Survival saws are lightweight tools that help outdoors men cut wood, but these compact and basic tools shouldn’t be overlooked for their usefulness. A good survival saw will be light enough to carry in a backpack and will prove to be an invaluable tool for anyone who is out in the backwoods who needs to build a shelter or start a fire.
This article will provide you with all the information you need about your best survival saw options, what you should consider before purchasing a saw and we will also review what we believe to be the best survival saws currently available and that you should have stowed away in your emergency preparedness bag.
Table of Contents
| Best Survival Saws | Details |
|---|---|
Best Folding Saw | |
 | Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
 |
 | Hooyman Megabite Folding Saw
|
 | Corona Razor Tooth Folding Saw
|
 | Silky Gomboy Folding Saw
|
Best Pocket Chain Saw As far as survival saws go we think a good quality folding saw is by far your best option. However, that isn't to say you shouldn't consider finding room in your pack for a handy pocket chain saw. Although you can expend an awful lot of energy using a hand chain saw, they can certainly get you out of a bind, and they can also cut through thicker logs than most hand saws as well as taking up very little space in your pack. In our opinion they should be considered a good back up to your folding saw. | |
 | Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw 36 Inch Long Chain
|
 | Chainmate CM-24SSP 24-Inch Survival Pocket Chain Saw
|
 | LivWild 26" Camping Pocket Chainsaw
|
Why You Need a Survival Saw
The ability to cut wood quickly is essential in survival situations. A good survival saw will get the job done and is safe yet sharp, efficient, lightweight, cost-effective and durable.
In an emergency, minimizing the energy you expend on fire and shelter building becomes paramount to your survival. If you expend all your energy using the wrong tools and methods, you could be headed for an even bigger crisis.
Not all saws are the same though and each different type of survival saw will have its own unique purposes and advantages and you will need to consider each of these before purchasing the one for your best bug out bag.
What Are Your ‘Saw’ Options?
Folding Saws
Folding saws are a type of cross-cutting saw with long, sometimes curved, sometimes straight, blades that fold into their carrying handle. The folding hand saw is generally the saw of choice for most backpackers, survivalists and preppers particularly reliable brands such as Bahco and Silky as they offer unparalleled quality, reliability, and efficiency in the cut, but having the ability to be easily and quickly folded up and packed in a backpack.
Pros and Cons
Folding saws are particularly portable. They can be opened and folded very quickly, so they are a great addition to a bug out bag or backpack. They’re not as light as a pocket chainsaw, but much less effort is required to use them.
Another advantage folding saws have is that their blades can be replaced if needed. However, purchasing a good quality folding saw with a blade made with hardened, tempered steel will ensure your blade remains sharp for an extremely long time, eliminating the need to carry replacement blades.
Pocket Chain Saws
Pocket chainsaws are exactly what they sound like. These tiny portable chainsaws are strong enough to cut through big logs but small enough to stow away in your pocket. The sharp teeth on the tool work away at logs just like a full-size chainsaw. The only difference is that you will be utilizing your own strength rather than a motor to get the job done.
Pros and Cons
Pocket chainsaws are the most portable of the survival saws. This small tool can easily be stored in your bug out bag or pocket without compromising strength and durability. Models of this type of saw often come with easy-to-use handles, and they are usually inexpensive. Their small size does make them less effective than quality folding saws, and outdoors-man should be prepared to expend a lot more energy using this tool than they would a folding saw. Pocket chainsaws are more difficult to clean than other types of saws.
Bow Saws
Full-sized bow saws are a step above folding saws and get their name from their shape. Bow saws are not exactly compact, in fact many are really quite large, so they are more suited for stowing in the back of your pick up or bug out vehicle than in your backpack.
However, there have been a few models available for a while that can be folded for portability, but they are not as good as the standard bow saw and are not as easy to store away as are folding hand saws. The Sven saw is one such type of folding bow saw that is popular and comes to mind.
Pros and Cons
Bow saws are the heaviest and bulkiest of the survival saws, so these types of tools should only be chosen when the job you are expecting to do, does actually require it. Bow saws can easily tackle bigger logs, and they are extremely efficient at their job.
Outdoors-men will not have to worry about expending a large amount of energy because these saws are fast and easy to use. The user has more control when cutting which helps with precision and performance. This is why the bow saw is wasted as a bush craft survival saw and is better used for larger construction jobs.
Like folding bow saws, bow saws have replaceable blades that can be used for specific jobs and types of wood.
Factors to Consider Before you Buy
Before you decide to buy your survival saw, you’ll have to consider several factors. The most important things to factor in are the cost, weight, usability and overall maintenance needs of the saw. It’s also important to consider the type of work you think you’ll be doing with the tool before actually purchasing one.
Cost
The most obvious, and often determining, factor when purchasing your survival saw will be the products overall cost. Don’t make the mistake of thinking paying a higher price means you’ll be getting a higher quality product. Do your research to ensure that the saw you are considering is worth your investment. Consider additional investments you will make in the future including replacement blades.
Weight
The best survival saw will be compact and lightweight. There really isn’t much use in trying to carry around a bulky and awkward full length saw in a survival situation. The saws weight and portability should be your priority considerations when determining which saw best fits your specific needs.
