8 Best Hand Saws (Faster and Easier Wood Cutting)
The best hand saw is going to have an ergonomic design, lightweight feel, and the ability to cut through a wide range of materials effortlessly. For ease of use, look for a short blade that is tapered for easier access.
The selections here are ideal for use in woodworking, manual miter cuts, framing, and yard tasks such as cutting logs or trimming tree branches if a dedicated pruning saw isn’t available.
Lengths range from 9 to 26 inches with TPI (teeth per inch) anywhere from 9 to 12 making many of these saws good for both crosscuts and rips, although some work better than others.
Our 8 Favorites
| Product | Length | Teeth/Inch | Handle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Spear & Jackson 9500R | 22" | 10 | Wood |
 | Great Neck 74003 | 15" | 9 | Composite |
 | Jorgensen 70610 | 15" | 8 | Aluminum |
 | Irwin 2011201 | 15" | 9 | Wood |
 | DeWalt DWHT20544L | 15" | 11 | Aluminum |
 | WORKPRO W016070AE | 16" | 8 | Composite |
 | Irwin 1773465 | 15" | 11 | Resin |
 | Black+Decker PHS550B | 9" | 12 | Composite |
Hand Saw Reviews
#1 – Spear & Jackson 22-Inch Back Saw (9500R)
When buying a saw, you want quality, and where better to look than a company that’s been making them for more than 200 years? This 22 inch skew back saw has 10 precision-cut, cross ground teeth per inch designed for general use. This means you can cut across the grain on both hard and soft woods equally well.
The skew back provides superior balance while reducing friction. Meanwhile, the high carbon steel blade has a medium finish and the teeth have been left unhardened to facilitate resharpening. It’s securely riveted to the traditional-style wooden handle for comfort and stability.
You can feel the quality of this saw with every stroke, as it makes straight, clean cuts every time. It tears through wood without the need for downward pressure, allowing you to get a smooth rhythm going. Its sister, the 9515K, is identical but includes a rough finish for those who want the choice.
As with some other saws, shipping conditions tend to be the mother of all complaints, as this otherwise perfect saw has been known to arrive damaged in a few instances. Check the blade upon arrival to ensure it isn’t chipped or the rivets haven’t been damaged.
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#2 – Great Neck 15-Inch Hand Saw (74003)
Not just a pick-up line for giraffes, Great Neck also makes some great saws. This 15-inch saw has a lightweight aluminum frame to provide excellent durability without as much weight strain during long cutting sessions. Its composite handle has an anti-slip grip that provides comfort and control, plus built-in 45 and 90 degree angle markings.
Meanwhile, the business end is made of sturdy SK-5 steel capable of cutting most materials, including some light metals, without dulling. There are nine induction-hardened tri-bevel teeth per inch for faster cuts, and the back of the blade has a handy 12-inch ruler. Finally, a Great Guard coating on the blade helps reduce friction and gives an impressive finish to the tool.
The quality and cutting power of this saw are quite amazing. It’s powerful enough for scaffolding and arboreal maintenance, yet compact and reliable enough to take on camping trips. It’s designed for fast, rough cuts, so it may cause a bit of splintering on more fragile wood and can be a little tough to get started. So unless you plan to use it for finishing, you really can’t go wrong with this saw.
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#3 – Jorgensen 15-Inch Hand Saw (70610)
This aggressive saw is made of sturdy D6A and M2 steel to prevent deformation. The tri-bevel teeth are set at 8TPI for strong cuts and can be covered with a plastic sleeve during transport.
A protective black coating helps prevent rust and makes cleaning tree sap off much easier. While primarily designed for wood, this saw is also quite effective on other materials such as PVC.
An aluminum frame provides strong support without adding excess weight. Meanwhile, the handle is high-quality TPS and ABS for a comfortable grip without sacrificing durability. 45 and 90 degree markings on the handle help with aligning your cuts.
It’s hard to find anything to complain about with this saw. It’s sturdy, powerful, and sharper than Noel Coward’s wit. You really can’t go wrong with this one, especially for the price.
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#4 – Irwin Marathon 15-Inch Hand Saw (2011201)
Irwin Tools is a big name in the industry, and the 15-inch MARATHON is a good reminder why. It utilizes M2 tooth technology to provide 9 tri-ground teeth per inch, creating quick, easy cuts.
