The 10 Best Saws

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Bahco Laplander
Test Winner: Bahco Laplander
Amazon Link
The saw is the perfect tool to use when you need to cut something. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be used for a wide variety of cutting projects. Some are designed to cut branches, others are made for carpentry work. Since there is an infinite amount of tasks, you can imagine that there are just about an infinite number of cutting tools that are made for each kind of task. It will be up to you to decide which saw is best for the jobs you will likely face.

There are several things you need to consider besides the design; this includes sharpness, materials, handles, and durability. You may notice that many of these tools can be used for a variety of different purposes, which makes them highly versatile. Our list includes the best-reviewed models on the market and how they can help!

Standout Picks

Bahco Laplander
If you need a general purpose cutting tool, then the Bahco Laplander is a great item to consider. This tool will cut through wood even when it is wet which makes it great for camping or even when you are doing landscaping. You can also use it to cut materials such as plastic and it even works on a bone as well.
Amazon Link
$25.99
Black and Decker
Sometimes you need your tool to do the work for you which is why Black and Decker makes a power handsaw. This is similar to a traditional saw that is used by carpenters but it has a reciprocating motor that makes the cuts for you so you only need to press and hold the button and let the tool do the work.
Amazon Link
Silky BigBoy 2000
The Bigboy 2000 by silky is a tool that you use for landscaping purposes. This tool is used to cut branches and allows you to shape shrubs or prune branches around the yard or grounds as needed. The tool has been designed to last for a lifetime and it is backed up by a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer for this reason.
Amazon Link
Stanley FatMax Jab
You can use this tool for cutting through drywall as if it was butter. The jab design allows you to puncture through drywall so that you can start your cut and then you can work through the cut easily and with only a little effort. This allows you to quickly make cuts around areas that are out of square or install an electrical box in a wall.
Amazon Link
$16.92
Home Planet Gear
You can use this folding saw to cut through a variety of different surfaces. For example, it will cut through unsightly tree branches around your yard and then you can use it to cut through materials such as bone or plastic. This makes it a great tool to have in your gear while you are camping and spending time outdoors.
Amazon Link
$15.98
Stanley Hand Tools Fat Max
The Fat Max is a great tool to use when you are woodworking. It allows you to cut through a large variety of different boards with ease so that you can easily do construction or woodworking with pleasure. You can expect the tool to cut quickly which in turn allows you to work quickly and get the job done.
Amazon Link
$23.58
Planted Perfect All Purpose
If you are looking for a versatile saw that can easily tackle most house hold tasks and projects, then this is the model for you. The blade is designed to fold into the handle for easy storage and portability. Keep it in your back pocket as you work on the yard and pull it out whenever the need arises. The sharp blade allows it to tackle some of the toughest jobs around your home.
Amazon Link
Shark Corp Carpentry
You can use this tool for doing fine and detailed cuts. It will cut every kind of wood that you can find but it also cuts through other materials like ABS or even PVC pipes. This makes it an ideal tool to have around in the toolbox since you can use it in a wide variety of applications and use cases.
Amazon Link
$24.00
Stanley SharpTooth
When you need a way to get the job done quickly, you should turn to the SharpTooth. As the name implies, this tool will let you cut through any piece of wood quickly no matter how hard or thick it may be. You can count on the teeth to stay sharp for five times as long as you would with standard saw teeth as well.
Amazon Link
$22.52
Corona RazorTooth
This is a lightweight tool that is perfect to use around the yard and for landscaping purposes. It will also have plenty of uses in carpentry when you doing rough cuts in lumber. The blade is perfect to use when you are cutting branches that are up to six inches in diameter as well as rough stock that is similarly sized.
Amazon Link
$26.98

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Style

The teeth are located on the saw blade and will determine what sort of materials that you will be able to cut with the blade. For this reason, it is critical that you know what sort of teeth are used on the blade so that you do not mismatch the teeth to the type of material that you plan on cutting. If you fail to properly match the teeth with the job, you will notice that it is more difficult for you to cut in the first place. Your cuts may also be rough and you may run into struggles such as the blade pinching while you are working. For these reasons and more, you will need to get the right teeth on your blade.