The advantages of having a lightweight saw include a lower overall energy exertion and added speed. Pocket chainsaws are generally smaller than other types of saw, so they have a slight advantage in this area.
Usability
While smaller pocket chainsaws are ideal for backpacking, a survivalist will exert a lot of energy using them which may not be ideal. It’s critical that you choose a saw that you will be able to utilize often without exhausting yourself. If your pocket chainsaw requires a maximum level of energy exertion, then you better make sure that you can handle the demands of the tool, its effectiveness will be drastically reduced when it’s simply unusable.
When choosing pocket chainsaws for long-term survival situations, the tool’s comfort level should also be considered, some have straps or other features that will help reduce strain and provide comfort for the user.
If you want efficiency and consistency, without the exertion of a hand chainsaw then you really have to opt for a folding saw.
The Maintenance Factor
One of the most overlooked factors when making a purchase is the future maintenance needs of your saw. The right saw will be maintainable, easy to sharpen and durable. One advantage of bow saws and many folding saws is that their blades can be replaced when needed.
Replacement blades are also lightweight and small, so are also easy to stow away.
Pocket chainsaws, on the other hand, will need to be sharpened over time. This means you’ll have to also carry a file with you in your bug out bag and take the time to sharpen your tool.
All the folding saws we review below are all made with varying degrees of hardened steel meaning they will remain sharp for an extremely long time therefore reducing maintenance levels to practically zero!
The Best Survival Saw for your Bug Out Bag
Determining which of these tools best suits your needs hinges on exactly what you plan on using the tool for. Folding saws are the best all-round option for a bug out bag or backpack. These tools are extremely efficient, lightweight and durable. They have the ability to cut down larger items when necessary, but they work best when cutting medium-sized or smaller logs. If you feel like you will be using your saw often, then a folding saw is definitely the best survival saw for you. While it does take up more space than a pocket chainsaw, they are a great balance between effectiveness and portability.
Take your time when making your decision because your final choice of survival saw, will also be your primary tool for performing crucial tasks like cutting wood for a fire and building your shelter.
Best Folding Saws
Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
The Bahco Laplander folding saw is the indisputable king when it comes to survival saws. Although classified as a general purpose folding saw it has been undoubtedly designed specifically with the hunting and backpacking fraternity in mind.
The Bahco 396-LAP Laplander, to give this saw its full title, is manufactured in Sweden and has a fully deserved reputation as being a well designed and quality folding hand saw, ideally suited for the outdoor enthusiast.
This Bahco folding saw is both compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 6.6 ounces, making it perfect for storing in a backpack especially as it is only 9” long when closed so it will fit nicely into a side pocket.
When opened the blade is 7” long which may seem short compared to other folding saws on our list but, 7 teeth per inch, the XT-toothing* design, and extreme hardening of the blade in the manufacturing process, result in a saw that cuts dry or green wood effortlessly, on both up and down strokes, quickly and efficiently. It can also be used on bone and plastic, although there is a healthy debate amongst hunters (as always!) about whether or not the teeth are fine enough for cutting bone!
The blade has a coating that not only protects it from rusting but greatly reduces friction when cutting.
The handle comprises of two extremely durable, plastic components which lend themselves to providing a perfect grip.
In our opinion, one of the best features of the Bahco Laplander is the safety lock that not only keeps the saw closed when it is stored away in your bag but which also keeps it locked open when in use, which is pretty important – trust me, you do not want this saw closing on your hand whilst in the process of sawing!
Our View
Honestly, there is absolutely nothing bad I can say about the Bahco Laplander. In my humble opinion it is easily the best survival saw, folding or otherwise, available on the market today. Add to that the fact you can pick one up for less than $25 means it is also outstanding value for money!
Great saw, get one!!
*XT-toothing, is a mix of tooth geometry and cutting edges that improves the efficiency of the sawing blade (in English..it cuts great and it’s bloody sharp!).
Hooyman Megabite Folding Saw
The Hooyman Megabite folding saw is an excellent and reliable saw that fits the ‘survival saw’ description perfectly.
The Megabite is available in 2 blade sizes 6” and 8” and cuts with a smooth and efficient action.
The blade is made with SK5 steel combined with impulse hardened 4 edge teeth, resulting in a saw that will cut effortlessly and will continue to do so throughout a much longer cutting life than most saws can offer.
The ergonomically designed rubber over-molded handle provides a comfortable yet solid grip and is black and green in color.
The saw has an extremely good locking mechanism that keeps the saw locked when closed or open.
The Hooyman Megabite is designed to also lock in a hyper extended position which allows the saw to be used when cutting very near to the ground, therefore avoiding any injuries to the hand that could be caused by contact with the ground.
The 8” version is 17” long when open and when closed the total length is 9.5” long and it weighs around 8 ounces.
Our View
I’m going to be straight with you! The Hooyman Megabite was a late entry into this saw comparison and like so many others before me; I was guilty of overlooking it for more recognizable brands. Well I’m not overlooking it now!
This is one serious folding survival saw, built for purpose, and more than comparable to other, more expensive folding saws.
