Hand saws for cutting timber, boards and similar materials without a power source, suited to joiners, builders, roofers and home DIY users. Our range is led by BAHCO, with models from STANLEY, BOSCH and DEWALT as well. They differ mainly in blade length, tooth pattern and handle design.
How to choose a hand saw
Material and cut type. Match the saw to the job first. A panel saw with a long blade is made for sawing boards and sheet material, while a shorter saw with fine teeth gives cleaner results on small joinery. Pruning saws and hacksaws are separate types, so check that a saw is meant for wood before you buy it.
Tooth size and pattern. Fewer, larger teeth remove material quickly and suit rough cuts along the grain or through green timber. More teeth per inch cut slower but leave a smoother edge, which matters for visible joints and for laminated boards. Many general-purpose handsaws sit in the middle for this reason.
Blade length. A longer blade takes longer strokes and cuts faster in thick stock, but it needs more room and a steadier hand. A shorter blade is easier to control in tight spaces such as roof voids or between joists.
Tooth hardening. Hardened teeth stay sharp far longer than standard ones, which is useful if you saw every day. The trade-off is that they usually cannot be resharpened with a file, so the saw is replaced once it goes dull. Softer teeth can be resharpened but need attention more often.
Handle and grip. A moulded, ergonomic handle with a comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue over long cutting sessions. Check that your whole hand fits inside the handle, especially if you wear work gloves.
Hand saw brands we carry
- BAHCO: a Swedish maker of hand tools that is known for saws, including ergonomic handsaws with hardened teeth for fast cutting in wood. It accounts for most of the hand saws in our range.
- STANLEY: an American hand tool brand with a long history in carpentry, known for its FatMax line of tools for tradespeople.
- BOSCH: best known for power tools and accessories, and also makes hand tools in its blue professional colours, which suits those who already own Bosch equipment.
- DEWALT: a professional tool brand recognisable by its yellow and black finish, covering power tools and a range of hand tools for site work.
Hand saw FAQ
What is the best hand saw for cutting wood?
A general-purpose handsaw with hardened teeth is the usual choice for cutting wood by hand. It copes with both rough cuts and reasonably neat crosscuts. For finer joinery, a shorter saw with more teeth per inch gives a smoother result.
How many teeth should a hand saw have?
It depends on the cut. Coarser blades with fewer teeth per inch cut quickly and suit rough work in thick timber, while finer blades cut more slowly but leave a cleaner edge on boards and trim. A mid-range tooth count is a sensible starting point if you only want one saw.
Can you sharpen a hand saw?
Saws with standard teeth can be sharpened with a saw file, though it takes some practice. Saws with hardened teeth usually cannot be resharpened in the usual way, as the teeth are too hard for a file. They last much longer before they go dull and are normally replaced afterwards.
What is the difference between a hand saw and a power saw?
A hand saw is operated by muscle power, so it needs no battery or mains supply and gives you full control over the cut. A power saw cuts faster and with less effort, especially on large jobs. Many people keep a hand saw for small, precise cuts and for places where a power tool is awkward to use.
