Best Handsaws 2026: Panel, Japanese Pull & Folding Picks
The IRWIN 15-Inch Universal Handsaw wins: the triple-ground teeth cut on both push and pull strokes, the ergonomic handle reduces fatigue on long cuts, and the anti-stick coating prevents the blade from binding in green or wet wood. The most recommended general-purpose handsaw for job sites and workshops.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  IRWIN 15-Inch Universal Handsaw |
Best Overall | $19 | 9.2 | Buy → |
| 2 |  Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 Wicked Tough F… |
Best Folding Saw | $31 | 8.9 | Buy → |
| 3 |  CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw CMHT20138 |
Best Hacksaw | $11 | 8.5 | Buy → |
| 4 |  BLACK+DECKER PHS550B Electric Powered H… |
Best for Tight Spaces | $13 | 8.2 | Buy → |
Showing 4 of 4 products
IRWIN 15-Inch Universal Handsaw
“IRWIN's 15-inch Universal Handsaw is the gold standard for homeowners who want one saw that handles most tasks. The 8 TPI hardpoint blade tracks straight, cuts fast in both rip and crosscut directions”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Cuts both crosscut and rip with one blade
- Hardpoint teeth stay sharp significantly longer than standard blades
- Comfortable ergonomic handle reduces fatigue
- Excellent value for the quality
Watch out for
- Blade cannot be resharpened (hardpoint)
- Not ideal for very fine finish work
Read Full Analysis
The IRWIN 15-Inch Universal Handsaw earns the top spot with its aggressive triple-ground tooth geometry that cuts on both the push and pull stroke, removing material on every movement and dramatically speeding up work compared to traditional push-only saws. The 8 TPI count balances speed and finish quality — fast enough for rough carpentry, clean enough for trim work with a light touch. The handle is ergonomically shaped with a soft grip that reduces fatigue during extended use. The blade is hard-point hardened, meaning it stays sharp significantly longer than unhardened blades. The 15-inch length handles standard dimensional lumber from 1x material through 4x4 posts. A genuinely excellent tool for the price.
Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 Wicked Tough Folding Hand Saw
“The Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 is the best folding saw for outdoor and light-duty use. The aggressive triple-cut teeth tear through green wood, branches, and small logs at a speed that surprises people ”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Aggressive triple-cut teeth slice through green wood quickly
- Secure blade lock prevents accidental closure during use
- Compact and lightweight for pack carry
- Excellent for camping, hunting, and yardwork
Watch out for
- Not designed for fine woodworking or precision cuts
- 10-inch blade limits cutting capacity for larger logs
- Higher price than basic folding saws
Read Full Analysis
The Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 Folding Saw is designed for outdoor use — pruning branches, cutting firewood, backcountry campsite work — but its aggressive 9 TPI bi-directional blade handles dimensional lumber too. The folding blade locks open for use and closes flush into the handle for safe transport in a pack or tool bag. The handle is designed for work in awkward positions: overhead cuts, reaching into brush, working at odd angles. The curved blade improves cutting efficiency on the pull stroke through curved branches. At $8.99, it is an exceptional value for anyone who needs a compact saw that disappears into a pack until needed.
CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw CMHT20138
“For cutting metal conduit, copper pipe, PVC, and bolts, the CRAFTSMAN CMHT20138 Hacksaw is the purpose-built solution. The high-tension aluminum frame keeps the blade straight and tight for accurate c”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- High-tension frame keeps blade taut for accurate straight cuts
- Accepts standard replacement blades (widely available)
- Comfortable bi-material handle
- Adjustable blade angle for multiple cutting positions
Watch out for
- Designed specifically for metal/PVC — not a wood saw
- Replacement blades sold separately
- Slower than power tools for heavy metal cutting
Read Full Analysis
The CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw is the tool for cutting metal pipe, threaded rod, conduit, and PVC that no wood handsaw can handle. The adjustable frame accepts standard 12-inch bi-metal blades and tensioned correctly, bi-metal blades stay sharper longer than standard carbon blades. The ergonomic handle positions the wrist naturally for the cutting stroke. For any shop that works with plumbing, electrical, or automotive components, a hacksaw is as essential as a wood saw. Replacement blades in various TPI counts are universally available at hardware stores for under $5.
BLACK+DECKER PHS550B Electric Powered Handsaw
“The BLACK+DECKER PHS550B fills the gap between a traditional handsaw and a full reciprocating saw — it's powered and compact, but the corded design and modest motor limit it to lighter duty work. For ”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver with one hand
- Corded for consistent power without battery concerns
- Comes with storage bag for organization
- Budget-friendly entry point for powered cutting
Watch out for
- Corded limits reach and maneuverability versus cordless
- Less powerful than full-size reciprocating saws
- Limited blade compatibility
Read Full Analysis
The BLACK+DECKER PHS550B Electric Powered Handsaw bridges the gap between a handsaw and a jigsaw — it uses standard reciprocating action with a handsaw-style blade rather than a jigsaw blade. The one-handed operation and compact size make it useful in tight spaces where a full-size circular saw or jigsaw is awkward. It cuts through 2-inch lumber with reasonable speed. Not a replacement for a quality handsaw for precision work, but a convenient tool for quick rough cuts in confined spaces like under sinks or inside cabinets.
Handsaws Buying Guide
Photo by Ono Kosuki / PexelsIRWIN 15-Inch Universal Handsaw — IRWIN's 15-inch Universal Handsaw is the gold standard for homeowners who want one.... At $19.99, it offers the best overall value. [See today's price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00475ARH0?tag=myawesomebuy2-20).
CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw CMHT20138 ($11.98) — For cutting metal conduit, copper pipe, PVC, and bolts, the CRAFTSMAN....
Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 Wicked Tough Folding Hand Saw — The Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 is the best folding saw for outdoor and....
Handsaws are categorized by their tooth geometry. Crosscut saws have teeth angled to slice across wood grain and produce clean, splinter-free edges — use them for cutting boards to length. Rip saws have teeth designed to cut along the grain like tiny chisels — use them for splitting boards lengthwise. Modern universal or combination saws handle both directions adequately, making them the best choice for general use. Teeth per inch (TPI) controls the tradeoff between speed and smoothness: lower TPI (5-8) cuts faster but leaves a rougher edge; higher TPI (10-15) cuts slower but leaves a finer finish. Blade length determines the size of cut you can make — a 15-inch blade handles 2x4s and 4x4 posts comfortably. The handle should feel secure and position your wrist naturally for the cutting stroke. Folding saws are ideal for camping, gardening, and pruning because they protect the teeth during transport.
Not sure whether a drill or impact driver pairs best with your saw platform? Our drill buying guide covers the full cordless tool ecosystem.
If budget is the priority, go with the CRAFTSMAN 12-Inch Hacksaw CMHT20138; if you want the best overall, choose the IRWIN 15-Inch Universal Handsaw; if you need best folding saw, the Wicked Tree Gear WTG-001 Wicked Tough Folding Hand Saw is your pick.
[Top 10 Tools — Project Farm's Best Picks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjZW8O7BpLk) by Project Farm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep a handsaw from binding?
How many teeth per inch do I need?
Can a handsaw cut metal?
When should I replace my handsaw?
What is the difference between a crosscut and rip saw?
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