When I began deer hunting, I realized there were so many tools I needed! I didn’t only have to invest in the proper bows and carbon arrows, but I also had to get the best bone saw for deer and other field dressing equipment just in case I caught one.
While field dressing deer on your own does take on a bit of work, it’s quite an accomplishment when doing it on your own. And with the proper saw and equipment, there won’t be an issue in getting the meat for your next meal! So if you’re looking for a quality bone saw, read on.
Quick Comparison: Top Bone Saw For Deer
| Image | Product Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding SawEditor’s Choice | 9.9/10 | |
 | 9.3/10 | ||
 | 9.5/10 | ||
 | 9.7/10 | ||
 | 9.2/10 |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
The Benefits Of Getting a Bone Saw
You’re probably wondering: Why bother spending so much time getting a quality bone saw? Can’t I just use any old knife when field dressing deer? While you CAN do that, having a saw made for cutting through bone helps in many ways!
It Cuts Through a Deer’s Tough Bones
Unlike using any type of folding knife or multitool, a bone saw really cuts through bones. This is because it’s designed with the blade quality and material to cut through tough materials like bones and wood easily and without issue. Compared to other knives, it creates a more accurate and fine cut, all the while saving the trouble of repeatedly making passes until you cut through it cleanly.
Can Be Used For Other Aspects In Hunting
Another thing I really appreciate about bone saws is that you don’t only have to use them for field dressing. Because of its strong blade quality, you can use them in other aspects of hunting as well. Whether you’re cutting through wood making paths, fixing some damage on your tree stand, or even for survival in case something happens, the bone saw can work wonders!
Saves Time and Effort While Field Dressing
Field dressing is a really time-consuming task, which can take up to an hour or so! This happens especially when you have the low-quality equipment to cut through the deer’s skin and bones. That’s why I like bone saws, which really save up the time and effort you exert when field dressing.
When using a sharp and quality bone saw, I don’t spend as much time cutting through even the toughest bones. Nor will I need to keep on making passes and exerting so much energy doing so.
It’s Not a Hassle to Bring Around
Depending on the type of bone saw you get, you won’t have much of a problem bringing it around. It isn’t the biggest piece of equipment but is still one of the most useful! In fact, you can find foldable bone saws so you won’t have to hassle in bringing large packs or lugging too much hunting equipment when out in the field.
Discover more: The 5 Best Deer Hoist (Game Hoist) Reviews for Your Next Catch!
How to Choose the Best Bone Saw For Deer
A bone saw is only beneficial if you select the right one suitable for you and your hunts! To help you out, here are the important factors to consider when choosing a quality bone saw:
Size and Compactness
You’ll want to make sure that the bone saw you choose is at the correct size to easily bring around. While I highly recommend large saws to cut off large deer bones, you can also opt for a pocket-sized one. These smaller bone saws can cut through bone easily, though it may take time when cutting through larger ones.
Strong Grip and Slip-Resistant Handle
This is another important aspect to focus on, as a good grip makes cutting bones easier! I highly recommend that you get a knife with a strong and slip-resistant grip, which prevents it from sliding away from your hands regardless of whether it’s wet from sweat or the weather. Get a handle of the right size which suits your hand size and grip!
Blade Material and Teeth
Hunting saws may have different sets of teeth, depending on what type of saw you purchase. Some have jagged teeth like the traditional saw, or smaller teeth like a butcher saw. Smaller teeth give the finer cut, while larger teeth work quickly on larger bones.
Furthermore, look at the blade material, which is what helps cut through bones efficiently and accurately. I recommend high carbon steel or stainless steel blades, though the latter doesn’t rust as much as the former.
Durable and Sturdy Construction
Lastly, invest in a bone saw which is made of the strong and durable construction built to last. This will ensure that you get your money’s worth and that you have something to use for field dressing in the long run. Plus, it lessens the chances of your bone saw breaking while you field dress, which is such an inconvenience!
Field Dressing Your Deer: Advice and Using Your Bone Saw
Now that you’re familiar with how to select the best bone saw for deer, how can you start field dressing? Here are helpful pieces of advice to follow when it comes to field dressing deer:
- Start off with the pelvic bone, splitting it with the bone saw. Cut the bone in a straight line, going towards the anus. Expose the bone and cut through it, removing a chunk of it so you’re able to get the organs and meat out.
- While bone saws save time and effort, I still recommend that you take your time while field dressing to avoid contaminating the meat you’ll be getting. Learning deer anatomy really helps so you avoid cutting through the wrong areas and spoiling any meat.
- Besides the bone saw, prepare a field dressing kit that consists of paper towels, latex gloves, bags to store meat and organs, small knife, knife sharpener and a disinfecting kit for you.
Discover more: How Much Does Deer Processing Cost? The Prices and What You Need to Know
For more information and visual presentation on field dressing, check out this insightful video:
The Five Best Deer Bone Saws
After doing my research, tests, and checking customer reviews, these are my top five choices on bone saws:
1. The Strong and Compact: Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
What I like most about the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw is that it’s compact yet with the excellent blade! The folding saw measures 7.5 inches and has seven teeth per inch, making it perfect for finer and more accurate cuts. The high-quality blade is great when cutting through bone and other materials like wood and plastic, too!
