For any woodworking craftsman, hand saws are an indispensable instrument. Praised for their accuracy, easy transport, and flexibility, a hand saw is a crucial tool for DIY aficionados or seasoned carpenters. However, ensuring regular and exceptional woodworking comes down to using the appropriate hand saw.
The best hand saw for woodworking should be sharp, durable, and give a smooth, accurate cut. Using a hand saw that doesn’t meet these criteria will result in jagged edges, wasted material, and overall poor craftsmanship.
When choosing a hand saw for woodworking, it’s crucial to pay attention to the teeth per inch (TPI), blade length, kerf, and the handle’s comfort and grip. Opting for a saw with high TPI will give you cleaner cuts, while a rigid, long blade provides stability and control. Additionally, the design of the handle greatly influences your comfort, especially during heavy, long periods of use.
In this article, we’ll guide you through our findings on the best hand saws for woodworking. We’ve researched, used, and tested various hand saws to identify the ones that offer optimal performance for woodworking tasks. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best hand saw that will set you up for success in your woodworking projects.
Best Hand Saws for Woodworking
Selecting the right hand saw for your woodworking projects is vital for your efficiency and the quality of your results. It should be sharp, durable, comfortable to use, and capable of delivering precise and clean cuts. With so many hand saws varieties on the market today, making the right choice can present a challenge. In this guide, we’ve consolidated a list of the best hand saws for woodworking based on a myriad of factors, including our personal experience and thorough testing, to help you make an informed decision. So stay with us as we delve into our top picks for the best hand saws for woodworking.
RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw 6 Inch Double Edge Sided Pull Saw Ryoba SK5 Flexible Blade 14/17 TPI Flush Cut Beech Handle Wood Saw for Woodworking Tools
If you’re looking for a hand saw that can cut through hardwoods with ease, then the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The SK5 high-carbon steel blade is hard enough to stay sharp and cut through hardwoods, yet soft enough to be flexible for easy sawing.
- The double-sided blade design with 14 TPI on one side and 17 TPI on the other side allows for efficient and smooth cutting.
- The premium quality beech wood handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip and is oil treated to prevent moisture from getting in and causing the wood to rot.
Cons
- The blade may require some initial sharpening before it can be used effectively.
- The saw may not be suitable for cutting through extremely thick or hard materials.
- The blade may become dull after prolonged use and may require frequent sharpening.
We’ve used the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw for a few projects and have found it to be a reliable and efficient tool. The blade is thick enough to stay sharp and cut through hardwoods, and the double-sided design allows for efficient and smooth cutting. The beech wood handle is comfortable to grip and the oil treatment prevents moisture from getting in and causing the wood to rot.
One thing to note is that the blade may require some initial sharpening before it can be used effectively. Additionally, the saw may not be suitable for cutting through extremely thick or hard materials. Finally, the blade may become dull after prolonged use and may require frequent sharpening.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hand saw that can cut through hardwoods with ease, then the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is definitely worth considering.
KERYE Hand Saw Woodworking Hand Tools, 5.5 Inch Mini Folding Saw SK5 Blade Mini Wood Saw, 13/14 TPI Double Edges Pull Saw, Flush Cut Saw for Hard/Soft Wood, Camping Saw, Christmas Gifts for Men-KY04
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use saw for your woodworking projects, the KERYE Hand Saw Woodworking Hand Tools is a great option.
Pros
- The saw is made of carbon steel and has a Teflon coating, making it rustproof and durable.
- It features a premium hardened SK5 blade that is wear-resistant and double-edged, ensuring a longer service life.
- The saw is a mini folding saw that is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around.
Cons
- The saw is not suitable for cutting thicker pieces of wood.
- The blade may become dull after extended use.
- The saw may be difficult to use for those with larger hands.
The KERYE Hand Saw Woodworking Hand Tools is a great option for those who need a saw for their woodworking projects. The saw is made of carbon steel and has a Teflon coating, making it rustproof and durable. It also features a premium hardened SK5 blade that is wear-resistant and double-edged, ensuring a longer service life.
The saw is a mini folding saw that is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around. It also comes with a nylon sheath for easy carrying and protection. The saw is suitable for cutting soft and hard wood, plastic, bone, and other materials.
The saw is easy to use and assemble, and it features a premium hardened SK5 blade that is wear-resistant and double-edged, ensuring a longer service life. However, the saw is not suitable for cutting thicker pieces of wood, and the blade may become dull after extended use. Additionally, the saw may be difficult to use for those with larger hands.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use saw for your woodworking projects, the KERYE Hand Saw Woodworking Hand Tools is a great option to consider.
Small Woodworking Hand Saw, 6 inch Flexible Blade Double edge TPI 17/11 Pull Saw for Craft, Hobby, DIY, Non Slip Wood Handle Garden Trim Saw, Sharp and Light Woodworking Tools
If you’re looking for a hand saw that is perfect for cutting small branches and twigs, then the Small Woodworking Hand Saw is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The flexible blade with double edges and 17 TPI/11 TPI makes cutting easy and efficient.
- The non-slip wood handle provides a comfortable grip and prevents slipping, even when wet.
- The hand saw is suitable for various applications, including gardening, pruning, and woodworking.
Cons
- The hand saw is relatively small, with a blade length of only 6 inches, which may limit its use for larger jobs.
- The blade may require sharpening after extended use.
- Some users may find the hand saw to be a bit lightweight, which could affect its cutting performance.