When you are cutting wood, you will see rip teeth and crosscut teeth. Rip teeth are teeth that are shaped similar to a wood chisel and they drive the tooth into the wood. This makes such teeth great for doing cuts that go along with the grain of the wood. It is not recommended that you use such teeth when you are cutting across the grain or cutting into engineered lumber such as plywood since the teeth will catch and snag in these situations. You will also run into cross teeth, which are teeth that are shaped like a knife blade. Cross teeth are used when cutting across the grain and also used in engineered lumber as well. If you are cutting materials such as bone or PVC, then you will most likely want to have a blade that has cross teeth, however, you must also make sure that the teeth are designed to cut non-wood materials.

Comfort

The handle is the part of the saw that you grip while you are using it. It attaches to the blade and will allow you to hold and control the tool while you are making your cut. Since this is a critical part of the tool, you will want to make sure that you like the handle before you make a purchase. If the handle is uncomfortable, weak, or you slip, then you should look for something else since this will quickly turn into a safety issue. Instead, you should go for handles that are ergonomically designed, non-slip, and maintain a strong grip on the blade.

When you are looking at a tool, you will need to make sure that the handle has been designed in a way that makes it comfortable for you to hold the saw. In other words, the handle needs to have a natural feel while your fingers are wrapped around it. This will allow you to maintain control over the tool while you are cutting and it will also help your wrists and fingers to feel comfortable and stay pain-free. Nothing is worse than working with tools that are not comfortable to hold since this can make it hard to work and can become a safety issue later on.

You will need to make sure that the handle doesn’t slip and slide around in your hand either. If you are having trouble or struggling to grip the handle, then you are more likely to make a mistake in your cut or even worse, the tool may slip and cut something that you don’t want it to cut. This can also happen when the handle doesn’t grip the blade well either. You will need to make sure that you have a good strong handle or bad things may happen while you are using the tools.

Effectiveness

When you are shopping, you will want to take a minute to inspect the blade and make sure that the teeth are sharp. The sharpness of the teeth will make a direct impact on how hard you will need to work in order to make your cut. If you find that that the teeth are dull, then you will need to expend additional effort in order to successfully make your cut into the material. Dull teeth may also cause other problems such as blade pinching and it can reduce the quality of your cut as well. On the other hand, sharp teeth will work quickly and allow you to finish up your job in a timely fashion.

Of course, it’s not enough for the teeth to be sharp in the first place as they will also need to stay sharp. If you find that your teeth get dull quickly, then you will either want to look for a different tool or hopefully find one that has a replaceable blade. This will allow you to get more life from the tool as opposed to a tool where the teeth get dull quickly. Some manufacturers even put effort into maintaining the life of the teeth so that the saw stays sharp for years to come.

You will also need to make sure that the blade resists rusting and corrosion or keep the tool away from water. When the teeth develop rust, they will no longer be sharp as rust will impact the surface of the tooth and hinder its ability to cut well. Some blades are treated so that they are less likely to develop rust and therefore last longer. If the blade is not treated, then you should wipe it clean after each use.

Durability

Quality is one of the most important attributes that you will need to look at when you are picking out a saw. If the tool is poorly made, then it is not as likely to last for as long of a time as a tool that is better made. You may even end up spending more money on replacing poor quality tools that you have to replace frequently as opposed to spending a little more upfront on a higher quality tool in the first place. It is best that you keep an eye out for higher quality tools rather than purchasing low-quality tools for these and many other reasons.

There are a few things that you can look for in order to make sure that the saw is well made. One thing that you should check is that the handle is connected to the blade in a secure fashion. Sometimes the blade and the handle are secured poorly and this will cause the blade to stray while you are cutting. It can also cause the blade to detach from the handle which can create a safety hazard as well.

You should also make sure that the blade is coated to protect against rust since rust and corrosion will cause it to become dull and it will not cut as well. The blade should also be made of a high-quality metal so that it stays sharp and is less likely to get dull from normal use. Another thing to check is that the blade is thick enough for the job that you are doing so that it doesn’t bend and twist while you are cutting. All of this will make it easier for you to cut.

