As someone who’s passionate about maintaining a pristine yard and having the right tools for camping and woodworking tasks, I can’t stress enough the importance of a reliable bow saw.
But let’s face it, there are many out there that just don’t live up to the mark and snap after just a handful of uses. That’s why I’ve personally put several best bow saws to the test, ensuring you can confidently select one that aligns with your requirements.
Reviews of the Top Bow Saws
1. Agawa - Boreal21 - 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw
Although Agawa bow saw models are a little expensive, they are worth considering if you need a high-quality saw for outdoor projects.
I’m particularly impressed with this particular model’s 21-inch blade, which is securely anchored by a strong, yet light anodized aluminum frame. It’s designed for assertive cutting and handles pretty sizable logs with ease.
And here’s a bonus – the Agawa Boreal21 is incredibly portable. You can just fold it up and slide it into your backpack. It even comes with a robust sheath to prevent unintended openings. If your pack’s full, you can simply drape that sheath over your shoulder, and you’re good to go.
What I Like
- It is designed for extra forward pushing stroke
- Sturdy aluminum frame construction
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It features a foldable sheet metal blade
- It is a bow saw of premium quality
What I Don't Like
- Priced on the higher side
- You might need to replace the blade in the future.
2. Bahco 10-24-23 Bow Saw
The next saw on our list has a frame and a blade that is made to resist the harsh conditions of a construction or farm environment.
I found it perfect for home use or taking to the campground. Built from high-quality steel, the Bahco 10-24-23 Bow Saw is coated with a protective layer of high-impact enamel paint that defends against rust.
What really caught my attention was its knuckle guard, a distinctive feature not commonly seen on bow saws. Plus, it has an integrated tensioner, allowing you to adjust the blade tension to your preference.
What I Like
- It has a tensioning system for keeping the blade tight
- It is made with peg tooth blades
- It has replacement bow saw blades for dry wood
- It is great at cutting firewood
- The knuckle protector is a great addition
- It is made of steel blade
What I Don't Like
- The 30-day warranty is shorter than most bow saw brands
- It is not the best option for cutting green wood
3. GreatNeck BB24 24 Inch Bow Saw
If you’re in the market for an excellent bow saw but want great value for money, consider the GreatNeck BB24.
The GreatNeck BB24 bow saw offers the most bang for the buck. Mainly because even at the lowest pricing point, you get a 24-inch blade made of durable and shock-resistant S-2 steel.
Precision is ensured by the tension adjustment and the tubular steel frame. You get a massive 6.5-inch cutting depth in addition to its massive frame. What I like best about this saw is despite its reasonable price, you still get a lifetime warranty.
What I Like
- It is an affordable saw with a lifetime warranty
- One of the best bow saws for the money
- The bow saw blade is made of chrome-alloy steel
- It features a robust tubular steel frame
- Replacing the steel blade is very easy
- It's made with high-quality materials
- The package includes a hacksaw blade
What I Don't Like
- It's one of those affordable saws that don't have a knuckle guard
- The length might hinder its portability
4. Truper 30255 Steel Handle Bow Saw
Compared to other brands of bow saws, Truper is relatively new. However, this is still a wonderful alternative if you need a powerful saw in your garden.
The Truper 30255 bow saw comes in a strong but lightweight structure. In addition, it has a knuckle guard, which should be standard equipment on any modern saw but is sometimes overlooked.
It has a steel blade that measures 21 inches in length and is held in place by a cam lever tension system. Truper builds this bow saw with a high-quality tubular frame to boost its sturdiness further.
What I Like
- It is covered by a 15-year warranty
- It has a high cutting depth
- It comes with a knuckle guard
- It is more affordable than most bow saws
- Lightweight bow saw
What I Don't Like
- It is not a dry wood blade
- The raker tooth blades are not ideal for softwood
5. Spear & Jackson B9824BOWSAW
The oval section tubular steel frame of the Spear Jackson 24 Predator B9824 Bow Saw provides strength and stiffness, while the ergonomic soft feel handle features a built-in hand guard for your protection.
You can modify the blade tensioning mechanism to make longer, cleaner cuts quickly or to replace the blades fast.
Each bow saw has standard peg tooth blades, ideal for slicing through dry wood and other hard materials. It’s constructed from top-notch materials that not only look great but also last a long time and provide excellent functionality.
What I Like
- The peg blades are perfect for dry wood
- Its tubular steel frame adds to its sturdiness.
- It works great particularly in tight spaces.
- The tension adjuster ensures the cutting is smooth and efficient.
- It handles tree branches quite well.
What I Don't Like
- Achieving straight cuts can be a challenge if the blade gets twisted.
- You may need to buy replacement bow saw blades after some time.
6. Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary Engraved 15" Folding Saw
The Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary Engrave Folding Saw is made specifically for travelers because it boasts a special folding design. The anodized aluminum grip and back bar are weatherproof and durable, and they won’t erode or rust.
With its 15-inch blade made of Swedish tempered steel, the Sven-Saw has been hardened but is still lightweight enough to carry and is up to any task at the campsite.
