Bow Saws

About Bow Saws

Bow saws are essential handheld cutting tools designed for trimming branches, cutting logs, and preparing firewood. Characterised by their distinctive curved frame and tensioned blade, these versatile saws excel at cutting through both fresh green wood and seasoned timber, making them indispensable for gardening, forestry, and outdoor maintenance work. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade bow saws from trusted brands including Bahco, Faithfull, Spear and Jackson, Roughneck, and Draper, with blade lengths typically ranging from 530mm to 900mm to suit applications from light pruning to heavy-duty log cutting.

Modern bow saws feature ergonomic soft-grip handles, quick-release blade mechanisms, and tubular steel frames that combine strength with reduced weight. Standard bow-shaped frames provide excellent blade tension and cutting power, whilst pointed nose designs from manufacturers like Bahco offer improved manoeuvrability in confined spaces. MyToolShed.co.uk also offers specialist variants including toolbox bow saws for portability and foresters' bow saws for demanding woodland applications, alongside replacement blades optimised for green wood or dry wood cutting.

Applications

Bow saws are used across numerous trades and applications:

• Gardeners and Landscapers – pruning trees, cutting branches, and general garden maintenance
• Foresters and Arborists – woodland management, tree surgery, and timber preparation
• Groundskeepers – maintaining parks, golf courses, and large outdoor spaces
• Roofers – cutting timber rafters and roof timbers on site
• Carpenters and Joiners – rough cutting timber and site carpentry work
• Camping and Bushcraft Enthusiasts – preparing firewood and camp maintenance
• Farmers and Smallholders – hedge laying, coppicing, and land management
• DIY Enthusiasts – home garden maintenance and outdoor projects

Choosing The Right Bow Saws

Blade Length: Common sizes range from 530mm (21") for light pruning up to 900mm (36") for cutting large logs. The blade should be at least 50mm longer than the diameter of wood you're cutting to allow proper stroke length.

Frame Design: Standard bow-shaped frames offer maximum blade tension for heavy-duty cutting, whilst pointed nose designs provide better access in confined spaces. Toolbox bow saws offer compact portability for mobile tradespeople.

Blade Type: Choose green wood blades for fresh timber with high moisture content, or dry wood blades for seasoned logs. Professional ranges like Bahco Heavy Duty models often include interchangeable blades for maximum versatility.

Handle Comfort: Ergonomic handles with soft-grip coating reduce hand fatigue during extended use, essential for professional all-day work.

Build Quality: Professional-grade saws feature tubular steel frames that resist bending and provide consistent blade tension. Brands such as Bahco, Faithfull Countryman, and Spear and Jackson Predator ranges are known for durability in demanding trade environments.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate safety glasses to protect against flying wood chips and sawdust. Use sturdy work gloves to protect hands from splinters whilst maintaining good grip. Ensure the workpiece is stable and properly supported before cutting, and keep hands clear of the cutting line. Check blade tension before each use – a loose blade can buckle dangerously. Replace damaged or worn blades immediately, ensuring teeth point away from the handle. Store bow saws with blade guards when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What blade length should I choose for general garden use?

For typical garden maintenance including pruning and cutting branches up to 150mm diameter, a 610mm (24") or 760mm (30") bow saw provides an ideal balance of manoeuvrability and cutting capacity for most residential tasks.

Can I use a bow saw for cutting dry firewood?

Yes, bow saws are excellent for cutting both green and seasoned firewood. For best results when cutting dry logs, fit a dry wood blade which has tooth geometry optimised for harder, seasoned timber.

What's the difference between standard and pointed nose bow saws?

Pointed nose bow saws feature a tapered frame design that allows improved access in restricted spaces between branches or tight corners, whilst maintaining excellent blade tension and cutting performance comparable to traditional bow saw designs.