8 Best Hand Saw for Cutting Trees 2022 – Top Picks and Reviews

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Hand saws are quite an essential tool that is required when you want to cut down a log or trees. They make any cutting job easier and convenient. Using the best hand saw for cutting trees is far better than using a chain saw for cutting purposes.

There are two types of hand saws, one for regular use, and the other one is for cutting wood. Regular saws are best to cut through plastic or delicate materials, while a wood saw is used to cut woods.

best hand saw for cutting trees
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The hand-operated saws are lightweight and affordable, plus makes efficient straight cuts. You can cut tough branches of trees with them as they come with a durable and sharp blade. They are comfortable to use, plus you don’t have to put much effort while using them for cutting trees.

8 Best Hand Saw for Cutting Trees Reviews

There are several hand saws in the market, but we have chosen the 8 best ones and reviewed them for you.

1. WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Logs

If you are a gardener or professional contractor, then choose the WilFiks 16” Pro tree cutting hand saw. Durably made, this saw comes with sturdy teeth that stay sharper than the standard ones and creates sharp, quick, and smooth cuts.

The 16-inch PRO hand saw is featured with a 9-TPI high carbon steel blade for amazing control and rigidity. The blade of the saw is extra-secure and safe to use. It is perfect equipment for woodworkers, framers, and general contractors who need to cut woods regularly.

The ergonomic design of the saw is its selling point. It is featured with a super grip and anti-slip handle that lessens fatigue and adds comfort while cutting trees. No matter if your hand is small or extra-large, this handle will work with every hand size.

The design of the handle allows superior cut, plus the saw comes with three cutting surfaces that make cutting with it 50% faster than other traditional saws. For long-lasting performance, you can use this hand saw for cutting wood, plywood, and plastic pipes too.

Things we liked:

  • Extra-secured and durable blade.
  • Makes superior and quick cuts.
  • Comfortable non-slip rubber grip.

Things we didn’t like:

  • Not suitable for rough woodcuts.

Verdict:

The WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw comes with durable and sturdy construction for long-lasting use. It is designed ergonomically so that you can cut trees comfortably without straining the muscles of your hands.

2. Home Planet Gear – Folding Hand Saw Wood Saw Multi-Purpose – Best Saw for Cutting Trees

Made with premium materials, the high-performing and solidfolding hand sawfrom Home Planet Gear will impress you with its cutting skills. This hand saw comes with an adjustable 8-inch SK5 carbon-steel rugged blade with medium-tooth that can cut bone, wood, and plastic flawlessly up to 4-inch in diameter.

This hand saw doesn’t come with a faulty locking mechanism like other folding hand saws, which are unsafe to use. Instead, it is equipped with a dependable and solid gear lock to firmly secure the open blade in the rubber handle.

The blade fits securely in the handle, so no teeth are exposed, which helps in carrying it safely. The ergonomically made thermoplastic with rubber handle makes it comfortable to grip and prevents slip while cutting trees.

The blade of the saw features triple-cut razor teeth, which is super sharp, minimizes friction, and allows fast and flawless sawing. You can use this hand saw for various uses like trimming and cutting trees, hiking, camping, etc. Its full length is 17-inches and closed length 9-1/2-inches.

Things we liked:

  • Constructed with high-quality materials.
  • Super sharp blade.
  • Safe and convenient to carry anywhere.

Things we didn’t like:

  • Thin blade.

Verdict:  

Home Planet Gear folding hand saw’s sharp triple-cut razor teeth make it the best hand saw for cutting small trees. Plus, it has a convenient weight and size that allows you to carry it easily.

3. Bahco 10-30-23 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Tree Trunks

The Bahco 10-30-23 30-inch ergo bow sawis a 30-inch long hand saw, designed to cut through lumber, green, and dry wood. It is made with high-quality steel tubing, which is lightweight, durable, and easy to handle. The sturdy frame allows quick and easy sawing.

The heavy-duty frame of the saw is coated with a high-impact enamel paint that protects it from corrosion and rust. The blade is featured with a precise and solid triangular set teeth for aggressive cuts on a sequence push and pull.

It creates high blade tension for superior straight and smooth cuts with its innovative tension mechanism. The hand saw comes with an ergonomic handle equipped with a knuckle protector to offer maximum comfort and smoothness while cutting.

This saw is considered as the best for cutting tree trunksas its longblade remains sharp throughout several cuts. There is a solid blade fitting that comes with this hand saw for safe and easy blade storage. It is quite an ideal hand saw for camping and homeowners.

Things we liked:

  • Sturdy high-quality frame.
  • Provides sharp and straight cuts.
  • Features knuckle protector.