The tapered-pitch nose improves both clearance and stability, while the thick-bodied blade ensures it stays rigid as you cut. Deep gullets ensure rapid removal of chips whether you’re cutting with or against the grain so you can clearly see what you’re doing and have less chance of clogging the cut.
The ProTouch handle adds comfort to this excellent saw, making it a must-have for any carpenter. There’s no denying the speed and power of this saw. It’s easy to hold and control, and the saw itself is made to last.
Be warned, a few people have ordered this saw only to receive the previous model (2011200). When purchasing online, be sure to check upon arrival in case this happens to you.
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#5 – DeWalt 15-Inch Hand Saw (DWHT20544L)
This 15-inch hand saw features 11 three-sided, induction hardened teeth per inch that stay sharp longer for a faster, more reliable cut.
The entire blade is covered with a layer of ToughCoat, which further prevents dulling and reduces drag. Its contoured aluminum handle provides a more comfortable grip for longer work periods.
This lightweight hand saw is a joy to work with, having both strength and durability. It’s lightweight while still creating a firm grip on the wood for quick, easy cuts.
While not designed for metal or plastic-based materials, it’s an excellent hand saw that will compliment any carpentry project.
Normally, complaints are with quality or transportation, but in the case of the DWHT20544L, the biggest complaint is one you’ll only worry about after quite a bit of use. Once the blade gets dull, there’s no replacement available, which means you’ll have to replace the entire saw.
In addition, some users have also noted that the DeWalt does great on pull strokes but tends to bind too much on push strokes. But overall, most users of this saw agree it’s a good value for the money and on par with DeWalt’s reputation for quality.
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#6 – WORKPRO 16-Inch Hand Saw (W016070AE)
WORKPRO hasn’t been around as long as most, yet their name is instantly recognizable as being one of the better tool values around. This 16-inch hand saw is a great example of this brand’s reliability.
A non-slip ABS and TPE handle creates comfort and less strain without sacrificing control. Built-in 45 and 90 degree guides aid in positioning cuts, while the back of the blade has a 29cm ruler for easy measurements.
The blade itself is made of sturdy SK5 steel with a protective black Teflon coating to reduce friction and prevent rust. Its triple-ground teeth are set at 8TPI for smooth cutting and efficient chip removal. The blade is suitable for wood, plastic, PVC, laminates, and other similar materials.
While not quite as sharp as similar saws in our list, it’s still ready to slice through materials like butter as soon as you get it. It’s priced to be one of the most affordable on this list while still having the same durability and quality as the competition.
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#7 – Irwin 15-Inch Universal Hand Saw (1773465)
Irwin has a reputation as a quality job site tool, and their universal hand saw follows the pattern as one of the best hand saws for a high quality finish without sacrificing crosscut power.
The blade is designed for superior rigidity, delivering clean, straight cuts on demand, with a taper that gives you more control and clearance. If you need to have a smooth, crisp finish, the Irwin universal hand saw fits the bill.
The molded grip is ergonomically designed, and gives the saw a light, balanced feel that reduces muscle fatigue. It only weighs one pound, so it makes an excellent addition to a travel set of framing or woodworking tools.
The innovative blade design allows you to hang the saw in multiple positions as well as reducing the potential for binding in hard woods. On the downside, the handle is not as heavy as it could be, and may break if handled roughly. As with any of the saws in your garage, it will last a lifetime if you treat it well.
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#8 – Black+Decker 9-Inch Electric Hand Saw (PHS550B)
Yes, an electric handsaw does exist. Boasting a 3.4 amp motor with 4600 SPM (strokes per minute), this powered hand saw is capable of cutting both wood, plastic, and non-ferrous metal.
Blade changes are a snap with the patented tool-free change feature. It’s designed to be both lightweight and easy to control, with a six-foot cord to ensure plenty of reach, while the convenient storage bag keeps everything organized when not in use.
A two-year limited warranty helps ensure the saw and blades are free of defects. This tool is easy to assemble and use once you learn to resist the urge to wield it like a chainsaw. The carrying case is made of sturdy plastic and includes extra pockets to store additional blades or tools.
In addition to the usual issues of people receiving refurbished tools, there are a few concerns regarding the quick change feature. Most of these issues revolve around the locking pin.
However, at least one user reported the release button forcibly ejecting the blade at high speed. Exercise caution when changing blades and always follow the instructions carefully to avoid accidental injury.
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