It works wonderfully for cutting logs lengthwise, removing bushes from hiking or biking paths, grooming snowmobile routes, and clearing weeds from the backyard. Triangular bow saws are stronger than other bow saw models or shapes, and the Sven saw is proof.
Read Next: The Best Backpacking Saws
What I Like
- It is a portable and handy bow saw
- It comes with a very sharp blade
- Available in 21- and 15-inch versions
- It's a good tool to bring to camping
- It has a better-quality saw blade
What I Don't Like
- There is no storage case included
- You need to disassemble it to fold
7. Bahco 10-30-51 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw
If you’re on the frontlines as a forest ranger or putting in the hours as a contractor, the Bahco 10-30-51 bow saw is a tool you’d want by your side. Its frame is sturdier than most, giving it that added resilience to stand up to challenging environments.
Handling it is a breeze. Its powder-coated finish not only looks sleek but also serves as a protective barrier against rust. All included are options for green and dry wood cutting blades, a knuckle guard integrated into the handle for all-day comfort, and a fine adjustment for optimal blade tension.
Plus, its extended length makes it perfect for tackling bulky lumber or thick branches.
What I Like
- It can be a low-maintenance garden tool
- The package includes bow saw blades for various tasks
- It's perfect for dead or seasoned limbs
- It has a curved metal frame
What I Don't Like
- Its size might not be suitable for various tasks.
- You may need to replace the bow saw blade.
Bow Saw Buyer's Guide
Frame
Traditionally, a wooden frame is used in bow saws. Today, steel tubing, a strong and long-lasting material, is commonly used to construct the frames of bow saws. Although they rust easily, they typically have a plastic-like powder coating that serves as protective skin. [1]
Aluminum is common for folding bow saws. It is not as durable as steel, but it is much easier to carry on a camping or trekking trip. Furthermore, color bow saws come in various colors, so you can easily spot them in your work area.
Weight and Portability
Consider the bow saw’s portability if you, for whatever reason, foresee the need to take it with you. A simple way to tell is to weigh your saw; a bow that weighs 400–500 grams will be much more useful than one that weighs 800 grams.
Some saws are designed to be lightweight and collapsible, making them convenient for use when traveling.
Bow Saw Shape and Length
Short bow saws, typically measuring around 17 inches in length, are better suited to smaller tasks such as trimming thin branches, pruning small trees, and trimming attractive plants. For more strenuous tasks, such as tree felling and fuel generation, a longer bow saw is preferable.
Particularly among the more compact models, saws might take on a triangular shape rather than a traditional bow. Because of this, you can easily maneuver them into tighter locations to trim bushes and trees.
Blade Type
It’s possible to find saw blades with either a raker or a regular peg tooth blade. Knowing the differences between these blade types will allow you to make an informed decision based on your specific cutting requirements.
Peg Tooth
They are specifically designed for chopping through dry wood due to their single-tooth design, which proves effective on both the back and forward stroke.
Raker Tooth
A bow saw with a blade is ideal for cutting through green or wet wood. They make it simple to cut through green or wet woods by retrieving the sawdust from the cut.
A few high-end variants have interchangeable blades that can switch between peg and raker configurations.
Changing blade types is as simple as removing the current blade and switching it over. A saw with a thin blade that you can switch around is a great addition to anyone heading to a construction site.
Therefore, it is crucial to examine the bow saw model’s blade design and select one suited to your needs.
Teeth Per Inch
The blade’s cutting efficiency is measured in teeth per inch (TPI). Use the saw with the most teeth if you want a clean cut. Sawdust becomes caught in the gullets and spaces between the teeth of a blade with a high TPI, which can cause the blade to overheat or delay the process.
There will be a wide variety of teeth per inch (TPI) in the bow saw’s blade, from 3 to 14. Low TPI is best for greenwood, while high TPI is best for lumber. Sometimes a maker will specify a cutting preference but not the TPI.
Blade Material
Bow saws are unique because they can cut wood with both a pull and a push stroke, but this is only possible with freshly sharpened blades. Use blades created from stainless steel or hardened carbon steel if you want them to last a long time, be strong, and maintain their edge.
If you must use carbon steel, treat the blade so it won’t rust. At the same time, stainless steel can keep its edge for a longer period and perform more efficiently. The blade will wear out eventually, no matter what you use it for, so you’ll have to replace it occasionally.
Be sure to evaluate your sawing needs, enhance the blades and choose the best blade material accordingly.
Cutting Depth
Check the depth of cut offered by the bow saw to indicate its cutting performance. The maximum diameter of a tree or branch you can cut with a bow saw is equal to this depth.
The typical cutting depth is 4 or 6 inches, while a deeper cut is preferable in larger trees. A larger bow is needed for a deeper cut, which compromises the tool’s portability.
Intended Use and Wood Type
It’s important to choose the best bow saw for the job, as some blades work better on fresh, young wood, and others are ideal for more seasoned wood.
While saws for green wood have rake-like teeth that are larger to prevent clogging with softer fibers, bow saws have finer, sharper teeth that can shear through stronger materials.
