· top products · 13 min read

Hand Saw

Explore top-rated hand saws that make cutting wood and other materials a breeze, with experts comparing features, durability, and user-friendliness to help you choose the perfect fit for your project.

Explore top-rated hand saws that make cutting wood and other materials a breeze, with experts comparing features, durability, and user-friendliness to help you choose the perfect fit for your project.

Get ready to discover some of the best hand saws on the market, designed to make your woodworking experience a breeze. In this article, we’ll be showcasing a range of hand saws that are perfect for various projects, from DIY furniture to professional carpentry. Let’s dive in and find the perfect hand saw for your next adventure!

The Top 5 Best Hand Saw

  1. Fiskars Fixed Handle Pruning Saw: Triple-Grind Power Tooth Blade - Effortlessly tackle your cutting tasks with the Gerber Power Tooth D-Handle Saw - a sleek and durable tool designed for optimal performance, featuring a triple-ground Power Tooth blade, corrosion-resistant coating, and a comfortable Softgrip handle.

  2. Craftsman 20-inch Fine Finish Hand Saw - High-Quality Cutting and Ergonomic Handle - Efficiently craft your projects with the CRAFTSMAN 20-in Hand Saw, featuring a fine finish and exclusive tooth geometry, offering a long-lasting sharpness, comfort, and control with its ergonomic handle, and a versatile 45° and 90° square-mitre feature.

  3. Fiskars Precision Hand Saw for DIY Projects - The Fiskars Built to DIY Precision Hand Saw, featuring a compact and portable design, delivers precise and controlled cuts through various materials, making it a must-have tool for any DIY enthusiast.

  4. High-Performance Heavy Duty Hand Saw with Swivel Blade Clamp and Cam Lever Tension - Unleash precision and power with the Knew Concepts Mk IV Heavy Duty Hand Saw - a versatile saw engineered for heavy-duty piercing.

  5. Traditional British 10” Tenon Saw for Rip Cutting - Experience the perfect blend of tradition, durability, and ease of sharpening with the Lynx / Taytools 10” Tenon Saw from Sheffield’s finest saw maker, Thomas Flinn.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

Fiskars Fixed Handle Pruning Saw: Triple-Grind Power Tooth Blade

fiskars-fixed-handle-pruning-saw-13-in-1

As someone who’s always been drawn to the outdoors, pruning your trees can be a bit of a chore. But, after trying out Fiskars Fixed Handle Pruning Saw, my perspective has definitely changed. This saw is the epitome of reliability and durability, perfect for any cutting task you throw its way.

What really stood out for me was its unique blade design. Its Power Tooth blade, with its triple-grind teeth, ensures every cut is precise and efficient - a feature that I’ve encountered in no other pruning saw. And, to keep the blade in tip-top shape, even after extended use, Fiskars has designed it with a non-stick coating that resists corrosion.

This saw not only performs exceptionally well but also feels comfortable in the hand, thanks to its cushioned pistol grip. It provides a firm, yet comfortable hold, a feature that many pruning saws often overlook.

While I find this pruning saw to be a valuable addition to my outdoor tool collection, there are a few downsides. Its only drawback is the price point. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but considering the quality, it’s worth the investment.

Overall, the Fiskars Fixed Handle Pruning Saw is a reliable, efficient, and comfortable tool that I would highly recommend to any outdoor enthusiast or professional needing a high-quality pruning saw.

Craftsman 20-inch Fine Finish Hand Saw - High-Quality Cutting and Ergonomic Handle

craftsman-hand-saw-20-inch-fine-finish-cmht20881-1

Recently, I gave the 20-inch Craftsman Hand Saw a spin in my DIY projects. I must say, this little beauty is a game-changer! The ergonomically designed handle made for a comfortable grip, which was crucial when tackling those tough jobs. The unique tooth geometry delivered a high-quality finish, which left my wooden projects looking neat and polished.

One aspect that stood out to me was the saw’s capacity to cut through various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Its induction-hardened teeth ensured a long-lasting sharpness, which I found to be quite remarkable. However, I did face a bit of a challenge with the initial push stroke. It took me some practice to get it right, but once I did, it was smooth sailing from there on.

Another great feature of this saw is its 45-degree and 90-degree square/mitre feature. It was incredibly helpful when I needed to make precise cuts in my projects. The blade length of 20 inches was just the right size for my needs, making this saw a perfect addition to my tool arsenal.

