Best Bow Saw Reviews and Ultimate Guide

Since time in history, the bow saw has been the man’s tool of choice for small to medium sawing projects because of its flexibility, ease of deployment, and high efficiency. Whether at home or in the bush, a bow saw can fell trees or cut logs in no time.

Unlike the old bow saw designs, the modern ones come with more features that make selecting the right choice an uphill task. Advertisers make the process more complex with jargon and deceitful details. Our first two bow saws were quickly attacked by rust and then broke down, resulting in heavy losses.

This article is our comprehensive bow saw review that looks at the top six options on the market. Do not make the mistake of buying any bow saw: keep reading to learn about the top options on the market and pick the best piece for your situation.

The Bahco 10-21-51 21-Inch Ergo Bow Saw is our top pick by far, with its unique design and top features such as ergonomic handle, high-quality frame, and hardened steel blade that make cutting both wood and lumber easy.

Best Bow Saws on the Market Today Are…

ProductDetails
1.Bahco 10-21-51 21-Inch Ergo Bow Saw

  • 14.1 ounces
  • Steel
  • 21 inches
  • 7.9 x 7.9 x11.8 inches
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2.Agawa Canyon BOREAL21

  • 1.2 pounds
  • 24 x 4 x 4 inches
  • Aluminum frame, glass-reinforced nylon handle
  • 21" blade, 21.5" closed, 22" tip to tip open
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3.Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw

  • 1 pound
  • 3 x 26.7 x 10 inches
  • Metal
  • Hardened carbon steel with rust inhibitor
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4.Bahco Bow Saw

  • 2.1 pound
  • 39 x 1 x 10 inches
  • Metal
  • Hardened steel
  • High-quality steel tubing
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5.Gerber Freescape

  • 1 pound
  • 17 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
  • Metal
  • Standard 12-inch
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6.Truper 30255 Steel Handle Bow Saw

  • 2.4 ounces
  • 0.2 x 0.8 x 30 inches
  • Metal
  • Ergonomic handle with knuckle protector
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1. Bahco 10-21-51 21-Inch Ergo Bow Saw (Best Overall)

The Bahco 10-21-51 21-Inch Ergo is our overall best bow saw, not just because of its unique design that makes it easily slice your materials, but also its durability. Because the bow saw is designed for cutting both wood and lumber, it has become a must-have in every construction site and DIY people’s homes.

The main selling point of the Bahco 10-21-51 21-Inch Ergo Bow Saw is the rugged construction that makes it robust and, therefore, ideal for demanding applications. It is constructed with high-quality steel tubing, which is light but firm to use. We found it very easy to carry around and deploy to make straight cuts.

Bahco employed a special high-tensioning system that makes replacing the blade easy. Further, the bow saw’s handle is designed with a handguard that helps to keep your hand safe even when working on tough applications.

Another premium attribute we liked about this saw is the protection from rust and corrosion. The frame has a high-impact orange enamel coat that does not easily come out. The orange color also makes it easy to spot the bow saw if it falls on green matter.

Well, it is hard to find flaws with this bow saw. The only challenge we found with the piece is that it is large, and fitting in a backpack was a challenge. We had to disassemble the saw to easily carry it to the working site.

Specs

  • 14.1 ounces
  • Steel
  • 21 inches
  • 7.9 x 7.9 x11.8 inches

Pros

  • The saw has a lightweight frame that makes it easy to carry and use.
  • Easy to use tensioner that makes the saw ideal for both experts and newbies.
  • It is designed with a long-lasting frame.
  • The blade is easily replaceable.

Cons

  • Pricey

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2. Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 (Best Bow Saw for Bushcraft)

The Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 is a revolutionary piece that pools durability, flexibility, and compact size in one package. If you are headed to the bush and want a saw that will deliver high-performance cuts, this is the piece to buy. It will help you to effortlessly clear the paths, cut logs, and enjoy every moment in the woods.

It has a 21-inch steel blade that makes cutting big logs or felling small trees easy and fun. Further, we found the saw’s trapezoidal shape with three hinges ideal for diameter cuts.

