7 Best Bow Saws for Fast, Smooth Cuts
As with any tool, the best bow saw is the one that fits your needs rather than simply the most expensive model. In the specific case of a bow saw, look for one that is long enough to cut through the limbs or lumber you typically work with, and has the right number of teeth to quickly cut the material.
For the average homeowner, these saws will be perfect for trimming dead branches, pruning your fruit trees, cutting your family’s Christmas tree or doing most light trimming and branch cutting jobs you need to do. Included are two folding bow saws that are perfect for camping or backpacking.
If you only plan on cutting small branches, a pruning saw may be a better alternative. A handsaw is another type of saw worth considering for general all-purpose tasks. For thick branches, making quick work of cutting your own Christmas tree, and of course larger tree felling, consider a good chainsaw.
Our 7 Favorite Bow Saws
| Product | Type | Length | Weight | Cut Depth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bahco 10-30-23 | Traditional | 30 in | 27 oz | 6.0 in |
 | Bahco 332-21-51 | Traditional | 21 in | 23 oz | 5.0 in |
 | GreatNeck BB24 | Traditional | 24 in | 18 oz | 6.5 in |
 | Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 | Folding | 21 in | 17 oz | 6.0 in |
 | Coghlan's | Folding | 21 in | 15 oz | 5.0 in |
 | Truper 30255 | Traditional | 21 in | 22 oz | 6.8 in |
 | Hooyman | Traditional | 24 in | 29 oz | 6.0 in |
Bow Saw Reviews
#1 – Bahco 10-30-23 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw
At about 1.5 pounds, the Bahco 30-inch is definitely one of the top bow saws you’ll find. It features a 23-tooth blade that is designed for green wood, but can be used for light dry cutting as well.
The ergonomic design, coupled with the patented knuckle protector and comfortable grip, is easy to hold for long periods of time without undue discomfort. Cutting small branches of 3 to 6 inches in diameter is a snap, and the saw can master a log of as much as 12 inches before you have to do any creative cutting.
The oval tube frame is vital to the design, absorbing the stresses of cutting without bending. And to help you out initially, the factory blade is sharpened using state of the art precision tooling to give you a faster, smoother cut.
There is even an engineered tensioning mechanism to keep the blade tight and reduce bowing and binding as you cut.
The snap-on blade guard seem more like an afterthought, and is made of lightweight plastic, but it still works well enough, and the saw is an excellent tool with or without the blade guard. At 30 inches long, it will make quick work of thick branches and small tree stumps but some may prefer the smaller 24 or 21 inch versions.
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#2 – Bahco 332-21-51 21-Inch Bow Saw
This pointed-nose bow saw is great for getting into tight spaces. An ergonomic grip makes work easier, while the blade is perfect for cutting through dry timber. A blade cover is also included for safer handling between tasks.
One of the most popular features of this saw is the dual tension control. Large adjustments can be made using two blade stops, while a wing nut allows precise tightening. Owners prefer the 332-21-51 for small to medium jobs, where they say it cuts fast and smooth.
It seems rare, but a few owners have reported getting blades where the teeth weren’t properly set. The reduced kerf resulted in the saw seizing partway through a job. Replacing the blade remedied this situation.
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#3 – GreatNeck BB24 24-Inch Bow Saw
The GreatNeck BB24 brings serious cutting capacity with its 24-inch chrome alloy steel blade that can handle cuts up to 6-1/2 inches deep. This extra length makes quick work of larger branches and logs that would challenge smaller saws.
The tubular S2 steel frame provides exceptional strength and durability while maintaining reasonable weight for extended use. The two-piece frame design distributes cutting forces effectively, preventing frame flex that can bind the blade during aggressive cutting.
One of the standout features is the action blade tightener release system that makes blade changes remarkably fast and tool-free. Simply lift the latch, swap the blade, and secure (no fumbling with wing nuts or complicated mechanisms). This quick-change system minimizes downtime when blades dull during demanding projects.
