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Best Back Saws

Spear & Jackson B9812

Spear & Jackson B9812

12 inch (305mm) X 15pts Predator Tenon Saw


A back saw is a vital tool in any woodworker's arsenal. Designed for precision and accuracy, a back saw features a reinforced upper edge, known as the back, which adds rigidity to the thin blade, enabling cleaner, more precise cuts. In today's market, there is a broad range of back saws available, making it challenging to choose the right one. To make your decision easier, we've thoroughly researched and compiled a list of the top back saws of 2023.

Our Top Picks

Here are our top picks for the best back saws across various price ranges and applications:

1. Veritas Dovetail Saw

Veritas Dovetail Saw

Pros:

  • High-quality construction
  • Excellent sharpness and precision
  • Comfortable handle

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not ideal for beginners

The Veritas Dovetail Saw is a premium option for those seeking exceptional quality and performance. With a 14 TPI (teeth per inch) blade, this saw is perfect for cutting dovetail joints with precision. The comfortable handle is made of bubinga wood, and the saw features a brass back for added rigidity. Despite its high price, the Veritas Dovetail Saw is an excellent investment for professional woodworkers and serious enthusiasts.

2. Lie-Nielsen Independence Dovetail Saw

Lie-Nielsen Independence Dovetail Saw

Pros:

  • Superior quality
  • Exceptional sharpness and accuracy
  • Aesthetically pleasing design

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • May be challenging for beginners

The Lie-Nielsen Independence Dovetail Saw is another top-of-the-line option, boasting a 15 TPI blade and a beautiful design. With its exceptional sharpness and cutting accuracy, this saw is perfect for professional woodworkers. The handle is made of curly maple, adding to the saw's overall aesthetic appeal. While it is expensive, the Lie-Nielsen Independence Dovetail Saw is a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best.

3. Bad Axe Tool Works 12-inch Hybrid Dovetail/Small Tenon Saw

Bad Axe Tool Works 12-inch Hybrid Dovetail Tenon Saw

Pros:

  • Versatile hybrid design
  • Excellent cutting performance
  • Adjustable back

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May require sharpening before use

The 12-inch Hybrid Dovetail/Small Tenon Saw from Bad Axe Tool Works is a versatile option for those looking for both a dovetail and small tenon saw. With a 14 TPI blade, this saw is capable of making both precise dovetail cuts and larger tenon cuts. The adjustable back allows users to set the saw's depth of cut to their preference. While it is costly, the Bad Axe Tool Works 12-inch Hybrid Dovetail/Small Tenon Saw delivers outstanding performance and versatility.

4. Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw 180mm

Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw 180mm

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Double-edged blade for versatility
  • Impulse-hardened teeth for durability

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for larger projects
  • Blade may be too flexible for some users

The Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw is an excellent option for those on a budget. This Japanese-style saw features a double-edged blade, with one side having a cross-cut tooth pattern and the other side having a rip-cut tooth pattern, making it highly versatile. The impulse-hardened teeth ensure the blade's durability and longevity. However, the 180mm blade may not be suitable for larger projects, and some users may find it too flexible for their liking.

5. SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw 9.5-inch Dozuki Dovetail Saw

SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Excellent precision and control
  • Replaceable blade

Cons:

  • Not ideal for heavy-duty work
  • Blade may be too thin for some users

The SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw is an affordable alternative for those seeking a high-quality dovetail saw. With a 9.5-inch, 25 TPI blade, this saw provides excellent precision and control, making it perfect for cutting dovetail joints. The replaceable blade ensures that users can maintain the saw's performance over time. However, this saw may not be suitable for heavy-duty work, and someusers may find the blade too thin for their preference.

6. Pax 1776 Dovetail Saw

Pax 1776 Dovetail Saw

Pros:

  • High-quality construction
  • Comfortable handle
  • Brass back for added rigidity

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May require initial sharpening

The Pax 1776 Dovetail Saw is a premium choice for those seeking a high-quality saw. Featuring a 15 TPI blade and a brass back for added rigidity, this saw delivers excellent precision and control. The handle, made of beechwood, provides a comfortable grip, ensuring ease of use. Though expensive, the Pax 1776 Dovetail Saw is an excellent investment for professional woodworkers and committed enthusiasts.