Another selling point of the Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 is its unique folding design. When you unpack the saw, it automatically snaps into position to give you a firm hand saw in seconds. This design makes the saw very effective for any sort of bushcraft – from camping to trekking.

Taking a closer look at the saw, we found that it has a carefully designed blade with rust-free coating and aggressively angled teeth.  When it comes to bushcraft, this saw has no rival!

The only issue we found with this bow saw is that with prolonged use, it starts feeling a little uncomfortable.

Specs

  • 1.2 pounds
  • 24 x 4 x 4 inches
  • Aluminum frame, glass-reinforced nylon handle
  • 21″ blade, 21.5″ closed, 22″ tip to tip open

Pros

  • The saw blade tensions itself automatically.
  • It is light and folds into a small unit that is easy to carry.
  • It is a perfect option for cutting both small and big logs.

Cons

  • Pricey

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3. Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw (Best Budget Bow Saw)

Mention the brand Fiskars and it will send construction people, handymen, and bushcraft enthusiasts into a frenzy. The company is built on the pillar of total quality, as demonstrated in this Fiskars 7029 bow saw. Even with its top-rated features, the bow saw is very cheap.

The main selling point of the 7029 bow saw is its sturdy construction that makes it a firm tool to work with even on tough tasks. The frame is made using durable steel and the blade with precision-ground steel that makes ripping through any type of material such as wood easy. Further, the blade has an anti-rust coating to make it last longer.

Another selling point of this bow saw is its versatile tensioning system. The tensioning knob doubles as a handle so that you are assured of a tight blade when cutting green branches or dry wood. Further, changing the blade is also simple and fast. Well, these features are cool and can no doubt qualify this saw for a higher price tag.

The main shortcoming of this saw is that it is big and will not easily fit in a backpack. If you put it together with other tools, the blade can easily scratch them.

Specs

  • 1 pound
  • 3 x 26.7 x 10 inches
  • Metal
  • Hardened carbon steel with rust inhibitor

Pros

  • One of the most affordable bow saws out there.
  • The saw’s all-metal construction makes it firm to work with and long-lasting
  • The bow saw is light and you can easily carry around for most cutting tasks.

Cons

  • Its broad design makes it less ideal for working in compact areas.

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4. Bahco Bow Saw #9 (Best Bow Saw for Cutting Logs)

So you have a huge project that involves clearing logs, tough branches, and other hardcore cutting? The Bahco bow saw #9 is an all-purpose saw that will make your task easy, fast, and fun. Its features, such as tubular frame and ergonomic handle, have made it an irresistible piece for professionals and DIY people alike.

The primary selling point of the bow saw is its hardened steel blade and design that makes it easy to rip both hard and green materials. To make cutting more effective, the blade is firmly held on a lightweight and high-quality steel frame. Holding the handle and driving the saw with one hand while the other grabs the log being cut, this saw will slice any log in seconds.

Another awesome feature of this saw is its ergonomic handle that makes you extra comfortable even when working on tough projects. The plastic handle is easy to hold and use without worrying about developing blisters.

Notably, the adjustable tension system of the saw allows you to regulate the blade length based on the diameter of the log you are cutting. This is one of the reasons why this saw is very effective for different projects, from cutting green logs to dry projects.

At 39 inches long, this saw’s length can be an issue since it cannot easily fit in a backpack, especially when trekking for longer distances.

Specs

  • 2.1 pound
  • 39 x 1 x 10 inches
  • Metal
  • Hardened steel
  • High-quality steel tubing

Pros

  • Designed for both green and dry wood cutting.
  • The blade protector helps to prevent the development of blisters on your hand.
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Pricey

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5. Gerber Freescape (Best Camping Bow Saw)

The Gerber Freescape bow saw is a unique piece designed for hikers and campers. Its compact design makes it easy to place in a backpack and carry with ease.

The main selling point of this saw is its unique folding mechanism. While the bow saw opens to support a standard blade, it easily folds into a compact piece that you can carry on the backpack or sling on the shoulder. You do not need to dismember it to fold.