The extra-hard chrome alloy blade cuts efficiently through hardwood, greenwood, and treated lumber, making it versatile for both camping and home improvement projects. The deep cutting capacity and durable construction make it particularly well-suited for trail clearing, brush removal, and firewood preparation.
Users appreciate the limited lifetime warranty and report excellent longevity with proper blade maintenance. The 24-inch length does make it less packable than shorter models, but for projects where cutting capacity trumps portability, this saw delivers professional results.
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#4 – Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 21-Inch Folding Bow Saw
This versatile folding saw has automatic blade tensioning, making it possible to open it without having to touch the glass filled nylon blade. A high clearance 3-hinge aluminum frame makes deeper cuts possible. Due to the design, this saw can be opened and locked in place quickly and effortlessly.
Those who own this saw consider it the best on the market. Not only does it cut well, the design means no wing nuts to worry about. Changing blades is easy and the tension helps you keep cuts straight and smooth.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a complaint about this saw. The 21-inch folded length means you might have a few issues getting it into your backpack without some planning. Also, keep in mind that the auto-tension means this saw will literally snap into place and might startle those around you.
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#5 – Coghlan’s 21-Inch Folding Saw
The Coghlan’s Folding Saw brings triangular frame stability in a compact, packable design that’s been solving camp problems for over 60 years. This innovative folding bow saw transforms from a compact carry tool into a full-sized 21-inch cutting machine in seconds.
What sets this saw apart is its interchangeable blade system. It accepts standard 21-inch bow saw blades, so you’re not locked into proprietary replacements. The anodized aluminum frame provides exceptional durability while keeping weight down to just 15 ounces, making it ideal for backpacking and camping.
The serrated blade cuts efficiently through both green and dry wood, with the triangular frame geometry providing superior rigidity compared to traditional folding saws. The frame even includes storage space for spare blades, a thoughtful touch for when you’re away from home.
Users consistently praise its space-saving design and reliability, noting it performs significantly better than typical pruning saws for firewood preparation. The only downside some mention is the premium price point, though most agree the quality and versatility justify the cost. For campers or anyone who wants bow saw performance without the bulk, this folding design delivers exactly that combination.
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#6 – Truper 30255 21-Inch Bow Saw
With more than 40 years in the industry, Truper is a Mexican manufacturing company that works hard to maintain its reputation as a premier tool company, and this tool is no exception.
The 21 inch Truper 30255 is lightweight at only 22 ounces and has a taller profile than most same-length saws for cutting larger branches.
Made for cutting green wood, this model was designed using the latest engineering technology available. The most significant feature is the cam-and-lever tensioning system which allows you to keep the blade tight and perform straighter, faster cuts without problems.
There have been a few complaints that the rivets are of low quality and break easily. The good news is that they can be readily replaced with ordinary rivets if a problem comes up.
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#7 – Hooyman 24-Inch Bow Saw
The Hooyman saw is a lesser known option that stands out with its SK5 steel blade construction and impulse-hardened MegaBite teeth that provide longer-lasting edge retention. This combination offers flexibility in the blade while maintaining consistently aggressive cutting performance through both green and seasoned wood.
The saw features Hooyman’s signature no-slip H-Grip molded into the comfort handle, providing excellent control even in wet conditions or when wearing gloves. The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions, making it ideal for land management and farming applications.
What makes this saw particularly effective is its blade tension adjustment knob, allowing you to fine-tune the blade tension for optimal cutting performance. The hardened teeth cut aggressively on both push and pull strokes, significantly reducing the effort required compared to standard bow saws.
Owners report this saw reduces cutting effort significantly compared to conventional designs, though you can expect the foam grip material to tear with heavy use. The aggressive tooth pattern excels at firewood preparation and branch removal, though it may be a bit too aggressive for delicate pruning work.
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Bow Saw Buying Guide
What Is a Bow Saw Used For?
Bow saws are extremely useful tools, whether at home or out enjoying nature. The saw’s design makes it highly efficient at what it does, but it’s not as useful in broader applications. It’s important to understand the function of bow saws when investing in one.
