Best Compact Bushcraft Saws of 2025

When you’re out in the wild, a compact bushcraft saw can help cut firewood, clearing trails, or building a shelter. A good saw allows you to process wood efficiently and safely. Compared to axes, which require more effort and skill, a high-quality folding or bow saw provides controlled and efficient cuts with less physical exertion.

But with so many options on the market, choosing the right saw can be overwhelming. Factors like blade length, teeth per inch (TPI), weight, and portability all play a role in finding the best fit for your needs. To help you make the right choice, we’ve tested eight of the best compact bushcraft saws available today—ensuring you get a reliable tool for your outdoor adventures.

8 Best Compact Bushcraft Saws, Tested

Here’s a structured table of the 8 Best Compact Bushcraft Saws:

Saw Model	Image	Blade Length	(TPI)	Weight	Blade Material	Best For	Foldable?	Availability
Silky Gomboy Curve 240		9.5 inches	8.5 TPI	9.1 oz	High-Carbon Steel	Precision & Fast Cutting	✅ Yes	Check Price
Bahco Laplander		7.5 inches	7 TPI	7.1 oz	High-Carbon Steel	All-Purpose Bushcraft	✅ Yes	Check Price
Corona RazorTOOTH 10”		10 inches	6 TPI	12 oz	High-Carbon Steel	Cutting Firewood	✅ Yes	Check Price
Sven-Saw 15”		15 inches	5 TPI	14 oz	Tempered Swedish Steel	Heavy-Duty Cutting	❌ No	Check Price
Agawa Boreal21		21 inches	4 TPI	17 oz	Stainless Steel	Large Logs & Firewood	❌ No	Check Price
Silky PocketBoy 170		6.7 inches	10 TPI	5.6 oz	High-Carbon Steel	Ultralight & Precision Work	✅ Yes	Check Price
Opinel No. 12 Folding Saw		4.7 inches	12 TPI	3.5 oz	Carbon Steel	Small Bushcraft Tasks	✅ Yes	Check Price
Felco F-600		6 inches	7 TPI	6 oz	High-Carbon Steel	Pruning & Light Bushcraft	✅ Yes	Check Price

1. Silky Gomboy Curve 240 Bushcraft Saw

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The Silky Gomboy Curve 240 is a top-tier folding saw that balances compactness, durability, and aggressive cutting performance. Its curved blade increases cutting efficiency, making it an excellent choice for bushcraft, camping, and survival tasks. The Japanese impulse-hardened teeth stay sharp longer for effortless cuts through green and dry wood.

The rubberized handle ensures a comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. Its lightweight build (just under 10 oz) makes it ideal for carrying in a pack without adding extra bulk. Unlike traditional straight saws, the curved blade makes pull strokes smoother and more controlled, which reduces fatigue over long sawing sessions.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable, packable, and incredibly sharp saw that can handle small to medium logs with ease, the Silky Gomboy Curve 240 is a top pick.

2. Bahco Laplander Folding Saw

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A trusted classic in the bushcraft community, the Bahco Laplander is well-known for its lightweight design and excellent performance. The 7.5-inch carbon steel blade features a low-friction coating. This will allow for smooth cuts through both green and seasoned wood.

During testing, we appreciated the push-pull cutting action, which speeds up sawing and reduces user fatigue. Compared to many competitors, its rust-resistant coating ensures longevity in damp environments. While the handle lacks rubberized padding, the textured plastic provides a solid grip.

3. Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Saw 10-Inch

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The Corona RazorTOOTH features an aggressive 10-inch blade with triple-ground teeth, allowing faster and cleaner cuts. This saw is designed for professionals. It slices through logs like butter, making it an excellent choice for campers and bushcrafters who need efficiency.

We tested this saw on 4- to 6-inch branches, and it performed exceptionally well, outpacing similar compact saws. The curved blade enhances stroke power. However, the blade is slightly longer than other compact options, making it less pack-friendly. Long story short, if speed and efficiency matter most to you, the Corona RazorTOOTH is a powerful cutting machine.

4. Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 for Heavy-Duty Tasks

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The BOREAL21 features a folding bow saw design, making it stronger and more effective for large-diameter logs. The 21-inch blade offers outstanding efficiency, and its aluminum frame keeps it lightweight.

We found that its tool-free assembly makes setup fast, and once unfolded, it provides superior cutting capacity. Despite its larger size, it folds down flat, making it easy to pack. This is the best option for bushcrafters who regularly process firewood.

5. Sven-Saw 15″ for Ultralight Backpacking

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If you’re looking for a super compact and lightweight bushcraft saw, the Sven-Saw 15″ is the best option. Designed with a folding bow saw frame, it provides exceptional cutting efficiency while taking up minimal space in your pack. The Swedish steel blade stays razor sharp, and the aircraft-grade aluminum frame keeps it both durable and lightweight.