Handle Design and Grip
The handle should feel good in your hand, provide adequate grip and support, and include an integrated hand guard to prevent injury. It will prevent your knuckles from getting scraped as you work, and keep your hand in the position even if you start sweating.
Traditional wooden saws have a grip made from a frame, but newer metal saws have a grip on only one side. The handle locks the blade into place, which is a tensioning device.
Using the saw is easier. A D-ring is installed inside the blade to prevent the user’s hand from sliding.
They can also be held securely with a pistol grip, which extends around the metal bow to provide a slightly rough surface and prevents the user’s hand from slipping. In addition, you’ll need to grasp the frame properly with some other bow saw since they don’t come with a grip.
Knuckle Guard Design and Protective Sheath
Consideration of the saw’s handle is crucial. It’s meant to be used in a smooth, back-and-forth motion, transferring the user’s strength from the arm to the blade.
Because of the pull and push motion required for cutting with these saws, it’s important to find a model with a good grip and a comfortable handle.
When applying force during cutting, the user’s fingers and knuckles touch the trunk or wood branches. The handle of your bow saw must include this knuckle guard to protect your hands from injury during the sawing operation.
Tension Adjuster
Blade tension is sensitive to various environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity. You may counteract this effect by regulating the blade’s tension, which is conveniently included on most current bow saws.
With this function, you can always adjust the tension to the ideal level for the task, resulting in clean, accurate cuts. Since bow saws loosen up over time, the tension adjuster is a must for extending the tool’s life and usefulness.
Price and Warranty
Depending on the brand, size, warranty, and blade length, a price of a bow saw may vary. But what’s important is to pick a model that strikes a good mix between your cutting needs and your available funds.
You need the saw to continue to work just as well after a long period as the other gardening equipment in your garage. Therefore, it is always a good idea to examine the guarantee provided by the bow saws.
Some bow saws come with a lifetime warranty, providing you with greater security and reliability than the standard 1-year guarantee.
The Bow Saw: A Quick History and Why You Need It
A bow saw, also known as a buck or swede saw, is commonly used in woodworking—several earliest instances of this type of saw date back to ancient China and the early Roman Empire.
In place of the wood frame of older models, modern bow saws typically include a tubular metal construction but otherwise perform similarly. A metal blade is kept tight and ready to make a clean cut by a curved, triangular, or square frame.
You will eventually need one if you have trees or large, thick-trunked bushes on your land. While these implements are powered by muscle rather than electricity, there are instances when a chainsaw is just unnecessary.
Even with practice and careful planning, small-diameter trees can be felled with a bow saw. These lightweight, agile alternatives can avoid the hassle of chainsaw maintenance and the swaying movements of larger axes.
How to Use a Bow Saw?
- Cutting the branch requires high above the plant and using pressure on the push and pull motions. Keep the knife vertically against the wood, and work from the waist level.
- When cutting down a tree, use your stronger hand to control the saw as your weaker hand steadies the limb. Hold the weapon with your palm down, far from the blade, with your thumb tucked under the limb.
- A snag or stick in this area could cause the bow saw to kink or skip. Take time and ensure the blade is deeply embedded before applying more force.
- Make cuts without bending your arm too far by using the full length of the saw blade.
- At a 40-degree incline, apply pressure downwards and then forward on the push stroke. You can increase your cutting speed using this.
Staying Safe When Using a Bow Saw
Wear protective apparel
Work boots or shoes that are completely waterproof, thick gloves, and sturdy, long pants are essential gears.
Make sure you're carrying it safely.
Whether they utilize a robust wire, a toothed chain, or a solid blade, saws are designed to tackle hard materials. When storing them, it’s best to position them within their metal frames, ensuring the cutting edges face downward. And if you’re passing it on to someone, always extend the saw by its handle for safety.
Prepare the cutting area.
Kids and animals shouldn’t be in the area. You shouldn’t leave the saw lying about where it could be stepped on or tripped over.
Use the protective sheath.
After you’re done sawing, place the blade back into its sheath for safety.
FAQ
What's the difference between a folding saw and a bow saw?
A folding saw’s blade is wider and made of sheet metal; it stretches from the handle and collapses back into the handle for storage and portability. A folding saw may be handled with one hand and is ideal for trimming branches no wider than two inches.
How tight should I adjust my bow saw's blade?
The bow saw’s blade must be rigid enough to prevent it from sliding over the pins but flexible enough to allow for some bending. You can adjust the blade of your bow saw for a snugger fit using the mechanism at its tip.
How do I sharpen a bow saw's blade?
Their blades are simple tools that require little upkeep. Using a flat file, first, sharpen the teeth while the blade is held vertically; then, using a three-sided file, give each tooth a final sharpening and check that its base is flat.
My Top Pick For a Bow Saw: AGAWA - BOREAL21
The Agawa BOREAL21 stands out as the best bow saw in the market. Its portability, with a design that’s both lightweight and compact when folded, makes it a reliable choice whether you’re out in the wilderness or doing tasks at home.
Its 21-inch blade boasts a high cutting capacity and an aggressive design. Out of all the high-end bow saws I’ve tried, this one truly takes the top spot.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
