Why a handsaw belongs in your backpack [+Test of an 8 Euro saw]

A folding saw is much quieter than an axe. Furthermore, it is more precise and safe to work with a saw. You need little talent for this.

from Martin Gebhardt | Gear | no comment yet | reading time 2 Min

Updated on 12 July 2023 30.331 views 95% found this guide helpful

Why a handsaw belongs in your backpack [+Test of an 8 Euro saw]

Martin Gebhardt

From Martin Gebhardt. Check out my “About me” page.

👉 The key facts from this guide

Advantages of a folding saw: A folding saw is quieter than an axe and allows for precise and safe work. It requires little practice and is therefore ideal for bushcraft and survival adventures.
Test of an 8-euro folding saw: The FLORA GUARD handsaw is light, handy, and long enough. However, it is not very stable and the saw blade could be better secured to the handle.
Recommendation: A more stable option is the Bahco saw, which is very popular among survival and bushcraft enthusiasts. It is robust and costs about 24€.
Usage: A folding saw is ideal for outdoor activities. It allows you to quickly and efficiently cut through trees.
Choosing between an axe and a saw: Although some people prefer to use an axe, you will find that a saw is often more efficient, especially when it comes to cutting through trees.
Conclusion: A folding saw is a valuable tool for your outdoor activities. It is light, compact, and allows you to work efficiently.

I have already written in previous articles that a folding saw is one of the top 10 items in a survival gear.

Why I see it this way, you will find out in this article.

Furthermore, I take a closer look at an 8 Euro saw and test it in the video.

The benefits of a hand and pruning saw

For your bushcraft and survival adventures, you always need wood in various forms.

Whether it's for your shelter, the campfire, or for a trap.

The advantage of the saw compared to the axe and Batoning is the noise level.

A saw is much quieter than an axe.

Furthermore, you work more precisely and safely with a saw.

Chopping wood or felling trees with an axe requires practice.

If you use a folding saw, you'll get the hang of it in a few seconds. You don't need much talent for it.

I recommend a pruning saw to every bushcraft beginner. A saw is one of the five equipment items for bushcraft beginners.

Testing a folding saw

I ordered a folding saw and tested how well it cuts.

I have to admit that I went for the cheapest option. The FLORA GUARD Handsaw only costs 8 euros. (In the video, I say that the saw costs 15 to 20 euros. That's not true, I misspoke.)

Here you can see the saw in action:

My conclusion about the 8 Euro saw: Lightweight, handy, long enough.

I would, however, take a more stable saw for the next purchase, where the saw blade is better anchored to the handle.

However, this saw is sufficient for my needs and I will use it until it (maybe) falls apart.

My Buying Recommendation

You are better off with a Bahco Saw - I bought this one for comparison.

Perhaps you have already heard of the saw. Among survival and bushcraft enthusiasts, these saws are a must-have in every bag.

The anchoring is much better and it is incredibly robust. It costs around 24 EUR accordingly. I can recommend it without reservation.

Data updated 2 hours ago

Bahco 396-Hp Folding Pruning Saw

A general purpose folding pruning saw to tackle a host of general cutting chores
Designed for cutting both green and dry wood
Blade is made of heavy gauge steel with hardened teeth for extra durability
Safety lock for the folding blade

$31.51

View Product

Whichever saw you choose: Take a saw with you for your outdoor activities. You will see how quickly you can saw through a tree with such a saw tooth.

I would even bet that an axe is not faster.

What do you think about it?

Are you more of an axe user or do you already have a saw in your backpack?

Author of the guide

Martin Gebhardt

Hey, I'm Martin. On my blog, you will learn the basics and numerous details about living in the wild. I think survival, bushcraft and the good life in nature are the keys to happiness. Find me here on Instagram or on YouTube. You can find more about my mission on the About Me page.

Since this is a gear guide, here ...

🤝8 reasons to trust my recommendation

Practical Experience: I have tested most of the products I recommend under extreme conditions myself.
Independence: As a wilderness mentor, I am not tied to any specific brands - this means my recommendations are unbiased.
Expertise: My many years of experience allow me to understand the intricacies and details of various products that a layperson might overlook.
Target group understanding: I understand the needs and challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned experts.
Quality focus: I attach great importance to quality and longevity. These are characteristics that are crucial in the wild.
Clear communication: I try to explain the pros and cons of each product clearly and understandably so that you can make an informed decision.
Currentness: I always keep my guides up to date and adapt them to new findings or products.
Community Feedback: I work in wilderness schools, teach courses myself, attend courses and am active in various outdoor and survival communities and therefore integrate the feedback and experiences of others into my recommendations.

So when I introduce the best survival knives or flashlights, you can be sure that every recommendation is based on solid experience and extensive knowledge.

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