Find the right saw for outdoor & bushcraft adventures and woodworking.

Saws – indispensable companions for bushcraft and outdoor activities

For building shelters, chopping firewood, or minor woodworking tasks, a saw is part of the basic equipment of every bushcrafter, survivalist, or outdoor enthusiast. In the field, it's not the biggest saw that counts, but the most compact, versatile, and safest one .

In the ASMC shop you'll find hand saws , folding saws , tension saws , and hand chainsaws specifically designed for mobile use. They operate without electricity, are lightweight, sturdy, and safe to transport . Folding models protect the saw blade during transport, while tension saws can be disassembled for very compact storage. This way, you're always perfectly equipped for shelters, bushcraft camps, or firewood gathering.

Which saw for which application?

Each saw has its own purpose – the type of wood, diameter and location of use are important factors:

Folding saws are ideal for branches, medium-sized logs, and precise cuts. They can be safely stored in a backpack. Hand saws are suitable for a variety of outdoor tasks—from firewood to small metalworking jobs, depending on the blade. Bow saws or frame saws are optimal for thicker branches or felled timber. The tensioned blade ensures powerful, even cuts. Hand chainsaws are compact, manual chainsaws, perfect for thick tree trunks or heavy branches. Wire saws offer minimal pack size and are ideal for emergencies or improvised jobs.

The best saw for branches or trunks depends on diameter, weight, and portability. Folding and tension saws are all-rounders, while hand chainsaws are particularly suitable for thick trunks.

How to saw correctly – technique & care

Proper sawing saves energy, increases precision, and extends the saw's lifespan. Using smooth, even strokes and utilizing the entire blade surface allows for efficient and less strenuous work. The piece of wood should be securely fixed to prevent slipping. Regularly check the blade for dullness – signs include the blade sticking, fraying, or requiring more pressure. Dull blades can either be resharpened or replaced.

Different saw blades for wood, metal , or flexible applications ensure clean cuts. Make sure the handle is ergonomic, fits comfortably in the hand even with gloves, and that the locking mechanism engages securely when unfolding.

Transport & safety in outdoor use

Outdoor saws must be stored securely and transported safely . Folding saws can be safely stored with the blade in the handle, tension saws disassembled in a backpack, hand chainsaws coiled up, and wire saws folded down to a compact size. Always check the locking mechanisms to prevent the saw from opening unintentionally.

The most important questions at a glance

• What types of handsaws are there? Folding saws, classic handsaws, bow saws/cow saws, hand chainsaws and wire saws.

• Which saw for which use? Folding saw for branches and medium-sized trunks, hand saw for versatile work, tension saw for thick wood, hand chainsaw for large tree trunks, wire saw for emergencies.

• What is a hand chainsaw? A manual, compact chainsaw for thick branches or trunks, operated by a pulling motion.

• What is a folding saw? The saw blade disappears completely into the handle – safe transport, ideal for bushcraft & outdoor activities.

• How to saw correctly: Use even movements, utilize the entire surface of the saw blade, secure the wood, and conserve energy.

• How do I recognize a dull saw blade and what should I do? If the blade gets stuck, frays, or requires more pressure; sharpen or replace it.

Safety notice

Sawing is only safe if the correct technique is used. Never saw near your thigh or other body parts. Always saw away from your body. The piece of wood must be firmly fixed, and your hands should always be a safe distance from the saw to avoid injury. Smooth, steady cuts conserve energy and material, increase control, and prevent the saw blade from binding.