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One of the best tools you can have in your possession when SHTF is a survival saw. It’s been overlooked in the past, but now that these survival saws come in so many shapes and sizes, it’s important to have one included in your car, your survival kit, or whatever tools you have stashed away for when the ball drops.
Even if you have comparable tools, using a hand saw can trump any of those tools because it’s quicker and safer. If you are in a situation where you are short on time and energy, using the most efficient tools are important to save energy and calories.
Please note that some of these saws, such as the fixed-blade saws can be a little larger and are good for bugging in then, bugging out. You will need to assess your situation and think about how these saws will be used and what you need them for.
With that said, I wanted to go over some various types of survival saws and determine what are some of the best survival saws on the market today.
Why Do I Need a Survival Saw in the Survival Kit?
For all those who think that a survival saw is just extra baggage, these reasons for having it in your survival kit might just change your mind:
Branches won’t block your path anymore while hiking and trekking through the woods because you can easily cut them off using your survival saw.
Lighting a fire won’t be an issue because your survival saw will split the logs with minimal effort.
Your food requirements will be covered because your survival saw will easily slice meat into pieces.
It is a necessity in building a shelter.
What are the Types of Survival Saws?
Before we dive into what are the best survival saws for preppers, you need to know the basic know-how of their types so you can make the right decision.
First of all, you need to get this misconception out of your mind that a chainsaw is a survival saw. Although they are excellent helpers, but they aren’t going to be practical for a survival kit. Which brings us to more survival-type saws that are lighter, smaller, and can be packed easily in the car or in a bug-out-bag.
Generally, there are three styles of survival saws, each of which is suitable for a specific situation. Let’s understand these types, and when and where they should be used:
Folding Saws For Survival
Most of the time, whenever someone mentions a survival saw, they are referring to a folding saw. This popular tool, which is also known as a pocket folding saw or a pocket saw is kept in the survival kits for short term usage.
As the name indicates, they are foldable, which means you can easily carry them around everywhere even in your pocket. As far as their dimensions are considered, they are double the size of a conventional pocket knife.
They are an intermediate between the bulky saws and smaller tools like knives. Since they don’t occupy substantial space; therefore, they fit nicely in a basic survival kit.
In addition to assisting you in getting through a wilderness survival situation, they are quite handy in helping with house tasks as well, which makes them a staple in a home tool kit.
Survival Hand Chainsaws (Pocket Chainsaws)
Pocket chainsaws, also termed as the survival hand chainsaws, are only suitable for wilderness usage; they might be a bit too dangerous for leaving around your house.
They are an excellent alternative of wire saws, which can be a bit bulky for survival in the wild baggage. Furthermore, pocket chainsaws require less sweat as compared to wire saws in performing the same tasks.
They are our favorite option when it comes to portability alongside functionality because they are not only lightweight and foldable, but they also provide more woodworking options as compared to folding saws. You can use this type of survival saw for heavy-duty tasks as well, such as cutting down a small tree.
Bow Saws In A Survival Situation
We consider the bow saw to be more of a standard outdoor tool than a survival saw due to its size.
However, certain versions are very helpful in situations where you require to break down logs for the fire. Such options are smaller than the general bow saws, and a few of them are foldable.
If you intend on getting your hands on a bow saw, then make sure that it isn’t bulky, because, how are you going to carry it around while maneuvering through the woods?!
Amongst the three types of survival saws, bow saws, for sure, are our favorite when it comes to campfire preps!
How To Choose The Best Survival saw
By now, you would have probably understood the three different types of survival saws, but is this information enough to choose your required tool?
The answer is definitely no. You still need to learn these tips and tricks to get the best survival saw suitable for your needs:
The first step in choosing a survival saw is to understand your needs. If you intend to keep moving through the woods, then you should opt for a folding saw, as it will help you in getting rid of branches and cutting small logs. Get a bow saw, if you are planning to camp. If your next adventure involves hiking or backpacking, then take a pocket chainsaw, with a folding saw as a backup.
Check the number and size of survival saw’s teeth (blades) before placing your order. Greater the number of teeth per inch, smoother the cut. As far as the size is concerned, larger teeth are suitable for softwoods, whereas, medium teeth work well on hardwoods.
The material of the survival saw depends upon the climate. If your area is humid, then choose a stainless-steel saw. In other cases, a carbon steel tool would do, provided you thoroughly clean and dry it after every usage.
The size and weight of your survival saw depend upon your usage. If you’re going car camping, then size and weight won’t matter a lot, but if you plan on hiking or backpacking, then ensure that your chosen saw is lightweight and portable.
What are the Best Survival Saws for Preppers?
