Saws

A saw is one of the most efficient cutting tools in the outdoors. It cuts wood faster than a knife, safer than an axe, and with less fatigue than almost any other tool. Even a small pocket saw or flat survival saw can process wood for fire, build shelter, clear trail, or craft essential tools.

But many beginners don’t know how to use a small saw correctly. They push too hard, use the wrong stroke, bind the blade, or waste energy. This guide fixes all of that.

Your Grim Workshop saws are compact, thin, aggressive cutting tools designed specifically for EDC, Altoids tin kits, wallet kits, and micro kits. Because they’re small, proper technique matters even more, and that’s exactly what were teaching.

→ Explore All Saw Tools

What a Saw Is

A saw is a cutting tool with rows of teeth that remove wood by scratching, slicing, and breaking fibers along a defined line.

Unlike a knife (which cuts by slicing) or an axe (which cuts by chopping), a saw removes material slowly and consistently using:

• Pull strokes

• Push strokes

• Alternating teeth

• Controlled rhythm

How Saw Teeth Work

A saw blade has:

1. Cutting Teeth

Remove fibers and dig into the wood.

2. Gullet

The space between teeth where sawdust collects.

3. Spine

The rigid area that keeps cuts straight.

Knowing how teeth behave helps you cut faster with less effort.

How to Use a Saw 

Step 1: Stabilize the Wood

Sawing works best with rock-solid support.

Use:

• Your knee

• A log

• A stump

• Between your boots

• A tree fork

• The ground (for thick pieces)

If the wood moves, the saw binds or bends. Step 2: Choose the Correct Positioning

A. For small branches (up to wrist thickness):

Hold branch with non-dominant hand
Saw at a 45-degree downward angle
Let gravity assist

B. For thicker limbs:

Brace the limb against a tree or log
Use longer strokes

C. For precision cutting (notches, traps, bushcraft joints):

Use a pinch grip and saw lightly
Hold the wood close to the cut line

Step 3: Start the Cut

Beginners often “jump” the saw because they start with too much force.

How to start correctly:

1. Use very light pressure

2. Use short, controlled pull strokes

3. Let the teeth bite into the wood

4. When a shallow groove forms, extend the stroke

This prevents slipping and bending.

Step 4: Use Proper Sawing Rhythm

Sawing is NOT about strength.
It’s about rhythm and efficiency.

The proper rhythm:

• Pull-saw lightly

• Push-saw lightly

• Relax elbows

• Use long, smooth strokes

• Maintain consistent pressure

Your goal is effortless repetition, not force.

Step 5: Let the Saw Do the Work

If you push too hard:

• The blade binds

• Teeth dull

• Blade bends

Correct technique uses:

• Light downward pressure

• Longer strokes

• Steady pace

The saw should feel like it’s gliding, not forcing.

Step 6: Use the Full Blade

Short strokes waste teeth.
Long strokes:

• Increase speed

• Lower fatigue

• Clear sawdust faster

Use as much of the blade as your grip allows.

Step 7: Avoid Binding 

A saw binds when the wood squeezes shut on the blade. This usually happens as you get more than halfway through your cut and the wood flexes inward like a clamp.

Prevent binding by:

• Adjusting the angle

• Cutting from the opposite side

• Applying slight outward pressure

• Using a wedge (tiny stick or splinter)

• Switching to pull-only strokes

In dry wood, binding is common — especially in notches.

Step 8: Finish the Cut Safely

As the wood nears the end:

1. Support the falling side

2. Reduce pressure

3. Use shorter, lighter strokes

4. Let the last fibers part cleanly

This avoids snapping, breaking, or splintering.

Advanced Saw Techniques

1. Making Notches 

V-Notch:

Used for traps, hooks, stakes, and friction fire sets.
Saw two angled cuts and pop out the center with your knife or scraper.

Square Notch:

For frame building and joinery.
Saw straight cuts and clean with your scraper.

Pairs with:

→ How to Use a Wood Scraper

→ All Tools with Wood Scrapers

2. Crosscutting vs Rip Cutting

Crosscutting

Cutting across grain — easiest with small saws.
Pull strokes work best.

Rip Cutting

Cutting with grain — takes longer.
Use shallow angle and long strokes.

Small survival saws do crosscuts exceptionally well.

3. Bow Drill Set Making

Saw:

• Fireboard slots

• Spindle length

• Notches

Pairs with:
→ Fire Starting Tinder For Beginners
→ How to Use a Ferro Rod Fire Starter

4. Trap and Trigger Carving

Use saw to:

• Cut trigger angles

• Shape pegs

• Size stakes

• Make mechanical joints

5. Shelter Building

Saws are essential for:

• Ridge poles

• Stakes

• Support limbs

• Bark stripping

• Frame joints

Small saws shine during precision work.

How to Maintain a Saw

1. Clean Teeth Regularly

Resin buildup reduces cutting.

2. Keep Teeth Dry

Prevents rust on carbon steel tools.

3. Protect the Blade

A thin card sleeve, tin pocket, or wallet slot is perfect.

4. Sharpen Only if Designed to be Sharpened

Many small saws are single-use sharpened — but not yours.
Your stainless teeth can be touched up lightly with:

• A small diamond file

• A ceramic rod

• A stone edge

How to Improvise a Saw

1. Serrated Edge of a Metal Can Lid

Creates a surprisingly good emergency saw.

2. Sharpened, Notched Bone

Traditional and effective for small cuts.

3. Stone Saw

A chipped flake can saw dry wood slowly.

4. Carved Wooden Saw

Cut notches into hardwood — slow but workable.

5. Wire Saw

Can be improvised using wrapped wire with secondary wire twists

Expert Tips for Saw Mastery

• Let the saw ride in its own groove

• Start slow, finish slow

• Match tooth size to the wood size

• Use your whole arm, not wrist

• Keep saw straight — avoid diagonal cuts

• For hardwood: slower strokes, less pressure

• For softwood: faster strokes, moderate pressure

• For wet wood: shallow angles to avoid binding

FAQ

Q: Can this small saw cut hardwood?
A: Yes — it takes longer but works with proper rhythm.

Q: Does it cut bone?
A: It can cut small bones in emergencies, but is best for wood.

Q: Can I sharpen the saw?
A: Yes, lightly with a diamond file or ceramic rod.

Q: Why does the blade bind?
A: Usually too much pressure or unstable wood.

Related Skill Series Posts

 

• → How to Use a Wood Scraper

• → Fire Starting Tinder For Beginners

• → How to Use a File 

• → How to Use a Ferro Rod Fire Starter

(© 2025 Grim Workshop. All Rights Reserved. Grim Workshop, Survival Cards, and all related marks are registered trademarks of Grim Workshop. This article is part of the Grim Workshop Skill Series educational archive. No content may be reproduced, republished, stored, or adapted without written permission. For compact cutting tools, saws, and bushcraft gear, visit www.grimworkshop.com.)