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Coghlan's Folding Saw
#14 — Best Budget Bucksaw

Coghlan's Folding Saw Review (2026)

A triangular-frame folding bucksaw that undercuts pricier competitors by half

★★★★☆
8.2/10
Reviewed by William • Updated July 2026 $18

Coghlan's has built basic, no-frills camping gear since 1959, and the Folding Saw follows that formula directly: the same triangular-frame bucksaw concept found in pricier competitors, at close to half the cost. The tradeoff for that price is a slightly more limited maximum cut diameter than D-shaped frames like the Agawa Boreal21, since the triangle's geometry constrains clearance somewhat more.

TrailCraft Score

What Works

  • 21-inch blade at roughly half the price of comparable folding bucksaws
  • Triangular anodized aluminum frame holds spare blades inside for field replacement
  • Nearly six decades of Coghlan's camping-gear reputation behind a straightforward design

Limitations

  • Fit and finish are noticeably more basic than premium bucksaws like the Boreal21
  • Triangular frame shape limits maximum log diameter slightly more than D-shaped competitors

Specifications

Blade Length21" (53.3cm) serrated
FrameAnodized aluminum, triangular
Weight15-16 oz
Extra StorageFrame holds spare blades
Brand HistoryCoghlan's, camping gear since 1959

Score Breakdown

Cutting Speed
8.4
Durability
7.8
Value
9.2
Weight/Pack Size
8.0

What Sets It Apart

Coghlan's has built basic, no-frills camping gear since 1959, and the Folding Saw follows that formula directly: the same triangular-frame bucksaw concept found in pricier competitors, at close to half the cost. The tradeoff for that price is a slightly more limited maximum cut diameter than D-shaped frames like the Agawa Boreal21, since the triangle's geometry constrains clearance somewhat more.

For most car-camping and casual backpacking uses, that difference in maximum log size rarely matters, and the frame still holds spare blades internally for field replacement.

A triangular-frame folding bucksaw that undercuts pricier competitors by half

Who This Is For

Coghlan's Folding Saw is right for: budget-conscious campers who want real bucksaw cutting capacity without a premium price, anyone who wants a simple, no-frills backup saw, and casual users who don't need the fastest possible setup of pricier competitors.

A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of July 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

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All 15 best camp saws in this category ranked side by side.

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Common Questions

How does Coghlan's Folding Saw compare to the Agawa Boreal21?
Both are 21-inch triangular or D-shaped folding bucksaws, but the Boreal21 has a slightly larger maximum cut diameter and faster one-motion setup, while Coghlan's costs roughly half as much — a reasonable tradeoff for casual or occasional use.
Can you store spare blades in the frame?
Yes — the hollow anodized aluminum frame is designed to hold extra blades internally, so a spare is always on hand without extra packing.
Is Coghlan's Folding Saw good for regular heavy use?
For occasional camping trips it holds up fine, but for daily or heavy-duty use, a more refined design like the Boreal21 or a Silky saw will have better long-term fit and finish.