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Best Handsaws for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best handsaws for every need.

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 28th, 2024

🪚If you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional carpenter, owning a reliable handsaw is a must. These tools offer the perfect blend of versatility and ease of use, making them invaluable for woodworking, pruning, and more. We've done the homework, digging through heaps of data and feedback to bring you the best handsaws available in 2024.

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Overall Best: Shark 10-2315 Carpentry Saw 15-Inch

Shark Corporation 10-2315 Carpentry Saw, 15-Inch

The Shark 10-2315 Carpentry Saw earns our top spot for its outstanding cutting speed and accuracy. This 15-inch saw uses a pull-stroke cutting style, which many find easier and more efficient compared to traditional push-stroke saws. The blade features a durable construction that promises longevity and delivers smooth, clean cuts effortlessly. Pro carpenters have consistently praised this saw for its excellent performance across various carpentry tasks, making it a reliable and versatile tool for both professionals and hobbyists.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$36.20 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Irwin Universal Handsaw

Irwin Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw 20'' (500mm) 8TPI, 10505212

As a fantastic alternative to our top pick, the Irwin Universal Handsaw stands out with its robust 15-inch blade and 11 Teeth Per Inch (TPI). This design makes it adaptable for cutting a wide array of materials such as lumber, plywood, and even PVC. The saw boasts an ergonomic handle that ensures a comfortable grip during prolonged use, enhancing both accuracy and ease of operation. If you need a versatile and reliable saw, the Irwin Universal Handsaw is a great option.

Lowest at Amazon

$39.71 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$35.97 at Walmart

More Answers

Still curious about the "Irwin Jack Plus 880 Handsaw"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What types of wood can the Irwin Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw cut?

The Irwin Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw is pretty handy for a variety of wood-cutting jobs. It has a 20-inch blade with 8 teeth per inch, so it can tackle both crosscutting and ripping tasks with ease. Thanks to the Triple-Ground Teeth technology, it cuts quickly with less effort on your part. From what we found, many people say it's great for crosscuts, like when you're slicing through 2x4s or making kindling. It might not be the best choice if you're planning on doing precise ripping, especially with softer woods. Some folks notice the blade can wander a bit during ripping, which might leave you with a wider, rougher finish. If you're looking for exact rip cuts, you might want to look into a different saw specifically designed for precision. The Irwin Jack Plus 880 also has some cool features for comfort and control. It's got a ProTouch grip, which is nice if you work with gloves, and the handle is ergonomic with useful 90° and 45° angle markers right on it. This makes marking your cuts a breeze. So, if you need a solid saw for general cutting tasks and especially crosscuts, this one could be a good pick. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best option for detailed rip cuts in softer wood. Overall, it's well-liked for its durability and ease of use when tackling everyday woodworking projects.

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Is the Irwin Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw good for both crosscutting and ripping?

If you're looking for a handsaw that can handle both crosscutting and ripping, the Irwin Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw might be worth considering. It's got this Triple-Ground Teeth technology and 8 teeth per inch, which the manufacturer claims help it cut through a variety of materials, including wood and some building materials. From what we've gathered, it's pretty effective for cutting lumber and even tree branches. It's said to cut smoothly and quickly, making it quite reliable for various jobs. That being said, while it's decent at crosscutting, it might not be the top pick for ripping, especially softer woods. The wider kerf could cause the blade to wander, which means your rip cuts might not be as precise as you'd like. One thing folks seem to like is the ProTouch grip. It offers good comfort and control, and includes integrated 90° and 45° angles, which can be handy for marking cutting lines. This grip helps with stability and power transfer when you're sawing. In the end, the Irwin Jack Plus 880 is well-regarded, but its performance can vary depending on what you're cutting. It's likely a great fit for crosscutting tasks, but if you need more precise rip cuts, especially in softer wood, you might want to consider adding more specialized tools to your kit. Just make sure to match the tool to what you need, and you should be good to go.

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How sharp are the teeth on the Irwin Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw?

The IRWIN Jack Plus 880 Universal Handsaw is mainly geared towards general carpentry rather than super precise work. The manufacturer's product description highlights its Triple-Ground Teeth technology, which is all about speed and efficiency—perfect for cutting lumber and handling rough carpentry projects. From our research, this handsaw is pretty effective at slicing through lumber and even decent for trimming tree limbs, thanks to its sharp teeth. It's great for quick, rough cuts, but if you're after those smooth and precise details usually found in fine woodworking, it might not be the perfect fit. We've found that although it's marketed for both crosscut and rip cutting, the saw tends to leave wide, somewhat rough rip cuts, especially in softer woods. So, it excels more with those fast, rough cuts rather than intricate, detailed work. If you're looking for something for finer precision tasks, you might want to try a [backsaw](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dbacksaw%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [dovetail saw](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddovetail%2Bsaw%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) instead. Every saw has its own strengths, and while the IRWIN Jack Plus 880 is loved for its speed and ease of use in general cutting tasks, it just might not provide the finesse needed for more specialized precision work. Understanding these nuances helps in picking the right tool for your specific project needs.

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Budget Pick: Hautmec 11-TPI Pro Hand Saw

For those on a budget, the Hautmec 11-TPI Pro Hand Saw is an excellent choice. Despite its affordable price, this saw is perfect for basic woodworking tasks. The 11 TPI blade design allows for quick and precise cuts, making it a practical tool for casual DIY enthusiasts. Its performance and value make it a standout option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Pruning: Corona Razor Pruning Hand Saw

Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw, 10 Inch Curved Blade, RS 7265D

Designed specifically for pruning, the Corona Razor Pruning Hand Saw is equipped with a high-carbon steel blade capable of cutting through branches up to six inches in diameter. Its ergonomic handle provides comfort during prolonged use, while its foldable design makes it easy to store and carry. Ideal for outdoor tasks, this pruning saw is a must-have for yard work and gardening.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$26.98 at Amazon

Best Heavy-Duty: Great Neck Aggressive Tooth Hand Saw

GreatNeck 74003 15 Inch Aggressive Tooth Handsaw for Rough Cuts, Wood saw, Branch Cutter, PVC Cutter, and More, Anti-Slip Ergonomic Composite Handle

For heavy-duty cutting tasks, the Great Neck Aggressive Tooth Hand Saw is our top recommendation. This saw features a 20-inch blade with a tri-bevel tooth design, ensuring fast and efficient cuts. Its sturdy aluminum frame can withstand heavy and frequent use, making it ideal for larger woodworking projects. If you need a saw that can handle demanding tasks, the Great Neck Aggressive Tooth Hand Saw won't disappoint.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.99 at Amazon

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