Get 10% OFF If Your Orders ≥ $50
Get 10% OFF If Your Orders ≥ $50
Cart 0

Best Back Saws



Let’s cut through the noise: In an age of laser-guided CNC routers and $5,000 track saws, the humble back saw remains the unsung hero of hand-cut perfection. This isn’t your grandpa’s rusty toolbox relic—it’s the scalpel of the woodshop, slicing dovetails, tenons, and miters with a precision that’ll make your Domino joiner blush. Whether you’re building heirloom cabinets or proving your “hand-tool purist” cred on Reddit, here’s why your bench needs a back saw—and how to wield it like a Windsor chair-making wizard.

Why Your Power Tools Can’t Replace a Back Saw (and Never Will)

Back saws combine minimalist design with brutal efficiency:

  • Dead-Straight Cuts: The rigid spine eliminates flex, even in rock-hard exotics like purpleheart.
  • Featherlight Control: Weighing less than your cordless drill, it’s fatigue-free for marathon joinery sessions.
  • Zero Setup Time: No batteries, no jigs—just grab and slice.
  • Street Cred: Nothing says “I know my stuff” like hand-cut dovetails tighter than a hipster’s jeans.

True Story: A Portland woodworker landed a 60 back saw.

Anatomy of a Back Saw: Where Steel Meets Soul

  1. Blade:

    • Teeth: 13–16 TPI (teeth per inch) for crosscuts; 20+ TPI for dovetails.
    • Material: High-carbon steel holds an edge; hardened stainless for lazy sharpeners.
  2. Spine:

    • Brass or Steel: Adds rigidity and heft—like a katana for wood.
    • Dovetailed: Premium saws have hand-fit spines (see: Veritas, Lie-Nielsen).
  3. Handle:

    • Apple Wood: Traditional, with a pistol grip for ergonomic bliss.
    • Laminate: Modern, weather-resistant for garage warriors.

Back Saw Types: From Dovetail Divas to Tenon Terminators

1. Dovetail Saw: The Finger Joint Ninja

  • Teeth: 20–22 TPI for silky dovetails and box joints.
  • Spine: Slim profile for tight spaces.
  • Pro Tip: Pair with a marking knife for zero-clearance accuracy.
  • Top Pick: Lie-Nielsen Dovetail Saw – The Rolls-Royce of joinery.

2. Tenon Saw: The Mortise-and-Tenon Maestro

  • Teeth: 12–14 TPI for aggressive yet controlled cuts.
  • Blade Height: 10”–14” for deep tenon shoulders.
  • Hack: Score both sides of the cut line to prevent blowout.
  • Top Pick: Veritas Tenon Saw – Adjustable spine for custom tension.

3. Gent’s Saw: The Delicate Detailer

  • Teeth: 24+ TPI for model-making, inlay, and veneer work.
  • Spine: Ultra-thin for jewelry box-level precision.
  • Warning: Not for hardwoods—reserved for mahogany and ego.
  • Top Pick: Crown Tools Gent’s Saw – Budget-friendly finesse.

4. Carcass Saw: The Hybrid Heavy Hitter

  • Teeth: 14–16 TPI crosscut or 18 TPI rip for casework.
  • Versatility: Cuts tenons, dados, and shelf pins.
  • Pro Move: Use it to trim dowels flush without a chisel.
  • Top Pick: Bad Axe Tool Works Carcass Saw – Hand-forged swagger.

Back Saw vs. Power Tools: The Hand-Cut Showdown

Task Back Saw Power Tool Why Back Saw Wins
Cutting tenons ✅ No tear-out, no jig needed Router + jig (30+ mins setup) Speed + precision
Dovetailing drawers ✅ Silent, meditative control Dovetail jig (generic look) Artisan appeal
Trimming veneer ✅ 0.3mm kerf, zero splintering Jigsaw (tear-out galore) Delicate materials
On-site repairs ✅ Fits in a tool roll Cordless saw (dead battery) Reliability

5 Pro Tips to Avoid Blood, Sweat, and Tears

  1. Stance Matters: Stand perpendicular to the cut, elbow tucked.
  2. Let the Saw Sing: No death grips—two fingers on the handle.
  3. Score First: Use a marking knife to prevent tear-out.
  4. Angle the Cut: 5°–10° tilt for crosscuts; vertical for rips.
  5. Lubricate the Blade: Rub beeswax on teeth for smoother cuts.

Choosing Your Back Saw: Skip the Analysis Paralysis

  1. Project Type:

    • Fine joinery: Dovetail saw (20+ TPI).
    • Furniture: Tenon or carcass saw (12–16 TPI).
    • Miniatures: Gent’s saw (24+ TPI).
  2. Budget:

    • 100: Veritas or Crown Tools.
    • $200+: Lie-Nielsen or Bad Axe (heirloom quality).
  3. Handle Feel:

    • Test traditional vs. ergonomic grips—your hand will vote.

Top 5 Back Saws for Discerning Woodworkers

  1. Lie-Nielsen Dovetail Saw ($245): Hand-cut bragging rights.
  2. Veritas Carcass Saw ($139): Adjustable spine for tension tweaks.
  3. Bad Axe Tenon Saw ($325): Forged steel, vintage vibes.
  4. Crown Tools Gent’s Saw ($45): Budget-friendly finesse.
  5. Florip Toolworks Dovetail Saw ($180): Customizable, hipster-approved.

Maintenance: Keep Your Saw from Becoming a Wall Hanger

  • Cleaning: Wipe blades with camellia oil to prevent rust.
  • Sharpening: Use a Gramercy Tools Saw File every 40–50 hours.
  • Storage: Hang vertically or sheath in leather (no toolbox tangos).

Pro Hack: Store in a PVC tube with silica gel packs to combat humidity.

FAQs: Solving Back Saw Nightmares

Q: Why does my saw wander on hardwood?
A: Dull teeth or improper stance. Sharpen and practice the “two-finger grip.”

Q: Can I cut aluminum with a back saw?
A: Yes, but use a 24 TPI blade and WD-40. Expect a wrist workout.

Q: Best saw for restoring antique furniture?
A: Gent’s saw (24 TPI) for delicate trim and veneer.

The Final Cut: Precision Never Goes Out of Style

Back saws are more than tools—they’re a rebellion against the “faster, cheaper” mindset. In a world of disposable gadgets, they offer a return to craftsmanship where every stroke matters. Whether you’re chasing hand-tool clout or building furniture that outlives you, a back saw is the bridge between “DIY” and “masterpiece.”