The backsaw is a saw that has a metal back on the top of the blade. This small attachment makes all the difference in performance compared to other types of hand saws.
For example, the blade is rectangular with a heavy metal base on top. It enhances the overall ergonomics of this saw. These features make the back saw the perfect tool to cut small wooden pieces more precisely and cleaner.
Mainly it is used to make the cuts more polished looking whether it is fine trimming, dovetail, rip, or crosscuts. If perfectly used it saves using a chisel or sandpaper on the cutout pieces for more precision.
There are different sizes, shapes, and features of backsaws that are made every year. Professionals know the use of all those detailed features, but commoners easily get confused while purchasing their backsaw.
This review of the best six back saw of this year will help you to know more about the performance of each saw and get the idea which one will work for you better.
Table of Contents
Vew our Top 6 Picks
1. Stanley Back Saw with Mitre Box for Beginners
- 12 inch saw length;
- Includes miter storage box;
You will get this Stanley saw stored in a miter box at an unbelievable price. The box not only protects the saw blade but also guides you to cut thin wooden pieces at most common angles. It has slots for cutting 90 degrees, 45 degrees and 22.5 degrees.
The latter one is used to make octagonal shapes so that you can be creative with your projects like making personalized photo frames, and wall decors.
This set is suitable to cut narrow wooden pieces like dado rails, molding, cornice, skirting, and so on. Don’t expect miracles from this combo. It is designed for beginners who want to try a new hobby. The miter box can be clamped to a base to make the set secure and it includes cam pins to keep the workpiece in place inside the miter box. However, the miter box is very light and flimsy. It will wear out if abused.
Advantages
- Affordable;
- Handy miter box included;
- Suitable for small projects.
Disadvantages
- Not for heavy-duty use.
2. SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw 6 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Pull Saw for Woodworking
- 25 TPI 6-inch blade length;
- 15-inch overall length;
- Dovetail pull saw.
All the western saws are ‘push saw’ and this Japanese saw is a ‘pull saw’. Surely it will be a new experience for you if you have never encountered one of these. However, the quality and performance both are spectacular with this hand saw.
The main difference between the result of a push saw and a pull saw is, it takes less effort to cut the wood and the edge of the cut seems cleaner. I am not sure if it is entirely true for every pull saw or not, but this one has a 25 TPI blade, so obviously the cut will be seamless.
This is a 6-inch blade saw, but Suizan has a collection of Japanese saws of various sizes. Click the link to order the desired size of hand saw, but I loved the small size of this model. The smaller ones are more manageable than larger ones.
Advantages
- Effortless clean cuts;
- Small and manageable size;
- Lightweight.
Disadvantages
- Not found any.
3. Footprint Brass Back Tenon Saw for Professionals
- 12-inch blade 13 TPI crosscut teeth;
- Beechwood handle.
For professional woodworkers, a tenon saw is a must to make precise and smooth cuts on their workpieces. That is why this high-quality tenon saw from Footprint took place in this list. It comes with a 13 TPI, 14 points per inch blade.
The blade is hardened and can be resharpened with proper tools. The depth of cut you will have with this saw is 305 mm. To make the ergonomics better, they have used a heavy and solid brass back on the blade.
The handle is made from beech wood and stained with two tones. The overall look is quite elegant and sleek. This amazing saw is backed by a lifetime warranty. The quality and performance will not disappoint you in the long run. The only problem is, everyone can’t afford this saw.
Advantages
- Superior quality;
- Well balanced;
- The blade can be resharpened;
- Perfectly angled handle.
Disadvantages
- Overpriced.
4. Two Cherries Brass Back Dovetail Saw
- 10-inch 15 TPI brass back saw;
- 1 7/8″ inches cutting depth.
First of all, this brass back saw arrives dull. For some, this is an advantage because you have the freedom to fine-tune this saw as your choice and make it a rip saw/ cross-cut saw.
There are very few saws available in the market that arrive perfectly. Needless to mention that, those also cost 4 to 5 times higher. If you are ready to spend money on those, then a dull saw will surely be a disadvantage for you.
The blade has a thin kerf so that you can cut dovetails and fine joints more precisely and seamlessly. There is a straight wooden handle attached to it. You can also change it to a loop handle if you wish. For the money, this saw is durable for decades.
Advantages
- Suitable for cutting joints;
- Thin kerf blade.
Disadvantages
- Needs resharpening.
5. BAHCO Prizecut Backsaw
- 12 inch 13 TPI blade;
- Steel back.
In this list, this Bahco steel back saw offers the largest cutting depth. As long as your workpieces are up to 3 ½ inches thick, you can use this saw for rip, cross-cut, or trimming on small diameter timber pieces or any other pieces that require a miter guide.
For all these goodness at a fair price, it stocks out early as it arrives. So, hurry if you want to order one before anyone else can get their hands on it. It comes with a plastic made tooth protector so that you can store the saw peacefully without stressing out about ruining its teeth.
Advantages
- Includes tooth protector;
- Durable saw;
- Multipurpose applications.
Disadvantages
- Not found.
6. Stanley FatMax Back Saw
- 14 inch disposable back saw;
- Plastic handle with cushioned grip.
In a word, it is an all-purpose saw available at a cheap price. Don’t doubt the quality of the saw. It is a disposable one, as you can’t get to sharpen the teeth as they dull. But the sharpness of the blade lasts a very long time. The blade is made of Japanese steel and other parts are simply assembled together. This is how a cheap back saw is made without compromising the quality.
This saw can be used as a replacement for a tenon saw, rip saw or hand saw. Softwood or hardwood, the cuts will always be precise and smooth. To complete backyard projects, why look anywhere else? This saw however works best with a miter box. If you don’t have one, get one from Stanely. They sell a miter box with common angles at a reasonable price.
Advantages
- Suitable for rip and crosscuts;
- Retains sharpness for long;
- Cheap price.
Disadvantages
- Can’t be resharpened.
Conclusion
Finally, all I can say is, there are numerous back saw you will find in the stores and online as well. Before getting one, please try to be sure about your purpose first. Trust me, it helps a lot to get the right one once you know for how long you will be using it and on what kind of material.
Before ordering one, please carefully go through the details about the blade, handle, and return policy of the back saw. If all seems fine to you, go for it. This little detail will save you from wasting money on a wrong tool and ruining your precious workpieces.