Overall, the Craftsman Hand Saw proved to be a reliable and efficient tool for my DIY projects. It may not be perfect, but its pros certainly outweigh the cons. If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable handsaw, I’d highly recommend giving this one a try.

Fiskars Precision Hand Saw for DIY Projects

fiskars-built-to-diy-precision-hand-saw-7-1

As a DIY enthusiast, I found the Fiskars Built to DIY Precision Hand Saw 7” to be a reliable companion for various projects around the house. The triple-ground blade is thin yet powerful, allowing for precise and controlled cuts through wood, cardboard, and even Styrofoam. I appreciate the compact and portable design, which strikes the perfect balance between size, power, and precision. The hilt in the handle provides added safety, and the SoftGrip touchpoints offer enhanced comfort and control.

One notable feature is the protected, sheath that includes both English and metric measurements, making it a convenient storage option and a useful ruler for various tasks. Additionally, the blades are easily replaceable, which adds to the overall durability of the saw.

However, there is a downside to this otherwise excellent hand saw: the lack of a belt holster for added convenience. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Fiskars Built to DIY Precision Hand Saw 7” has become a go-to tool for my DIY projects, thanks to its reliability, precision, and user-friendly design.

High-Performance Heavy Duty Hand Saw with Swivel Blade Clamp and Cam Lever Tension

knew-concepts-mk-iv-heavy-duty-hand-saw-5-1

Recently, I had the chance to try out the Knew Concepts Mk IV Heavy Duty Hand Saw. It was love at first sight with its sleek red powder-coated finish and laser-engraved logo. The unique blade holder made blade changes and tensioning a breeze. I also appreciated the Swivel Blade Clamps, which let me rotate the blade a full 360 degrees with click stops every 45.

The saw’s heavy-duty design was a game-changer. Its ability to pull 50-60 pounds of tension on blades made it significantly stronger and less prone to blade vibration. However, I did notice it was heavier than my usual saws, but the trade-off was worth it for the enhanced performance on wood surfaces.

One thing I didn’t like was the learning curve with the setup process, but once I got it down, the performance was outstanding. Overall, the Knew Concepts Mk IV Heavy Duty Hand Saw was a great investment that delivered fantastic results on wood projects.

Traditional British 10” Tenon Saw for Rip Cutting

lynx-thomas-flinn-taytools-british-10-tenon-saw-for-rip-cutting-1

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 10” Tenon Saw for Rip Cutting. This saw, made by the renowned Thomas Flinn, a traditional saw and plane maker from Sheffield, England, definitely stands out in my experience.

The 10-inch saw plate, made from Sheffield allow spring steel, is a perfect blend of durability and ease of sharpening. The taper ground ensures just the right amount of balance for this type of saw. Thomas Flinn is known for creating professional-quality hand saws, and this one is no exception.

The handle, made from stained European Beech with brass button screws, adds a touch of elegance and comfort to the user experience. The 10-inch blade, filed for rip cutting, has a maximum depth of cut of 2-3/8 inches, making it ideal for cutting tenon shoulders. It’s also worth mentioning that the saw comes hand sharpened from the factory and can be resharpened if needed.

While I was using the saw, I noticed a slight discomfort in my hand due to the rigid brass back, which is meant to provide excellent rigidity and balance. However, this did not deter me from enjoying the overall quality and performance of the Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 10” Tenon Saw for Rip Cutting.

Buyer’s Guide

Hand saws are versatile cutting tools that have been used for centuries. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, a good quality hand saw can make all the difference in your projects. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll discuss the important features to consider when purchasing a hand saw, some general advice, and helpful tips for using them effectively.

Hand-Saw-2

Types of Hand Saws

Hand saws come in various types, each designed for specific tasks. Some common types include crosscut saws, rip saws, back saws, and coping saws. Crosscut saws are ideal for cutting along the grain, while rip saws are better for cutting across the grain. Back saws, also known as dovetail saws, are thin and long, perfect for precise cuts. Coping saws are designed for detailed work, with a narrow blade and a U-shaped handle.

Blade Material

The blade material is a crucial factor when choosing a hand saw. High-quality saws typically have blades made of carbon steel, which is strong, durable, and holds an edge well. Some blades are also coated with additional materials, like chrome vanadium or high-speed steel, to improve their performance and longevity.

