Best Pruning Saw [Buying Guide + Reviews]

Let me take a wild guess here guys. Since you’re already here, I bet you’ve dealt with all sorts of woods, trees, tough plants, and stubborn hedges. Of course, any proper gardener will always have a chainsaw handy for those thicker and tougher logs. However, a pruning saw is the perfect tool that will fit nicely in the space right between your chainsaw and pair of loppers. Pruning saws are medium length straight or curved saw blades attached to a handle. These sharp blades can cut through branches up to 5cm thick easily.

But as always, not all pruning saws are made equal. I’ve scoured the UK market for all the different types, sizes, and features that make a great saw. To get you started, I’ve outlined some of the main types of pruning saws currently in the UK.

  • Pole Pruner – A pole pruning saw comes attached to a long handheld pole that makes it easier to reach deeper branches and prune further.
  • Handheld Pruning Saws – The most common type due to its small, portable and versatile nature. Used for both indoor and outdoor tasks.
  • Straight Blade Pruning Saw – Best for cutting through green wood and sap due to straight blades.
  • Curved Blade Pruning Saw – Ideal for heavy duty cutting because the curve adds extra toughness in your cut.

Other than the blade design and shape, there are a few key features that you should also keep an eye out for. For one, the blade material is also vital to the efficiency of the gardening tool. It helps if the material is durable, rust resistant, hard to bend or break, and covered with non-stick coating.

Likewise, safety should always be a priority. You can never be too careful with sharp tools, so make sure your pruning saw has a safety lock, scabbard, or any other protection mechanism.

1. Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw and Holster

 

As the saying goes, old is indeed gold. That’s why we’re kicking off with one of the most renown and old manufacturer in the UK. Wilkinson Sword has been making top of the line equipment for centuries; that’s why it’s no surprise that they own of one of the best pruning saws on the market. I’m talking about the Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw.

This well-built straight pruner incorporates triple ground teeth for an even smoother, effortless cut. Users also can’t stop lauding the 250mm blade that allows you to cut thicker, tougher branches. It’s also worth noting the pistol grip handle with rubberized TPR non slip grip for more comfort and control. The final touch comes in the form of a non slip holster that houses the blade when the saw is not in use.

What I like about it:

  • Triple ground teeth for effortless sawing
  • Non slip holster for safe storage
  • 10 year guarantee on purchase

2. Bahco 4212146T Pruning Saw 360mm

 

When you’re dealing with tougher wood and thicker branches, nothing gets the job done better than a curved pruning saw. Seems like one company already figured this out with the new Bahco 4212146T Pruning Saw. Some people have compared this beauty to a light saber seeing how sharp it is. But I assure you, it’s quite safe and very comfortable.

The sharp blade boasts of a 360mm length and can be filed to maintain the insanely high levels of sharpness. With the aggressive on pull teeth, don’t be too surprised if the saw cuts through live wood like a hot knife on butter. But that’s not the best part; what really impressed me was the strong beech-wood handle that is not only solid and comfortable, but also hooked for easy hanging.

What I like about it:

  • Curved blade with aggressive on pull stroke
  • Teeth are fileable for longer sharpness maintenance
  • Robust beech-wood handle with storage hook

3. Davaon Premium Folding Pro Pruning Saw

 

You know what professionals love more than anything? It’s a compact tool that can be easily carried along with all their other hundreds of tools. So whether you’re a professional gardener or a weekend camper, I think you’re going to love this handy saw. The premium folding pro pruning saw from Davaon fits the bill perfectly.

As the name suggests, this saw incorporates a clever folding and instant secure lock/ unlock system that keeps the blade firmly in place during use and safe when not in use. The Davaon Premium Folding saw incorporates a 7 inch premium SK5 carbon steel blade that has been triple cut for extra strength and coated for less friction in operation.

What I like about it:

  • Quality folding design
  • Multipurpose functionality
  • Premium, ergonomic non slip handle

4. Spear & Jackson 4948PS/09 Razorsharp Folding Pruning Saw

 

Here’s another incredibly popular pruning saw from one of the best manufacturers in the UK. Spear & Jackson has been delivering excellence since its inception in 1760. That’s why it came as no surprise that their 4948PS/09 Razorsharp Folding Pruning Saw was among the best.

