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 $15kcommissionforShaker-stylecabinetsafterclientsspottedhishand-cuttenons.Thekicker?Heuseda$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

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:

   • $50–$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.”