What drew my attention to this gem of a saw is that they offer a super Megabite hunters combo with changeable blades, one for bone, the other for wood, stored in a tidy nylon sheaf, as I said earlier, definitely a survival saw designed for just such a purpose!
If you’re in the frame for a new survival saw and you envisage using it for more than just cutting wood, which you should be, then the Hooyman Megabite is a saw you should be checking out, in particular the hunter’s combo!
Corona Folding Saw
The Corona RAZOR TOOTH folding saw is another excellent folding saw and one that can easily be used as a survival saw, even though it has been specifically designed for the gardener and for pruning.
Corona is a US company that was founded in the 1920’s and initially produced tools for workers on the Southern Californian citrus plantations; nowadays they supply garden and agricultural tools across the whole of North America.
The Corona folding Razor tooth saw is available in 3 blade sizes 7”, 8”, and 10” and cuts extremely quickly and very efficiently. The blade is made with SK5 steel which is made with a higher carbon level to produce harder blades. Because the steel is harder the saw will stay sharp for much longer.
The saw blade has 6 teeth per inch and is chrome-plated to reduce friction thus improving efficiency.
The handle of this Corona saw is very sturdy and offers a good grip. The saw is held open by a lock on the hilt to avoid any possible unpleasantness caused by closing when in use.
When the 10” bladed saw is folded closed the entire saw is 12” long and weighs less than 10 ounces.
Our View
There is no denying that the Corona Razor Tooth (don’t you just love that name?) is an excellent folding saw but I have a couple of issues with it being used as a survival saw.
The handle is orange, great if you leave it lying around in your garden as it will make it easier to find, no so when you might want to be as hidden as possible.
More importantly the saw blade is designed to only cut on the pull, or the back stroke. That’s great for the lock mechanism as it reduces any stress on it but it also, in theory, means you are only cutting at 50% efficiency when compared to the much better equipped Bahco Laplander folding saw which cuts on both the push and pull strokes.
Regardless of my issues, the Corona ‘Razor Tooth’ is still a great folding saw, and in my opinion is easily top of the best name for a saw list.
Silky Gomboy Folding Saw
When it comes to hand saws the brand name Silky is synonymous with quality and master craftsmanship, and the Silky Gomboy folding saw is no exception.
Made in Japan using high quality Japanese Steel this professional standard saw is one of the most popularly used folding saws among individuals working within agriculture, gardening, and landscaping. This is because of its reliability, efficiency, clean cutting, and the simple fact it retains its sharpness for what seems like an eternity!
With 8.5 teeth per inch*, the Silky Gomboy is just as proficient cutting dry wood as it is cutting green wood thanks mainly to Silky’s MIRAI-ME blade technology which improves the overall smoothness of the cut.
The Gomboy is available in 2 blade sizes 8.5” and 9.5” and comes complete with a hard transparent case, When folded the 9.5” version is about 11” in length and weighs approx 9.5 ounces.
The rubber coated black handle offers a comfortable yet solid grip and has a lanyard hole.
The Gomboy has a spring loaded saw blade safety lock that will safely secure the blade in the open sawing position.
*The Gomboy has three different teeth size configurations depending upon what type of wood you will be cutting. 8.5 teeth per inch is best suited to cutting soft wood, 5-6 teeth per inch for pruning and green wood and, 12 teeth per inch for hard wood.
Our View
Our ViewThis is a superbly crafted folding saw; it cuts beautifully and with absolute ease, and as such has a multitude of very happy devotees. There are, however, a few issues I have with the Gomboy when it is purposed as a survival saw.
Unfortunately, the Gomboy doesn’t lock in the folded position which can be highly dangerous when it is stowed in a backpack that is often rummaged through. This is probably why, I believe, it is supplied with a case for safe storage, which leads me onto my next issue. Why a hard plastic case? It rattles! If you want to move through the wilderness with the minimum of noise you do not want things rattling in cases!
Finally, I know I haven’t mentioned the cost of any of the three previous folding saw descriptions and that is because they all fall into the same pricing bracket of saws that cost between; $15 and $25, give or take a few bucks. The Gomboy however can be almost double that price depending who the retailer is.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believer in paying for quality and you will generally get what you pay for, I just don’t think it’s worth paying twice as much for a Gomboy when any of the previous three saws are just as good, if not better for use as a survival saw.
Summary
When you think survival saw, and you undoubtedly will at some point, especially when you are putting your bug out bag together. You really only have three choices; bow saw, folding saw, and pocket chain saw.
Each of these options has their merits, as outlined above, but as you have probably figured out by now, that we believe that a folding hand saw is always going to be your best option.
Bow saws are EXCELLENT for those big ‘cutting down a tree’ type of job, so if your prime survival objective is to build a timber shack then go ahead and opt for a bow saw. If not then you have to think about size, weight, quality, reliability, and probable use, the last of those being the real deal breaker.
If you are talking about survival then you are talking about a saw that is equally at home cutting up wood, as it is cutting through bone, and is compact enough to be stowed easily and will stay sharp forever (okay then…a really, really long time). In our opinion there is only one choice.
The folding hand saw is the saw you need, and is, without question, the best survival saw!