7. Crown FLINN1 10-Inch Dovetail Saw

Crown FLINN1 10-Inch Dovetail Saw

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Brass back for added rigidity

Cons:

  • May require sharpening before use
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty projects

The Crown FLINN1 10-Inch Dovetail Saw is a budget-friendly choice, particularly well-suited for beginners. With a brass back for added rigidity and a comfortable beechwood handle, the saw is easy to use and delivers decent precision. However, it may require sharpening before use, and its performance may not be sufficient for heavy-duty projects.

8. Shark Corp 10-2312 12-Inch Carpentry Saw

Shark Corp 10-2312 12-Inch Carpentry Saw

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Versatile
  • Impulse-hardened teeth for durability

Cons:

  • Not specifically designed for dovetail cuts
  • May be too aggressive for some users

The Shark Corp 10-2312 12-Inch Carpentry Saw is an affordable option for those seeking versatility. While not specifically designed for dovetail cuts, its 14 TPI blade allows for a wide range of applications. The impulse-hardened teeth ensure durability, while the comfortable grip handle ensures ease of use. However, the saw may be too aggressive for some users, particularly those seeking a dedicated dovetail saw.

9. Spear & Jackson B9812 12-Inch Tenon Saw

Spear & Jackson B9812

Pros:

  • Good value for money
  • High-quality construction
  • Brass back for added rigidity

Cons:

  • Not specifically designed for dovetail cuts
  • May require sharpening before use

The Spear & Jackson B9812 12-Inch Tenon Saw is an excellent value for money, offering high-quality construction at a reasonable price. With a brass back for added rigidity and a comfortable wooden handle, the saw is easy to use and delivers satisfactory performance. Its 13 TPI blade may not be specifically designed for dovetail cuts, but it can still perform well in various woodworking tasks. Users may need to sharpen the blade before use to achieve optimal performance.

10. Irwin 2011200 Protouch Dovetail/Jamb Saw

Irwin 2011200

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Comfortable ProTouch grip
  • 12 TPI blade for versatility

Cons:

  • Not specifically designed for dovetail cuts
  • May lack precision for intricate work

The Irwin 2011200 Protouch Dovetail/Jamb Saw is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a versatile saw for various woodworking tasks. While not specifically designed for dovetail cuts, its 12 TPI blade enables it to perform various tasks reasonably well. The comfortable ProTouch grip ensures ease of use, and the saw's overall construction is decent. However, it may lack the precision required for intricate dovetail work.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for a back saw, there are several key features to consider that will impact your saw's performance, comfort, and durability.

Blade Length and Width

Back saw blades vary in length, usually ranging from 8 to 16 inches. Longer blades allow for longer cuts, while shorter blades are better suited for tight spaces and intricate work. Blade width also impacts stability and cutting capacity, so choose a saw that best fits the tasks you plan to undertake.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

TPI refers to the number of teeth on the blade per inch. A higher TPI yields a smoother cut but requires more strokes to complete a cut, while a lower TPI cuts more aggressively but leaves a rougher finish. For most woodworking tasks, a TPI of 12-16 is appropriate.

Tooth Geometry

Tooth geometry affects the saw's cutting performance and the quality of the finish. Common tooth geometries include:

  • Rip-cut: Designed for cutting with the wood grain, rip-cut teeth have a more aggressive cutting angle and fewer teeth per inch.
  • Cross-cut: Designed for cutting across the wood grain, cross-cut teeth have a more relaxed cutting angle and more teeth per inch for a smoother finish.
  • Combination: A combination of rip-cut and cross-cut teeth, allowing for versatility in cutting with or across the grain.

Handle Material and Ergonomics

The handle is an important aspect of a back saw, as it affects both comfort and control during use. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and composite materials. Wooden handles are traditional and offer a comfortable grip, but they may be less durable than plastic or composite handles. Ergonomics is essential for prolonged use, so look for a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and provides a secure grip.

Back Material

The back of the back saw can be made of either metal or wood. Metal backs, usually made of brass or steel, provide rigidity and durability, while wooden backs may be more comfortable to use but are less durable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the market offers a diverse range of back saws, each with its unique features, pros, and cons. When selecting the best back saw for your needs, consider factors such as your budget, skill level, and the specific tasks you plan to undertake. By carefully considering these factors and reviewing the options presented in this article, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect back saw for your woodworking needs.