How to saw a branch

Holding down a branch and sawing it at the same time can be trickier than it sounds. Here Daniel shares a few simple techniques that make the job easier – whether you're out in the forest or working in the garden.

Keep the branch steady – three ways that work

The simplest way is to pin the branch down at one end using your foot. If you're working over a small rock, it's often easier to saw from below – sawing from the top risks the curve closing down and the saw getting stuck. With a board you'd normally use your knee, but with a branch it often works better to put your knee on one side and your foot on the other.

Why do we keep talking about our saw being a pull saw?

Out in the forest without a good surface to work on? Look for two trees growing close together. Jam the branch between the trunks and it'll hold itself in place. Since the Hälsing and Ljusnan are pull saws, you pull the branch towards you as you cut – which makes this technique even more effective.

Have your own tips for a better day in the forest? Leave a comment below.