The Best Bow Saw for Easier Sawing (Top 7 Picks)

It is never a waste to invest in a quality bow saw – an efficient tool for woodwork. DIY enthusiasts and homeowners should definitely own one in the garage.

However, not everyone knows to choose the best bow saw for their needs, as there are too many brands on the market.

We understand your struggle. That is the reason we wrote this article to review the top 6 products and give you a detailed buying guide.

Check them all out now!

Why do you need to have a bow saw?

1. Larger cutting radius

One of the best reasons why you need a bow saw is because of its cutting radius.

If you’re cutting a huge chunk of wood, you surely need something that can cover up its entire radius. Good thing these bow saws have that.

2. More aggressive cutting

These bow saws are known to be very effective woodcutters. You can exert a small amount of force, but its effects will surely exceed your expectations.

It cuts through wood like butter, and it can take on even the strongest and thickest of all wood types.

3. Safer cutting

You surely don’t want to cut your hand or get bruises when doing woodwork. That’s just what these bow saws do. It makes the task safer for you.

Your hands are away from the cutting blades thanks to the bow design it has. This means that you’re less likely to slide your hands to the saw blades accidentally.

4. Lightweight

Have you heard of bows and arrows? If you have, then you can compare these to the bow saws.

Bows and arrows are the weapons of choice of medieval infantrymen because it’s lightweight. And that’s what’s the same with these bow saws. They are light, very portable, and don’t take up a lot of space.

5. More productive woodwork

With the help of a bow saw, you will become more productive in doing whatever woodwork you’re dealing with. You can cut through wood faster, and you can cover a lot of work.

It frees up a lot of your time which then enables you to do other, more important things. It’s because of this reason that professional carpenters choose bow saws over other cutting tools.

7 top bow saws of 2023: Our reviews

Bahco 10-24-51 24-Inch Ergo Bow Saw – This high-quality Bahco bow saws feature an ergonomic soft feel handle, and sharp bow saw blade, making it perfect for heavy-duty tasks.

Truper 30255 Steel Handle Bow Saw – With its durable construction and comfortable grip, this bow saw with steel blade is ideal for cutting through thick branches and logs.

Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw – This innovative folding bow saws combines portability with functionality, making it a great choice for camping and outdoor adventures.

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw [31-002820] – This compact and lightweight camp saw is perfect for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who need to make quick cuts on the go.

Fiskars 24 Inch Bow Saw – This versatile and user-friendly bow saw is great for cutting branches and logs of various sizes.

Spear & Jackson 24″ Predator Bow Saw – With its aggressive teeth and sturdy construction, this bow saw is perfect for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Irwin 218HP300 12-Inch Combi-Saw – This lightweight and easy-to-use bow saw features a unique design that allows it to be used as both a hacksaw blade and a bow saw blade.

#1. Bahco 10-24-51 24-Inch Ergo Bow Saw – Best lightweight product

The very first name on our list today is the Bahco 10-24-23 bow saw. It is available in three frame sizes, namely 21 inch, 24’’, and 30’’. The link we included is the 24-inch version.

Regardless of which size to choose, the wooden frame is lightweight yet durable against extended use. You can surely expect it to last.

Another loved feature of this Bahco bow saw is the ergonomic handle, which is humanized and designed for ultimate comfort on your hands. Feel free to hold the bow saw for hours without feeling fatigued or so.

On the handle, there is a knuckle guard design protector to increase comfort and provide safety. This is a useful feature that not many bow saws offer. Fortunately, Bahco took our satisfaction in mind and introduced it.

The advanced blade tension mechanism is also worth your compliment. It allows for a high-tension adjuster blade when making straight and smooth cuts.

On top of that, the blade comes with razor-sharp triangular shape teeth to cut effectively with every pull stroke of yours. That way, you will not have to apply too much force on the saw while working.