Things we didn’t like:

  • The blade guard is made of plastic.

Verdict:

With the Bahco 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw, you will be able to cut green wood as well as lumber and dry wood. It is very sharp and long enough to cut shrubs and large trunks.

4. Folding Saw, Heavy Duty Extra Long 11 Inch Blade Hand Saw By REXBETI – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Wood

This all-purpose REXBETI folding saw can be used on dry and green woods, plus bones and plastics too. The extra-long 11-inch blade of the saw cuts through thick branches that are 6 to 7-inch in diameter.

The blade is made up of SK5 steel, which produces a long-lasting and harder cutting point. With the triple cut teeth of the saw, you can cut trees smoothly while camping for shelter. The aggressive staggered teeth ( 7-Teeth per inch) have been hardened for extra longevity and ultra-sharp sawing.

With the featured anti-slip long rubber handle of the saw, you can cut the trees comfortably as it ensures a firm grip in any weather situation. It can accommodate both large and small hands and works well for both right and left-hand users.

There are two open positions in which the blade locks, so, while making undercuts and overhand cuts with this saw, you will have good cutting power and control.

This hand saw is also perfect for camping, backpacking, pruning, and general yard works. The best feature of the saw is that it comes with a lifetime warranty for durable use.

Things we liked:

  • Comes with a sturdy blade to provide smooth cuts.
  • The long rubber polymer handle ensures a firm grip.
  • Lifetime warranty.

Things we didn’t like:

  • Some users complained that the blade dulls quickly.

Verdict:

The high-grade REXBETI Folding Saw comes with good quality construction and a lifetime warranty for long-lasting use. The smooth cutting action of the blade cuts different materials effortlessly.

5. Tarvol Heavy Duty Pruning Saw (Razor Sharp 14″ Curved Blade) – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Down Trees

The Japanese style pruning saw by Tarvol comes with a 14-inch curved blade for flawless cutting and trimming of woods, trees, and shrubs. The razor-sharp blade with a reliable tooth set is quite sturdy and provides clean and smooth cuts.

The versatile blade of the saw can also cut through 8-inches thick limbs and branches with ease, which makes it the best hand saw for cutting tree limbs.

There is a blade holster that comes with this hand saw in which you can insert the blade securely. Once inserted, the teeth of the blade won’t be exposed, so it becomes easy to carry the saw.

The cushioned handle of the saw is ergonomically designed to provide maximum stability and comfort during cutting. Both the right and left-handed users can hold it with ease, plus they can cut the materials with balanced control.

The handle comes with a convenient hanging hole that makes it easier to store it. The well-balanced hand saw is durable, lightweight, and provides great results. It is also backed up with a 100% manufacturing money-back guarantee.

Things we liked:

  • Provides consistent and beautiful cuts.
  • Lightweight and well-balanced.
  • Comes with a money-back guarantee.

Things we didn’t like:

  • The handle is quite slippery and a little hard.

Verdict:

The 14-inch curved blade of the Tarvol heavy duty pruning saw is ideal for trimming and cutting limbs, trees, and shrubs. You can expect clean, quick, and maximum results from this hand saw.

6. CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw, 15-Inch (CMHT20880) – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Tree Branches

Those who are looking for an all-purpose hand saw, can check out this excellenthand sawby Craftsman. Featured with a 15-inch blade, this finely finished hand saw can cut through plastic, wood, and laminate quite easily.

You can get a quick and clean cut without any hassle as the saw is quite sharp and sturdy. The teeth of the saw are hardened for supreme sharpness and long-lasting performance.

It is featured with a bi-material handle that is designed to offer you maximum control and comfort while cutting. Moreover, the handle provides a miter and square feature with 45-degrees and 90-degrees.

This saw can cut long branches, shrubs, and logs at your backyard. It comes with a sleeve that almost encloses the blade or teeth of the saw, so you have to be careful while removing the sleeve as it might tear.

There is a hanging hole in the blade of the saw for easy storage. This saw is quite economical as it is affordable, plus comes with a full lifetime warranty so that you can use it for years to come.

Things we liked:

  • Offers clean and quick cuts.
  • Ergonomic handle provides superior comfort.
  • Full lifetime warranty.

Things we didn’t like:

  • Since it is very sharp, you have to be extra careful while using it.

Verdict:

The Craftsman Hand Saw is a sharp and easy to use saw that can create clean and precise cuts quite quickly. The highlighting part of the saw is, it is budget-friendly and contains a long-lasting warranty.