Another feature that makes this bow saw a great piece for camping is its exceptional cutting edge. The blade is made of hardened steel that strikingly holds the edge for a long time, even after cutting tough wood. Well, sharpen the blade once, and you can use it for the entire camping period without re-sharpening.

Specs

  • 1 pound
  • 17 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
  • Metal
  • Standard 12-inch

Pros

  • The saw’s frame is brightly colored so that you can easily spot if it falls on the grass.
  • Designed with rubber overmold grip that provides a firm grip when sawing.
  • The saw is good for multiple tasks, including cutting large diameter logs.

Cons

  • Pricey

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6. Truper 30255 Steel Handle Bow Saw

If you are looking for an affordable bow saw that is designed with quality in mind, the Truper 30255 is one piece that will not disappoint. It is solidly constructed and features a pointed nose that makes it a perfect option for both bushcraft and DIY (do-it-yourself) tasks around the home.

One of the main selling points of the saw is its simple and straightforward tensioning system. Using the lift cam-lever, you can remove the old blade, insert a new one, and tighten firmly in no time. We liked this design because you do not waste time, especially when working on demanding tasks.

To give users more choices, the Truper 30255 steel handle bow saw comes in three different models based on frame length: 21-inch, 23-inch, and 30-inch. If you want to use the bow saw for heavy-duty operations such as cutting tough branches or wood, go for the 30-inch model. If you need something while traveling then the best folding saw is a perfect choice.

To deliver greater value, Truper did not spare any effort when designing this saw. It has an all-metal frame constructed to last for years. Well, if the blade is used up or damaged, simply fit another one to make the saw rip those tough branches just like when it was new.

Our disappointment with this saw was on the handle, which becomes uncomfortable to use with time.

Specs

  • 2.4 ounces
  • 0.2 x 0.8 x 30 inches
  • Metal
  • Ergonomic handle with knuckle protector

Pros

  • The saw has a cool metal construction that guarantees a longer lifespan and value for money.
  • Changing the blade using the quick-release mechanism is easy.
  • In addition to packing enviable features, the saw is sold affordably.

Cons

  • The cam-lever tension system used on this saw is not the best out there.

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Bow Saw Buying Guide: Important Features to Consider

There are many reasons why you would want to have a bow saw in your arsenal of tools. Many people buy them for outdoor activities like hunting, trekking, camping, landscaping, and clearing paths.

So how do you select the best bow saw for your outdoor pursuits?

The features we have listed below were the primary considerations that we used when selecting the top saws reviewed in this post.

Blades

The blade in a bow saw is the most crucial part. The best bow saw blades are designed to make cutting materials easy and fall into two main categories.

Peg tooth blades

This group of blades features teeth arranged in three different triangular sets. The teeth have pointy ends and are recommended for cutting dry wood as opposed to green wood.

Peg and Raker Tooth Blade

These types of blades have a set of four-triangular teeth that are followed by a raker tooth. This blade is preferred for cutting green timber because the raker teeth push clippings out to prevent clogging.

Frame

The frames of most bow saws are made using tubular steel. This design helps to transfer energy to the blade for optimal cutting. Note that the frames may differ in shape depending on the creativity of the designer.

For example, some frames fold to make the bow saw fit into a backpack while others do not.

Handle

Most handles used on bow saws have a pistol design to make it comfortable for you to use even when cutting tough materials. Some, especially those meant for heavy-duty cutting, might have rubberized handles to prevent the formation of blisters.

Tensioner

Saw tensioners help to hold the blade on the frame of the saw. Besides, it is used to tighten the blade or loosen it for replacement.

Final Thoughts

In the above bow saw reviews, we have shed light on the best six pieces you will find on the market today. The bow saws have top-rated designs, excellent features, and are designed by respected companies.

Therefore, whether you want to buy a bow saw for camping, bushcraft, or DIY tasks around the home, among other tasks, rest assured of getting it on the list.

Even though we stand with all the bow saws reviewed in this article, we have to point out that the Bahco 10-21-51 21-Inch Ergo is the best of them all. The saw comes with rugged construction, high-quality steel tubing, and hardened steel that make it ideal for cutting both wood and lumber. This bow saw has no equal!