The most notable thing about this Bahco 10-24-23 unit is it is one of the lightest bow saws on the market, at just 1.65 lbs. Being lightweight and compact makes the whole thing a delight to use at the job site.

A small minus lies in the subpar bow saw blade cover. We find it hard to put in the saw blade for storage.

#2. Truper 30255 Steel Handle Bow Saw – Best value for money

The Truper 30255 is also an excellent bow saw that provides good value for money. Don’t skip it if you are seeking a quality and affordable bow saw.

It boasts an advanced Cam-lever tension system, which will keep the steel blade perfectly tight when you are making the cuts. This means you do not have to make any adjustments in the middle of the falling deadfall in your backyard. That’s convenient!

The ergonomic handle and the high steel arch are also there to make all the cutting chores more comfortable and less time-consuming than before. You are also able to cut thicker logs than with other bow saw models.

Is there a knuckle guard protector? Luckily, yes! This Truper is designed with a knuckle guard to ensure your safety while working.

This model comes with either 21-inch, 24-inch, or 30-inch blade. Opt for a suitable size depending on your demand.

However, this Truper 30255 features a blade meant for cutting green wood only. Replacement bow saw blades for dry wood are not available, unfortunately. This is quite off-putting if you are going to work with dry wood at the construction site.

Like other bow saws, the unit does not require too much maintenance over its entire lifespan. However, you should oil the blade after every use to make it durable and ready for the next service.

#3. Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw – Best for backpacking

This Agawa Canyon folding saw is a must-have tool in your garage. It has the perfect balance between weight, size, and function without compromising anything.

It is incredibly light and compact, weighing only 1 lb. The bow saw folded up onto itself, making putting it into a backpack and carrying around a breeze. Dedicated hikers and hunters would definitely love this one – the best bow saw for bushcraft.

The super-compact design with the folding saw also eases the assembly. There are virtually no parts that need removing or tightening during the process. Just take it out of the bag and see your way through a deadfall!

Don’t underestimate its power, though!

It boasts a sharp and thin blade that is hardened for maximum strength and durability. You will not be disappointed once using the saw to cut through timbers.

A highlight of this Agawa Canyon is the automatic blade tensioning system, allowing you to fold and unfold the saw without touching the blade. Few can compare to this bow saw in terms of safety.

Of course, the whole thing is not flawlessly perfect. It is expensive and sometimes not rigid as other bow saws with a solid frame.

#4. Gerber Freescape Camp Saw [31-002820] – Best for design

Next, we like to introduce you to the Gerber Freescape Camp Saw. It features a revolutionary design that will surely amaze you when it comest o modern bow saws.

Let’s talk about the look first.

At first glance, this Gerber saw looks modern and stylish with a bright green grip and black surface. This color bow saws combination makes it visible, amongst other tools.

The unique design allows the whole saw to be folded up flat for hassle-free storage and transportation.

At the workplace, just take it out from the gear kit and put all parts together to have a complete bow saw ready. The entire setup process only takes seconds!

Aside from the blade, the Gerber saw uses four pivot points to cut through larger pieces of wood effectively. Keep in mind that it only accepts standard 12-inch blades.

The handle is made of plastic, which is quite off-putting to some. However, the manufacturer tried to make up for that by equipping it with a Freescape texture that always provides a firm grip. No worries about the saw slipping off your hand halfway through cutting the wood!

On the whole, this Gerber Freescape saw is the best camping bow saw. Cutting dry wood or pruning is also applicable.

#5. Fiskars 24 Inch Bow Saw – Best efficient saw

The Fiskars 24 Inch Bow Saw is a reliable tool for homeowners who need to tackle large branches and logs around their property. This saw is ideal for both right and left-handed users, making it a versatile option for anyone.

One of the standout features of this bow saw is its ergonomic handle with finger guard. The handle provides a firm and comfortable grip, which is important when sawing through tough or dense materials. The finger guard also helps to prevent accidental slippage or injury.

