6 Best Curved Blade Pruning Saws For Fruit Old Farmers Swear By

That three-inch-thick branch shadowing your best apple buds isn’t going to remove itself, and your trusty loppers just aren’t up to the task. A good pruning saw isn’t just a cutting tool; it’s a long-term investment in the health, structure, and productivity of your fruit trees. Choosing the right one means faster work, cleaner cuts, and healthier trees for years to come.

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Why Curved Saws Excel for Orchard Pruning

A straight saw blade requires you to generate all the cutting power. A curved blade, however, does some of the work for you. As you pull the saw toward your body, the curve helps the teeth bite into the wood, keeping the blade in the cut without it jumping or skittering.

This design is a game-changer when you’re reaching overhead or cutting at an awkward angle in the crotch of a tree. The saw naturally pulls itself into the branch, requiring less downward pressure from you. The result is a more efficient, less fatiguing cut that lets you focus on proper technique rather than just brute force.

Silky Zubat 330: The Arborist’s Gold Standard

There’s a reason you see a Silky hanging from the hip of nearly every professional arborist. The Zubat is the quintessential example of Japanese blade craft, featuring a high-carbon steel blade with impulse-hardened teeth that stay sharp an incredibly long time. The teeth are non-set, meaning the blade is taper-ground to be thicker at the top than at the cutting edge, reducing friction for a smooth, effortless pull.

This saw leaves a cut so clean it looks almost polished, which promotes faster healing for the tree. The rubberized handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions, and the scabbard is a masterpiece of functional design, locking the saw in place but allowing for a quick, one-handed draw.

The primary tradeoff is cost. A Silky Zubat is a significant investment compared to other saws on this list. But for someone managing a small orchard or who simply demands the best performance and longevity, the Zubat is the benchmark against which all other pruning saws are measured.

Felco 640: Swiss Precision for Clean Cuts

Felco is synonymous with Swiss-made quality in the pruning world, and their 640 curved saw is no exception. While Japanese saws are known for their aggressive pull-stroke cutting, the Felco offers a slightly different, more controlled experience. The blade is chrome-plated to prevent rust and reduce sap buildup, a feature that makes maintenance much easier.

The tooth pattern is designed for maximum efficiency in removing sawdust, preventing the blade from binding in the cut, especially on sappy woods like pine or cherry. This results in an exceptionally smooth cutting action and a pristine finish on the branch. The real advantage here is the promotion of tree health; a clean cut minimizes disease entry points and helps the tree compartmentalize the wound more effectively. For the meticulous orchardist, the Felco 640 prioritizes the health of the tree with every cut.

Corona RazorTOOTH RS 7265D: Power and Value

Sometimes you just need to get a lot of wood on the ground, and you need a tool that can keep up without breaking the bank. The Corona RazorTOOTH is that tool. It’s a workhorse saw known for its aggressive, 3-sided tooth design that rips through branches with surprising speed.

While the finish of the cut may not be as surgically clean as a Silky or Felco, it’s more than adequate for most pruning tasks. The blade is sturdy, and the handle is comfortable enough for extended use. This is the saw you don’t mind loaning to a neighbor or using to clear out a neglected thicket. For pure cutting power per dollar, the Corona is very hard to beat.

ARS CAM-24PRO: A Tough, All-Purpose Orchard Saw

ARS is another top-tier Japanese saw manufacturer that gives Silky a serious run for its money. The CAM-24PRO features a hard-chrome plated blade, which offers excellent resistance to rust and sap, making it a fantastic choice for those who might not be as diligent with tool cleaning. This plating also makes the blade incredibly hard and durable.

The tooth geometry on ARS saws is unique, designed to slice through wood fibers with remarkable precision. This saw feels both fast and smooth, a balance not all saws achieve. It’s a professional-grade tool through and through, from the blade steel to the comfortable, non-slip grip. For someone wanting Japanese quality with superior corrosion resistance, the ARS is an outstanding choice.

Fiskars PowerTooth 15": Ergonomic and Efficient

Fiskars has built its brand on smart, user-friendly design, and their PowerTooth saw reflects that philosophy perfectly. The most noticeable feature is often the handle, which is ergonomically shaped and features their signature Softgrip material. This makes a real difference in reducing hand and arm fatigue during long pruning sessions.

The blade itself is no slouch, featuring a triple-ground tooth design that cuts aggressively on the pull stroke. It’s a well-balanced tool that feels capable and comfortable in the hand. While it might not have the legendary blade steel of a Silky or ARS, it offers excellent performance and superior ergonomics at a very accessible price point, making it a great option for the serious home orchardist.

Bahco 396-LAP: The Versatile Folding Pruning Saw

Not every pruning job requires a large, fixed-blade saw. For quick cuts on smaller branches, trail clearing, or just having a capable saw in your pocket, a folding saw is invaluable. The Bahco Laplander has achieved legendary status in the outdoor and bushcraft communities for its reliability and sharp, durable blade.

Its special XT toothing is designed to cut green and dry wood, making it more versatile than a dedicated pruning saw. When folded, it’s safe and compact, easily fitting in a back pocket or tool pouch. While you wouldn’t want to prune an entire orchard with it, the Bahco is the perfect companion tool for those unexpected cuts or when you’re scouting your trees without a full tool belt.

Choosing Your Saw: Blade Steel and Handle Grip

Beyond the brand names, two factors determine a saw’s performance and your satisfaction with it: the blade and the handle. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you pick the right tool for your specific needs, not just the most popular one.

Blade steel is paramount. High-carbon Japanese steel, found in brands like Silky and ARS, holds a wicked edge for a very long time. Many of these feature impulse-hardened teeth, a process where the tip of each tooth is heated and cooled instantly, making it three times harder than the rest of the blade. The downside? These teeth cannot be sharpened; when the blade is dull, it must be replaced. Other saws use high-quality steel that can be touched up with a file, offering a longer service life for those willing to do the maintenance.

The handle is your connection to the tool, and a poor grip can make even the best blade feel clumsy and unsafe. A good handle should feel comfortable with and without gloves. Consider these points:

• Material: Rubberized or composite grips offer the best hold, especially when wet or sweaty. Traditional wood handles look great but can become slippery.
• Ergonomics: Does the handle force your wrist into an unnatural angle? A slight curve and a pommel at the end can provide better leverage and prevent your hand from slipping off during a powerful pull stroke.
• Balance: The saw should feel like an extension of your arm, not a heavy weight at the end of it. The balance point should be right around where your index finger rests.

Ultimately, the best saw is one that feels right in your hand and matches the scale of your work. A cheap, uncomfortable saw that you dread using is no bargain at all.

A sharp, well-designed curved saw turns a dreaded chore into a satisfying task, allowing you to shape your trees with precision and confidence. Investing in a quality blade is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for the long-term vitality of your home orchard. Choose wisely, and your trees will thank you with healthy growth and abundant fruit.