Gomboy 240 (Medium Teeth)

The folding pull-saw has largely replaced bulky bow saws and hatchets in modern backcountry kits, and this Japanese-made 240mm folder sits squarely as the standard against which all others are judged. Operating on the pull stroke rather than the push, it utilizes a thinner kerf to clear wood faster with considerably less physical effort. For backpackers, hunters, and trail crews who regularly process wrist- to forearm-thick deadfall, it offers exceptional cutting efficiency without penalizing pack weight.

The blade is stamped from SK4 high-carbon steel featuring impulse-hardened, non-set teeth that stay razor-sharp across seasons of hard use. Its medium-tooth configuration—roughly 8.5 teeth per inch—strikes an ideal middle ground, cutting cleanly through seasoned hardwoods while resisting clogging in green limbs. A textured rubber handle dampens vibration and ensures secure purchase in freezing rain or sweat. The spring-loaded lock engages solidly and offers two open blade angles, which proves genuinely useful when making flush ground cuts or working under low-hanging deadwood.

Durability comes down to user technique. Because the blade is rigid and designed to cut strictly on the draw, forcing or binding it on a forward push will bend or break the steel. Additionally, impulse-hardened teeth cannot be touched up with a standard saw file, meaning an abused blade must simply be replaced. Compared to the budget-friendly Bahco Laplander, it demands better sawing discipline, but its cutting speed is easily double, making it well worth the modest price premium.