A good pruning saw can make the difference between mangled or well-shaped limbs—both on the plant you’re shaping and your own body. If you’re planning on pruning any kind of trees soon, you’ll need to be equipped with a saw that is meant for the job. Don’t try to prune with anything other than a pruning saw, and always use a blade that’s sharp and is durable enough to handle the branches that you’re working with.
There are three major considerations when you’re buying a new pruning saw: ergonomics, blade quality, and folding capabilities.
Ergonomics
Assume that you’re going to need to saw for a while. Will repetitive motion with the saw be easy, or will it require effort that can cause a repetitive stress injury?
Blade Quality
The poorly made blade will limb badly. Also, a blade that’s made of a low-quality alloy will dull quickly, and a blade that’s forged poorly might result in chipped saw teeth. A quality blade will also last longer and stay sharper, especially if it’s cleaned regularly.
Folding
Do you want a saw that folds? Beware—there is a slight chance that the locking mechanism in your folding saw will fail while you’re using it. That can be very dangerous, especially if you’re on top of a ladder.
Contemporary saw and knife locks are rugged and reliable, but there’s always a chance that you could damage your saw without knowing. On the other hand, saws that fold are easier to store. They’re also much safer to carry while climbing a tree or tall ladder.
Pruning Saw Costs
Pruning saws available for sale online range in cost from approximately $10 to $50. Most pruning saws fall in the $20 – $35 range. The most important factors in the cost of pruning saws are:
- Blade quality
- Foldability
- Handle quality
The least expensive pruning saw we’d recommend is the Tabor T6 Saw. The cost is low because it’s ideal for smaller branches and features a smaller blade.
The most expensive pruning saw on our list is the Silky BigBoy 2000. The cost is high because the blade is thicker and foldable.
The Best Pruning Saws On Amazon
EverSaw 8” Folding Hand Saw
Estimated price: $15-25
The EverSaw’s handle and blade both really stand out. The teeth are made to be extra durable and stay sharp for a long time.
The handle is super comfortable, even if you’re using it for a long time.
The EverSaw also features a very reliable gear lock and hides all the teeth inside the rugged handle when it’s folded shut. It’s rugged enough to cut a tree limb, but it’s small enough to bring camping or hunting.
With 462 5-star reviews, reviewers mention that the EverSaw 8″ pruning saw is durable and open and closes with ease. It can tackle thicker branches, despite being a more affordable option.
Samurai Ichiban 13” Curved Pruning Saw With Scabbard
Estimated price: $40-50
This Japanese-made saw is truly the Cadillac of pruning saws. The price reflects as much, but so does the experience of using it.
The martial-sounding name—and the included scabbard—are another clue that the Samurai Ichiban is a serious saw.
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This saw will cut thick limbs easily, with help from the well-designed handle.
The blade will slice through tough, knotty wood—or your finger—even with a gentle, careless touch.
The Samurai Ichiban does not fold and features a curved design, which helps when cutting large pieces of wood.
Reviewers mention that the curved blade adds a lot of stability when you’re sawing and the green grip is sturdy and supports your hand well. They also mention that the blade is sharp enough to provide a clean, clear cut through a variety of wood types.
Tabor Tools T6 8” Folding Saw
Estimated price: $10
The Tabor T6 is the most affordable of the saws that we’ve reviewed. It’s rugged and durable and features a trusty lock. However, the handle leaves something to be desired.
If you’re sawing often and for long durations, this probably isn’t the saw for you.
But if you do some occasional lopping to keep a hedge orderly or want to have a reliable saw to take camping, this is a good bet.
Reviewers mention that this blade is incredibly durable and it cuts through wood easily. The knife locks in either the closed or open position, providing you with a bit of safety and security when you need it the most.
Silky Professional Series BIGBOY 2000
Estimated price: $50
The Silky brand name is accurate: Only the Samurai Ichiban matches the ease of cutting that you’ll find with a Silky saw.
This is the largest, most effective, and ergonomic folding saw on this list—and the price reflects all those advantages.
Reviewers mention that this saw cuts through wood easily and smoothly while being lightweight and foldable. They also mention that the saw is thin and can feel a bit flimsy if you use it incorrectly.
WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw
Estimated price: $15-20
The WilFiks 16” saw is an effective all-purpose saw. If you’re used to handling a traditional hand saw, this is a good choice—it works well on tree limbs but can also be used for any number of other sawing purposes.
The WilFiks doesn’t fold, but it has an excellent, comfortable cutout handle and a durable, tempered blade with sharp, long-lasting teeth.
One reviewer mentions that the grip is comfortable and she was able to prune a number of branches that broke during a storm. Another reviewer mentions that they’re an experienced woodworker and were pretty impressed with the cutting ability of this smaller hand saw.