As promised earlier, in this section, we’ll share our chosen 8 best survival saws for preppers. Let’s get started:
If you want a highly portable folding saw without compromising in cutting length, then there isn’t a better option than the Silky Professional BigBoy 2000 folding saw.
This multi-purpose survival saw only weighs 1.2 lbs and has a cutting length of over 14 inches. Thanks to the Silky’s MIRAI-ME tooth technology, it offers a longer stroke and cutting capability, which means you’ll be able to perform your chores at a better speed than the majority of its counterparts.
You can get this bad boy in three different sizes, i.e., medium, large, and extra-large; each of which has a hard chrome-plated blade width of 1.8 mm. Its teeth configuration of 5.5 teeth per inch makes it suitable for heavy-duty woodwork. Silky recommends it for green and dried wood.
You don’t need to worry about hurting yourself due to slippage while working with this tool, thanks to its non-slip two-handed rubberized cushioned handle.
Survival Saw Pros
Silky MIRAI-ME tooth technology for better cutting capability
Teeth configuration of 5.5 teeth per inch
Hard chrome-plated blade with a width of 1.8mm
Non-slip two-handed rubberized cushioned handle
14-inch long curved blade
Survival Saw Cons
A few customers weren’t satisfied with the locking mechanism.
Perfect for Boy Scouts, your Bug Out Bag, Landscapers or your Emergency Gear.
One of the major issues with pocket chainsaws is that they are either short or fragile and hence, leave your side in the middle of a chore. However, this won’t happen with you, if you get your hands on the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw, which is known for its 36- inch long sturdy chain.
Now, let’s come towards the next recurring fault, fragileness of the chain. This survival saw’s chain is made from superior quality 65Mn high carbon heat-treated steel, a material famous for its toughness and resistance against wear and tear.
This bi-directional chainsaw rips through branches and small trees from three sides for a clean and quick cut. It won’t slip out of your hands or fall apart, thanks to its heavy-duty rugged handles with metal bracelets.
If you are tired of replacing your saws again and again due to their bluntness then the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw might give you some relief because you can resharpen it; all you need is a 5/32 round chainsaw file.
In addition to all these qualities, it comes with a tough nylon front snap storage pouch, which will cover your storage and safety concerns. Did I mention that the Sportsman Industries sends a complementary 8 mm fire starter as well?
Survival Saw Pros
36-inch long 65Mn high carbon heat-treated steel chain
The blade can be re-sharpened
Heavy-duty rugged handles with metal bracelets
Tough nylon front snap storage pouch
Survival Saw Cons
The chainsaw’s teeth only face in a single direction.
Two-component plastic handle for perfect grip, with leather strap.
Equipped with safety lock for both lock-in and lock-out
Blade is specially coated for rust protection and low friction
If you require a basic folding saw, mostly as a backup tool, while hunting or camping, then we’d suggest you check out the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw.
Its blade has a length of 7-1/2 inches, which qualifies it to be a decent general-purpose folding saw. You can utilize it for numerous woodworking activities centered around the green and dry wood.
In addition to this, it cuts through bone with minimal effort, which makes it a gem for a hunting kit. It will cover all your plastic cutting needs as well.
Now, we’ve already learned about this folding saw’s blade length, but how is its material?
Well, this saw won’t disappoint you with giving up to wear and tear easily because its blade is expertly coated to fight against rust. Furthermore, it won’t pose you any friction issues, all thanks to low friction coating.
This blade has XT hardpoint toothing with a teeth configuration of 7 teeth per inch.
As far as safety is concerned, it has lock-in and lock-out safety locks. In addition to this, the 2-component plastic handle ensures that you don’t lose the grip while working.
Apart from your survival kit, the Laplander will fit in your basic home tool kit as well!
Survival Saw Pros
Rust-resistant blade
Low friction coating on the blade
XT hardpoint toothing with a teeth configuration of 7 TPI
Lock-in and lock-out safety locks
2-component plastic handle
Survival Saw Cons
A few customers complained that the locking mechanism fails with a bit of pressure.
If the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw isn’t the one for you, and you are still on a hunt for a folding saw, then have a look at the Opinel Folding Saw.
This survival saw will cut through any branch that is 4”, which is approximately equal to 10 cm, or less in diameter with its razor-sharp teeth. Its blade is approximately 7-1/8” (18 cm) in length made from carbon steel.
After reading carbon steel, many of you would have assumed that it’ll get rusted and leave your side rather quickly. Rest assured, this won’t happen with you, thanks to its anti-corrosion coating. However, ensure that you dry it before storing.
Opinel made sure that its customers enjoy the premium quality tool, and thus, especially imported beechwood for its handle from France.
Last but not least, the Opinel folding saw has a replaceable safety hook and blade!
