Photo: Mark Wolfe for BobVila.com

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Best Overall

Best Bang for the Buck

Best for Large Cuts

Best Foldable

Best for Backcountry

Best Handle Design

Best Blade Tensioner

Meet the Tester

It may come as a surprise, but bow saws play an important role in our gas- and electricity-powered world. Compared to powered saws in the workshop , bow saws are incredibly affordable, portable, quiet, cost-efficient, and never need sharpening (just replace the blade). A lightweight bow saw comes in handy when only a few clean cuts are required, and on work sites that are far from fuel sources. The variety of available sizes, styles, and extra features can make choosing one seem difficult, and that’s why we assembled this guide.…