The Best Pruning Saws for Perfectly Trimmed Gardens

Pruning is often seen as a difficult procedure, but only by those that haven’t used a quality pruning saw. The best pruning saws are ultra-sharp and ergonomically designed to be properly handled – so it’s no surprise that they’re the go-to options for many gardeners. They also come in various sizes, which means that there’s a pruning saw for every gardener. 

In the previous section, we listed our favorite pruning saws available, with brief descriptions of them. However, we understand that sometimes, customers require extra information to make the right buying decision. And that’s why we have created this section to explain some elements that affect the quality of pruning saws. 

Features to Assess When Buying Pruning Saws

Pruning saws are great for cutting off unwanted plants or plant parts; however, they’re not all created equal. So that you don’t get confused when you get to the agricultural tools section, we’ve decided to list some of the factors to look out for when shopping for pruning saws. With these pieces of information, you should be able to choose the right pruning saw for your gardening endeavors. 

Type

It’s no surprise that pruning saws come in multiple forms that perform various functions. And although some general-purpose pruners can execute multiple pruning procedures, you may need sophisticated pruning saws for certain unconventional pruning activities. So study the types of pruning saws below and determine which one best suits your gardening needs. 

Bow pruning saws

These are not your everyday pruning saws. They are meant for cutting large and hard plant parts – they can even be used to cut down trees. These pruning saws are shaped just like a bow (hence the name), and the long serrated blade is affixed between two opposite sides of the saw. 

Pole pruning saws

These types of pruning saws are custom-designed for pruning tall trees. The design of these pruning saws typically includes a normal serrated blade attached to a long adjustable or fixed pole (hence the name, once again).

Folding and non-folding pruning saws

Folding pruning saws are uniquely designed with sheaths that they fold into when they’re not in use. This simple feature makes them easy to carry about. Non-folding pruning saws are the complete opposite; however, they come with hooks at the end of their handles, which also serve as an anti-slip measure. 

Blade material 

The best pruning saws are forged from high carbon steel. Any other material would be inferior, and it’s advisable to stay away from such. A general rule of thumb when it comes to blade material of pruning saws is that the higher the carbon, the better. Carbon is what makes the metal hard and less prone to dulling. 

Pruning saw action

Pruning saws are designed to cut through wooden material in two ways – pull stroke and push stroke. However, only a few of them cut both ways. If you’re to choose between either cutting action, it’s best to go for pull stroke pruning saws. They require less human power and execute clean cuts without causing any damage to other parts of the plant or wooden material. 

Hardening process

Pruning saws go through many processes in their production; however, the hardening process determines how long they’ll stay sharp. In this case, there are two hardening processes, quench and impulse hardening, and you’ll have to choose between both. 

Let’s save you all the scientific jargon about these processes and just say that the best is impulse hardening. Pruning saws forged by this process are three times stronger and sharper than the alternative, making them the best choice. However, note that such pruning saws are more expensive than the alternative. 

Cutting direction

Cutting direction, also known as tooth geometry, is vital when choosing a pruning saw. The best pruning saws feature triple ground serrated teeth, which gives them an edge over others. This element makes pruning saws really sharp and reduces the conventional cutting time by half. It also allows clean cuts, and it makes clogging by wood debris impossible. 

Weight

The weight of a pruning saw affects its ease of handling and control. And usually, the thickness and weight of what you need to cut will determine the ideal saw weight to go for. A general rule of thumb is that the thicker the material to cut, the heavier the pruning saw to choose. So use this information to choose what’s best for your needs. 

Serrations

Pruning saws come in three major serrations: coarse, medium, and fine. The ideal one to go for is determined by the material you need to cut. Coarsely serrated pruning saws are great for cutting through fresh, heavy wood, while the fine ones are best suited for hard and dry wood. The averagely serrated pruning saws are more multipurpose and can cut a wide variety of wood types. 

Straight or curved pruning saws

Pruning saws can come straight or curved, and this isn’t an aesthetic feature. Curved pruning saws are best suited for cutting materials beneath the waist or above your head, mostly because you’ll find it easy to use them at such angles. On the other hand, straight pruning saws are ideal for cutting between your shoulders and waist for the same reasons as the first. 

Blade length

Pruning saw blades can either be long or short. Long blades increase your reach and stroke span, but they may not be easy to control. Short blades, on the other hand, are quite easy to control and cheaper. In addition, their small size makes them more portable and easy to store. 

Blade locking mechanism

Blade locking is a safety mechanism in pruning saws. It prevents the typically sharp blades from shifting out of place and causing injury to the handler. In this case, the best blade locking mechanisms to look out for in pruning blades include the swing lock, push-button, and thumb lever. 

Handle

You should look out for the size and quality of pruning saw handles. Ensure that the handle is large (or small) enough to perfectly fit your hand and that it is made of either rubber, plastic, or wood. You also need to make sure that it is anti-slip and crafted to withstand the shock from cutting through wood.