Stone, shell, bone, copper and iron are just a few of the materials that were used through out history to make a hand saw. Now, a saw is generally made from hardened steel. One of the most common saws found in a workshop, on a job site or in a garage is a hand saw. This fundamental tool is essential to woodworking and capable of cutting everything from wood to fiberglass, pvc and drywall.

So, what does the best hand saw look like? If you are new to woodworking, home maintenance or in a job that requires one, then you have asked yourself this question. Below we have gathered the best hand saws and reviewed of each one for you. There are a lot of great brands to choose from as well as different kinds of saws to consider depending on the job you need to complete. With each product we have listed features, pros and cons, a buyer’s guide, terminology and frequently asked questions. Continue reading below to learn more about the best hand saws that are currently available on the market.

• Measures 16″ x 1″ x 1″
• Classic pistol grip for comfort
• Stainless steel blade with 14 TPI
• A one year warrantee

Pros and Cons

Although you can’t cut through tough materials, this saw is capable of sawing through a variety of materials, making it a favorite for general purpose use and carpentry. It has a rip saw style blade that is easy to change out. This saw takes quite the rigors of use. The handle allows for a comfortable, sturdy grip for various types of cuts.

The Shark hand saw lives up to its name with its stainless steel blade and 14 teeth per inch. Capable of balanced, flushed cuts, this hand saw makes for a great general purpose saw in any workshop.

Features

• Measures 24″ x 6″ x 3″
• Two part Polymer handle construction
• 15″ Steel blade with 10 TPI

Pros and Cons

We found the Irwin pull saw to have smoother cuts than the Shark depending on the material that was vs rolex datejust mens 126234 rolex calibre 2836 2813 automatic being cut. The teeth may be too aggressive for PVC, but overall the saws delivered a fast, smooth cut with out having to put too much effort into the pull stroke.

Irwin has been providing the world with innovative tools for over a century that offer superior performance and prada 18717 men fashion casual shoes maneuverability. This saw is user friendly and is just another example of their thoughtful design.

Best Interchangeable Blade

Features

• Measures 25.1″ x 4″ x .8″
• Interchangeable blade and handle
• Handle can be reversed
• 13″ Steel blade
• Made in Japan

Pros and Cons

As its name implies, it is a bear of a saw. The reverse handle design came in handy for several applications such as cutting limbs and roots. Depending on the job, you may run through blades, but that is unlikely as the teeth are impulse hardened to maintain their sharpness. Inside or outside, the spring steel blade was durable and provided an easy pull stroke with no binding for both woodworking and yardwork.

Since 1869, Vaughan and Bushnell have been manufacturing tools that will get the job done right. This 13″ Bear saw is durable and plated to resist rust when used outside in the elements.

Best Folding Saw

Features

• Measures 11.42″ x 2.36″ x 1″
• Features Smooth Cutting Technology
• Compact and fits well in the hand with non-slip rubberized handle
• 5″ blade with 8.5 TPI
• Comes with a hard plastic case that attaches to belt

Pros and Cons

This is a multipurpose tool that is compact and easy to handle. Whether for the backyard or backpacking, this hand saw can handle a variety of jobs. If you are wanting the ability to rock the kerf, then a curved blade would be better. The folding capability and belt case was helpful in keeping up and carrying around the saws.

Silky saws are made in Japan and offer some the finest tools for wood cutting. Enduring and efficient, the Pocket Boy saws come in folding and non-folding options as well as straight and curved blade options.

Features

• Measures 17.8″ x 5″ x 1.3″
• Ergonomically designed handle
• 15″ steel blade with 9 TPI
• Limited lifetime warranty

Pros and Cons

The FatMax saws can help with many woodworking tasks. The thick, sharp blade cuts smooth and straight. With its Sharp tooth technology, the hardened teeth do cut fast. To note, because the teeth are hardened, this saw cannot cut metal, the teeth will snap and break.

The classic design of this saw lends to the popularity of it with homeowners and professionals who have been using Stanley tools since 1843. With innovative additions like the induction hardened teeth and ergonomic handle, this hand saw will become your favorite tool in the garage.

Features

• Measures 22″ x 5″ x 2″
• Ergonomic, high density resin handle
• 15″ steel blade 11 TPI
• Tapered pitch nose

Pros and Cons

The cut of this saw is aggressive, fast and not as smooth. Although, this saw will cut through almost anything, including thin metals. Maneuvering the saw was easy due to the comfort of the handle, the water-based lacquered blade coating and triple ground teeth.

Irwin delivers yet another great hand saw that can be used on almost any material. Able to cut three times faster, this saw will complete the job quickly and efficiently.