The bow saw is a type of frame saw which gets its name from the drawn bow shape of its frame. Cuts with this saw are rough but quick, making it a perfect choice for cutting firewood, pruning, or cutting down your own Christmas tree.
Due to the shape, bow saws require more clearance than many other types of saws but can also cut deeper before the frame comes into contact with the wood. This makes them particularly effective for processing larger diameter branches and logs that would challenge other hand saws.
Related: Best Pole Saws (Manual and Powered)
Traditional Bow Saw vs Folding Bow Saw
When choosing a bow saw, you’ll encounter two main designs: traditional fixed-frame models and folding bow saws designed for portability.
Traditional bow saws like the Bahco 30-inch offer maximum rigidity and cutting power. The fixed frame provides superior blade tension and stability, making them ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks around the home or property. They typically handle larger diameter cuts more efficiently and last longer under demanding use.
Folding bow saws like the Agawa Canyon prioritize portability and storage convenience. These designs fold down to a compact size perfect for backpacking, camping, or limited storage spaces. While they may sacrifice some cutting power compared to fixed-frame models, modern folding designs still deliver impressive performance.
We find that traditional bow saws excel for homeowners with storage space who need maximum cutting capacity, while folding models shine for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and anyone with limited storage. Consider your primary use.
Blade Length
Choosing the right blade length significantly impacts your saw’s performance and usability. Here’s how to match blade length to your cutting needs:
15-inch blades work best for light pruning and small branch removal. They’re the most portable option and require less arm strength, making them ideal for extended use or users with limited upper body strength. However, we’d recommend a good pruning saw over a short bow saw in this case.
21-inch blades represent the sweet spot for many users. They provide enough cutting stroke for efficient work while remaining manageable for extended use. This length handles branches up to 6 inches diameter effectively and fits in most camping packs when folded.
24-inch blades offer increased cutting capacity for larger branches and logs up to 8 inches diameter. The longer stroke reduces cutting time significantly, but the added length requires more storage space and can be tiring during long cutting sessions.
30-inch blades deliver maximum cutting power for serious wood processing tasks. They excel at cutting logs up to 12 inches diameter and make quick work of firewood preparation. However, they’re heavier, require more storage space, and demand greater arm strength.
Our recommendation: Anything from 21 to 30 inches is fine for most homeowners. Those processing large amounts of firewood should consider 24-30 inch options. Go with a 21-inch model if space is limited, you don’t plan on cutting branches over 6 inches in diameter, or if you have strength limitations.
Frame Material Comparison
The frame material significantly affects your bow saw’s weight, durability, and performance characteristics. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right saw.
Steel frames offer maximum strength and rigidity for demanding cutting tasks. Models like the Bahco 30-inch and GreatNeck series use high-quality steel construction that can withstand heavy use and abuse. Steel frames maintain blade tension better under load, resulting in straighter cuts and less blade wandering. They’re also typically less expensive than aluminum alternatives.
The downside is that steel frames are heavier, which can cause you to tire quicker, especially during extended cutting sessions. They’re also more susceptible to rust if the protective coating gets damaged (though quality models feature enamel or powder coating for corrosion resistance).
Aluminum frames prioritize weight savings and corrosion resistance. For instance, the Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 uses anodized 6063 aluminum. These frames are significantly lighter than steel, making them ideal for backpacking and extended use.
Aluminum frames won’t rust and are naturally corrosion-resistant, making them perfect for marine environments or wet conditions. The anodized finish provides additional protection and durability. However, aluminum frames typically cost more and may not provide quite the same rigidity as steel under heavy cutting loads.
Our recommendation: Choose a steel-framed saw for home use, heavy-duty cutting, and maximum value. Go with aluminum when portability matters, for marine/wet environments, or when you’ll be carrying the saw for extended periods. For camping and backpacking, the weight savings of aluminum usually justifies the higher cost.
