
Frames made of aluminum are equally effective but they’re not as strong as steel. On the plus side, they make the saws lighter, making it possible to bring your tool to a camping or hiking trip.
Shape
The most popular shape you’ll come across is that of a bow. The distance between the blade and frame’s rear determines just how big of a log or branch you can cut with that saw. As such, this type of bow has the highest capacity.
Another type of bow saw you’re likely to come across is a triangular one. Although it’s less popular, it’s very handy, especially in instances where you have to navigate your saw through tight spaces.
We also have folding bow saws, which are usually triangular. However, you may also find a few that are trapezoidal. The common trait between these power tools is the fact that they can be folded flat for easy transportation.
This makes them the best option for hunters and backpackers, who may want to keep their load light.
Blades
The most common factor used to distinguish saw blades is teeth per inch (TPI). Ideally, a saw with a higher TPI count makes smoother cuts than that with lower TPI.
That said, a higher TPI count increases the likelihood of sawdust getting trapped between the teeth- a factor that can significantly slow down your progress, not to mention, cause the blade to overheat.
Bow saw blades are designed to be pretty coarse. Some have as few as 3 teeth per inch, and most never exceed 14 TPI. Due to this, they’re able to cut aggressively and fast.
When choosing what TPI works for you, first consider the type of materials you’ll be tackling. If you intend to use your bow saw to cut greenwood, then a low TPI blade is ideal. Conversely, cutting lumber requires a high TPI blade.
If you’ve done a little bit of online shopping, then you’ve probably noticed that most manufacturers don’t specify the TPI of their bow saw blades.
That’s because they prefer to distinguish them based on the intended application, that is, green/wet or dry wood. So ensure your saw has a blade tailored for the specific type of cutting you plan to do.
Tension Adjuster
One other thing you need to know about bow saw blades is that they work best when they are under tension.
If they aren’t, there’s a high possibility that they’ll twist or bend in the middle of the cutting process. Should this happen, not only will the resulting cuts be inaccurate, but you’ll also have difficulty controlling your power tool.
To avoid this, be sure to invest in a bow saw with a tension adjusting mechanism. This could be either an adjustable screw or a cam lever, which is typically added to the handle’s end.
These two parts work in different ways. A screw enables you to make an accurate adjustment to the blade’s tension. The cam lever is designed to hook into pre-drilled holes and tensions as it closes.
Handles and Grip
With older versions of bow saws - most of which are made of wood- the frame doubles up as the grip. But with the modern models, which are typically made of metal, you’ll find some kind of grip on at least one side.
If you want to maximize comfort, then opt for a bow saw with grip. This gives you a sturdy surface to hold when you’re using the saw. As a result, you won’t experience unnecessary arm fatigue and can work for longer.
Some bow saws may also come fitted with a D-ring, positioned above the blade’s interior. The purpose of this is to prevent your hand from slipping off the surface.
Type of Cut
Another thing you’ll want to keep in mind entails the type of cut you hope to achieve with the bow saw blade.
There are two main types of cuts: rip-cut and crosscuts. The first is a type of cut that’s made in the same direction as that of the wood grain. Contrary, crosscuts are made across the grain. Given that the grain on a wooden piece runs up and down its length, it implies that rip cuts are long while crosscuts are short.
A bow saw is typically designed to make cross-cuts so if you’re looking to make rip cuts, it might not be the perfect fit.
Safety Tips When Using Bow Saws
Once you finally get your hands on a new bow saw, remember to practice safety tips to avoid any accidents. These include:
Reviews of the Best Bow Saws
1. Bahco 10-30-23 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw: Best for Green Wood
Have you been looking for a bow saw that can slice through green wood? If you have, the Bahco 10-30-23-30 Ergo Bow Saw is your best bet.
It’s an affordable power tool that comes with a nice selection of features. For starters, this particular bow saw is 30 inches long, which makes it well-suited for the demands of a construction site and other professional job sites. But if you prefer a shorter blade, the ergo bow saw is also available in 21 inch and 24 inch.
This tool is aptly named as it comes fitted with an ergonomic handle, which includes a knuckle protector. This makes sawing through materials comfortable, making it possible to work for long hours at a time.
The construction of the ergo bow saw is another one of its selling points. The frame is made of premium-quality steel, making the saw not only lightweight but also durable.
Better yet, you’ll never have to worry about your saw rusting or corroding as the frame also includes a layer of high-impact enamel paint for extra protection.
When dealing with your sawing applications, you may encounter a situation that requires you to saw through tight spots. Thankfully, Bahco ergo bow saw for green wood comes with a pointed nose, offering you easy access to such areas.
Pros
Cons
2. GreatNeck 15550 Combination Saw: Best for Versatility
When faced with the question of which power tool is superior, many do-it-yourselfers aren’t able to choose between a hack saw and bow saw.
On one hand, you have a hack saw, which can easily slice through metal and steel. On the other hand, you have a bow saw for cutting wood, and it’s particularly good at cross-cutting branches.