Fastest Cutting Saw

Features

• Measures 18.9″ x 5″ x 1.25″
• Anti-slip handle
• 16″ Carbon steel blade with 9 TPI

Pros and Cons

The construction of this saw makes it a cutting machine. Heavy duty and a great size to work with, it can cut through limbs and branches with ease. As mentioned previously, induction hardened teeth can snap and break when cutting materials like metal or harder types of wood.

Although a newer company, WilFiks proves that with the right material and the right design, creating quality tools is easy to do. Secure blade design, deep gullets and extremely sharp teeth make this saw the right tool for the job.

Best Hand Saw for Cutting Angles

Features

• Measures 18″ x 5.2″ x 1.5″
• Handle offers both 45 and 90 degree angle ability
• 15″ blade with 8 TPI
• Full lifetime warranty

Pros and Cons

Fast, clean cuts are what this saw will give you. The steel blade will dig in with its induction hardened teeth and make the cuts quickly and smoothly. The handle is not as comfortable as others, but it does offer a square/miter cutting ability at 45 and 90 degrees.

Craftsman is made in America and stands behind their products, and offer full lifetime warranties on their tools. High quality and low price best describe this hand saw that can tackle most jobs inside and out.

Best High Tension Hacksaw

Features

• Measures 15.75″ x 6.5″ x 1.25″
• Rubber handle for comfort and confidence while sawing
• 12″ blade with 24 TPI
• Stores up to 5 extra blades in the I-beam

Pros and Cons

This hacksaw is accurate and makes cuts quickly. It can be converted to a jab saw with any Lenox reciprocating blade. Due to its I-beam construction, the saws perform straight cuts quite well. Adjusting the tension is easy. However, the knob can get knocked out of position if not careful.

Lenox thinks of everything including blade storage in these saws. From 1915 forward, Lenox continues to raise the bar with their cutting tools. This hacksaw is interchangeable, comfortable and easy to use even in wet weather with an array of materials.

Best Saw for Cutting Drywall

Features

• Measures 7″ x 5″ x 3″
• Rubberized grip
• 6″ stainless steel blade with 8 TPI
• Comes with a Lifetime warranty

Pros and Cons

This jab saw is made for cutting plastic and drywall, and does it with ease. Sharp, hardened teeth cut right through most building materials, and the handle helps you feel in complete control of the blade. This jab saw is intended mainly for drywall, not wood because the cuts would be pretty rough.

DeWalt started in 1924 in Pennsylvania with the DeWalt Wonder Worker. From then on, the company has been producing trusted tools used in many industries. Guaranteed tough, this jab saw will handle years of use.

Most Value for the Money

Features

• Measures 16″ x 6.1″ x 1.18″
• Rubber handle for comfortable grip
• 12″ steel blade 10 extra blades included

Pros and Cons

The Airaj hacksaws makes cutting a breeze with 2 saw angles. It can be easy to replace and tighten the blades. Be cautious though, because the frame can come completely apart. A case would have been nice for this saw, but overall the construction and capability were very good.

Airaj is a newer company that is providing tools and tool bags that can stand the rigors of most jobs. From wood to metal and everything in between, this hack saws are great for contractors, hobbyists and homeowners alike.

Best Japanese Hand Saw

Features

• 16.77″ x 3.46″ x 1.3″
• Handle offers confident grip
• 7″ blade with 14 TPI
• Made in Japan

Pros and Cons

The Suizan pull saw offers two sides, rip and crosscut. Flexible and sharp, the saw is able to handle most woods and feels good in the hand. The ability to replace blades is nice because the teeth on some blades can break depending on the project you are are tackling.

With over 100 years of craftsmanship, Suizan supplies woodworkers with their superior saws. There are a variety of saws which are all made in Japan and done so by master craftsman.

Now that we have listed multiple brands and types of hand saws, let’s discuss more in depth the details of each of them.

It’s all about the teeth when it comes to sawing. Every saw blade has teeth, and they are measured per inch. The number of teeth per inch determines the performance of the saw, and what type of material it can cut best.Bigger teeth are best when using a hand saws for softer materials. Although, when cutting with bigger teeth, the finish will be rougher. As for smaller teeth, the finish will be smooth, but the job will take longer. Here are a few tips regarding teeth per inch:

• 2 to 8 TPI – works well on softwood or drywall
• 10 to 20 TPI – used for moderately hard materials
• 20 to 30 TPI – ideal for very hard woods and and making intricate cuts

Flexibility and maneuverability depend on the thickness of a saw’s blade. A thicker blade allows for stiffer sawing which equals flush cuts. However, if you need flexibility, then a thinner blade is needed.