7. Silky KATANABOY Professional 500mm Folding Saw – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Tree Roots

The professional and heavy-dutySilky KATANABOYfolding saw comes withhigh-quality design and performs well. The blade of the saw is 19-4/5 inches in length, plus it is equipped with 4 teeth per inch. With this saw, you can do the job of cutting, trimming, pruning, and also construction projects effortlessly.

The heavily constructed blade is made with 2mm thick SK4 high carbon steel and the teeth were impulse-hardened to improve its cutting efficiency.

As its well-balanced and long blade with sharp and solid tooth offers maximum reach and allows quick cutting of large trunks and limbs without any effort, we find this saw as the best hand saw for cutting large trees.

Moreover, it is equipped with a non-slip rubber handle, which is firm and comfortable to grip. There is also a sturdy nylon carrying-case that comes with this saw for easy portability.

You can cut through thick materials without getting the teeth stuck and achieve a super cutting experience by using this saw.

Things we liked:

  • Comes with unmatched strength and sharpness.
  • Easy to grip rubberized handle.
  • Strong and high-quality shoulder bag.

Things we didn’t like:

  • Quite expensive.

Verdict:

With the help of this folding saw,you can do any tough tasks like cutting tree trunks and large timbers. Even though the price of this saw is high, it works like magic to give you a wonderful experience.

8. FUJIWARA Folding Pruning Saw 10 Inch Hand Saws Blade – Best Hand Saw for Cutting Down Small Trees

Another folding pruning saw that comes from FUJIWARA is a powerful tool with a 10-inch blade. This well-made hand saw can be used for trimming, gardening, camping, or hiking.

Its blade is made with SK4 stainless-steel with razor-sharp teeth, which is coated for less friction and resistance and to make quick cuts while sawing.

The saw has anexcellent locking system that keeps the blade in place during use and also keeps it safe when not being used. There is a gear lock with the hand saw that helps in opening and closing the saw.

For less fatigue cutting, the hand saw comes with a soft and anti-slip handle. The curved design of the handle ensures efficient and comfortable cutting.

The rust-resistant blade of the saw can cut through up to 6-inch diameter woods. There is also an additional spare blade included for replacement. You can easily and safely carry it anywhere with you for performing any cutting tasks.

Things we liked:

  • Good-quality construction of the blade.
  • Secure locking mechanism.
  • Ergonomic and comfortable curved handle.

Things we didn’t like:

  • Holding the handle for a long time can be uncomfortable.

Verdict:

FUJIWARA Folding Pruning Saw has a good build and sharpness for cutting small woods. The 10-inch blade stays sharp and also produces less friction with each pull for fast sawing.

Buyer’s Guide

Why Do You Need a Hand Saw?

Having a hand saw with you can help in numerous ways. A hand saw might be slower than the electronic cutting tools, but there are some valid reasons why you need one.

Easy to Handle: A hand saw is much easier to handle than a chainsaw as they are not bulky like the latter. You can cut trees, shrubs, and logs effortlessly by using them during camping or hiking.

No Power Source: The electronic tools cannot be used everywhere as they need electricity to operate. It cannot be used for a long time if operated with batteries. But this is not the case when using a hand saw. You can use them anywhere without electricity and batteries and that too for a longer period.

Easy Storage: The best thing about using hand saws is you can store them or hang them on the wall quite easily and they won’t take much space. They can also be carried around with ease wherever you want.

Less Cost: A good hand saw for cutting treesis less costly than power saws, and also they don’t require electricity or fuel to operate, which makes using them cost-effective and cheap to maintain.

What to Look for when Buying the Best Hand Saw for Cutting Trees

Before you purchase a tree cutting hand saw, you need to consider some essential factors to suit your requirements.

The Blade or Teeth Sharpness: While purchasing a hand saw, you need to check the quality of the saw’s blade and tooth. A sharp blade will allow you to cut down the tree fast and smoothly.

If the blade is thin, then there are chances that it will break or become dull quickly. And if the blade is heavy, then it will be quite hard to handle the saw while cutting the trees. So, always go for a hand saw that has a sturdy yet lightweight razor-sharp blade or teeth.

Teeth per Inch: For cutting soft materials, you need a hand saw that has large teeth, and for hard or thick materials, a hand saw with smaller teeth is recommended.

When you cut woods with large teeth hand saw, the process will be quick but it will remove some amount of wood while cutting them. So, it is better to choose a hand saw with smaller teeth to get a fine and clean cut.

Length of the Blade: The length of the blade also matters when purchasing a hand saw. You cannot randomly buy a hand saw. First, you need to decide for what purpose you are buying it.

