Best Back Saw: How to Choose Right Type for You

Published on: February 13, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

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 saws of this year will help you to know more about the performance of each saw and get an idea of which one will work for you better. 

How to Choose a Back Saw for You

Regardless of whether you need to politely treat each one or those backsaws, you are in for a treat! None of this is substandard, and everyone has a great view of its planning. We’ve really tried to pick a back saw that can deal with something beyond a job for a functional gent but can still offer a treasure trove here.

From the miter box to the back saw there is a lot to plan, know and evaluate. We have put together a basic buying guide to give you a few hints before you buy.

Back Saw style

You can see it here, every name like a rip saw, dovetail, crosscut, tenon, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. You may now have a specific saw style as a top priority or you are looking for something more elaborate.

Look at the portrayals and subtleties to know what the abilities of your saw will be. A large portion of the choices shared here is genuinely widespread by the plan. These backsaws may have a single-handed grip or a drawn-out handle however the key is how would they cut.

Length and Overall Measurement

The following factors are considered: the length of your edges and the overall saw. These backpacks come in a variety of sizes, and it’s really up to you to figure out what you really want or need in terms of length. The length of a standard saw is about 10 inches. 

You would rather not be too limited than this because it will probably be unable to handle your needs well, you guessed it.

Comfort

The palm and arm of your hand must move the back saw so that it is basic that the holder agrees with you. There is no need for a hold that you can’t move the way you really want to or the way you want to stay healthy. You want something that feels pleasurable in your perception and still sees you as responsible for the development of the cutting edge and in general.

It can be difficult to limit it as we find comfort in completely different styles and plans. Make a bold attempt to see the plan and see the subtleties to see if the holder agrees to your possession.

Quick Solutions

What is the Difference Between a Back Saw and Dovetail Saw?

“Back saws” are explicitly intended for fine joinery work. Dovetail backsaws are the littlest backsaws (commonly 8-10″) and are designed with fine tear-documented teeth (11-20 PPI) to cut along the grains.

How Long Will Back See Last?

A backsaw should endure no less than quite a long while, even with weighty use. The absolute best dovetail and gent’s saws can be thought of as “treasure” instruments. With a touch of care, they can endure forever.

How to Maintain a Backsaw. 

The backs need to be inserted occasionally by an expert saw sharpener or by accessible quality saw tools in notable tool stores and some large saw shops. Save your back saw sharp for wellness and ideal cut.

View Our Top 6 Back Saws

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 the 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, cornices, 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.

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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 saws’ 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 the larger ones. 

Advantages

• Effortless clean cuts;
• Small and manageable size;
• Lightweight.

Disadvantages

• Not found any.

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3. CROWN 195 Brass Back Tenon Saw for Professionals

• 12-inch blade 13 TPI crosscut teeth; 
• Power Source: corded electric;
• Weight: 1.65 pounds;
• 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 CROWN took place in this list. It comes with a 13 TPI, 13 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

• No cons.

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4. Crown FLINN1 10-Inch Dovetail Saw

• 10-inch 15 TPI brass back saw;
• Blade Length 10 Inches;
• Power Source hand-powered;
• Included  ‎Dovetail Saw Only;
• Weight 8.8 ounces.

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. 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;
• High-quality steel blade;
• Beech handle.

Disadvantages

• None.

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5. Stanley – Fatmax Tenon/ Back Saw

• 14 inch 13 TPI blade;
• Blade Length 14 Inches;
• Triple-edged teeth cut;
• Induction-hardened teeth;
• Steel back.

In this list, this Stanley tool back saw offers the largest cutting depth. As long as your workpieces are up to 14 inches thick, you can use this saw for ripping, cross-cut, or trimming on small-diameter timber pieces or any other pieces that require a miter guide. 

For all this 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

• Useful for extra control when starting a cut;
• Triple-edged teeth cut on both push and pull strokes for ease of cutting;
• Finger rest – ergonomic design.

Disadvantages

• Not found.

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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 a long;
• Cheap price.

Disadvantages

• Can’t be resharpened.

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Conclusion

Finally, all I can say is, there are numerous back saws 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 the wrong tool and ruining your precious workpieces. 

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