Best Handsaw For Wood This Year – Hand Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Handsaw For Wood this year are:
BEST OVERALL
DEWALT DWHT20544L 15-inch Handsaw
- 15-inch blade
- Ergonomic handle
- High-carbon steel blade
- 8 TPI
- Lightweight design
Introduction
When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference. One essential tool that every woodworker needs is a handsaw. Whether you are a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, a high-quality handsaw will help you make precise cuts and complete your projects efficiently.
In this article, we will explore the best handsaws for wood available on Amazon. We will provide a detailed buying guide, answer frequently asked questions, and review ten top-rated handsaws to help you make an informed decision.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. DEWALT DWHT20544L 15-inch Handsaw
The DEWALT DWHT20544L is a 15-inch handsaw designed for efficient woodworking. It features a durable blade and ergonomic handle for comfortable use.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the DEWALT DWHT20544L for its combination of durability, comfort, and cutting efficiency. It’s a reliable choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Features
- 15-inch blade
- Ergonomic handle
- High-carbon steel blade
- 8 TPI
- Lightweight design
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable handle
- Efficient cutting
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Handle may be too large for small hands
- Not suitable for fine cuts
- Limited to wood cutting
- Blade may require frequent sharpening
- No protective cover
Our Verdict
The DEWALT DWHT20544L is a solid choice for general woodworking tasks, offering durability and comfort at an affordable price.
2. Irwin Tools Universal Handsaw, 15-inch
The Irwin Tools Universal Handsaw is a versatile 15-inch saw designed for a variety of woodworking tasks. It features a high-carbon steel blade and a comfortable handle.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Irwin Tools Universal Handsaw for its versatility and high-quality construction. It’s a great addition to any woodworker’s toolkit.
Features
- 15-inch blade
- Universal tooth design
- High-carbon steel
- Ergonomic handle
- 9 TPI
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable grip
- Durable blade
- Efficient cutting
- Good value
Cons
- Not ideal for very fine cuts
- Handle might be too large for some
- Blade may dull quickly
- No blade cover
- Limited to wood cutting
Our Verdict
The Irwin Tools Universal Handsaw offers great versatility and durability, making it a reliable choice for various woodworking projects.
3. Stanley 20-045 15-Inch Fat Max Hand Saw
The Stanley 20-045 Fat Max Hand Saw is a robust 15-inch saw known for its sharpness and durability. It is designed for heavy-duty woodworking tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Stanley 20-045 for its sharp, durable blade and ergonomic handle, which make heavy-duty tasks easier and more efficient.
Features
- 15-inch blade
- Thick, durable blade
- Ergonomic handle
- 9 TPI
- Sharp teeth
Pros
- Very sharp
- Durable
- Comfortable handle
- Efficient for heavy-duty tasks
- Good value
Cons
- Not ideal for fine cuts
- Handle may be too large
- Blade may require frequent sharpening
- No protective cover
- Limited to wood
Our Verdict
The Stanley 20-045 Fat Max Hand Saw is perfect for heavy-duty woodworking tasks, offering sharpness and durability at a reasonable price.
4. Shark Corp 10-2312 12-Inch Carpentry Saw
The Shark Corp 10-2312 Carpentry Saw is a 12-inch saw known for its precision and fine cuts. It is ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Shark Corp 10-2312 for its precision and fine cutting ability. It’s excellent for detailed and intricate woodworking tasks.
Features
- 12-inch blade
- High-carbon steel
- Ergonomic handle
- 14 TPI
- Compact design
Pros
- Precise
- Durable
- Comfortable handle
- Great for detailed work
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Blade may dull quickly
- Handle may be small for large hands
- Limited to wood
- No protective cover
Our Verdict
The Shark Corp 10-2312 is perfect for detailed woodworking projects, offering precision and fine cutting ability.
5. Stanley 20-526 15-Inch Hand Saw
The Stanley 20-526 Hand Saw is a reliable 15-inch saw designed for general woodworking tasks. It features a durable blade and comfortable handle.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Stanley 20-526 for its reliability and comfort. It’s a great all-purpose saw for various woodworking projects.
Features
- 15-inch blade
- Durable blade
- Ergonomic handle
- 8 TPI
- Lightweight
Pros
- Reliable
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Efficient cutting
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for fine cuts
- Handle may be too large
- Blade may dull quickly
- No blade cover
- Limited to wood
Our Verdict
The Stanley 20-526 Hand Saw is a reliable and comfortable tool for general woodworking tasks, offering good value for its price.
6. Bahco 10-30-23 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw
The Bahco 10-30-23 Ergo Bow Saw is a 30-inch saw designed for cutting both green and dry wood. It features an ergonomic handle and durable blade.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Bahco 10-30-23 for its versatility and ergonomic design. It’s perfect for a variety of outdoor and woodworking tasks.
Features
- 30-inch blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable blade
- Versatile for green and dry wood
- Lightweight
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable handle
- Durable
- Efficient cutting
- Good value
Cons
- Large size may be cumbersome
- Not ideal for fine cuts
- Blade may dull quickly
- No blade cover
- Limited to wood
Our Verdict
The Bahco 10-30-23 Ergo Bow Saw is versatile and ergonomic, making it a great choice for various outdoor and woodworking tasks.
