Best Carpenter Hand Saws

Carpentry requires a steady hand, a keen eye and the right tool for the job. When it comes to woodworking, you simply can’t beat the precision of a hand saw. Precision and finesse are defining traits of your craftsmanship as a carpenter, so your choice of hand saw can significantly impact the quality of your work. Moreover, the best carpenter hand saws will provide some level of comfort and ease, helping you be the best carpenter you can be. 

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1. Shark Corporation - Carpentry Saw, 15-Inch
2. SUIZAN - Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw
3. Stanley - FatMax Hand Saw
4. Spear & Jackson - Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
5. IRWIN - Dovetail Saw 10-Inch

1. Shark Corporation - Carpentry Saw, 15-Inch

Proudly basing its values on its Japanese heritage, Shark Corporation stands out for its traditional approach to developing carpentry tools; combining precision, heritage and innovation in its products. Their philosophy, that “a well-designed hand tool is dispensable and can often do the job as well, or better than, its other counterpart” is incorporated in its manufacturing process, as they develop simple yet well-executed hand-held products. Their Carpentry Saw has a reputation for leaving the cleanest cuts, producing very little shedding of the wood fibres and almost no blow-out at the edges. 

Pros:

• Cuts through wood at an impressive rate, going 30% deeper in a single stroke compared to competitors.
• Produces clean cuts with minimal wood fibre shredding.
• Cuts on the pull stroke, reducing arm strain.

Cons:

• The pull-stroke design may require an adjustment period for those accustomed to traditional push-stroke saws.

2. SUIZAN - Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw

SUIZAN’s Japanese Pull Saw is a reflection of the brand's commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing. This saw's unique double-edged design is a game changer. Made with premium quality Japanese steel, the 9.5-inch blade, featuring both cross-cut and rip-cut teeth, is a pro at handling a range of materials and cuts. While the plastic handle might not be everyone's first choice, it's designed for a slip-resistant, steady grip. SUIZAN’s saw is ideal for those intricate, precision jobs that demand a steady hand and a sharp blade. 

Pros:

• Available with a replacement blade 
• Made with premium Japanese steel. 
• The 9.5-inch blade features both cross-cut and rip-cut teeth. 

Cons:

• The plastic handle, while slip-resistant, might not appeal to all users.

3. Stanley - FatMax Hand Saw

Stanley FatMax Hand Saw is designed to maximise the speed of your performance. It features SharpTooth technology, enabling cuts that are 50% faster than traditional handsaws. Its induction-hardened teeth are designed to maintain its ruthless sharpness for up to five times longer than standard hand saws. The saw's comfort grip supports extended use periods, while its design allows for marking 45° and 90° angles directly with the saw's back. 

Pros:

• Eight teeth per inch on a 15-inch blade allow for 50% faster cutting.
• Features induction-hardened teeth for long-lasting sharpness.
• Ergonomic, rubber-coated grip ensures comfortable, slip-resistant use.

Cons:

• The smaller blade size may not be ideal for cutting through thicker materials.

4. Spear & Jackson - Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw

The aesthetic choice, Spear & Jackson merges vintage aesthetics with modern technology, ideal for those who appreciate classic tool design. Its brass backing gives the saw a solid heft and weight, which is a consideration compared to more lightweight options. With a design tracing back over 100 years, the Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw is amazing for cross-cuts and works reliably for most woodworking projects. 

Pros:

• Specialised ground teeth that can be continuously resharpened
• Wooden handles provide a comfortable grip.
• High-carbon steel blade with a brass back for rigidity and accurate cuts.

Cons:

• The unhardened teeth need periodic resharpening and oiling, which could be a pro or con depending on user preference.
  
  

5. IRWIN - Dovetail Saw 10-Inch

Founded in 1885, IRWIN is known for precision tools that are TRADE STRONG. Proudly designed to stand up to the toughest challenges every time they are put to use, their Dovetail Saw is possibly the most cost-effective handsaw on the market. The offset handle allows for detailed, precise cutting while protecting your hands. 

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle with a rubberised coating for reduced fatigue.
• Features a spring-loaded mechanism for easy blade adjustment.
• Lightweight and ideal for both workshop and on-site work.

Cons:

• The curved handle might limit its functionality for certain dovetail cuts.

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