Mastering Hand Saw Safety
Scout Hand Saw Safety: Safe Use of Bow Saws and Folding Saws
Discover the key principles of safe hand saw operation to ensure a secure and efficient woodworking experience.
Safety Guidelines Overview
Key Safety Practices for Hand Saws
Hand saws, including bow saws and folding saws, are essential bushcraft and camp tools. When used correctly, they allow Scouts to cut timber safely and efficiently. Every Scout should receive instruction and supervision before using a saw.
Before You Start
- Check that the saw is in good condition before use.
- Ensure the blade is sharp, clean, and securely fitted.
- For bow saws, make sure the blade is correctly tensioned.
- For folding saws, ensure the blade is fully locked open before use.
- Wear sturdy footwear and tie back long hair or loose clothing.
- Set up a clearly defined sawing area, keeping other people well outside the working zone.
Safe Working Area
- Work in a designated, hazard-free area.
- Stand on stable, level ground with good footing.
- Keep the area free from trip hazards.
- Only one person should work in the sawing area at a time.
- Never allow anyone to stand in line with the saw blade.
- Using a sawhorse is an excellent safety practice. It fully supports your material so it doesn't bind or kick back, and it gives you a stable barrier between the blade and your body.
Preparing the Wood
- Secure the wood firmly before making any cuts.
- Use a saw horse, cutting trestle, saw box or stable support where available.
- Ensure the timber cannot roll, move, or shift while being cut.
- Never hold the wood with your hand directly in line with the blade.
Safe Sawing Technique
- Grip the saw firmly with both hands if appropriate.
- Start the cut using slow, controlled strokes to create a guide.
- Allow the saw blade to do the work—never force the blade.
- Use long, smooth strokes rather than short, aggressive movements.
- Keep fingers and hands well clear of the cutting path.
- Maintain a balanced stance throughout the cut.
- If the blade binds, stop sawing and reposition the timber rather than twisting or forcing the saw.
After Use
- Close folding saws immediately after use.
- Fit blade guards to bow saws where available.
- Clean off sap, dirt, and moisture.
- Store saws safely with blades protected.
- Report damaged or loose blades immediately and remove unsafe tools from use.
General Safety Rules
- Always work under appropriate supervision.
- Concentrate fully while sawing—avoid distractions.
- Never run or walk around carrying an open saw.
- Carry bow saws with the blade pointing downwards.
- Carry folding saws only when the blade is folded and locked closed.
- Stop work immediately if the saw becomes damaged or difficult to control.
Following these simple safety rules helps Scouts develop good woodland skills while reducing the risk of injury and ensuring everyone enjoys bushcraft activities safely.
Types of Hand Saws
Bow Saw for Scouting and Bushcraft
A bow saw is a lightweight hand saw designed for cutting green and dry wood. It has a thin steel blade held under tension by a strong metal frame, making it ideal for cutting logs, branches, and firewood during Scout camps and bushcraft activities. Bow saws are easy to use, efficient, and are one of the most common wood-cutting tools used in Scouting.
Buck Saw
A buck saw is a traditional hand saw with a wooden frame that holds a long blade under tension using a twisted cord or metal tensioning system. Originally designed for cutting felled timber into shorter lengths ("bucking" logs), it remains a popular tool for bushcraft, traditional woodcraft, and wilderness camping.
Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
The Bahco Laplander 396-LAP is one of the most popular folding saws used by Scouts, bushcraft enthusiasts, campers, and outdoor instructors. Its compact folding design, sharp XT-toothed blade, and comfortable grip make it ideal for processing firewood, cutting poles, and general camp tasks.
Silky Folding Saw
Silky folding saws are premium Japanese pull saws renowned for their exceptionally sharp blades, smooth cutting action, and lightweight design. Silky saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke, allowing faster, cleaner cuts with less effort. But used incorrectly can snap and give a nasty cut!
Saw Box
A saw box (sometimes called a sawing box or cutting box) is a simple wooden frame used to hold logs and branches securely while they are cut with a bow saw or folding saw. It provides a stable work surface, helping Scouts make safer, more accurate cuts while reducing the risk of the timber moving unexpectedly.
Saw Horse
A saw horse is a sturdy support used to hold timber securely while it is being cut with a hand saw, such as a bow saw, buck saw, or folding saw. It raises the wood off the ground, making sawing safer, more comfortable, and more efficient and safe.
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