For trimming, maintaining purposes, or for pruning trees, a short blade around 10 to 15 inches will be fine. But for cutting down branches or trunks of trees, you need a large blade about 30 inches or more than that.

Easy blade replacement: Eventually, the blade of the saw will wear out after several usages. The blade changing procedure of the hand saw should be hassle-free, easy, and quick. Always check the blade changing procedure of the hand saw you are willing to buy. If it is complex, then avoid it.

Ergonomic Design: An ergonomically designed hand saw will help you to use the saw comfortably without straining your hands. It should come with a non-slip and soft handle so that you can hold it firmly. This feature will help you in comfortably doing the long cutting tasks.

Protective Cover: If you want a portable hand saw, then look for one which comes with a thick protective cover. The cover will fully enclose the blade or teeth and will make it easier and safe for you to carry it anywhere you want.

Other Features: When purchasing a folding hand saw, check whether it has an efficient locking system or not for safe use. Moreover, you also need to consider the warranty period. If you want a long-lasting usage, then go for one that comes with a long or lifetime warranty.

Top Brands of Hand Saw for Cutting Woods

Some top brands come with the best hand saws for cutting trees. You can easily purchase the perfect one for yourself from them if the brands are known to you.

Stanley: Stanley started its journey from 1843, and since then, it has become the favorite of every homeowner and professional contractor. It was originally a door and bolt hardware company, but later got merged with a related company Stanley Works and continued the operation of its hand tools division.

The company comes with a number of hand tools to make, build, repair, and also demolish. Other than manufacturing top-quality hand saws, it manufactures screwdrivers, tape measures, knives, hammers, and other professional equipment. All of them are known for their innovation, reliability, quality, and accuracy.

Irwin: Founded in 1885, this is an American manufacturer of power tools and hand tools. This company is famously known for manufacturing vise-grip locking pliers. But it also manufactures screw extractors, clamps, pipe wrenches, saw blades, etc.

The company was founded by Charles Irwin and was acquired by Stanley Black and Decker in 2016. It comes with excellent hand saws that are high in quality and performance.

Bahco: The journey of Bahco started in the late 19th century in Sweden. Including hand saws, it comes with other 7000 hand tools. All its products are efficient and the hand saws come with ergonomic design for comfortable and easy sawing. Now, this brand is a part of SNA Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best hand saw for cutting trees?

A hand saw, which comes with sharp teeth and a sturdy blade can help to cut the trees efficiently. Bahco 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw, WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw, and Truper Handy Bow Saware some of the best ones available in the market.

2. Which hand saw is best for cutting molding?

For cutting molding, the best hand saws are the ones that have razor-sharp and fine teeth. A Japanese-style pull saw or a backsaw is quite suitable for performing this task. The Tarvol Heavy Duty Pruning Saw from the list is a Japanese-style hand saw that comes with sturdy teeth that ensure flawless cutting.

3. What saw is best for cutting logs?

A bow saw is preferable for cutting logs for a fireplace or making a wood stove. They are long and comes with a C-shaped frame that is attached to a blade with solid teeth. A bow saw can rapidly cut through thick logs without much effort.

4. Do I need to cut off the dead tree branches?

Yes, it necessary to cut off the tree branches, which is called pruning out the dead woods. It has to be done on a regular basis to restrict the growth of fungal or insects and make the tree look neat and tidier.

5. Can I use any type of hand saw for cutting woods?

All hand saws are not suitable for cutting woods. Some of them are purposely made for cutting certain materials like metal, steel, or plastic. Woods can be cut by using a multi-purpose hand saw.

6. When is the perfect time for pruning or trimming trees?

The best time for pruning or trimming trees is around late fall or early spring. The pruning cycle of trees lasts for 3 to 5 years max, but the size, type, and other factors of the tree also play an important role in this cycle.

7. Does a tree die by cutting the branches?

No, a tree won’t die if you cut off its branches, but yes, if you prune it too often or incorrectly, then it might die. A tree can become weak if it loses a large amount of canopy repeatedly at one time. The canopy of a tree shouldn’t be trimmed more than 25% at one time.

Final Verdict

All the above-listed hand saws are effective and work the best to provide you smooth and effortless cutting.  You can use them for trimming, shaping, cutting, or pruning the trees. To cut down trees, you can choose a bigger hand saw. Choose the best hand saw for cutting treesthat suits all your needs and comfort level.

If you ask me to select one from the list, then my choice will be the WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw. It comes with a 16-inch blade that has amazing sharpness and allows fast and straight cuts with no effort. Moreover, the anti-slip handle of the saw offers a secure grip while cutting woods or pipes.

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