How to Choose a Folding Garden Saw

A folding garden saw is a convenient tool for pruning branches that is easy to carry around the garden, store in a garden bag, or keep close at hand when working with trees and shrubs.

Unlike a conventional saw, a folding model takes up very little space when folded. At the same time, modern Japanese saws can handle fairly thick wood and are suitable for both regular garden maintenance and specific tree-pruning tasks.

However, folding saws can differ significantly from one another. Some are designed for precise work on smaller branches, while others have long blades and are intended for more demanding pruning.

In this article, we will look at how to choose a Japanese folding saw, what to consider when buying one, and how the models available from Kenzan Kiev differ: ARS IK-10-R, ARS PM-24, ARS PM-21, ARS 210DX, and Silky Gomboy 210-10.

Why Do You Need a Folding Garden Saw?

The main purpose of a folding saw is to cut branches that are already too thick for pruning shears.

Thin branches can be removed quickly with pruning shears, but thicker wood needs to be sawn through. This is where a garden saw becomes the main working tool.

A folding design is especially convenient in several situations.

First, it is easier to carry the saw with you at all times. You do not need to decide in advance whether you will need it during your work: when folded, the tool takes up very little space.

Second, a folding saw is convenient when moving between different parts of the garden. You can move from one tree to another without leaving the tool somewhere on the ground.

Third, when folded, the blade is covered by the handle. This makes carrying the tool more convenient and safer.

What Makes a Japanese Folding Saw Different?

Japanese garden saws differ from many traditional European saws in the way they cut.

A Japanese saw mainly cuts during the pull stroke. This means you do not need to push the blade forward with significant force. The teeth do the cutting, while your task is to maintain the correct direction and smoothness of movement.

This technique takes some getting used to, especially if you have previously used only conventional push-stroke saws.

With the correct technique, the movement becomes smooth and the work requires less unnecessary pressure.

How to Choose a Folding Saw by Blade Length

One of the most important parameters is blade length.

The longer the blade, the more wood can be cut with each working stroke. This is especially useful when sawing through thick branches.

A compact blade is more convenient for precise work, pruning smaller branches, and areas where there is little space between branches.

So the question is not simply which blade is longer, but which blade length is suitable for your particular tasks.

ARS IK-10-R — Compact Saw for Tight Spaces

ARS IK-10-R is a small folding saw originally developed for bonsai and ikebana.

Its main advantage is its very compact size. The blade is suitable for precise work where it is difficult to maneuver a larger tool.

This saw is convenient for smaller branches, shrubs, and thin wood, as well as for working deep inside a tree crown where space is limited.

ARS IK-10-R should not be viewed as a universal saw for large trees, but as a specialized compact tool.

If minimal size and high maneuverability are your main priorities, this design has clear advantages.

ARS PM-24 — Folding Saw with a Long Blade

ARS PM-24 is a much larger folding model.

The saw has a 240 mm blade and an overall length of 500 mm. Its stated maximum cutting capacity is up to 80 mm.

These dimensions are suitable for more demanding tree pruning and thick branches.

The PM-24 features TURBOCUT teeth and is designed for intensive work with wood.

Its main advantage is the combination of a folding design and a long working blade. You get a tool that is convenient to carry while still being capable of handling fairly large branches.

If you need a folding garden saw specifically for thicker branches, the PM-24 is worth considering among the longer models.

ARS PM-21 — A Balance Between Compactness and Working Length

ARS PM-21 is a folding saw with a 210 mm blade and an overall length of 440 mm.

Its maximum stated cutting diameter is up to 70 mm.

Compared with the PM-24, this model is slightly more compact, making it easier to use where a larger blade can become an obstacle.

At the same time, a 210 mm blade is long enough for serious branch-cutting work, making the PM-21 a versatile option for regular garden maintenance.

If you are looking for a folding saw for pruning branches but do not want the largest possible model, this size is worth considering.

ARS 210DX — Compact Folding Saw for Everyday Use

ARS 210DX is an even more compact option.

Its blade is 165 mm long, and the tool is designed for cutting wood and branches up to 60 mm in diameter.

When folded, the saw takes up very little space, making it convenient to keep in a garden bag, tool box, or simply carry with you.

