LAGOM Folding Saw Review

A Surprisingly Rugged Budget Saw That Deserves a Spot in Your Kit

Let’s get one thing out of the way: the LAGOM Folding Saw is not a toy. Despite the price tag that places it firmly in “disposable gear” territory (typically under $30), this thing shows up with real steel, solid construction, and just enough quirks to keep things interesting.

I bought this saw purely out of curiosity. I assumed it would be a knockoff Silky — another overseas attempt to mimic Japanese saw design without much thought. But after weeks of testing, including real-world use on the trail, in the backyard, and during gear shakedowns, the LAGOM saw has earned a place in my gear rotation.

Is it perfect? No. But it’s far better than it has any right to be at this price.

First Impressions: Not Junk

The moment you hold the LAGOM in your hand, you realize you’re not dealing with dollar store junk. The handle is metal-bodied, not plastic — a rare thing in the sub-$30 folding saw world. It feels rigid, sturdy, and slightly overbuilt.

The blade is SK5 high-carbon Japanese steel. That matters. SK5 is known for its edge retention and toughness, and while it’s not a premium steel, it’s absolutely the right choice for a hard-use saw. I was pleasantly surprised to see this wasn’t just some nameless, mystery metal.

More impressively, the saw is made in Taiwan, not mainland China. That’s a subtle but important upgrade. Taiwanese manufacturing tends to offer better fit and finish — especially when compared to generic Chinese imports in the same category.

Specs & Features

• Blade Length: 8 inches (available in other sizes)
• Blade Type: Straight (also available in curved versions)
• Weight: ~9.5 oz
• Handle: Full-metal frame with a basic textured grip
• Locking Mechanism: Standard back lock with solid engagement
• Blade Steel: SK5 high-carbon steel
• Chip Ejection Slots: Small grooves designed to reduce binding

Cutting Performance: Better Than Expected

Let’s talk about what matters most: how it cuts.

I’ve used the LAGOM on dead pine, green hardwood limbs, 2x4s, and even some stubborn backyard brush. It cuts clean and fast, right up there with more expensive options from Silky, Bahco, or Corona.

The saw teeth are aggressive, pulling easily into dry or green wood. It doesn’t bind up and makes efficient progress in most materials. While the “chip ejection grooves” cut into the blade didn’t seem to have any noticeable performance benefit, they also didn’t hurt anything.

You won’t notice this saw being faster than a Silky, but you won’t notice it being slower either. That’s impressive, given it costs half as much.

Straight vs. Curved: What to Choose?

I went with the 8-inch straight blade, which is ideal for bushcraft and precision tasks like notching or woodworking in the field. The straight edge offers excellent control when building shelters, traps, or making feather sticks.

If you’re more interested in firewood processing, trail clearing, or fast delimbing, the 11.5-inch curved blade might be better. Curved blades bite deeper, follow the cutting track more naturally, and are generally faster.

For most users, both blades have their place. I’d suggest the straight blade for hikers, bushcrafters, and minimalist packers. The curved version is better for yard work, camp prep, or larger volume cutting.

Ergonomics & Build

This is where LAGOM starts to separate itself.

The all-metal construction makes the saw feel like a tool, not a toy. It’s got heft, which some may not like, but I found it reassuring. You’re not going to accidentally flex or snap the handle like with plastic-bodied saws.

That said, the trade-off is weight. At nearly 9.5 ounces, it’s heavy for a folding saw of this size. My longer Samurai saw weighs less, which is worth noting if you’re counting grams.

The locking mechanism is simple but solid. I didn’t experience any blade wiggle or flex at the pivot. There’s no rubberized grip or fancy ergonomic shaping here, but for a metal handle, it’s surprisingly comfortable in the hand.

Blade Rigidity: A Double-Edged Sword

This is where things get a little dicey.

The LAGOM’s blade is stiff — maybe too stiff. Compared to a Bahco or Samurai, which flex generously under pressure, the LAGOM blade behaves much more like a Silky: rigid and unforgiving.

That means if the blade binds or you apply a twisting motion by accident, it might snap instead of flexing. This is exactly why I stopped using Silky saws. I’ve broken every Silky I’ve ever owned — sometimes on the trail, which is the worst-case scenario.

In contrast, my Coronas and Bacos have flexed, bent, and bounced back without a problem.

If you cut with care and pay attention to technique, the LAGOM will serve you well. But if you tend to force cuts or rush jobs, you could be flirting with a broken blade.

Replacement Blades: A Mystery

As of now, replacement blades for the LAGOM are hard to find. There’s no official source that I could locate on Amazon or elsewhere. That’s a problem.

The silver lining? The pivot, locking mechanism, and dimensions appear nearly identical to Silky saws. That means a Silky blade might fit in the LAGOM handle. I haven’t confirmed that yet, but visually, it looks like a close match. If that’s true, the value proposition increases significantly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the LAGOM Saw?

If you want the short answer: yes — with caveats.

This saw is tough to beat for the price. For under $30, you get:

• SK5 steel
• Full metal construction
• Respectable cutting power
• Surprising quality control

It’s not perfect. The blade is stiff and unforgiving. It’s on the heavier side. And the replacement blade situation is murky at best.

But if you treat your gear with respect — or need a backup saw for the car, pack, or cabin — the LAGOM Folding Saw punches way above its weight.

LAGOM proves you don’t need to spend $60+ for a functional, durable folding saw. It’s a rare find — a budget tool that doesn’t feel like junk. Just understand the rigidity trade-off and pack accordingly. This one’s staying in my camp kit for now.

If I had to summarize it?

Built like a tank. Cuts like a champ. Priced like a joke.

And that’s a hard combo to beat.