In terms of performance, the Fiskars 24 Inch Bow Saw is highly efficient, thanks to its special teeth. These teeth allow for clean cutting and help to reduce the amount of effort needed to use the saw.

The pull and push stroke cut design also makes sawing easier and more efficient, increasing the speed of the overall job.

Another advantage of the Fiskars 24 Inch Bow Saw is its blade guard, which is included for secure storage.

Additionally, the hardened steel blade and durable plastic handle are designed to provide a long life, allowing users to rely on this tool for many years.

One potential disadvantage of the Fiskars 24 Inch Bow Saw is that it may not be suitable for cutting through extremely thick logs or dense materials. While the saw is highly efficient and designed for easier cutting, it may struggle with large, heavy-duty jobs.

#6. Spear & Jackson 24″ Predator Bow Saw – Best comfort

The Spear & Jackson 24″ Predator Bow Saw is an efficient tool designed for smooth and fast cutting. This saw is perfect for both novice and professional woodworkers.

The saw features an innovative tension adjuster that helps to deliver precision cuts quickly and efficiently.

One of the primary advantages of the Spear & Jackson 24″ Predator Bow Saw is the comfortable soft feel ergonomic handle and hand guard, which ensures safety and comfortable usage.

The rapid blade change system is also effortless, allowing users to quickly and easily replace blades for more demanding tasks.

The teeth on this Spear & Jackson saw are specially designed for fast and unrestricted cutting on forward and backward strokes, ensuring a smooth and efficient cutting experience.

Moreover, the saw frame comes with a 24-inch standard Peg Tooth blades that adds to the overall convenience of the user, eliminating the need to purchase additional blades.

However, there are a few disadvantages to this product that ought to be taken into consideration.

Firstly, the saw is relatively bulky, making it harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the blade features a slight curved metal frame, which might not appeal to some users who may prefer straight blades for more control.

Finally, the saw frame does not come with a blade cover or sheath, which may be a concern for some users who want to protect the blade when not in use.

#7. Irwin 218HP300 12-Inch Combi-Saw – Best for fine work

The Irwin 218HP300 12-Inch Combi-Saw is a reliable tool that can easily assist you in your woodworking projects.

The handsaw included in this package weighs 2.25 pounds, making it lightweight yet robust enough to cut through various materials.

One of the most significant advantages of this product is the incorporation of the knuckle guard, which protects your hand from injuries while using the saw.

It is an excellent safety feature that provides protection to users and allows them to work confidently without worrying about accidents.

Another advantage of the Irwin 218HP300 12-Inch Combi-Saw is its versatility.

The saw comes with a fine-toothed 12-inch blade, making it an ideal tool for cutting a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. This versatility makes the saw an excellent addition to any toolkit, whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast.

However, one disadvantage of this product is its blade length. The saw’s length can be challenging when working in tight spaces, making maneuvering difficult.

Additionally, the blade’s fine-toothed design can cause slower cutting speeds, which may not be suitable for projects that require a quick and efficient cut.

The comprehensive buying guide: What to know when buying a bow saw?

Equip yourself with essential knowledge before choosing a suitable bow saw. The buying guide below explains everything you need to know about bow saws.

Check it out!

1. Length

The shorter a bow saw is, the small cuts it makes.

Bow saws often measure 21 inches, which is long enough to handle a variety of applications while remaining portable and affordable.

If you want to handle large trees, you can get longer bow saws up to 30 inches long. Make sure you choose a saw with a suitable length that is easy to use.

2. Tensioner

The tensioner is an important feature that allows adjustments of the blade’s tension; therefore, make sure your bow saw is equipped with a decent tensioning mechanism.

3. Protective sheath

Using a bow saw is, of course, dangerous, as its blade is razor-sharp. In this case, a protective sheath or protective plastic skin is essential in protecting yourself against injuries. 

Also, the sheath can extend the lifespan of the bow saw.

4. Coloration

This is a minor factor, but don’t skip it!

