Fiskars Folding Saw Review

The Fiskars folding saw with its blade open, resting against a tree trunk
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For cutting wood at camp, I’m always looking for a tool with a good 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 what I reach for when preparing firewood and clearing trails. It feels much more capable than its size suggests. This review covers what I think of it, from how it cuts to how it handles in the field.

The closed Fiskars folding saw lying on a log
A good balance between cutting power and size

What’s in the box

A compact folding saw with a 25 cm steel blade and an ergonomic handle, for cutting branches and preparing firewood when camping and hiking.

What we like

  • 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

What we don’t

  • Blade can get gummed up
  • Not for very large logs
  • Handle could feel a bit flimsy

Quick Specs

Spec Details
BrandFiskars
MaterialFully-hardened Steel bladePlasticSoftGrip touchpoints handle
ColourBlackwith an orange handle
Weight210 g
Blade Length25 cm
FeaturesTriple-ground teethDual-position blade lock

First look

Taking the Fiskars Folding Saw out of its packaging, the first thing I noticed was its compact size and bright orange accents. It’s clearly meant to be easy to spot. The saw is lighter than I expected, but the handle feels solid. The folding mechanism works smoothly: press the button and the blade swings out and locks with a satisfying click. The lock feels very secure, which is a big plus for safety.

The blade has a set of aggressive-looking teeth. I could tell straight away that this saw isn’t meant for fine detail work. It’s designed for fast, efficient cuts. My first impression was of a sensible, no-nonsense tool built for outdoor use.

The grey and orange handle of the closed Fiskars folding saw on a log, seen from the end
Closed, the blade folds into the handle

Materials & Build Quality

The Fiskars Folding Saw is well made. The blade is fully-hardened steel, a material known for holding a sharp edge for a long time. The teeth are triple-ground, which lets the saw cut on both the push and pull strokes, so each movement does more work. The handle is a hard plastic core with what Fiskars calls “SoftGrip touchpoints.”

It’s not a full rubber grip, but these inserts give a comfortable, secure hold. The build feels sturdy overall. There’s no wobble or play in the blade when it’s locked open. I’ve used it in different conditions, and the materials have held up well to dirt, moisture and general camp abuse. The lock, which is the part that matters most on a folding saw, is a simple metal button that has worked without fault so far.

The Fiskars saw blade and the orange lock button, held against a branch
Fully hardened steel blade
Close-up of the Fiskars logo on the grey and orange SoftGrip handle
A hard plastic core with SoftGrip touchpoints

Ergonomics

I’ve spent a fair bit of time with this saw in my hands, and the ergonomics are well thought out. The handle is shaped to fit the curve of your hand, so it’s comfortable to use for longer periods without tiring. It’s a pull saw, so most of the cutting happens on the pull stroke, which is a stronger and more controlled motion than a push. The non-slip grip works well, even when my hands were a little wet from the morning dew.

I especially like the blade’s two lock positions. I can lock the blade straight for normal cutting, or at a slight angle for undercuts on branches above me. That small detail adds flexibility and helps keep your knuckles from getting scraped.

The Fiskars folding saw open on a fallen log
The handle is shaped to the curve of your hand

Performance

I’ve used this saw on different kinds of wood, both fresh and dry, and it has cut well every time. The triple-ground teeth do make a difference. The saw cuts aggressively on both the push and pull strokes, so each movement gets more done. It gets through branches around 10 cm in diameter very quickly and with less effort than I expected.

On larger logs, up to about 15 cm, it’s still capable, though it takes more time and elbow grease. The blade 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 a real workhorse. It handles soft pine and tougher eucalyptus equally well.

The Fiskars saw blade partway through a branch
It cuts on both the push and the pull stroke
Close-up of the triple-ground teeth of the Fiskars saw blade
Triple-ground teeth

Weight

At just over 200 g, 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 matters, it’s a smarter choice than a hatchet. It’s light for how capable it feels, and that low weight means less fatigue when you’re doing a lot of cutting.

The saw feels balanced, with just enough weight in the blade to help the cut along without feeling front-heavy or awkward. Folded, it packs down small, so it’s easy to slide into a side pocket or strap onto your gear. It adds a lot to your kit without adding bulk.

The folded Fiskars saw on a kitchen scale reading 210 g
Just over 200 g
The folded Fiskars saw in the Titan drawer next to a mesh bag
It lives in the Titan drawer

Features

The features on this saw are simple and they work. The folding design is a safety feature, because the handle completely encloses the sharp blade when it’s not in use. That makes it safe to store and carry without a separate sheath. The triple-ground teeth are very aggressive and get through both green and dry wood quickly. The other feature I like is the blade lock.

With a press of the button you can lock the blade in two positions, for a straight cut or an angled cut. That helps in tight spaces or when cutting branches at awkward angles. Finally, the non-slip grip gives a confident, comfortable hold. The whole tool has been designed with ease of use and safety in mind.

The orange button on the Fiskars handle that locks the blade, with the saw on a log
The button locks the blade straight or at an angle

Vs our other folding saws

We’ve reviewed three other folding saws. The smaller Fiskars 7-Inch Pruning Saw weighs about the same but has a much shorter blade and cost us more, the Workpro Folding Camp Saw is the lightest and cheapest and scored highest, and the BAHCO Laplander is the toughest. This one has the longest blade, for thicker branches.

This oneFiskars Folding SawBAHCO LaplanderFiskars 7-inchWorkpro Saw
HandleStraight, SoftGripPlasticCurved, non-slipRubberised grip
Blade lockOpen and foldedSafety lockOpen and foldedOpen and closed
Blade250 mm190 mm180 mm180 mm
Weight210 g192 g206 g170 g
Price paid$34$38$45$23
Our score8.99.28.79.4

Conclusion: Fiskars Folding Saw

The Fiskars Folding Saw has impressed me with how well it cuts and how sensibly it’s designed. The sharp, aggressive blade, the secure lock and the comfortable handle make it a pleasure to use. It won’t replace a full-size axe for felling trees, the blade can get gummed up and the handle could feel a bit flimsy to some. For preparing kindling, cutting smaller logs for a campfire and clearing a trail, it’s a compact saw I’m happy to recommend.

8.9/10
The verdictField-tested rating

A compact saw that cuts very well for its size.

The sharp, aggressive teeth cut on both push and pull, the lock is secure and the handle is comfortable, so kindling and smaller logs go quickly. The blade gums up with sap, it isn't for very large logs and the handle can feel a bit flimsy.

Best for
  • Campers
  • Hikers
  • Tradies & DIY
Worth the money?Value 9.5

Yes. Razor-sharp teeth that cut on push and pull, with a secure lock, perform well above the price. The blade gums up with sap and it’s not for very large logs.

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Also consider

FAQ: Camping folding saws

Is a folding saw better than a hatchet for camping?
A folding saw is often safer and more efficient than a hatchet for cutting branches and small logs for the campfire. A Fiskars folding saw gives more control and needs less force for the same amount of work, so it suits many campers.
Can the Fiskars folding saw cut through thick branches?
Yes, it can cut branches up to about 15 cm in diameter. Its aggressive triple-ground teeth get through both green and dry wood quickly, though it’s not meant for felling large trees.
How do you maintain a folding saw?
Keep the blade of your Fiskars folding saw clean and dry after each use to prevent rust. If you’ve been cutting resinous wood, clean the blade with a bit of mineral spirits. It shouldn’t need sharpening for many years.

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8.9/10Check price at Amazon