Hand saws are a fundamental tool in many projects, quicker and cheaper than power tools for trimming lengths of lumber or metal to size. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between an easy project and a slow one, and avoids strain on your hands and arms as you work.
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Judging a hand saw is as much a matter of user comfort as it is the cutting capability. Other considerations include the durability and the physical measurements of the saw, and the ease with which either blade or handle can be replaced.
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Our Best Hand Saw For Cutting Wood and Comparisons
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. WilFiks Pro
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. GreatNeck N2610
| Check Price |
  | 3. Shark Corp 10-2312
| Check Price |
  | 4. Vaughan BS240P
| Check Price |
  | 5. Irwin Tools 1773465
| Check Price |
1. WilFiks Pro
Product Highlights
This saw is built with a scientific approach, including hardened blade teeth and an ergonomic grip that makes for a smooth and comfortable cut over and over.
Features
- Induction hardened teeth
- Cuts wood, drywall, metal, and more
- Non-slip rubber handle
- Three lengths of teeth for better serration
The Good
The WilFiks Pro has a lot going for it, cutting smoothly and comfortably through a number of materials and outlasting many competitors.
The Bad
All the special materials and design put this saw on the expensive side, and the multiple serrations are easier to bend than comparable models.
Pros
- Non-slip handle
- Cuts far more than just wood
- Multiple serrations make for more aggressive cutting
- Induction-hardened blade bends without breaking
Cons
- Serrations are easily damaged
- More expensive than similar saws
2. GreatNeck N2610
Product Highlights
Don’t be fooled by the old-fashioned appearance – this saw is highly durable and has two sets of opposing teeth to slice hardwoods with speed and precision.
Features
- Carbon steel blade
- Sanded wood handle treated against weather and wear
- Twenty-six-inch blade with ten teeth per inch
- Precision set and cross-cut teeth for even cutting
The Good
N2610 gives solid performance and a sturdy tool that will last through many projects or uses without slowing down.
The Bad
Despite the weatherproofing treatment, the wooden handle can chafe the hands easily, especially during long periods of use.
Pros
- Cross-cut teeth handle even harder lumber with ease
- Blade and handle both are exceptionally durable
- Twenty-six-inch blade for thicker pieces of lumber
- Blade is thick enough to withstand warping
Cons
- Handle can chafe
- Cross-cut set is slightly wider than needed
3. Shark Corp 10-2312
Product Highlights
This saw is a snap for projects small and large with a flexible blade to allow for flush cuts as well as ordinary work.
Features
- Fourteen teeth per inch for greatly improved cutting
- Blade is flexible enough for baseboards and molding
- Replaceable blade
- Angled plastic grip designed to prevent blistering
- Relatively light at only eight ounces
The Good
At fourteen teeth per inch, this saw can cut quickly and precisely enough to be used in fine or finishing work instead of simply cutting material to size.
The Bad
The blade and handle both are meant to be replaceable, and so their individual durability is shoddy.
Pros
- Flexible blade for fine work
- Fourteen teeth per inch
- Blister prevention grip
- Eight-ounce weight is easy on long jobs
Cons
- Replaceable components are not very durable
- Handle is uncomfortable for new users
4. Vaughan BS240P
Product Highlights
This saw is thin enough for exceptionally fine work while still giving the cutting action of a more traditional tool.
Features
- Seventeen teeth per inch speeds up any job
- Narrow blade for delicate tasks
- Cuts on the pull stroke for added efficiency
- Handle shaped to prevent the hand sliding onto the blade
The Good
The narrow blade and relatively high teeth per inch make this saw a sure bet for fast and fine cutting.
The Bad
This saw is flimsier than many other options, and will warp easily when cutting into thicker pieces of material.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast cutting
- Capable of extremely fine work
- Small and easy to store
- Blade is rust-resistant and replaceable
Cons
- Bends easily
- Pull-saw action can be confusing
5. Irwin Tools 1773465
Product Highlights
Irwin Tools’ entry to the field includes rugged construction and a blade built for anything it comes across.
Features
- Powerful triple teeth for rapid cutting
- Gauge-steel blade is particularly durable
- Comfortable resin and rubber handle for extended use
- Tapered nose for improved stability and clearance
The Good
This saw will make short work of any material it is applied to and will last to do the same over and over again.
The Bad
This saw will make short work of any material it is applied to and will last to do the same over and over again.
Pros
- Resilient construction
- Triple teeth for more cutting power
- Comfortable handle
- Tapered nose for better stability
Cons
- Heavier than similar tools
- Cuts can be jagged or uneven
Conclusion
These five saws have been hailed as some of the most versatile and user-friendly tools available, helping hundreds of handicrafters the world over to prep their work materials quickly and correctly without the expense of a chain or table saw. Consider which one fits your project and budget best, and youèll have a useful addition to your toolbox for good.
Especially if buying in person, make sure to test the weight and grip; these can often be the deciding factors of whether a saw is right for you. Hardware stores often have scrap lumber that might serve as a test medium for your chosen tool.
