Have you ever wrestled with a stubborn branch, your saw feeling dull and useless? That frustration is a common experience for anyone who works with trees. Choosing the right arborist hand saw can be the difference between a smooth, efficient job and a tiring, time-consuming one.
Selecting a hand saw is more than just grabbing the first one you see. You need to think about the type of teeth, the blade length, and the handle design. These choices directly affect how well you can cut, the effort you need to put in, and your overall safety. Many people struggle with these decisions, leading to wasted time and potential injury.
This post is designed to help you! You will learn the key features of a great arborist hand saw. We’ll cover the different types, materials, and important factors to consider. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing the perfect saw for your needs. So, let’s dive into the world of arborist hand saws and find the best one for you!
Our Top 5 Arborist Hand Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Arborist Hand Saw Detailed Reviews
1. Samurai Ichiban 13″ (330mm) Curved Pruning Saw w/Scabbard
Rating: 9.4/10
The Samurai Ichiban 13″ (330mm) Curved Pruning Saw is a top choice for pros. It is our number one selling saw for arborists and landscapers. This saw has a curved blade for easy cuts. The 13-inch (330mm) blade is just the right size. The blade is taper ground and has impulse tooth hardening. This makes the blade strong and sharp. It has a 6.5 teeth per inch (7.5 teeth per 30mm) configuration. The saw weighs only 0.8 pounds, so it is easy to use. A scabbard comes with the saw for safe storage and carrying.
What We Like:
- This saw is very popular with professionals in the tree care business.
- The curved blade helps you cut through branches quickly.
- The teeth are designed to stay sharp for a long time.
- It is light, so you won’t get tired.
- The scabbard protects the blade and keeps you safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a longer blade for bigger jobs.
This Samurai Ichiban pruning saw is a great tool for anyone who needs to trim trees. It is a reliable and efficient saw that will get the job done.
2. Notch Legacy 13″ Saw with Scabbard (40710)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Notch Legacy 13″ Saw with Scabbard (40710) is a great hand saw. It is made for cutting through wood. The saw uses high carbon Japanese SK5 steel. It has a full tang blade. The teeth on the blade are tri-edge and very sharp. This saw also comes with a molded scabbard. The scabbard has rollers. It weighs less than a pound, making it easy to carry around.
What We Like:
- The blade is made of strong, high-quality steel.
- The tri-edge teeth cut quickly and cleanly.
- The included scabbard protects the blade and makes it safe to store.
- It’s a lightweight saw, making it easier to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the saw blade a little short for very thick branches.
This is a good saw for anyone who needs to cut wood. It is a durable and reliable tool. You can use it for many different projects.
3. Oregon 13″ Curved Premium Japanese High-Carbon Steel Hand Saw
Rating: 8.8/10
The Oregon 13″ Curved Premium Japanese High-Carbon Steel Hand Saw is a great tool for pruning and cutting. It’s designed for arborists and anyone who needs to trim branches. The curved blade helps you cut with more power and less effort. This saw is built to last and is rust-proof. It also comes with a safety sheath for protection.
What We Like:
- The curved blade cuts easily. It helps you reach further branches.
- The teeth are designed to cut smoothly. They reduce friction.
- The handle is comfortable to hold. It is made for easy use.
- The blade is made from high-quality Japanese steel. It’s also chrome-plated to prevent rust.
- The teeth are hardened. This means they will stay sharp longer.
- The blade attaches to the handle securely.
- The scabbard has a push-button release.
- You can easily replace the blade. You just need a coin.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons.
This Oregon hand saw is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable cutting tool. It is a good investment for your gardening tools.
4. Samurai ICHIBAN GC-240-LH 9-1/2″ (240mm) Curved Hand Saw + Carrying Case. Made in Japan
Rating: 9.3/10
The Samurai ICHIBAN GC-240-LH is a hand saw made in Japan. It has a curved blade that is 9-1/2 inches long. The saw comes with a carrying case. This saw is designed for cutting wood. The blade is 270mm (10-1/2″) long. The teeth are spaced 4mm apart. This helps to make clean cuts.
What We Like:
- It’s made in Japan, so it has high quality.
- The curved blade helps with cutting.
- The carrying case makes it easy to store and carry.
- The blade is the perfect length for many jobs.
- The teeth are sharp and cut well.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may prefer a straight blade.
- The carrying case is good, but a more heavy-duty case might be better.
This Samurai hand saw is a great tool for anyone who needs to cut wood. It is a reliable and well-made saw that should last a long time. It’s a good choice for both beginners and experienced users.