ARS 210DX is a good choice for anyone who needs a folding garden saw for everyday use — a tool that can be quickly taken out when needed and used for a range of small and medium-sized tasks.

This is particularly convenient when regularly pruning shrubs and trees and you do not know in advance which branches you will encounter.

Silky Gomboy 210-10 — Versatile Japanese Folding Saw

Silky Gomboy 210-10 is a folding saw from the popular Silky Gomboy series.

It is a versatile tool for gardening, working on a property, and outdoor tasks.

The model combines the compactness of a folding design with a sufficiently substantial working blade. The saw is designed for pull-stroke cutting, so there is no need to apply excessive pressure.

The ergonomic handle helps you maintain a secure grip, while the folding design makes transportation and storage easier.

Silky Gomboy 210-10 can be considered when you need a versatile Japanese folding tool that is convenient to keep with you at all times.

Folding Garden Saw: Which Blade Length Should You Choose?

The models presented above can roughly be divided by size and type of work.

ARS IK-10-R — a compact option for precise work, smaller branches, and tight spaces.

ARS 210DX — a small, versatile folding saw for everyday tasks.

Silky Gomboy 210-10 — a versatile folding model for gardening and other outdoor work.

ARS PM-21 — a model with a longer blade for regular work with fairly thick branches.

ARS PM-24 — a larger folding model for more demanding pruning and thicker branches.

This approach helps you avoid choosing a tool that is unnecessarily large while also avoiding the need to cut thick branches with a saw that is too small.

What Should You Consider Besides Blade Length?

Branch Size

Before buying, determine which branches you will be cutting most often.

If most of your work involves smaller branches, a large blade may be unnecessary.

If you regularly need to remove thick tree branches, it is better to consider models with longer blades.

Weight

Weight becomes especially important during extended work or when pruning overhead branches.

The lighter the saw, the easier it is to hold it in a working position for a long time.

Handle Comfort

Even an excellent blade will not compensate for a handle that is uncomfortable for your hand.

Pay attention to how securely you can hold the tool and control its movement.

Folding Mechanism

A folding saw should have a convenient and reliable blade-locking mechanism.

During work, the blade should remain securely in position. During transport, it should fold safely into the handle.

How to Use a Japanese Folding Saw Properly

The main mistake when using a Japanese saw is trying to apply pressure to the blade in the same way as with a conventional push-stroke saw.

With a Japanese saw, use a smooth pull stroke instead.

Place the teeth on the branch, hold the tool securely, and use long, controlled movements.

There is no need to apply excessive force. When the saw is properly selected, the teeth gradually cut deeper into the wood on their own.

When cutting a thick branch, it is also important to plan the main cut in advance. The larger the branch, the more carefully you need to control its position and the direction of the saw movement.

Why Is a Folding Saw Convenient in the Garden?

The main advantage of a folding design is mobility.

You can keep the tool with you throughout your work without taking up much space. After use, it can simply be folded and placed in a bag or toolbox.

This is particularly convenient during seasonal pruning, when you have to move from one tree to another and periodically switch between tools.

A folding saw is therefore not necessarily a compromise compared with a conventional fixed-blade saw. For many garden tasks, compactness is one of its main advantages.

How to Care for a Folding Saw

After use, the blade should be cleaned of wood sap, resin, and other contaminants.

Do not leave the saw wet for long periods. After cleaning, dry the tool and store it in a dry place.

For Japanese garden tool maintenance, you can use [cleaning and maintenance products for garden tools].

For more information about protecting metal tools from corrosion, see [Camellia Oil: How to Care for Garden Tools] or the Russian version [Масло камелии: как ухаживать за садовым инструментом].

Which Folding Saw Is Right for Your Tasks?

If you need a very compact Japanese folding saw, consider ARS IK-10-R.

For small and medium-sized branches and everyday garden work, ARS 210DX and Silky Gomboy 210-10 are suitable options to consider.

If you need a longer folding tool for cutting fairly thick branches, consider ARS PM-21.

If the main task is cutting thick branches and more intensive tree pruning, consider ARS PM-24.

When choosing, it is important to look beyond the maximum cutting diameter. Blade length, weight, maneuverability, handle comfort, and working conditions are equally important.

The right Japanese folding saw should not simply be able to cut through a branch — it should remain a comfortable tool throughout the entire job in the garden.