Overview: I'm a sucker for handcrafted knives and tools. Sure, there's something practical about a synthetic handle on an axe, or knife, or saw, but esthetically it just doesn't seem right, and in-hand it's certainly not the same experience. Tools, first and foremost, need to be functional, but there's no reason they can't also be beautiful.
Enter a new brand on the market: Woxna.
Woxna saws evoke a timeless style that recalls centuries of Scandinavian hand-tool traditions and craftsmanship. It makes sense – Woxna was founded in Sweden, by the shores of the Voxna River, and the soul of their design philosophy is rooted in simplicity, beauty, functionality, use of natural materials, and finely crafted details.
In fact this is what their website says: "...we make premium saws and outdoor gear inspired by Scandinavian traditions, craftsmanship, and nature. Our aim is to make timeless, sustainable products for everyone who loves life among the trees and thrives around the campfire."
Using handsaws often when I'm camping, hunting, and floating/fishing, I knew I wanted one, and was excited when their Hälsing seven-inch model found it's way under our Christmas tree this past year. The Hälsing features a foldable high-carbon steel blade, a handle made of American oak with a protective linseed oil finish, and a leather carry cord. It retails for $170 (there is also a stainless-steel bladed version in the same size for $210)
Since unwrapping the saw I have been anxious to put it to use. Last weekend I finally had the chance when I brought it along on my annual winter camp/fish/float and used it to harvest and process firewood.
Here's what I found:
What I like:
Aesthetic: What drew me to the Woxna saws in the first place was their appearance, and I can attest that they are as spectacular in hand as they are in photos. From the hefty linseed-oil-treated oak handle to the high-carbon blade with black oxidation (crafted in a factory that has been in one of the co-founder’s family for generations) these saws are ruggedly beautiful.
Performance: The Woxna features a three-phased grind that saws on the pull, i.e. when pulling towards you, providing more control, minimizing the risk of buckling, and putting less strain on both you and the saw. The teeth are hardened to 62 HRC for a durable sharpness, and a pronounced stop at the back of the handle ensures a secure grip and efficient power transfer. With a teeth pitch of 7 TPI (teeth per inch) these saws are made to handle both green and dry wood, as well as soft and hardwood. And, unlike saws with set teeth, the Woxna blades feature a concave grind along the side which produces very clean cuts and reduces binding.
On my winter camp outing I tested the Woxna against my Fiskars seven-inch folding saw and also my buddy's much larger bow saw (which I think was thirty inches). The Woxna was significantly more efficient than the Fiskars of the same size, and could nearly keep pace with the much larger bow saw. When taking down tress and processing the firewood, it cut both green and seasoned logs cleanly and quickly, with very little binding.
Convenience: The Woxna saw is compact and portable and can easily fit into your backpack, daypack, or boat bag without taking up too much space. When folded, the blade is sheathed, protecting both it and your gear, and it locks securely in the folded position, ensuring safe storage and preventing any accidental wear or damage.
Attention to detail: In addition to the bespoke quality packaging, and leather strap, each Woxna blade is etched with an individual number documenting its origin.
It's the little details like this that reinforce the heirloom quality of the product.
What I Don't Like:
Honestly the Woxna was everything I hoped it would be: beautiful, functional, and convenient. That being said, there were a few choices I had to make when selecting the model and I'll walk through the pros and cons of each of those quickly below.
Ten-inch versus seven-inch blade: Woxna folding saws are offered in both a seven and a ten-inch model. I elected (okay, asked Santa for) the seven-inch version of the saw primarily for the convenience/portability. While the seven-inch blade performed exceptionally well, for use on larger diameter wood and for even faster processing, the ten-inch version would be handy, and a good choice if packability is less of an issue.
High carbon versus stainless steel: I really like the traditional appearance of the high-carbon steel, but there's something equally beautiful about the Woxna Ljusnan stainless-steel model (with walnut handle) and the low maintenance, rust-free qualities of stainless are certainly a plus. It really comes down to personal preference, and for me that falls to the high-carbon model.
One final consideration for these saws is price. You can't compare the Woxna folding saws to inexpensive, plastic-handled models with mass produced blades – they just aren't in the same category in terms of performance or appearance. Woxna saws are handcrafted, heirloom-quality meant to last generations, and that demands a higher price. So, if you are looking for a cheap hand saw that might last a couple seasons, the Woxna is probably not the best choice.
Perfect For: The seven-inch Hälsing is a durable, portable folding hand-saw with a traditional style and high-carbon steel blade that is expertly crafted for frequent and heavy use. It's ideal for those who require a sturdy yet compact tool for bushcraft, camping, and hunting and value form in addition to function.
Rating: 5 out of 5
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