Best Folding Saws For Camping and Backpacking | We Look at 9 of the Best!
1. Silky Gomboy 240
If you’re only going to buy one folding saw for camping and bushcraft, make it the Silky Gomboy 240. I’ve used a lot of folding saws over the years, and nothing touches the Gomboy in terms of cutting performance, build quality, and field usefulness. It’s not ultralight, but it earns every ounce in your pack — this thing is a backcountry workhorse.
The 240mm blade with medium teeth chews through wood like it’s personal. Chrome-plated, taper-ground, and impulse-hardened teeth make it cut fast and clean without binding. You don’t need to force it — just let the saw do the work. The locking mechanism is solid, the grip is excellent even in wet conditions, and the blade can even be swapped out for different tooth profiles.
It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. I own several in different sizes, and they’ve replaced just about every other saw I used to carry. This is what I reach for when it’s time to make firewood, build a shelter, or just clear a trail. If you break the blade, chances are you were using it wrong.
2. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander
- READY FOR ANY CUT: Built for hunters, campers, and survivalists, this folding saw tackles green/dry wood, bone, and plastic. Its rust-protected blade and ergonomic handle make it a must-have for bushcraft, trail maintenance, and campsite prep.
- PRECISION XT TOOTHING: The 9″ blade features XT toothing with 7 TPI for fast, clean cuts through wood and brush. A rust-resistant, low-friction coating boosts performance and longevity – ideal for wilderness work, trail clearing, or quick campsite setups.
The Bahco Laplander has been the go-to folding saw for bushcrafters and survivalists for years — and for good reason. It’s compact, light enough to stash in any pack, and cuts better than most people expect. I’ve used one for everything from clearing trail brush to breaking down firewood, and while it doesn’t bite like the Silky, it holds its own.
The 7.5″ blade has a black non-stick coating that helps reduce friction and keeps sap from gumming it up. The teeth are impulse-hardened and cut well on the pull stroke, but they’re a little more conservative than what you get with a Silky. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — the Bahco is forgiving, tough to break, and less prone to user error if you’re new to saw work.
It’s not flashy and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a reliable mid-size saw with a sturdy lock, a basic plastic/rubber handle, and a no-fuss design. If you want a dependable, packable saw that just gets the job done, the Laplander still deserves a place in your kit. Read My Full review of the Laplander Here.
3. Samurai KISI FC-240-LH
If there’s one folding saw out there that can go toe-to-toe with the Silky Gomboy, it’s the Samurai KISI FC-240-LH. This thing punches way above its weight class — it’s nearly as capable, just a little less refined. The fact that it costs about half as much makes it one of the best values on the market.
The 240mm blade is sharp, fast, and aggressive. It’s not quite as smooth or polished as the Gomboy, but it’ll rip through branches and limbs without complaint. The handle isn’t quite as grippy or ergonomic as Silky’s, but it still gets the job done and locks up solid. I find myself using this saw around the house more than I expected — it’s great for quick yard work, storm cleanup, and firewood runs.
For anyone wanting serious performance without dropping Silky-level cash, this is the one. If you’re rough on gear or prone to losing tools in the field, the Samurai gives you 90% of the cutting power without the financial sting.
4. LAGOM Folding Camp Saw
- [A Blade That Holds Its Edge—and Your Trust] Made from high-carbon SK5 steel, this blade is designed for real work—cutting through dense wood, thick tree limbs, and overgrown brush with ease. It’s not just a tool—it’s the kind of quiet duty you carry with you into the wild.
I’ll be honest — I bought the LAGOM Folding Camp Saw with low expectations. It looked like one of those generic Amazon specials that usually end up in a junk drawer. But I was wrong. This thing actually delivers, and for under 40 bucks, it’s better than a lot of the budget options out there.
The 9.5″ SK5 high-carbon steel blade is curved, sharp, and aggressive right out of the box. It’s got a triple-ground tooth pattern that cuts fast and clean, especially on dry and green wood. The anti-stick coating helps shed sap, and the whole thing folds down neatly into a compact, glovebox-friendly size. One thing I do like: the triple-locking system. It keeps the blade rock solid in use, and the added safety is a nice bonus at this price point.
The handle’s rubber overmold isn’t fancy, but it’s comfortable and functional — no hot spots, no slipping, even when your hands are sweaty or wet. You’re not getting premium fit and finish here, but it feels solid in the hand and didn’t flex or feel cheap during testing.
The LAGOM doesn’t have the refinement of a Silky or the proven trail cred of a Bahco, but it’s punching well above its weight. It’s the kind of saw I’d recommend to anyone building out a budget camp kit or looking for a solid backup. I’ve tossed mine in the truck and keep another in my secondary hiking pack. For the price, it just works — and that’s more than I can say for most saws in this bracket. Read My Full Review of the Lagom Folding Saw Here.
5. Corona RazorTooth
- 3 SIDED RAZOR TEETH FOR EFFICIENT CUTTING: 10″ blade is ideal for cutting 5″ – 6″ diameter, small to medium, branches
The Corona RazorTooth is one of the easiest folding saws to get your hands on — and honestly, it’s better than it has any right to be. You can walk into just about any Home Depot or Walmart and find one on the shelf, and for a saw you can grab last-minute before a camping trip or yard project, this one holds its own.
It’s aggressive and fast. The curved 7-inch blade has a triple ground tooth pattern that bites hard and moves quick, especially on dry wood. The lock is basic but reliable, and the oversized handle has a rubberized grip that feels better than it looks. I’ve cut through limbs as thick as my wrist with it, and it doesn’t flinch. It’s also the kind of saw you can beat on and not feel bad about.
