When it comes to processing wood at the campsite, I’m always looking for a tool that strikes the perfect balance between power and portability. A hatchet is great, but sometimes you just need a saw. I’ve been using the Fiskars Folding Saw on my recent trips, and it has quickly become a go-to piece of gear for preparing firewood and clearing trails. It’s a tool that feels much more capable than its size suggests. This review will cover what I really think about this saw, from its impressive cutting power to how it handles in the field.
The good
- Compact, easy to pack and carry
- Razor-sharp, aggressive teeth
- Secure and safe blade lock
- Comfortable, non-slip grip
- Cuts on both push and pull
The not-so-good
- Blade can get gummed up
- Not for very large logs
- Handle could feel a bit flimsy
What You’re Getting
A compact and powerful folding saw with a 25 cm steel blade and ergonomic handle, designed for cutting branches and preparing firewood for camping and hiking.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fiskars |
| Blade Material | Fully-hardened Steel |
| Blade Length | 25 cm |
| Weight | 210g |
| Color | Black & Orange |
| Handle Material | Plastic with SoftGrip touchpoints |
| Features | Triple-ground teeth, dual-position blade lock |
| Use Case | Camping, hiking, wood processing |
First impressions
Taking the Fiskars Folding Saw out of its packaging, the first thing I noticed was its compact size and vibrant orange accents. It’s clear this is a tool designed to be seen and easy to find. The saw feels surprisingly lightweight, but the handle has a solid, substantial feel to it. The folding mechanism operates smoothly; with a simple press of a button, the blade swings out and locks into place with a satisfying click. This lock feels incredibly secure, which is a big plus for safety.
The blade itself is impressive, with a noticeable, aggressive-looking set of teeth. I could tell right away that this saw wasn’t meant for fine detail work; its design is all about efficient, fast cuts. Overall, my first impression was that this is a smart, no-nonsense tool that is built for the rigours of outdoor life.
Materials & Build Quality
The quality of the Fiskars Folding Saw is evident in its construction. The blade is made from fully-hardened steel, a material known for holding a sharp edge for a long time. The teeth are triple-ground, a feature that allows the saw to cut on both the push and pull strokes, making each movement more efficient. As for the handle, it’s a hard plastic core with what Fiskars calls “SoftGrip touchpoints.”
While it’s not a full rubber grip, these inserts provide a comfortable and secure hold. The overall build feels sturdy. There’s no wobbling or play in the blade when it’s locked in the open position. I’ve used it in various conditions, and the materials seem to hold up well to dirt, moisture, and general camp abuse. The locking mechanism, a critical component for a folding saw, is a simple metal button that has been flawless so far.
Ergonomics
I’ve spent a fair bit of time with this saw in my hands, and I can say the ergonomics are well-thought-out. The handle is contoured to fit the natural curve of your hand, which makes it comfortable to use for longer periods without causing fatigue. It’s a pull saw, so the primary cutting action happens on the pull stroke, which is a much more powerful and controlled motion than a push. The non-slip grip works well, providing a secure hold even when my hands were a little wet from the morning dew.
A standout feature is the blade’s dual-position lock. I can lock the blade straight for traditional cutting, or at a slight angle for undercuts on branches that are elevated. This little detail gives you a lot more versatility and helps you avoid getting your knuckles scraped.
Performance
I’ve used this saw to get through a variety of wood, both fresh and dry, and its performance has been consistently impressive. The triple-ground teeth really do make a difference. The saw cuts aggressively on both the push and pull strokes, which means you’re getting double the work done with each motion. I’ve found it makes incredibly quick work of branches around 10 cm in diameter, powering through them with a surprisingly small amount of effort.
On larger logs, up to about 15 cm, it’s still very capable, although it does require more time and elbow grease. The saw blade’s design helps it resist binding in the wood, so it doesn’t get stuck often. It’s not a tool for felling a big tree, but for collecting and preparing firewood for a small campfire, it’s an absolute workhorse. The saw handles well whether I’m working with soft pine or a tougher eucalyptus, which is a big plus.
Weight
At just over 200g, the Fiskars Folding Saw is light enough that you won’t think twice about throwing it in your pack. For day hikes or overnight trips where weight is a factor, it’s a much smarter choice than a hatchet. It is surprisingly light for how capable it feels. This low weight is a huge benefit because it reduces fatigue when you’re doing a lot of cutting.
The saw feels balanced, with just enough weight in the blade to help with the momentum of the cut, without feeling front-heavy or unwieldy. The folding design also means it packs down small, so it’s easy to slide into a side pocket or strap onto your gear. It’s a tool that truly adds capability to your kit without adding bulk.
Features
The features on this saw are simple but effective. The folding design is a major safety feature, as it completely encloses the sharp blade within the handle when not in use. This makes it safe to store and carry without needing a separate sheath. The triple-ground teeth are a standout, as they are incredibly aggressive and make quick work of both green and dry wood. Another impressive feature is the blade’s locking mechanism.
With a simple button press, you can lock the blade in two different positions, allowing for a straight cut or an angled cut. This flexibility is really helpful for getting into tight spaces or cutting branches at awkward angles. Finally, the non-slip grip on the handle gives you a confident and comfortable hold. It’s a tool that’s been thoughtfully designed for ease of use and safety.
Conclusion: Fiskars Folding Saw
The Fiskars Folding Saw has impressed me with its solid performance and smart design. It’s an incredibly useful tool for any camper or hiker. The combination of a sharp, aggressive blade, a secure locking mechanism, and an ergonomic handle makes it a pleasure to use. While it won’t replace a full-size axe for felling trees, it is the perfect tool for preparing kindling, cutting up smaller logs for a campfire, and clearing the trail. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact, and effective saw, this one is an excellent choice that will serve you well on countless adventures.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
While a good saw is essential for camp, it’s just one part of the puzzle. To build out your perfect setup, head over to our camp kitchen page for everything from pots and pans to portable coffee gear. For those looking to stay warm, our camp stoves category has a great range of options, from lightweight titanium gear to robust heavy-duty ones. And if you’re keen to process your wood with more than just a saw, check out our selection of other tactical camp tools.