Confidence while using a hand saw is gained through a good grip. Sturdy, comfortable and easy to hold on to, is the key to controlling the saw. The handle needs to fit your hand well. If the grip isn’t sure, sawing will be difficult and time consuming. Many saws come with ergonomic handles now that allow the hand to grip it well and not be injured while sawing.

Hand saws can measure anywhere from 7 to 20 inches. Any saws that measure 12″ to 20″ are called a short panel saw. This length is great for woodworking because it allows greater control while performing intricate cuts. For home maintenance and general use in the yard or for furniture making, 24 to 30 inches is preferred.

Hacksaws are versatile tools in that they can cut a variety of things such as metal, PVC or conduit.

Great for smaller pieces of wood, a Japanese saw has small sharp teeth. This type of saw uses a push strike stoke, and are generally handcrafted in Japan.

Although there are multipurpose saws on the market, it is generally best to use a hand saw that is suited for your specific need. Whether a novice to using hand saws or you have been doing woodwork most of your life, gaining more knowledge on saws is helpful for everyone.

Back: the back of a saw is the top edge or spine of the saw.

Crosscut: a cut that is made at the right angle with the wood grain.

Fleam: teeth face angle that is perpendicular to face of the hand saw.

Front: the teeth side of the saw also know as bottom edge.

Gullet: the area between the teeth points.

Heel: the end of the hand saw that is closest to the handle.

Kerf: saw cut width. In general, the kerf is wider than the blade.

Miter box: a box made with slots on each side to create 45 and 90 degree angled cuts.

Miter joint: joint that is made up of two 45 degree angled cut pieces of wood.

Rake: angle of the teeth’s front face perpendicular to the length of the saws.

Rip cut: a cut made against the wood grain.

Teeth: points that are sharpened and sometimes hardened, found on bottom edge of the hand saw’s blade.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI): measurement of the number of teeth per inch on a saw blade.

Toe: The opposite end of the hand saw’s handle.

A saw with a stiffened spine that allows precision cutting.

Mark the wood, then make the starting cut by following your marked lines. To note, never start on the line, instead place saws on the waste side, next to your line. Be sure to tuck elbows in and point the saw while cutting in long strokes to avoid tilting. As you go, correct any sway. Start slowly and the hand saws will do the rest. Pro tip: If you cannot cut a straight line, clamp a 2×4 to the piece you’re cutting to help guide you.

There is no best hand saw per say because it depends on the type of wood you are cutting and the job you are trying to complete. As mentioned above, each type of saw is rated for a specific task. Some saws are great for making fast cuts, while others will provide precision sawing.

Hand saws are always needed for an array of jobs around the house or on the job site. Beyond general woodworking, they are great to have on hand for camping and yardwork.

A rip saw is multipurpose in the fact that it can rip as well as crosscut.

What is a miter box used for?

When cutting 45 or 90 degree angles, a miter box will ensure the proper angle along with a straight cut.

Maintaining your saws will be integral to their ability to cut. Blades will need to cleaned and sharpened or replaced over time. After each use it is best to clean and wipe down the blade to avoid rust. Saws will cut well when it has been cleaned. When sawing you want to keep your saw away from substances such as dirt and glue. Sharpening the saw teeth will need to be done regularly. To sharpen here are a few tips that will help if you are new to sharpening.

• Count your strokes and file each tooth level and working your way down the blade
• File all teeth the same length
• Check notched teeth(rakers) and file them sharp/0.5mm shorter than the saw teeth
• Always inspect for crooked teeth and bend them back

Sometimes, it is recommended to apply oil or beeswax upon the blade. This will help lessen binding. Saws hook is useful in increasing accuracy of your cuts. The saws hook allows you to hold the material at a straight, square angle as well as have a sure hold of the material you are working with. If your saws should have rust, use a razor to remove it at first and then finish with steel wool or a fine grade sandpaper. With all the attention placed on the blade, don’t forget to oil handles made of wood.
Signs you need to replace your saw are evident when you see the following:

• The handle has loosened and cannot be tightened
• The saws beginsto bend even on simple cuts whereas it did not before
• Missing or severely bent teeth that cannot be fixed or filed properly

Saws aren’t  just  saws. At this point you probably see that prices, types and specifications can muddle the water when looking to purchase the right hand saw for yourself. We hope our review and all of the above information has now given you a clearer picture of what hand saw you will need and what you would like to purchase.

Many common, well known brands like Irwin , DeWalt, Vaughn and Bushnell, Stanley and Craftsman have been making many types of hand saws for woodworkers, the pros and DIYers for a very long time. Each one has their own particular features and special designs they offer to their customers. Everyone you talk to will most certainly have their favorite brand and tell you that it is the best hand saw ever. However, it is not uncommon to try the suggestion and find that you do not like it. Think about your project specifically and what you need, then look for a hand saw that suits you.