But what if you didn’t have to make that hard decision of choosing between the two versatile tools? That is exactly what you get when you invest in GreatNeck 1550.
This tool comes with a bow saw blade, designed for cutting wood; and a hacksaw blade for cutting metal. And the best part is, switching one blade for the other is a cinch. Due to this, it’s one of the best bow saw for bushcraft.
The version we’re reviewing here boasts a 12-inch blade. But if you’ll be tackling applications that require a longer blade, you have the option of choosing a 21 inch or 24-inch.
Versatility aside, another feature we love about this tool is its ergonomic design. The handle is equipped with a dipped rubber grip, giving you maximum control while also helping to reduce fatigue.
Pros
Cons
3. Sven-Saw 15" Folding Saw: Best Compact
As useful as they are, bow saws have one major flaw- their design. The bow-like non-collapsible structure makes it difficult to carry the tool around, whether you’re planning an excursion to the woods or whether you’d like to carry it to your job site.
Enter the Sven Folding Bow Saw with a 15 inch blade. This bow saw has a foldable and lightweight design. It weighs just 1 pound, which is considerably lighter than other bow saws. Thanks to these factors, the saw is not only easy to carry but it also doesn’t take up much storage space.
Another thing we like about the bow saw entails its cutting performance. It’s equipped with an extremely sharp 15-inch steel blade. As such, it’s able to handle any task you throw at it. The steel build also improves the saw’s overall durability.
Speaking of durability, the frame is constructed using premium-quality aluminum material to guarantee longevity.
We also like that the bow saw comes in a bold red color. This increases its visibility, and consequently, minimizes the risk of unintended accidents, or worse, the chances of forgetting your power tool when you’re heading out for a cutting job.
Perhaps the only setback is the fairly small size of its blade. At 15 inches, the blade is best suited for cutting timber that is less than four inches in diameter.
Pros
Cons
4. Truper 30255 Steel Handle Bow Saw: Best Budget Pick
Are you looking for the best bow saw on a shoestring budget? Well, you will love the Truper 30255 Steel Handle model. Not only is it priced fairly, but it also doesn’t skimp on any essential features.
The design of this bow saw is one of its key selling points. The frame is a vibrant orange color, which makes it easy to spot even when you’re working in a densely wooded area.
Construction-wise, the manufacturer has opted for steel material, offering maximum strength and durability. Even then, the saw is very light, weighing just slightly over a pound.
The dimensions of the Truper 30255 saw are 1 *9.12 * 24.75 inches, so you don’t have to worry that it will take up much space.
The blade is a 21 inch model, which falls in the medium range of the spectrum. However, it’s completely capable of tackling larger branches. In case you find the blade inadequate for your application, you can go for the 24- or 30 inch bow saw.
The cam-lever tension system is another feature that sets this bow saw apart. It keeps the blade very tight so that it doesn’t come loose when you’re cutting dry wood or other workpieces. You will also be impressed with the handles, which provide a soft and comfortable grip; thus, helping to reduce hand fatigue.
Pros
Cons
5. AB Tools-Toolzone TE570 Heavy Duty Bow Saw: Best Lightweight
If you’re looking for a bow saw that you can take with you on your backpacking or hunting excursions, then you should go for a portable model. Often, portability depends on the weight of the bow saw, and the TE570 by AB-Tools Toolzone is one of the lightest.
It weighs just 700 grams, making it incredibly easy to carry around. This also means that you can carry it comfortably alongside other backpacking or hunting gear without feeling overwhelmed.
Aesthetics aside, another thing you’ll love about this bow saw is the blade. It’s a 24-inch hardpoint blade, capable of cross-cutting branches, trees, and wood.
We particularly like that the blade is ultra-sharp, helping you get through tasks in a timely manner. Speaking of tasks, the saw is suitable for both commercial and occasional use.
The blade is supported by a robust, tubular frame made of steel. This material provides the durability you’d want in a bow saw without necessarily making it too heavy.
AB-Tools Toolzone is on a short list of manufacturers who consider a user’s safety when making their tools. As such, they’ve fitted the bow saw with a soft grip handle which has a knuckle protector for maximum safety.
Pros
Cons
Wrap Up
The best bow saws ought to have sharp blades, sturdy frames, comfortable handles, and a tension adjusting mechanism. If you’re looking for a bow saw that ticks all the boxes, the Bahco 10-30-23-30 Ergo Bow Saw is the closest you can get.
It’s priced just right and comes in so many variations. The version we’re reviewing has a 30 inch blade. But you can also get the 21 inch or 24 inch bow saw. Better yet, you can choose between blades for cutting green wood or dry wood.
This bow saw is comfortable to handle and it’s made of steel, which contributes to its strength and durability.
That said, your choice boils down to your cutting and budgetary needs. For instance, a competition bow saw like the 21 inch Truper 30255 bow saw allows you to spend less money and still enjoy fairly similar features and functions.