Survival Saw Pros
Cuts through any branch having a diameter of 4” or less
Anti-corrosion coating on the blade
Beechwood handle imported from France
Replaceable safety hook and blade
Survival Saw Cons
A few customers weren’t happy with the alignment of the blade with the handle.
Very versatile and can go with you anywhere such as backpacking, camping, and especially survival uses.
Light and packable.
Annodized 6063 aluminum frame.
Fiberglass reinforced nylon handle.
Are you in search of a survival saw that is foldable and has a long blade?
If yes, then look no further than the Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw, our favorite in bow saws!
Its blade is 21 inches in length, which is approximately equal to 53.3 cm, and is made completely from stainless steel, and thus, isn’t susceptible to rust.
Although the bow saw’s Swedish made blade is made from stainless steel, it is still covered with rust protective coating.
In addition to the blade, all the other metal components are also made from stainless steel to ensure that the bow saw doesn’t give up to rust.
Agawa Canyon has ensured the superior quality of its BOREAL21 Bow Saw by using high-grade anodized aluminum in the frame, and fiberglass-reinforced nylon in the handle and tensioning arm.
It’s raker tooth patterned teeth are quite aggressive and will cut through branches and shrubs with ease.
Survival Saw Pros
21 inches stainless steel Swedish-made blade
Weatherproof stainless steel hardware
High-grade anodized aluminum frame
Fibre glass-reinforced nylon handle and tensioning arm
Survival Saw Cons
A few customers complained that the blade twists a bit.
If you are a first-time bow saw user, then there isn’t a better option for you than the Gerber Freescape Camp Saw.
Although this bow saw’s blade is just 12 inches in length, it can cut any branch or log that has a diameter of 6 inches or less by using four pivot points.
Its most attractive feature is its folding mechanism, which folds the saw flat without any disassembly or threat of losing hardware. In case of any issue, or wear and tear, you can replace the blade in a few steps.
Its rubber over-mold grip ensures that it doesn’t escape your hands or cause an accident while woodworking.
Apart from the material, the grip’s color, which is bright green, also aids in avoiding accidents by being visible even during darkness.
Last but not least, it has a limited lifetime warranty, which takes the risk out of anyone buying this product.
Survival Saw Pros
Innovative four pivot point cutting mechanism
Folds flat without disassembly
Rubber over-mold grip
Bright green handle for visibility
Survival Saw Cons
The blade length might be short for some people’s liking.
The ultimate prepper survival hand saw for use in emergencies.
Two way bi-directional cutting teeth reduces binding and hang ups.
24” chain saw chain.
Built in compass and survival whistle.
If you are looking for a chainsaw alongside a small camping kit, then head over to the SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw and Fire Starter combo.
As you would have gathered from the name, this product doesn’t just contain a chainsaw, but a fire starter as well, which has a built-in compass and whistle to counter emergencies.
Now, let’s talk a bit about the blade. Its teeth are bi-directional, which means you won’t have an issue in cutting if somehow the blade rotates while cutting.
It has a heat-treated high strength carbon alloy and steel blade, which makes it durable and superior against numerous saw styles such as the handsaw.
Another noteworthy feature of its design is that it has a camouflage print, which mutes it down against the wilderness environment. You can also use it in your home garden or keep it in your car to counter emergencies.
Survival Saw Pros
Bi-directional teeth
Heat-treated high strength carbon alloy and steel blade
Folding blade is curved, taper-ground, and replaceable.
If you often encounter small to medium branches during your adventures then you should stick with a saw with a shorter blade, and one of our favorites in this regard is the Corona Razor Tooth Folding Pruning Saw.
As you would have gathered from the title, this survival saw has a 10 inches long curved chrome-plated blade.
This length is ideal for cutting any branch that has a diameter of 6 inches. It features three-sided razor teeth with a configuration of 6 teeth per inch.
When not in use, you can easily fold the blade into the handle to avoid accidents. Its ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip so that you can perform all your woodworking with safety and ease.
As far as the durability is concerned, the impulse hardened teeth will last you a lifetime. Furthermore, the blade is replaceable, which means you won’t have to buy a new saw every now and then!
Survival Saw Pros
10 inches long curved chrome-plated blade
Ergonomically designed handle for a comfortable grip
Impulse hardened three-sided teeth with a configuration of 6 teeth per inch
Survival Saw Cons
The blade dulls rather quickly.
Final Thoughts
By now, you would have learned quite a lot about the selection of survival saw and might have chosen one from our list of the best survival saw for preppers. If yes, then let us know which saw compelled you to hit the buy now button. Also, if you’ve used any of these before then share your reviews. Let the adventures begin!