5. Kanzawa Samurai Ichigeki Pruning Saw 330mm C-330-LH with Ergo Grip (Orange) w/sheath Made in Japan
Rating: 8.8/10
The Kanzawa Samurai Ichigeki Pruning Saw is a top-notch cutting tool. It’s the 330mm C-330-LH model. This saw comes with an ergonomic orange grip and a sheath. It’s made in Japan and is hand-powered. This saw is perfect for both professionals and casual users.
What We Like:
- The 13-inch TRI CUT teeth blade cuts quickly.
- The ergonomic grip makes it comfortable to hold.
- A sheath is included. It has a belt clip for easy carrying.
- It is made in Japan, so the quality is high.
- The saw is great for professional arborists. It is also affordable for anyone to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The saw is a great option for most users. There is not much that can be improved.
This Kanzawa Samurai Ichigeki Pruning Saw is a reliable and efficient tool. It’s a great choice for anyone who needs a good pruning saw.
Arborist Hand Saw: Your Guide to Branching Out
This guide helps you pick the best arborist hand saw. These saws are great for trimming trees and bushes. They are used by professionals and people who like to garden. Let’s explore what makes a good one!
Key Features to Look For
When buying an arborist hand saw, you need to think about a few things.
Blade Length and Tooth Design
- Blade Length: Longer blades can cut thicker branches. Shorter blades are easier to handle. Choose a length that fits your needs.
- Tooth Design: Look for teeth that are sharp and angled. This makes cutting easier and faster. Different teeth are good for different wood types.
Handle Comfort and Grip
- Handle Shape: A good handle fits your hand well. It should be comfortable to hold for a long time.
- Grip Material: Handles with rubber or textured grips prevent slipping. This is important, especially when your hands are wet.
Folding or Fixed Blade
- Folding Saws: These saws fold up for easy storage and safety.
- Fixed Blade Saws: These saws are strong and can handle tough jobs. They may need a scabbard (a protective cover) to keep the blade safe.
Important Materials
The materials used to make an arborist hand saw affect its quality and how long it lasts.
Blade Material
- High-Carbon Steel: This is a common material. It’s strong and stays sharp.
- Chrome-Plated Steel: This steel resists rust. This helps the saw last longer.
- Hardened Steel: This is very strong and can cut through thick wood.
Handle Materials
- Plastic: Plastic handles are lightweight and cheap. They may not be as durable.
- Wood: Wood handles are comfortable but can be damaged by water.
- Rubber or Composite: These materials provide a good grip and are durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a saw better or worse.
Quality Boosters
- Sharp Teeth: Sharp teeth cut wood well.
- Durable Materials: Strong materials make the saw last longer.
- Good Handle Design: A comfy handle makes the job easier.
- Blade Coating: A coating can help the blade resist rust and cut better.
Quality Reducers
- Dull Teeth: Dull teeth make cutting hard.
- Weak Materials: Weak materials can break easily.
- Uncomfortable Handle: A bad handle makes the job tiring.
- Rust: Rust ruins the blade and makes it less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
Arborist hand saws are used for many jobs.
Use Cases
- Pruning Branches: Cut off dead or unwanted branches.
- Trimming Shrubs: Shape bushes and hedges.
- Cutting Small Trees: Cut down small trees.
- Gardening: Use them for various gardening tasks.
User Experience
- Easy to Use: Good saws cut quickly and easily.
- Safe to Use: A good design keeps you safe.
- Comfortable: A comfortable handle makes the job easier.
Arborist Hand Saw FAQs
Q: What is an arborist hand saw used for?
A: It is used for cutting branches, trimming bushes, and other gardening tasks.
Q: What is the best blade length?
A: The best length depends on what you are cutting. Longer blades cut thicker branches.
Q: What is the best material for the blade?
A: High-carbon steel or chrome-plated steel are good choices. They are strong and resist rust.
Q: How do I keep my saw sharp?
A: You can sharpen it with a file. Also, keep the saw clean.
Q: What is the difference between a folding and a fixed blade saw?
A: A folding saw folds up for safety. A fixed blade saw is stronger but needs a cover.
Q: What makes a handle comfortable?
A: A handle with a good shape and a rubber grip is comfortable.
Q: How do I store my arborist hand saw?
A: Store it in a dry place. If it is a fixed blade, use a scabbard.
Q: How do I know if the saw is good quality?
A: Look for sharp teeth, durable materials, and a comfortable handle.
Q: What is the difference between different tooth designs?
A: Different tooth designs cut wood in different ways. Some are good for soft wood and others for hard wood.
Q: Can I use an arborist hand saw for cutting firewood?
A: Yes, you can use it for cutting smaller pieces of firewood. For big jobs, you might need a bigger saw.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!