Hand-Saw-3

Handle Material and Design

The handle of a hand saw should be comfortable, sturdy, and provide a good grip. Common handle materials include plastic, wood, and even bone. Some handles have finger notches, which can help with control and precision. Consider your personal preferences and the type of work you’ll be doing when selecting the handle design and material.

Tension and Adjustment

The saw blade should be held securely and tensioned properly to ensure smooth, accurate cuts. Many hand saws have a lever or knob for adjusting tension, which should be easy to use and accessible. Some saws also have a locking mechanism to prevent the blade from coming loose during use. Make sure the saw you choose has an efficient and easy-to-use tensioning system.

Hand-Saw-4

FAQ

What is a hand saw?

A hand saw is a cutting tool with a serrated blade designed for use with one hand. They are commonly used for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. Hand saws come in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for different types of cuts and applications. They are versatile and portable, making them ideal for DIY projects, home improvement tasks, and outdoor activities.

Some common types of hand saws include back saws, crosscut saws, coping saws, and panel saws. Each type is designed for specific tasks and has its unique set of teeth and handle configurations. They are available in various handle materials, including plastic, ergonomic plastic, or wood, to offer a comfortable and secure grip during use.

Hand-Saw-5

What are the different types of hand saws?

  1. Back saw: Also known as a dovetail saw, it features a thin and narrow blade and a straight handle. The teeth are reverse (back) pointing opposite to the cutting direction, which makes it ideal for making precise, straight cuts, and dovetail joints. It is used for general woodworking tasks and is particularly popular among woodworkers and furniture makers.

  2. Crosscut saw: This type of hand saw has a broader blade with a more aggressive tooth pattern. The teeth are angled at 45 degrees to the cutting direction, allowing for clean, precise, and quick cross-cuts in wood. Crosscut saws are commonly used in the construction and carpentry trades for framing, roofing, and general lumber work.

What is the difference between a back saw and a coping saw?

Back saws and coping saws are both popular types of hand saws but serve different purposes. Back saws are known for their thin, narrow blades that allow for precision cuts, especially when making dovetail joints. They are ideal for general woodworking tasks, and their straight handles provide a comfortable and accurate grip.

On the other hand, coping saws have a thin blade with a wider body to accommodate thicker materials. They feature a T-shaped frame with adjustable arms that hold the blade in place. Coping saws are designed to make curved and arched cuts in soft materials like wood. They are commonly used in the construction industry for shaping moldings, trims, and framing details.

Hand-Saw-6

What are the features to consider when buying a hand saw?

When purchasing a hand saw, consider the following features to ensure you get the right tool for your needs. They include: blade size and length, blade grind, tooth count, tooth design, and handle type. Blade size and length determine the size of cuts you can make. The blade grind, tooth count, and tooth design influence the saw’s cutting ability and versatility.

Additionally, the handle type affects comfort and control while using the saw. Look for a handle made from durable materials, with a smooth and ergonomic design to provide a comfortable grip. Some hand saws come with sheaths or cases to protect the blade and prevent accidental injuries. Lastly, consider the saw’s weight and portability, especially if you plan to use it on-site or in remote locations.

What are the safety precautions when using a hand saw?

Using any power tool or even a hand saw requires safety precautions to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Here are some safety tips when working with a hand saw: make sure to wear proper protective gear such as safety goggles, hearing protection, and work gloves. Ensure the area is clean and organized to prevent slipping or tripping.

Before starting, inspect the saw for any damage or wear, and sharpen the blade as needed. Make sure the saw’s teeth are facing the correct direction for the cut you are making. Hold the saw securely using a firm grip and stabilize it with your non-cutting hand as needed. Keep your body posture and work motion in a smooth, controlled manner to avoid losing control or making an incorrect cut. Finally, pay attention to your surroundings and never use the saw under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How do I maintain my hand saw?

Proper maintenance of your hand saw not only extends its lifespan but also ensures optimal performance. Regular cleaning after every use, using soap and water, removes wood chips and debris that can dull or damage the blade. Check and, if necessary, sharpen the teeth to keep the blade working efficiently.

Additionally, protect the blade and handle from elements such as moisture, dust, and dirt by storing your saw in a protective sheath or case. Oil the blade occasionally to prevent rust formation, and check for signs of wear, such as loosened rivets, damaged handle scales, or worn handle grips. Keep your hand saw clean, sharp, and functioning properly by following these simple maintenance tips.

As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Share:
    Back to Blog