I’ve come to realize that a handsaw is an indispensable tool in my shop. It’s essential to select the right handsaw that can deliver accurate rip and crosscuts. I’ve made the mistake of choosing the wrong one before, and trust me, it’s not only frustrating but can also be dangerous. After considerable research and hands-on experience, I’ve reviewed the best handsaws that are truly worth investing in.
Reviews of the Top Handsaws for Cutting Wood
1. Black+Decker Electric Handsaw
Black+Decker Electric Handsaw is one of the most portable handsaws available that is quite powerful. This high-power electric saw possesses the cutting power to go through the wood and other materials effortlessly.
The corded-electric handsaw is rated 3.4-amp, and powers up to 4600 Strokes Per Minute to cut through non-ferrous metals, plastic, wood, etc. This saw is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and safe, thanks to the onboard safety button.
This Black+Decker saw is also lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfortable use. It comes with a tool-free blade change for swapping blades easily.
What I Like
- Its lightweight nature makes it comfortable for extended use.
- Its compact design ensures it fits snugly in tight spaces.
- The ease of control allows for more accurate cuts and maneuvers.
- The remarkable precision ensures each cut is consistently on point.
What I Don’t Like
- While it's proficient, it's not my go-to for extremely heavy-duty cutting tasks.
- I've found that locking the blade can occasionally be more challenging than I'd like.
2. Stanley Fatmax 15-Inch Handsaw
Stanley is one of the most popular handsaws in the market, credited with manufacturing quality tools for professionals and DIYers for over a century. This Fatmax saw is an example of their craftsmanship.
I’ve handled many saws, but this 15-inch saw truly stood out. Utilizing SharpTooth technology coupled with induction-hardened teeth, it ensured that each cut was unparalleled in precision. I was quite impressed by the blade’s thickness, which, in practice, contributed significantly to achieving straight cuts with remarkable ease.
Like other saws on this list, the 15-inch Stanley Fatmax is ergonomic. You don’t have to be frightened about having hand fatigue or slippage.
What I Like
- Its ergonomic design suits my hand perfectly.
- It delivers cutting performance that's both sharp and speedy.
- The maneuverability allows me to work with precision and ease.
- Its durable build assures me of its longevity.
What I Don’t Like
- While it has its strengths, it's only slightly versatile.
- The blade is on the smaller side for some tasks.
3. Irwin Universal 15-inch Handsaw
Irwin Universal 15-inch Handsaw is another excellent handsaw that delivers the kind of performance DIYers and professionals need on a job site. This tool features a unique handle-to-blade design that makes cutting through materials fast and precise.
It features sharp, triple-ground teeth and universal tooth grind cut materials quickly. Additionally, it has a blade with a water-based lacquer coating for faster and controlled cuts [1].
I truly appreciate the stability this tool provides, especially when it comes to its grip. Its lightweight nature and ergonomic design minimize fatigue, making it perfect for those longer cutting sessions I often find myself immersed in.
What I Like
- It's comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.
- I appreciate its versatility across various tasks.
- Its lightweight nature doesn't weigh me down during work.
- The ergonomic design aligns well with my hand and posture.
What I Don’t Like
- The blade is notably thin, which can be a limitation.
- It's not my first choice when dealing with heavy-duty tasks.
4. WilFiks 16” Pro Handsaw
If you are looking for a handsaw that will deliver a superior and long-lasting performance, the WilFiks 16” Pro Handsaw might be what you are looking for. This handsaw has it all to guarantee precise cutting.
This compact saw comes in a sturdy design with sharp teeth for cutting through various materials with ease. Whether working on wood or plastic for your wood project home ideas, you can trust this saw to do the needful with its induction-hardened teeth. The saw is ideal for a variety of cutting operations, safe, and uncomplicated to use.
What I Like
- Its user-friendly design is immediately noticeable.
- The durable construction promises longevity.
- The cutting performance genuinely impresses.
- The price point is excellent for what it offers.
What I Don’t Like
- It doesn't excel at very deep cuts.
- The lack of a storage bag is a bit inconvenient.
Handsaws for Cutting Wood Buyer's Guide
With several options in the market, it can be relatively complicated to figure out the best handsaw for cutting wood. Below are a few things to consider when purchasing one.
Design and Comfort
The saw’s design determines how comfortable you can get with the saw during use. Ensure that you purchase a saw that’s a little flexible and offers greater control for increased performance.
TPI
In my experience, I’ve found that a handsaw’s Teeth Per Inch (TPI) is pivotal in ascertaining its precision and effectiveness. When I work with softwood, I usually opt for a saw with a TPI between 2 and 8. This range facilitates quicker cutting, which is quite advantageous.
However, for hardwood tasks, my inclination is towards handsaws with finer teeth, around 20 TPI typically. Utilizing saws with this configuration allows for enhanced precision and smoother cuts, especially when dealing with denser materials.
Type of Handsaw
Handsaws come in three different types – ripping saws, crosscut saws, and dovetail back saw. Ripping saws are general-purpose tools that cut any wood’s grain and chisel wood, thanks to its teeth design.
Crosscut saws have beveled edges for cutting across the wood’s grain. Some of these saws can even be used by two people, each holding the other end of the saw. Unlike ripping saws, this type of saw can’t be used for every application, given that teeth are beveled. A dovetail backsaw is mostly used for cutting soft and hardwoods that need precision.
My Top Pick for a Handsaw for Cutting Wood:
Black+Decker Electric Handsaw
Although I found many excellent options during my tests, they can conclude that the Black+Decker Electric Handsaw is one of the best handsaws for cutting wood. This handsaw comes with enough power to cut through various materials, such as wood and plastic, seamlessly. Additionally, it’s safe to use and ergonomically designed.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