BEST SAWS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY

1. Bahco Laplander

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$25.99
Bahco Laplander
Amazon Link

If you need a general purpose cutting tool, then the Bahco Laplander is a great item to consider. This tool will cut through wood even when it is wet which makes it great for camping or even when you are doing landscaping. You can also use it to cut materials such as plastic and it even works on a bone as well.

Wood, Plastic, Bone

The blade has been designed to cut a variety of different materials. For example, you can cut through bone with this tool which makes it great for hunting purposes or you can cut wood and plastic.

Coated Blade

The blade on the tool has been coated so that it will resist developing rust. This will help the blade stay sharp for a longer period of time even when used in wet conditions.

Cost and Value

You will notice that this item is sold at a price that is around the average price. That you means you will get a great cutting tool without spending too much on it.

Amazon Link
$25.99

2. Black and Decker

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Black and Decker
Amazon Link

Sometimes you need your tool to do the work for you which is why Black and Decker makes a power handsaw. This is similar to a traditional saw that is used by carpenters but it has a reciprocating motor that makes the cuts for you so you only need to press and hold the button and let the tool do the work.

4,600 SPM Motor

The tool has a powerful motor on it that allows it to make many cuts quickly. This allows you to focus on your cut without having to worry about getting tired.

Wood and Plastic

The blade on the tool has been designed for multiple purposes and will cut both wood and plastic. This allows you to use the tool during woodwork or for cutting PVC pipes.

Cost and Value

You will see this item sold at a price that is higher than the average price. The higher price is due to it being a power tool which means that it costs more.

Amazon Link

3. Silky BigBoy 2000

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Silky BigBoy 2000
Amazon Link

The Bigboy 2000 by silky is a tool that you use for landscaping purposes. This tool is used to cut branches and allows you to shape shrubs or prune branches around the yard or grounds as needed. The tool has been designed to last for a lifetime and it is backed up by a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer for this reason.

Folding

You can avoid injury to yourself and damage to your other belongings by folding this tool in half when you are not using it. This will protect the tool and improve safety.

Lightweight

The tool only weighs one pound. The lightweight makes it easy for you to use the tool all day long while you are pruning branches or doing other work without getting tired.

Cost and Value

This item is sold at a price that is well above the average price. The higher price is due to the length of the blade and the high-quality materials that have been used.

Amazon Link

4. Stanley FatMax Jab

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$16.92
Stanley FatMax Jab
Amazon Link

You can use this tool for cutting through drywall as if it was butter. The jab design allows you to puncture through drywall so that you can start your cut and then you can work through the cut easily and with only a little effort. This allows you to quickly make cuts around areas that are out of square or install an electrical box in a wall.

Sharp Tip

The tip on the blade is extra sharp allowing you to punch a hole into the surface of the material that you are planning on cutting and make an entry point for your cut.

Non-slip Handle

The tool's handle is designed in a fashion that will keep your hand from slipping while you are using the tool. This will improve safety and help you avoid making mistakes.

Cost and Value

You will see this item sold at a price that is way below the average price when compared to other tools. The low price is due to it being a small tool.

Amazon Link
$16.92

5. Home Planet Gear

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$15.98
Home Planet Gear
Amazon Link

You can use this folding saw to cut through a variety of different surfaces. For example, it will cut through unsightly tree branches around your yard and then you can use it to cut through materials such as bone or plastic. This makes it a great tool to have in your gear while you are camping and spending time outdoors.

Multiple Purposes

The blade has been designed to cut through a variety of different materials. This allows you to use the tool to cut through things such as wood, plastic, or even bone.

Triple Cut Teeth

All of the teeth on the blade are designed to cut on three edges. This will let you cut through any material in a quick fashion so that you can work quickly.

Cost and Value

You will notice that this item is sold at a price that is slightly lower than the average price. The lower price makes it into a great value since you won't overpay for the item.

Amazon Link
$15.98

6. Stanley Hand Tools Fat Max

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$23.58
Stanley Hand Tools Fat Max
Amazon Link

The Fat Max is a great tool to use when you are woodworking. It allows you to cut through a large variety of different boards with ease so that you can easily do construction or woodworking with pleasure. You can expect the tool to cut quickly which in turn allows you to work quickly and get the job done.

