Top 5 Handsaws
Best Folding Blade: Corona Razor-Tooth Folding Saw Best Double-Bladed Saw: SUIZAN Double-Edge Japanese Ryoba Pull Saw Best Curved Blade: Tabor Tools Pruning Saw Best Long Blade: Craftsman Hand Saw Best Electric Hand Saw: BLACK+DECKER Electric Hand Saw
Best Folding Blade: Corona Razor-Tooth Folding Saw
The molded plastic handle of this hand saw is designed for easy gripping. The saw’s seven-inch blade also features six teeth per inch to make quicker, smoother, and more accurate cuts. The blade of this hand saw folds down when it’s not in use, lowering the risk of injury. Additionally, this hand saw is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for yard work and other outdoor projects.
Best Double-Bladed Saw: SUIZAN Double-Edge Japanese Ryoba Pull Saw
Known as a ryoba, this steel Japanese hand saw features two bladed edges—one for cutting with the grain and one for cutting against it. This saw requires less effort to use than other types of hand saws, as it cuts by pulling with the blade rather than pushing against it. This saw also has a 9.5-inch blade and 14.5-inch handle for a total length of 24 inches.
Best Curved Blade: Tabor Tools Pruning Saw
The curved blade of this hand saw allows it to make smooth, rounded cuts through circular items, such as branches and shrubs. The ergonomic handle that comes with this hand saw prevents slips and promotes comfort. The blade also has impulse-hardened teeth for long-term use.
Best Long Blade: Craftsman Hand Saw
This sturdy hand saw features a 15-inch steel blade and an ergonomically designed handle. It can make cuts at 45- and 90-degree angles. Craftsman’s long-bladed hand saw is made from induction-hardened steel, allowing it to stay sharper for longer. The handle is made from two materials with a solid plastic base and a soft rubber grip to balance durability and comfort.
Best Electric Hand Saw: BLACK+DECKER Electric Hand Saw
Cut for longer without getting tired with help from this electric-powered hand saw that can make up to 4,600 strokes per minute. BLACK+DECKER’s electric hand saw comes with a built-in safety button that keeps the machine idle until you’re ready to cut. Plus, its blades snap in and out for easy replacement when they get dull.
Buyer’s Guide
A hand saw lets you make small, detailed cuts that larger circular saws can’t handle. This buying guide will help you choose the best hand saw for your home improvement projects.
Type
Hand saws come in many forms. Some are operated manually, while others use electricity for power. The blades can also differ with single-edged, double-edged, curved, and straight options. When considering the different types, choose the one that matches your project’s needs.
Blade Length
Hand saws usually have longer blades for larger cuts. Typical hand saw blades are between seven and 14 inches long, with 10 and 12 inches being popular lengths.
Blade Edges
Different hand saw blades have different tooth patterns to make finer or coarser cuts. Popular patterns include:
Rip: This cuts with the wood grain. Cross: This type cuts across the wood grain. Coping: This makes fine cuts, such as those along joints. Keyhole/compass: This type makes cuts with rounded edges.
Safety
Hand saws often have features, functions, or accessories to prevent injury during use. Common ones include:
Non-slip handles Foldable blades Blade sheaths Auto-stop buttons
Accessories
Hand saws can come with a variety of accessories, including:
Storage bags Extension cords Blade sharpening tools
What can I use my hand saw for?
You can use a hand saw to cut wood of any kind. A hand saw is not as powerful as a rotating chop saw or miter saw, but it can make smaller, more precise, and more detailed cuts. Many DIY enthusiasts use hand saws to build furniture or to make improvements around their houses in tight spaces.
What’s a ryoba?
A ryoba is a specific type of hand saw that originated in Japan. The word “ryoba” means “pair of blades” in Japanese. True to its name, a ryoba has two cutting edges rather than one. Typically, one edge will feature a rip pattern for cutting along the wood grain, while the other will feature a cross pattern for cutting against the grain.
How often should I sharpen my hand saw?
Sharpen your hand saw as soon as you notice that the blade is getting dull. This is usually every two to four weeks if you use yours regularly.
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