Is it refined? Not really. But it’s the kind of tool that just works — and for a budget-friendly, easily replaceable saw that’s surprisingly fun to use, the RazorTooth is hard to argue with.
6. Rexbeti Utility Folding Saw
- Durable SK-5 steel blade for efficient cutting during camping survival bushcraft landscaping and general yard work
- Heavy duty rugged 11″ long blade helps you power through thick branches faster, 11″ blade is ideal for cutting 6″ – 7″ diameter branches
This saw shows up on a lot of budget roundups, and after using it, I get why — it’s big, aggressive, and surprisingly capable for the price. The 11-inch SK-5 steel blade has sharp, backward-angled teeth that chew through wood with minimal effort, and it’ll make quick work of branches up to about 6 inches thick. It cuts on both push and pull strokes, and if you let the blade do the work, it’s smooth sailing.
At just over 12 ounces, it’s light for its size, and it folds down to a manageable footprint. The thumb-lock feels secure, and the hinge can be adjusted to dial in the action. You even get a secondary upturned blade angle, which is handy for awkward cuts. The blade doesn’t lock closed, though, so tightening the bolt is a must if you plan on throwing it in a pack.
The handle is where the budget really shows. It’s comfortable and grippy thanks to the rubber overmold, but the plastic underneath feels cheap and thin. Still, if you’re an occasional user or just need something to toss in your yard kit or camping box, this saw absolutely delivers for the price. Just know there are no replacement blades — when it dulls or breaks, you’re buying a new one. For $20, that might be a tradeoff you’re fine with.
7. SOG Folding Saw
- Includes Factory Warranty
The SOG Folding Saw is the kind of tool that feels built more for utility than buzz. I tested one after seeing it pop up in gear discussions, and what stood out most was its build—it’s not flashy, but when you’re cutting it delivers reliably.
The 9-inch high-carbon steel blade is straight—not curved—and has impulse-hardened teeth designed for pull-stroke efficiency. It’s aggressive enough to handle dry hardwood and green branches cleanly. I used it for weekend trail trimming and firewood prep, and it never got stuck or complained. The blade deploys with a simple hinge and locks in place securely. No wobble, no drama.
Its handle is aluminum with a molded rubber overgrip; it doesn’t win awards for comfort but gives decent leverage without giving that “plastic gift saw” feel. At around 10 ounces, it’s light enough to bring along in the pack, but solid enough that you feel like you’ve got real cutting power in hand.
This is a saw for someone who wants dependable functionality without overpaying. If you’re clearing away roadside brush or preparing edge logs for firewood, it’s going to work—and work again next time you need it. No frills, no fuss.
8. Fiskars Power Tooth Classic Folding Saw
If you’re hunting for a folding saw that delivers serious cutting power without trying to be tactical fodder, the Fiskars Power Tooth Classic makes a solid case. I picked one up because I’ve trusted Fiskars tools for years, and this saw doesn’t disappoint—it’s well-built, durable, and stackable in a gear drawer without overthinking.
The 7-inch Power Tooth blade is SK‑5 high-carbon steel with impulse-hardened teeth. These Power Tooth teeth are chunkier than most, designed to attack the wood aggressively and cut fast, especially through softwoods and dry branches. The saw is uniquely built to reduce binding and self-sharpen slightly as it works. I’ve used it for pruning, rough limb cutting, and clearing yard brush—and it never stalls or likes to hang up.
What sets this saw apart is the handle. The Softgrip overmold is comfortable and secure, even when your hands are sweating or you’re dealing with lighter gloves. The lever-lock mechanism opens and closes cleanly, and I’ve never once doubted its stability mid-swing. At just under 10 ounces, it feels solid without being weighty—practical enough for both kits and keeps.
This isn’t a premium bushcrafter’s blade—it’s a practical, no-nonsense cutter that’s a good fit for yard work, light trail clearing, or everyday jobs around camp. I wouldn’t make it my only saw for serious backcountry chopping, but as a dependable workhorse in rotation or backup, the Fiskars Power Tooth carves its niche well.
9. Olmsted Forge 7″ Folding Hand Saw
- DURABLE: Heavy duty construction and high quality components for long-lasting use
The Olmsted Forge Folding Saw is a solid, compact tool that earns its place in your kit by doing exactly what it’s supposed to do — cut wood quickly, cleanly, and without fuss. I’d call this a workhorse saw for everyday tasks. Whether it’s clearing brush, processing kindling, or knocking down limbs after a storm, this thing handles light to medium-duty jobs without complaint.
The saw has held up well, but when you first open it, it seems very flimsy and kind of cheaply made. Surprisingly, it has held up pretty well, but just don’t bend or abuse it while cutting.
The 7-inch blade is high-carbon steel, taper-ground with impulse-hardened teeth that bite hard on the pull stroke. It’s not flashy, but it’s sharp where it matters and holds an edge well enough for repeated use. It locks open with a push-button lock that feels more secure than most cheap saws and folds away safely when you’re done. For something this compact, it feels sturdy in the hand and doesn’t flex under pressure.
What really sets it apart is the cork handle. It sounds gimmicky at first, but once you use it, it makes sense. It’s grippy, light, and doesn’t chew up your hands after long sessions. Even in wet conditions, the saw feels planted. The handle’s size and shape give decent leverage without bulk, and it’s easy to throw into a daypack or stash in the side pocket of a camp bag.
This isn’t a specialty saw or a shelf queen — it’s a tool you’ll actually use. It’s held up through brush clearing, small firewood cuts, and general weekend abuse. For anyone who wants a reliable folding saw without spending a fortune or overthinking it, the Olmsted Forge is a decent, straightforward option.
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.