Mastering the Bloodborne Saw Cleaver: Stats & Guide

Introduction to the Iconic Bloodborne Saw Cleaver

Stepping into the haunting streets of Yharnam requires a reliable instrument of survival, and few tools match the devastating efficiency of the bloodborne saw cleaver. Whether you are a newcomer facing your first mob of infected citizens or a seasoned veteran diving into root chalices, understanding this iconic trick weapon is essential for conquering the nightmare. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about maximizing your combat effectiveness with the bloodborne saw cleaver, from foundational stats to advanced moveset strategies.

As one of the definitive trick weapons introduced right from the start of FromSoftware's masterpiece—available via the official PlayStation store—this tool sets the standard for close-quarters engagement. Below, we examine its variants, scaling metrics, and tactical deployment methods to ensure you survive every hunt.

Acquisition and Variants of the Saw Cleaver

Obtaining your initial gear sets the tone for your entire playthrough. According to community reports, players can acquire the standard weapon immediately upon visiting the Hunter's Dream for the first time. If you miss this initial window, you can purchase it later by acquiring the Saw Hunter Badge found near the giant pig tunnel beneath the bridge leading to Father Gascoigne.

Beyond the standard model, advanced hunters looking to optimize gem slots can hunt down Uncanny and Lost variants buried deep within ritual dungeons.

Normal Saw Cleaver

Received directly from the Messengers in the Hunter's Dream or bought with the Saw Hunter Badge. Features balanced physical scaling and standard gem slots.

Uncanny Saw Cleaver

Found within Pthumeru Root Chalice glyphs such as 462yygcg and vsj6fz28. Ideal for alternative gem setups focused on physical damage output.

Lost Saw Cleaver

Discovered in Lower Pthumeru Root Chalice glyphs like 8cu74x96. Features a waning gem slot, perfect for specialized elemental or arcane builds.

Stat Scaling and Upgrade Path

Managing your attribute points efficiently ensures your damage scales appropriately as enemy health pools expand in later game areas. The weapon begins with modest requirements and scales predominantly with Strength and Arcane as you invest Blood Stone shards.

According to player experience and community testing, the weapon transitions from a pure physical bruiser into a flexible option for hybrid builds once upgraded to its maximum tier.

Tip

Prioritize upgrading your Strength attribute alongside Vitality during early-game progression to maximize the physical damage output of your bloodborne saw cleaver before transitioning into late-game stat investments.

Moveset Breakdown: Saw Form vs. Cleaver Form

The true genius of trick weapons lies in their dual-form capabilities. The standard saw form is classified as serrated, granting it a permanent hidden damage multiplier against beast-type enemies. This makes the folded configuration exceptional for single-target duels and aggressive stagger tactics.

Conversely, extending the weapon transforms it into a long cleaver utilizing centrifugal force. While this extended mode loses its passive serrated bonus, it grants superior reach and wide horizontal arcs perfect for crowd control.

1. Engage with Saw Form: Initiate combat using fast R1 strikes to quickly build stagger potential against agile single targets.
2. Execute Transform Attack: Press L1 mid-combo to seamlessly transition into the extended cleaver form while dealing surprise burst damage.
3. Sweep Crowds: Utilize the extended R2 horizontal sweeps to clear out surrounding mobs safely without exhausting your stamina meter.

Advanced Combat Tactics and Tips

Mastering the weapon requires rhythmic timing rather than button mashing. Player experience highlights that executing a follow-up R2 after a fully charged heavy attack can knock down medium-sized foes, granting you breathing room during intense boss fights.

Furthermore, integrating quickstep attacks into your dodge animations allows you to maintain continuous pressure against aggressive adversaries like Henryk or wandering hunters. Always monitor your stamina bar; running out mid-combo leaves you vulnerable to devastating counter-attacks in Yharnam's unforgiving streets.

Warning

Do not rely solely on the extended cleaver form against beast bosses, as you will forfeit the valuable 20% serrated damage bonus provided exclusively by the folded saw configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bloodborne saw cleaver viable for an entire playthrough?

Absolutely. Thanks to its balanced Strength scaling, serrated damage bonus against beasts, and flexible moveset, the bloodborne saw cleaver can easily carry a player from the starting area all the way through New Game Plus and deep chalice dungeons.

How do I get the serrated damage bonus?

The serrated damage bonus applies only when the weapon is in its folded saw form. When transformed into the extended cleaver, this specific modifier is disabled in exchange for increased reach.

Should I choose the Saw Cleaver or the Saw Spear?

Choose the bloodborne saw cleaver if you are building a Strength-focused character, as it benefits from superior Strength scaling. If your build leans more toward Skill, the Saw Spear may be a better alternative.