I highly appreciate its strong grip as well, with a two-component plastic handle. The foldable knife even comes with a leather strap to easily keep it in while not in use! Even by its blade material alone, I believe it to be worth the investment.
Pros:
- Foldable knife to easily bring around
- Made of the high-quality blades to cut through bone, wood, and plastic without fail
- Has two-component plastic handle that helps keep a grip while in use
Cons:
- The saw kind of bends when stuck in a bind
- It doesn’t feel as comfortable for some hunters
2. The Durable and Great Grip: Gerber Vital Pack Saw
![Gerber Vital Pack Saw [31-002741]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51hXgUfy3lL._SL350_.jpg)
If you want something with a great grip and the durable construction, then you’ll like the Gerber Vital Pack Saw!
I highly appreciate the fact that the saw has a highly visual, bright orange design. It’s easy to spot while field dressing or when I place it in my pack. It also has the ergonomic handle, which offers the excellent grip so I have no issue with it slipping when in use.
Another thing I appreciate is that the bone saw is strong and also has a blunted tip, so I don’t risk puncturing delicate areas which can contaminate meat! All in all, an excellent and worthy purchase.
Pros:
- It comes with an ergonomic handle for an extremely easy grip while using
- Has the bright orange color for both knife and case to easily spot
- Blunted tip and quality blade for ease of cutting
Cons:
- It has a short blade so tricky saw rhythm
- The handle has a slightly cheap feel to it
3. The Sturdy Construction and Durable: Weston Butcher Saw
While the Weston Butcher Saw is a bit on the expensive side and bigger, it’s definitely worth the price. I praise it for its premium quality and saw the material. It’s big enough for larger cuts and bones and made of the stainless steel to prevent rusting while providing the accurate cuts for a long time.
The butcher saw isn’t only used for cutting bone, but can also be for dressing deer meat as well, making it versatile for hunting and home use. However, it may not be the best for those who are looking for something compact!
Pros:
- Strong and excellent stainless steel blade for accurate cutting
- The blade is replaceable and has the heavy-duty body built to last
- Cuts smoothly through bones, meat, and other materials
Cons:
- It may be too big for some hunters
- The blade has too much flexibility
4. The Versatile and Rugged Design: Home Planet Gear EverSaw Folding Hand Saw
I highly recommend the Home Planet Gear EverSaw Folding Hand Saw for its quality and compactness. It’s also versatile and can be used for more than just bond because of its strong stainless steel blade. It’s got the triple-cut razor teeth, which is hardened to prevent tension and bending.
I also comment its handle design, with the anti-slip and comfortable grip handle, which has made cutting and field dressing much easier. It’s one of the best folding saws I’ve had and has the durability to last.
While it does have slight issues in terms of its lock mechanism, they are just minor issues that can easily be fixed. It’s still a great purchase!
Pros:
- The knife is versatile and can be used as a multitool
- It’s slip-resistant and comfortable grip handle
- It does the job in cutting through bones quickly
Cons:
- For a folding knife, it’s a bit heavy
- The locking mechanism takes time to understand
5. The Small and Travel-Friendly: Mossy Oak Hunting Accessories Mini Saw
If you want a bone saw but don’t want to bring something too big, then you’ll like the Mossy Oak Mini Saw. It has the same features and material you’d expect from a traditional and bigger bone saw but in such a small package! It’s made best for hunters who want something to place in their pockets or even around their belts.
I commend this small saw for how it cuts excellently. It also has the ergonomic handle and a blunt tip to prevent it from puncturing delicate areas. From its size down to its usefulness, this is the smallest bone saw you can purchase yet still provides great purpose.
Pros:
- Very small and compact, can be placed in pocket or belt
- Nice teeth and blade finish for easy cutting
- Feels solid and durable, made to last for long
Cons:
- The blade is too small for large bones
- Needs to be sharpened more frequently than other bone saws
Wrapping It Up
If you’re planning to go deer hunting, don’t forget your tools when field dressing! With quality and sharp bone saw, you can cut through your caught game quickly and go home to delicious meat and a good story to tell with time to spare! That way, the tricky and time-consuming task won’t take as much time and effort.
Of all the different bone saws tried and tested, I believe that the best one goes to the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw. It isn’t just because of its amazing quality, but the fact that it’s folding and compact, too! I love that it’s strong and well-built, breaking and cutting into bones easily.
Furthermore, it’s got the strong grip that keeps it from sliding while I work, which has helped me in so many field dressing situations. I cut the time from field dressing and I have no major issues with it even after using it for many hunts!
Hopefully, this article on the best bone saw for deer gave you an idea on what you should invest in today. So don’t wait any longer and check out any of these products and other field dressing tools for your next hunt now!
If you have any questions or want to share your own reviews on bone saws, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.