This saw is built to cut through living green branches of up to 90mm in diameter. You can tell all that by the 245mm carbon steel straight blade with ultra sharp precision ground teeth. The blade is also chrome plated for rust resistance and can be folded back into the handle for safe transport and storage.

What I like about it:

  • Extra long handle for more strength
  • Chrome plated blade offers more rust resistance
  • Blade folds into handle and locks in place

5. Draper 43860 230 mm Folding Pruning Saw

 

If ever there was a sleek, compact and attractive pruning saw, it would have to be the Draper 43860 230 mm Folding Pruning Saw. But that’s not the saw’s strongest selling point. What really makes it one of the best pruning saws in the UK is the fact that it’s the cheapest model on this list. But don’t be fooled by the low price point; this saw is a beast.

The 43860 boasts of some super sharp teeth that will draw blood if you’re not too careful. But not to worry, there are more than enough safety features to keep your fingers and the saw safe. This includes a folding mechanism that safely stores and locks the taper ground, rust resistant blade when not in use. The sleek, soft grip handle makes for a great finishing touch.

What I like about it:

  • Sleek, compact and futuristic design
  • Cheapest pruning saw on the list
  • Safety lock folding mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to sharpen a pruning saw?

Start by cleaning the saw well, to remove any dried on plant residue or sap. You will need soapy water and a stiff brush to get between each tooth of the saw, and you can use petrol or kerosene to clean off any stubborn sap.

  1. In order to sharpen a pruning saw you will need a specialist file – a cant file, or any other type of file that has a triangular cross section.
  2. Secure your saw into a bench vice to keep it steady while you are sharpening. Start from the rear end of the saw and work forwards; you will need to sharpen every other tooth.
  3. Hold the file at about a 30 degree angle and give each tooth the same number of strokes – 20 strokes should do for a very dull saw; 15 for a slightly blunt one, and 8-10 for a regular maintenance sharpen.
  4. When you reach the end, remove the saw from the vice, turn it around and repeat the process – again on every other tooth, so that every tooth has been sharpened.
  5. Clean your saw again once you have finished to remove any metal burrs, and lightly rub it with oil for a finishing touch.

Q: How to use a pruning saw?

Pruning saws are used for cutting green wood and thick branches. They have aggressive teeth and are generally curved.

  • You should always make sure you have a good grip on the saw, so that you don’t slip and cut the wrong bit – or worse, yourself.
  • You need to be far enough away from what you are cutting so that you have freedom to move your arm comfortably, and have your legs apart so that you have a good solid base.
  • It is advisable to cut small sections off large branches before cutting the whole thing off where you want it to be removed, as the weight of the branch will pull it down, resulting in a jagged or torn cut rather than a neat, smooth one.
  • Start your cut with a strong groove, so that the saw does not slip and cut in a place different from what you want.
  • Push the saw with your entire body, to make sure that you get a strong, clean cut, and pull back with a slant in your body, to get the maximum cutting strength.
  • Keep the blade straight to ensure a clean cut.
  • If you are cutting close to the ground, try to prevent the tip of the saw from digging into the ground, as the soil and debris will clog the blade and make it less effective.
  • If your saw is one of the closing types, always close the blade in between cuts, so that you don’t run the risk of injuring yourself.
  • Clean your saw before you put it away, to increase its life length and keep the blade sharp and usable.

Q: How to clean a pruning saw?

You should always wear gloves when cleaning your pruning saw, as the teeth are very sharp and you can do yourself some damage if you are not adequately protected.

Pruning saws in particular, because of their serrated blades, can accumulate all types of garden gunk which can be hard to get rid of, so your first port of call should be some wire wool.

Use this to scrub off any dried on sap or bits of bark that have got lodged in the blades.

Next, spray on a penetrating spray like WD-40 to help loosen the muck. Once the blades are completely clear, you should wipe off the excess WD-40 with a clean cloth.

You can then wash the blades down with soapy water, but you probably won’t need to do this as they should be clean – if you do do this step then make sure the blade is thoroughly dry, and then rub in some lubricating oil to prevent rust.

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