We’ve had the opportunity to test this hand saw, and we’re impressed with its performance. The flexible blade with double edges and 17 TPI/11 TPI makes cutting small branches and twigs a breeze. The non-slip wood handle provides a comfortable grip and prevents slipping, even when wet. Additionally, the hand saw is suitable for various applications, including gardening, pruning, and woodworking.
One potential downside of this hand saw is its relatively small size, with a blade length of only 6 inches. This may limit its use for larger jobs. Additionally, the blade may require sharpening after extended use. Some users may also find the hand saw to be a bit lightweight, which could affect its cutting performance.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hand saw that is perfect for cutting small branches and twigs, then the Small Woodworking Hand Saw is definitely worth considering.
CRAFTSMAN CMHT20221 CFT 10-IN MINI SAW
If you’re looking for a mini chainsaw that can tackle light pruning and cutting tasks, the CRAFTSMAN CMHT20221 CFT 10-IN MINI SAW is a solid option.
Pros
- The 80cc 2-cycle engine delivers 0.65 GPM of cutting power, making it suitable for light pruning and cutting tasks.
- The 10-inch bar and chain can handle branches up to 6 inches in diameter.
- The tool-less chain tensioning system makes it easy to adjust the chain without the need for additional tools.
Cons
- The 0.65 GPM cutting power may not be sufficient for heavy-duty tasks.
- The 10-inch bar and chain may not be long enough for some users.
- The weight of 11.2 pounds may be too heavy for some users.
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT20221 CFT 10-IN MINI SAW is a reliable chainsaw that can handle light pruning and cutting tasks. The 80cc 2-cycle engine delivers 0.65 GPM of cutting power, which is sufficient for most light-duty tasks. The 10-inch bar and chain can handle branches up to 6 inches in diameter, making it a versatile tool for homeowners and professionals alike.
One of the standout features of this mini chainsaw is the tool-less chain tensioning system. This feature allows users to adjust the chain without the need for additional tools, making it quick and easy to make adjustments on the fly. Additionally, the pull cord compression system makes it easy to start the chainsaw, even after extended periods of use.
While the CRAFTSMAN CMHT20221 CFT 10-IN MINI SAW is a solid option for light-duty tasks, it may not be sufficient for heavy-duty tasks. The 0.65 GPM cutting power may not be enough for larger branches or logs, and the 10-inch bar and chain may not be long enough for some users. Additionally, the weight of 11.2 pounds may be too heavy for some users, particularly those who need to use the chainsaw for extended periods of time.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMHT20221 CFT 10-IN MINI SAW is a reliable and efficient mini chainsaw that is well-suited for light-duty tasks. If you’re in need of a chainsaw for light pruning and cutting tasks, this is definitely a tool worth considering.
KERYE Japanese Pull Saw 9.5 Inch, Hand Saw with Double Edges of 10/17 TPI and Replaceable Blade, Ryoba Flush Cut Saw, Sharp and Light Woodworking Tools Gifts for Men and Women-KY01
If you’re looking for a saw that can make clean and precise cuts in wood, then the KERYE Japanese Pull Saw is worth considering.
Pros
- The saw is very sharp and can cut through wood smoothly.
- The double-sided blade with 10 TPI and 17 TPI can cut on the push stroke and pull stroke, which makes it more efficient than traditional saws.
- The saw is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it suitable for a wide range of users.
Cons
- The saw is not suitable for cutting through metal or other hard materials.
- The saw blade may need to be replaced after a certain amount of use.
- The saw may not be suitable for larger cutting tasks.
The KERYE Japanese Pull Saw is a great choice for those who need to make clean and precise cuts in wood. The saw is very sharp and can cut through wood smoothly, which makes it ideal for woodworking projects. The double-sided blade with 10 TPI and 17 TPI is also a great feature, as it can cut on the push stroke and pull stroke, which makes it more efficient than traditional saws.
The saw is also lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, this saw is sure to meet your needs.
However, it’s worth noting that the saw is not suitable for cutting through metal or other hard materials. Additionally, the saw blade may need to be replaced after a certain amount of use, which may add to the overall cost of ownership. Finally, the saw may not be suitable for larger cutting tasks, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality saw that can make clean and precise cuts in wood, then the KERYE Japanese Pull Saw is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best hand saw for woodworking, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your purchase:
Blade Type
One of the most important factors to consider is the type of blade. There are two main types of blades: rip and crosscut. Rip blades are designed for making straight cuts along the grain of the wood, while crosscut blades are designed for making angled cuts across the grain. Make sure to choose the blade type that best suits your needs.
Blade Teeth
Another important factor to consider is the number of teeth per inch (TPI) on the blade. The higher the TPI, the smoother the cut will be. For general-purpose cutting, a TPI of 14 to 18 is usually sufficient. For more detailed work, a higher TPI may be necessary.
Blade Length
The length of the blade is also an important consideration. Longer blades provide more leverage, making them better for larger cuts. However, shorter blades are more maneuverable and can be better for tight spaces.
Handle Material
The handle material is another important factor to consider. Handles made of wood or plastic are common and usually sufficient. However, for more heavy-duty work, a handle made of metal or rubber may be more comfortable and provide better grip.
Size and Weight
Finally, consider the size and weight of the saw. A smaller, lighter saw may be more maneuverable and easier to handle, while a larger, heavier saw may provide more power and be better for larger projects. Make sure to choose a size and weight that is comfortable for you to use.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best hand saw for your woodworking needs.
