Sound advice, thanks. The saw guard is perfect timing as I’ve just acquired a couple of bow saws that belonged to my late father. I’ve fitted new blades but didn’t have guards. 👍😊

4:56, you'll most probably find that cutting the other end will work better, because then you're pulling the branch into the trunk on the pull cut action and not trying to push against the cut force of the saw. It's difficult to get enough force over a lever to beat the pressure of the cut otherwise. Which is why it was slipping i'd bet. edit: ah, i see you mention this later on. :)