7. Craftsman CMHT20880 12-Inch Handsaw
The Craftsman CMHT20880 is a 12-inch handsaw designed for precision and comfort. It features a durable blade and ergonomic handle.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Craftsman CMHT20880 for its precision and comfortable design, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Features
- 12-inch blade
- Durable blade
- Ergonomic handle
- 10 TPI
- Compact design
Pros
- Precise
- Comfortable handle
- Durable
- Great for detailed work
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Blade may dull quickly
- Handle may be small for large hands
- Limited to wood
- No blade cover
Our Verdict
The Craftsman CMHT20880 is perfect for detailed woodworking projects, offering precision and comfort in a compact design.
8. GreatNeck N2610 26-Inch Crosscut Saw
The GreatNeck N2610 is a 26-inch crosscut saw designed for efficient and precise cuts. It features a durable blade and comfortable handle.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the GreatNeck N2610 for its efficiency and precision, making it a reliable choice for various woodworking tasks.
Features
- 26-inch blade
- Durable blade
- Ergonomic handle
- 10 TPI
- Lightweight
Pros
- Efficient
- Precise
- Comfortable handle
- Durable
- Good value
Cons
- Large size may be cumbersome
- Not ideal for fine cuts
- Blade may dull quickly
- No blade cover
- Limited to wood
Our Verdict
The GreatNeck N2610 is a reliable and efficient crosscut saw, perfect for various woodworking tasks and offering good value for its price.
9. BLACK+DECKER PHS550B 3.4-Amp Powered Handsaw
The BLACK+DECKER PHS550B is a 3.4-amp powered handsaw designed for easy and efficient cutting. It features a powerful motor and comfortable handle.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the BLACK+DECKER PHS550B for its powerful motor and ease of use, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor cutting tasks.
Features
- 3.4-amp motor
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable blade
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Pros
- Powerful
- Easy to use
- Comfortable handle
- Efficient cutting
- Versatile
Cons
- Requires power source
- Not ideal for fine cuts
- Blade may dull quickly
- Handle may be large for small hands
- Limited to wood
Our Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER PHS550B is a powerful and versatile powered handsaw, perfect for a variety of cutting tasks both indoors and outdoors.
10. Ryoba 9-1/2 inch Double Edge Razor Saw
The Ryoba Double Edge Razor Saw is a 9-1/2 inch saw designed for precise and clean cuts. It features a double-edged blade and ergonomic handle.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Ryoba Double Edge Razor Saw for its precision and clean cutting ability, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Features
- 9-1/2 inch blade
- Double-edged blade
- High-carbon steel
- Ergonomic handle
- Compact design
Pros
- Precise
- Clean cuts
- Durable
- Comfortable handle
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Blade may dull quickly
- Handle may be small for large hands
- Limited to wood
- No blade cover
Our Verdict
The Ryoba Double Edge Razor Saw is perfect for detailed woodworking projects, offering precision and clean cuts in a compact design.
Buying Guide
Key Points to Consider When Buying a Handsaw:
- Type of Handsaw: There are various types of handsaws, including rip saws, crosscut saws, and dovetail saws. Each type has a specific purpose and is designed for different kinds of cuts. For a comprehensive guide on the different types of handsaws, visit Fine Woodworking and Popular Woodworking.
- Blade Material: The material of the blade affects the durability and performance of the handsaw. High-carbon steel blades are known for their strength and longevity.
- Teeth per Inch (TPI): The TPI of a handsaw determines the smoothness and speed of the cut. A higher TPI results in finer cuts, while a lower TPI allows for faster, rougher cuts.
- Handle Comfort: A comfortable handle reduces fatigue and improves control. Look for ergonomic designs that fit well in your hand.
- Brand and Reviews: Trusted brands and positive customer reviews can be good indicators of quality. Check ratings and read reviews to ensure you’re choosing a reliable product.
FAQs
What is the best type of handsaw for general woodworking?
The best type of handsaw for general woodworking is often a crosscut saw. It is versatile and designed to cut wood across the grain, making it suitable for a variety of projects.
How do I maintain my handsaw?
To maintain your handsaw, regularly clean the blade with a cloth to remove resin and pitch. Sharpen the teeth as needed, and store the saw in a dry place to prevent rust.
What does TPI mean in handsaws?
TPI stands for Teeth per Inch. It indicates the number of teeth on the saw blade per inch. Higher TPI means finer cuts, and lower TPI means faster, rougher cuts.
Can I use a handsaw to cut metal?
Handsaws designed for wood are not suitable for cutting metal. For metal, you should use a hacksaw or a saw specifically designed for metal cutting.
Are there handsaws for left-handed users?
Yes, some manufacturers design handsaws with ergonomic handles that can be used comfortably by both left-handed and right-handed users.
Conclusion
Choosing the right handsaw for wood can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of your woodworking projects. By considering the type of saw, blade material, TPI, handle comfort, and brand reputation, you can find a handsaw that meets your needs. We hope this guide and our detailed reviews help you make an informed decision.