Every ardent gardener has a group of tools they use including the bushcraft saw. Anyone from a backpacker to a hiker will find the pruning saw as a safe, convenient, compact and versatile tool. When not in use, these tools can easily be tucked away against the flesh making them a favorite for many.
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Why is it Important to Prune
As a gardener, you need a pruning saw for your garden. But why is it necessary to prune? Why not leave the plant alone to grow and thrive?
One of the most critical reasons for pruning is to ensure the health of the plant. Any diseased and dying parts should be cut off to prevent spreading. Pruning also clears any overcrowding as a result of branches competing for air and light. The plant then becomes healthier and stronger for optimal production – the goal of every farmer.
For the landscaping enthusiasts, pruning young plants help design the direction of growth for the plant. This helps achieve the desired shape and form as the plant grows. In other words, pruning stokes your creativity.
Pruning is also essential to control the appearance and size of the plant. Some of us have limited space, and overgrown plants may not be what we want. Pruning is also essential where the goal is to make the plant aesthetically appealing – you can remove branches here and there to achieve the desired look.
Some farmers know the importance of pruning when it comes to flowers and fruit growth. Cutting some of the branches redirects the resources to fruit production and revitalized vegetation growth.
Safety Measures when Handling a Bushcraft Saw
Bushcraft saws and other knives can inflict an ugly cut on your hand. To ensure you are always safe, be conscious of how you handle the knife. Keep your fingers off the blade when unsheathing or unfolding.
When not in use, put the blade back in the sheath or fold it as necessary. It is better to be safe. Don’t leave it lying around on the ground as you attend to some other business. You never know when a tripping accident may occur leading to an injury.
And when it comes to using the saw, always give yourself some adequate room in which to work. Don’t be too close to your colleagues and avoid any confined spaces. Also be aware of the movement of those close you. Avoid making your mind wander around as you will never know when a person is close to you. It is also best to keep an eye on those using the knife or the saw.
Always clean the saw or knife after use. Bring along the cleaning supplies so that you can clean the blade right there before putting it back in the sheath or folding it for storage.
Things to Consider when Buying a Bushcraft Folding Saw
- Curved or Straight: depending on the kind of branches you will be cutting, you can choose between a bent and straight blade. Basically, the curved edge is best for small branches while the straight version for big branches – you know the type of branches you will be dealing with.
- The Purpose: how you are going to use the saw is an essential factor to consider. If you are thinking about getting a blade for survival, or bushcraft, then something with thick medium-sized teeth to overcome the stress of going through thick branches will be sufficient. Smaller blades always have finer teeth than bigger ones.
- Material: the material used to construct the blade will determine whether it is durable or not. Standard materials are carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is more rugged and maintains a sharp edge better but needs a little bit more maintenance – this tends to put people off. Stainless steel is low maintenance and durable but may not hold the edge better.
- Right / Left handed: if you are left handed, then it would be wise to check whether the blade has any features like the operable lock that would prove an inconvenience – many manufacturers seem to assume that the majority of saw users are right-handed.
- Comfort and Handling: because of the nature of the job you will be handling, it is crucial to determine the comfort of the saw. It must be well-balanced, and the handle must have an ergonomic design.And talking of comfort, the blade must be fitting on your hand. We all have different hand sizes and what one person may feel comfortable is not what another may do. If you are buying online, you can always check what others are saying and decide on that basis.Rubber on the handle is not such a bad idea as it will prevent slips that may cause accidents.
Bushcraft Saw Reviews
#1: Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
This multipurpose knife is the kind of survival tool any individual would want. The folding saw is ideal for cutting through both green and dry wood. It will also cut through bone and plastic. The blade is specially coated to reduce friction and avoid rusting. The reduced friction means that it is easier to use for such tasks as pruning – flows in smoothly. This knife has ergonomically designed handle for a good grip. It is made of both plastic and leather for the perfect design.
- A multipurpose knife that can cut through various materials
- Coated for reduced friction and rust
- Ergonomically designed handle for a good grip when using
- Comes with a safety lock to ensure no accidents happen to you
- It is easy to use
- It is a bit small for pruning big branches
#2: Gerber Freescape Camp Saw
This is for the farmers with big branches to prune. It is easy to hold and large enough to fell a small tree. And if you have a thing for portability, this saw folds easily to a size most convenient to carry around – you should not be worried about tearing your backpack as the blade can thoroughly fold hiding the teeth. It has a comfortable grip for any cutting or pruning task.
The camp saw has an innovative design that incorporates four pivot points for more cutting area.
- A good saw for pruning big branches
- It is easy to hold and will not prove a problem
- Easily folds without removal of parts – quite convenient
- An ergonomic handle made of a comfortable rubber
- Has a great design that makes your pruning so much easier
- The blade may break under a significant amount of pressure
#3: Corona Clipper 21-Inch Razor Tooth Raker Saw RS 7160
The saw has an ergonomic design that makes using it so much easier. It is lightweight and has no movable parts that may prove problematic in the long run. This product has a raker tooth pattern that allows for self-cleaning once the saw is out of the tree.
This is chrome-plated for reduced friction as you use it ensuring efficiency. The blade has a high amount of carbon which means more durability and higher capacity to maintain a sharp edge.
- An ergonomic design that makes using it almost feels like fun
- A self-cleaning tooth pattern where sawdust is released once the tool gets from the tree
- Chrome-plated for minimal friction and efficiency when cutting
- High carbon content in the steel for durability and ability to maintain a sharp edge
- Can cut big branches with ease
- Not very sharp like some competing products
#4: Fiskars 15 Inch Pruning Saw with Handle
Fiskars is an established brand when it comes to cutting and farming equipment, and so you may not go wrong choosing them. For starters, this bushcraft saw is easy to use and cuts branches with so much ease. The curved blade makes your backward and forward strokes so much more natural – you do not have to exert a lot of effort.
And if you are a hiking enthusiast, there is no reason you cannot take this saw with you as it is handy and pretty convenient.
- Well-designed for pruning with so much ease
- A curved blade for pruning efficiency
- It is easy to make quick undercuts while maintaining control
- Has a good 15 inches long to handle even the thick branches
- Not the best when it comes to hardwood limbs
#5: SPORTSMAN FOLDING HAND SAW
For the camper and hikers, they probably want something convenient and lightweight so that they can move around with it. This saw pretty much fits the bill as it well-designed for traveling with and cutting through branches. The saw is ten inches long and is curved for efficient cuts.
The handsaw has a pretty comfortable handle you may need to handle all your tasks with so much ease. Its metal teeth contain carbon for a high level of durability.
- Tens inches long curved blade for efficient cuts
- An ergonomically-designed handle with raised grip for comfort when using
- The metal teeth made of carbon for durability
- Comes with a sheath for easy carrying and protection from the elements
- Wobbles and may bend with the application of a significant amount of pressure
Conclusion
The Bushcraft saw is an essential tool for a gardener to have around. It can cut through branches with so much ease. The best pruning saw is easy to handle, maintains its sharpness, is lightweight and durable.
Choosing one from above may be a little tricky, but the Corona Clipper 21-Inch Razor Tooth Raker Saw RS 7160 deserves a particular kind of recognition.
Well, this saw may be ideal for handling big branches, it is chrome-plated for minimal friction and has a high carbon content for durability. With this tool, we can say that you are well-covered when it comes to pruning and the like.