Do you have a garden, orchard, or several overgrown trees and bushes on your property? You could benefit from keeping a high-quality pruning saw in your toolkit.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about these saws — including how they are used and how to choose the best one. You’ll even learn about the top nine options on the market!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH 10-Inch Folding Saw
Best D-Handle Saw:
Fiskars Power Tooth Softgrip D-Handle Pruning Saw
Budget Pruning Saw:
Rexbeti 11-Inch Folding Saw
Best Overall
Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH 10-Inch Folding Saw
If you want to get your hands on the best saw on the market, the Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH is the tool for you.
This industry-standard folding saw features a ten-inch curved blade and triple-ground teeth that are forged from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel. With its chrome-coated finish, the RazorTOOTH provides long-lasting sharpness and maximum durability.
Pros:
- Cuts up to 2x faster than other saws
- Ergonomic handle with locking blade mechanism
- Extremely affordable overall
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- No prominent finger guard
Best D-Handle Saw
Fiskars Power Tooth Softgrip D-Handle Pruning Saw
D-handled saws are known for their strength and durability, and the Fiskars Power Tooth saw is no exception.
Despite being a handheld saw, the Power Tooth has a long, 18-inch, triple-ground blade. Moreover, its D-shaped handle features a spongy “Softgrip” interior that limits blistering and wrist fatigue. This design also allows you to cut both ways while maintaining complete control of the saw.
Pros:
- Extra-long, 18-inch cutting blade
- Softgrip, nonslip D-shape handle design
- Very affordable overall
- Backed by a full lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Too bulky for extra-small spaces
Budget Pruning Saw
Rexbeti 11-Inch Folding Saw
For a pruning saw that won’t make a dent in your wallet, check out the 11-inch folding saw from Rexbeti — a unit that is not only extremely affordable but also razor-sharp.
Boasting a SK-5 stainless steel blade and seven teeth per inch (TPI), the saw is rated to cut through branches up to seven inches in diameter.
With that said, Rexbeti also pairs sharpness with safety; its rubber-coated polymer handle is equipped with a safety metal lock that secures the blade while in the folded position.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable overall
- It offers impressive length for a folding saw
- Razor-sharp blade with seven TPI
- Safety metal lock included
Cons:
- It does not include a finger guard
- Blade pivot isn’t the strongest
Best Pole Saw
Fiskars PowerLever Tree Pruner
If your backyard is filled with overgrown trees, the Fiskars PowerLever tree pruner will help you easily reach those high branches.
Its strong, fiberglass pole can extend anywhere between seven and 14 feet, while its precision-ground steel blade and rust-resistant titanium coating provide a low-friction cutting action in one swift motion. This pruning tool also has an attachable blade that allows you to see through even larger branches.
Pros:
- Power-lever technology delivers twice the power of most pole saws
- The double-locking system provides stability
- Extremely lightweight for its size
- Backed by a full lifetime warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than the average mechanical saw
- Power-lever action is not very effective with branches over one and a half inches in diameter
Best Electric Pruning Saw
Black+Decker 3.4 Amp Powered Hand Saw
If you value convenience, an electric saw is the way to go — in which case, be sure to check out the 3.4 amp powered hand saw from Black+Decker.
Delivering up to 4,600 strokes per minute (SPM) and a stroke length of 3/8-inch, this tool does all of the heavy lifting for you — to the point where you can use this tool to cut through not only wood but also metal.
Moreover, it weighs just five pounds and features a highly ergonomic, D-shaped handle.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty blade for wood and metal
- Equipped with a safety button to prevent accidents
- Carrying bag included
- Backed by a two-year limited warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than most mechanical saws
- The six-foot cord can make moving around difficult
Best Ergonomic Pruning Saw
Samurai Ichiban GC-330-LH Curved Blade Pruning Saw
If you’re looking for something comfortable, consider the Samurai GC-330-LH curved saw from Ichiban.
This saw is shaped much like a pistol — equipped with an angled handle and complete with a nonslip, rubberized grip.
The saw’s 13-inch blade delivers six razor-sharp teeth per inch, allowing you to cut through thick branches from nearly any angle. Finally, this saw is also remarkably lightweight at just over 12 ounces.
Pros:
- Ergonomic rubberized handle that minimizes fatigue
- Extra-long 13-inch stainless steel blade
- Sheath and belt loop included
Cons:
- The blade occasionally flexes under enough force
Best Heavy-Duty Pruning Saw
Corona RS 7510D RazorTOOTH D-Handle Pruning Saw
If the large branches on your property are in need of some heavy-duty pruning, leave it to the RS7510D RazorTOOTH D-handle saw from Corona.
This unit features a 13-inch blade that is forged from high-carbon Japanese steel and plated with chrome for reduced friction and greater durability.
The blade is also lined with triple-sided teeth for maximum sharpness. Last but not least, the saw’s D-shaped handle provides a large opening for either one-handed or two-handed use.
Pros:
- Can cut branches up to 10 inches in diameter
- Versatile handle that can be used with one or two hands
- Very affordable for an XL saw
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Primarily a pull-action saw; push-pull actions aren’t nearly as effective
Best Premium Pruning Saw
Silky ZUBAT Professional Series Curved Blade Hand Saw
If you’re willing to part with a little extra money, consider the ZUBAT professional series hand saw from Silky — a unit that delivers quality, as well as all of the bells and whistles that you could possibly want in a pruning saw.