The Sven-Saw excelled at cutting through thick logs with minimal effort. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, taking less than 20 seconds to unfold and lock into place. Compared to traditional folding saws, its rigid frame allows for straight, powerful cuts.

6. Silky PocketBoy 170 Compact Bushcraft Saw

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If space is your top concern, the Silky PocketBoy 170 is the smallest high-performance saw available. Featuring a 6.7-inch Japanese steel blade, it’s designed for precision cutting on small branches and firewood. Despite its size, the impulse-hardened teeth make quick work of dense wood.

We verified the PocketBoy on 1- to 3-inch branches, and it performed flawlessly. The rubberized handle provides a secure grip, and its compact folding design makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bushcraft kit. This saw is ideal for lightweight hikers, survivalists, and ultralight campers.

7. Coghlan’s Folding Saw – Best for Bow Saw

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For those who need a full-sized bow saw at an affordable price, Coghlan’s Folding Saw is a surprisingly good performer. Its 21-inch tempered steel blade can tackle larger logs and firewood with ease. This model folds into a flat, compact shape for easy storage.

We found that this saw cuts faster than most folding saws, making it a great option for processing wood efficiently. However, because of its larger size, it’s best suited for bushcrafters who don’t mind carrying a slightly bulkier tool. Overall, if you need a budget-friendly bow saw for serious wood processing, this is a solid choice.

8. Opinel No. 18 Folding Traditional Bushcraft Saw

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The Opinel No. 18 Folding Saw is a classic French-made tool that combines traditional craftsmanship with excellent performance. It features a 7-inch carbon steel blade, making it a great choice for cutting branches up to 4 inches in diameter.

Its wooden handle provides a comfortable grip with a classic look. The locking blade mechanism ensures safety when folded or in use. Although it’s not the fastest cutter, it excels at controlled, precise cuts, making it perfect for bushcraft shelters and woodworking tasks.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Compact Bushcraft Saw

Choosing the right bushcraft saw depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider before making a purchase:

Saw Type: Folding vs. Bow Saw

Folding saws are compact, lightweight, and ideal for cutting small to medium branches. They fit easily in a backpack and are great for general bushcraft and survival tasks. Bow saws are larger and more powerful, making them better suited for cutting larger logs and firewood. They typically offer faster cutting speeds but take up more space.

Blade Length & Cutting Capacity

• 6 to 10 inches – Best for light bushcraft work and small branches.
• 10 to 15 inches – A versatile size for most bushcraft tasks.
• 15 inches and above – Ideal for processing larger logs and firewood.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI) and Blade Type

• Fewer teeth (5-7 TPI) – Cuts faster and is better for softer wood.
• More teeth (8-12 TPI) – Provides a smoother cut, ideal for hardwood and precision cutting.
• Japanese-style pull saws offer incredibly sharp, efficient cutting with minimal effort.

Weight and Portability

If you’re backpacking or hiking, choose a lightweight saw (under 10 oz) that fits in your pack. If you need more cutting power, a slightly heavier saw with a stronger frame may be a better choice.

Handle Design and Grip

Rubberized grips provide better control and comfort, especially in wet conditions. Wooden handles offer a traditional feel but may be less grippy.

Durability and Blade Material

High-carbon steel blades stay sharper longer but may need rust protection. Stainless steel blades resist rust but may not hold an edge as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best size for a bushcraft saw?

It depends on your needs. A 6- to 10-inch saw is ideal for light tasks and portability, while a 10- to 15-inch saw is better for cutting larger logs and firewood. If you need serious cutting power, consider a 15-inch or larger bow saw.

Can I use a bushcraft saw for processing firewood?

Yes! A high-quality bushcraft saw can efficiently process small to medium firewood. For larger logs, a bow saw or a full-sized folding saw like the Sven-Saw is a better option.

Are Japanese pull saws better than traditional push saws?

Japanese pull saws, like the Silky PocketBoy or Silky Gomboy, offer faster, smoother cuts with less effort. They cut on the pull stroke, which reduces blade binding and increases control. Traditional push saws are still effective but may require more effort.

How do I maintain my bushcraft saw?

• Keep the blade clean – Remove sap and debris after use.
• Oil the blade – Apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust (especially on high-carbon steel blades).
• Sharpen the teeth if possible – Some saws allow for sharpening, while others have impulse-hardened teeth that cannot be resharpened.
• Store it properly – Keep the saw in a dry place and use a blade cover if provided.

Can I use a bushcraft saw for survival situations?

Absolutely! A compact folding saw is one of the best survival tools you can carry. It allows you to build shelters, process firewood, clear trails, and craft tools with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

A compact bushcraft saw is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast, camper, hunter, or survivalist. Whether you’re looking for ultralight portability, raw cutting power, or a balanced all-around saw, there’s an option to suit your needs. From the powerful ultralight to compact Saw, each saw on this list has been investigated in actual outdoor conditions, so you’ll have a reliable cutting tool for any bushcraft tasks for your upcoming adventures.