Hardened Teeth

All of the teeth have gone through an induction hardening process that allows them to stay sharp for more than five times longer than regular teeth which improves the lifetime of the tool.

Thick Grip

It has a grip on the end that is thick and ergonomically shaped. This allows you to hold on the tool in a comfortable fashion without having to worry about it slipping.

Cost and Value

You will see this item that is sold at a price that is well below the average price when compared to similar products which turn it into an excellent value.

Amazon Link
$23.58

7. Planted Perfect All Purpose

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Planted Perfect All Purpose
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a versatile saw that can easily tackle most house hold tasks and projects, then this is the model for you. The blade is designed to fold into the handle for easy storage and portability. Keep it in your back pocket as you work on the yard and pull it out whenever the need arises. The sharp blade allows it to tackle some of the toughest jobs around your home.

Portable

When you’re working in the yard, it can be real inconvenient to have to go back for the saw every time you need it. Its compact design makes it easy to carry along without it getting in the way.

Special Grip Design

A handle that doesn’t feel right can cause stress and tire your arm out quickly. The grip on this model was designed to be comfortable and allow you to work long periods without tiring out.

Cost and Value

Although this comes at the lower price range, the saw is a good quality tool. The blade is made of high carbon steel that can easily cut through wood and other hard surfaces.

Amazon Link

8. Shark Corp Carpentry

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$24.00
Shark Corp Carpentry
Amazon Link

You can use this tool for doing fine and detailed cuts. It will cut every kind of wood that you can find but it also cuts through other materials like ABS or even PVC pipes. This makes it an ideal tool to have around in the toolbox since you can use it in a wide variety of applications and use cases.

Fine Cuts

There are fine teeth on the blade which allow you to make fine and detailed cuts in wood as well as other materials such as plastic. This makes ideal for detailed orientated jobs.

Flexible

The blade is thin and flexible. This allows you to make flush cuts so that you can join two surfaces together and have them match up perfectly and create a professional look.

Cost and Value

You will see this item sold at a price that is around the average price when compared to similar items. The average price makes it a great purchase since you won't overpay.

Amazon Link
$24.00

9. Stanley SharpTooth

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$22.52
Stanley SharpTooth
Amazon Link

When you need a way to get the job done quickly, you should turn to the SharpTooth. As the name implies, this tool will let you cut through any piece of wood quickly no matter how hard or thick it may be. You can count on the teeth to stay sharp for five times as long as you would with standard saw teeth as well.

Welded Handle

The handle has been welded to the blade instead of getting fastened with screws. That means you won't need to worry about the blade starting to get loose over time.

Multiple Cutting Surfaces

Each tooth has three cutting edges which serve to improve the speed that you can cut while you are using it. This will allow you to work quickly and get the job done.

Cost and Value

You will need to plan on seeing this item sold at a price that is lower than the average price when compared to similar items which make it into an excellent value.

Amazon Link
$22.52

10. Corona RazorTooth

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$26.98
Corona RazorTooth
Amazon Link

This is a lightweight tool that is perfect to use around the yard and for landscaping purposes. It will also have plenty of uses in carpentry when you doing rough cuts in lumber. The blade is perfect to use when you are cutting branches that are up to six inches in diameter as well as rough stock that is similarly sized.

Latch Blade

The blade folds into the handle which allows you to protect the blade and prevent injury at the same time when you are not using the tool keeping everyone safe.

3 Sided Teeth

Each tooth on the blade has three cutting surfaces. This allows you to make your cuts in a quick and efficient manner so that you can work quickly on your task.

Cost and Value

You will see this item sold at a price that is around the average price. The average price is great because you get a high-quality product without having to spend much.

Amazon Link
$26.98

Sources

  1. www.woodandshop.com, HAND SAWS: WOODWORKING HAND TOOL BUYING GUIDE #4,
  2. www.bobvilla.com, How To: Choose the Right Saw for the Job,
  3. www.the-working-man.com, How to Choose the Right Handsaw - Part 1,
  4. wikipedia, Saw,
  5. www.wenzloffandsons.com, On Choosing Saws,