Deep coloration allows you to spot the bow saw amongst other items quickly, so you can save time and avoid hurting yourself due to tripping over the tool.

5. Blade

There are two main kinds of a blade that often come with bow saws.

The first one features a peg tooth, which is designed to handle dry wood by cutting on both the forward and backstroke. The other kind of bow better quality saw blade comes with a raker tooth to cut through the wet wood.

Depending on the wood you often work with, you can choose a suitable kind of blade.

For more versatility, some brands offer reversible blades, which have peg teeth on one side and rake teeth on the other. When you want to switch the blade, simply flip it over! This is incredibly handy at the workplace.

Some bow saws even come with extra blades. Needless to say, the more, the better!

6. Handle and hand guard

You are going to use the bow saw for long hours, so make sure you find one with an ergonomic and comfortable grip.

On the other hand, a handguard is essential in keeping your hands safe from injuries while cutting with a sharp blade.

Tips for using bow saws safely

Follow some safety tips below to use the bow saw in a safe and effective way.

– Keep a distance between your hand and the blade while using the best bow saw for cutting logs

– Hold the object you are cutting by putting your hands inside the frame

– Do not stand in the direction in which you predict the tree will fall

– Avoid touching the blade as soon as you finish cutting

– Place the bow saw inside the sheath after use

– Do not leave the saw on the ground amongst other tools

– Keep the saw out of children’s reach

What is a bow saw good for?

Why do people still stick to bow saws when there are several advanced saws nowadays?

In fact, the bow saw offers many benefits that its modern counterparts don’t have. It is lightweight and compact, giving you total control over the saw itself and the cuts being made. Plus, it is quicker and a lot safer compared to a table saw or band saw.

These advantages might explain why bow saws are still widely used and loved. You can use it for multiple purposes.

– Felling trees: Cutting down trees is probably the most common application of bow saws. However, as it is a manual tool that uses no power, you need to exert considerable effort into the work. As such, it is suitable for felling small trees only.

– Making firewood: People also use bow saws in cutting small pieces of firewood.

– Making logs: The razor-sharp teeth of the saws are excellent for making logs from fallen trees. Don’t expect smooth cuts, though!

– Pruning: Without the need for fuel or power, a bow saw is a favorite option of homeowners when it comes to pruning and gardening works.

– Making furniture: If you are a meticulous person, you can even craft wooden furniture like chairs, tables, etc., using only a bow saw.

FAQs

Can a bow saw cut down a tree?

Yes, a bow saw can cut down a tree, but it may be better suited for smaller trees and branches rather than large ones.

It is more challenging to feel wider or older trees with these manual tools, as you need to exert tremendous effort.

What are the different types of bow saw blades?

The different types of bow saw blades include raker-tooth blades, peg-tooth blades, and hook-tooth blades.

Is a bow saw the same as a hacksaw?

No, a bow saw is different from a hacksaw. A bow saw has a longer blade and is designed for cutting larger branches and logs, while a hacksaw is designed for cutting metal and has a shorter blade.

What size bow saw do i need?

The size of the bow saw you need will depend on the size of the branches or logs you plan to cut.

A larger saw will be able to handle thicker branches, while a smaller saw will be more maneuverable for smaller tasks.

How much is a bow saw?

Bow saws are available in a wide price range, so rest assured that you can always find one that fits your budget.

However, if money permits, you should opt for high-end models that come from trusted brands. In the end, you’ll get what you pay for.

The bottom line

Bow saws are undoubtedly a must-have tool in your garage. It is versatile and efficient when you do it for the right job.

Out of 7 products on the list, the Bahco 10-24-23 is our favorite. What makes it outstanding is the lightweight frame, excellent tensioner, and useful knuckle protector. Plus, it is reasonably priced that will not break the bank if you take it home.

We hope you find this article useful. Do not hesitate to share it with your friends who are having the same concern.

Thanks for reading!