Beyond its full-tang curved blade and 6.4 teeth per inch, the ZUBAT hand saw is equipped with a double-riveted, molded rubber grip and finger guards on both ends. The knife even comes with its own roller-guided scabbard — complete with belt and leg strap holders.
Pros:
- Extra-long, 15.4-inch curved blade
- Double-riveted, rubber handle includes finger guards for safety
- Versatile scabbard included
Cons:
- One of the more expensive mechanical saws on the market
- Does most of its cutting on the pull stroke
What Is a Pruning Saw?
A pruning saw — much like any other saw you would use out in your garden or backyard— is a tool that is designed to cut through wood. There are a handful of key differences that set it apart from other types of saws, however.
To start, this saw features a long, slender, and often curved steel blade that it is best suited for small and medium-sized branches. The blade edge consists of sharp, jagged teeth that are designed to tear through wood with ease so as to minimize fatigue as you’re pruning your trees and bushes.
This tool is also equipped with an ergonomic handle, which allows you to wield it with one hand as you reach through tight or narrow openings. Many saws will even come with scabbards — sheaths that preserve their sharpness and durability and prioritize your safety.
Different Types of Pruning Saws
When shopping for a new saw, it’s important to remember that each type of saw has a different application. Here are the four main types that are available:
Handheld Pruning Saws
Handheld saws are relatively lightweight and are most effective with bushes and short trees. Blades come in various shapes and sizes, from short curved blades to long straight blades. Similarly, handles vary from straight grips to D-shaped grips.
As they don’t offer the same reach as some other saws, hand saws are somewhat ineffective with high branches — unless you have some means of elevating to reach the trees.
Folding Pruning Saws
A folding saw is also a handheld saw, but it differs in that it features a built-in folding mechanism. This feature can be especially helpful — not only for safety but also for portability. You can store a folding saw in just about any toolkit or compartment.
Due to the folding mechanism, however, the folding saw is limited when it comes to handle styles. The majority of these saws feature simple, straight grips.
Pole Pruning Saws
The pole pruning saw differs from the handheld and folding saw in that it features a long, telescopic handle with a short blade attached at the very end.
This design allows you to reach high branches that are otherwise unreachable; albeit, you sacrifice some of your control with a handheld or folding saw.
Powered Saws
The powered saw uses a battery or electricity to power its moving blade and create friction, making the job of pruning less labor-intensive for the person wielding the saw.
These saws come in all shapes and sizes — from large, corded saws to small, cordless models. They do, however, come at a premium — often costing as much as two or three times the price of the average mechanical saw.
How to Choose the Best Pruning Saw
With multiple types of pruning saws and hundreds of products on the market, the sheer number of options can become overwhelming. Keep the following factors in mind when narrowing down your top options:
Size
The first factor to consider is, of course, size. While a large blade may allow you to cut through large branches faster, it may feel cumbersome when you’re dealing with short or thin branches.
Conversely, a small blade will allow you to carve through small branches easily, but it may cause fatigue when you tackle larger branches.
Shape
It’s also important to consider the shape of the saw — starting with the blade. Straight blades are most effective when cutting green wood and sap, while curved blades are more effective for heavy-duty cutting.
When comparing handles, choose a design that will feel comfortable in your hands. Handle designs range from straight rubber grips to angled handles and D-shaped handles. Some saws can only be wielded with one hand, while others allow for a two-handed grip.
Branch Height
The height of your branches should help determine the saw you choose. As mentioned earlier, handheld and folding saws are best suited for bushes and short branches. Pole saws, on other hand, feature telescopic handles that allow you to reach taller branches as needed.
Sharpness
The main way to limit fatigue is to ensure your pruning saw stays razor-sharp. The duller the blade, the more force you will need to apply and the less effective your saw will be.
Watch for the blade’s TPI, which stands for teeth per inch. The higher the TPI, the sharper the saw is likely to be. You should also ensure the blade is forged from high-carbon stainless steel. Chrome and titanium coatings will also go a long way toward ensuring that your saw maintains its sharp edge.
Durability
Not all pruning saws are created equal. Keep an eye out for cheap plastic handles and non-stainless steel blades, as these are usually red flags that the saw isn’t very durable. Additionally, consider whether replacement parts for the saw are readily available should you need to purchase them.
Safety
Safety is a critical factor to consider when purchasing a saw, knife, or other tool. Fortunately, plenty of pruning saws are equipped with helpful safety features — including folding mechanisms, finger guards, and blade covers.
Cost
Finally, it’s important to remember your budget when shopping for a new saw. As you would imagine, most mechanical saws are significantly less expensive than powered saws and even certain pole saws. If you’re able to splurge on an electric saw, however, you’ll enjoy the convenience that comes with it.
Add a Top-Notch Pruning Saw to Your Toolkit Today
Have you found the perfect saw to complete your toolkit? There are plenty of high-quality options to choose from, including the best overall pruning saw — the Corona RS 7255 RazorTOOTH folding saw.
If you’d like to learn more about pruning your trees and bushes, check out our Pruning Guide for everything you’ll need to know!
- About the Author
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Ben Morgan is a husband, father, and writer for Apple Pie Media. He grew up in Tasmania, Australia, a largely rural territory that has earned the nickname, “The Apple Isle,” for its many apple orchards. Some of Ben’s fondest memories include family trips to one of many local orchards, where he would enjoy plucking and eating fresh fruits with his younger siblings.
Today, Ben, his wife, and daughter love to visit their local South Carolina farmers market on the weekends. After discovering a new variety of fruit or veggie, he looks forward to sitting down at his computer to share his knowledge and experiences with other aspiring green thumbs.