The Best Hand Saws in Australia for 2026

If you have just picked up the keys to a first home, a hand saw is one of the first tools that earns its place in the garage. It cuts a sticky door off at the bottom, trims a length of skirting, prunes a branch off the lemon tree and breaks down flat-pack offcuts, all without a power point, a charged battery or a cloud of dust. The trouble is that "hand saw" covers many different tools, so it pays to match the saw to the job. When a job needs power rather than muscle, our guide to the best cordless drills in Australia shows which listings include a battery and charger.

Short answer: the best hand saw for most Australian homes is the SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm, rated 4.8 from 893 ratings on Amazon AU. It is a Japanese pull saw for wood with a 210mm blade and 14 TPI, and its title says the blade is replaceable. The Goldblatt jab saw suits plasterboard cut outs, and the BAHCO Laplander is the folding saw.

When a job needs power rather than a pull saw, our power drill picks with seller and rating counts list six cordless options.

This guide fixes that. We have pulled together eight hand saws listed on Amazon AU, each with its Amazon AU star rating and rating count, and matched them to the jobs a homeowner faces. We cover a Japanese pull saw for wood, two full size carpentry saws, a jab saw for plasterboard, a folding saw, a flush cut pull saw, a tenon saw for joints and a hacksaw. Blade length and teeth come from each listing, and where a listing gives two values for one spec we name both. For cutting a bolt or steel with a power tool instead of a hacksaw, see our angle grinder guide for cutting metal with a guard fitted.

Best overall: SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm

The SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm is the best overall hand saw in this guide, rated 4.8 from 893 ratings on Amazon AU. It is a Japanese pull saw for wood, and its listing gives a 210mm blade, 14 TPI, rip and crosscut cutting and a replaceable blade. We put it first because one double edge saw covers both kinds of wood cut. SUIZAN JAPAN sells it and Amazon ships it.

The listing explains what a pull saw is: "Most people are used to European saws, called “push saws,” which cuts through a pushing motion. On the other hand, Japanese saws cut materials via pulling and are called “pull saws.”" It adds that, compared with push saws, this Japanese product is lighter in weight, requires less power, and results in a cleaner edge. Those are the maker's words, not our test results.

The numbers on the listing are a blade length of 210mm, a blade thickness of 0.5mm, 14 TPI, a kerf width of 0.8mm and an overall length of 430mm. The product information table lists the blade material as Alloy Steel and the handle material as Elastomer, while the bullets say the saw is made of top quality Japanese steel and manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen. Those origin and quality lines are the maker's own claims.

For a first home buyer who is buying one hand saw first, this is the one we would start with for timber work. Add the Goldblatt jab saw if you will cut plasterboard, and a hacksaw if you will cut metal, once those jobs come up.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A pull saw cuts on the pull stroke, which takes a short adjustment if you have only used push saws, and the listing gives the blade as 0.5mm thick, so a light hand is wise. The title and bullets describe a saw for wood and woodworking and do not name plastic or plasterboard, so check the listing before you use it on those. At 893 ratings it also has a smaller rating count than the BAHCO at 5,443 or the CRAFTSMAN at 4,626.

Which hand saw suits which job?

Match the saw to the cut. The SUIZAN Ryoba suits wood, the Goldblatt jab saw suits plasterboard and PVC, the Spear and Jackson tenon saw suits joints, and the CRAFTSMAN hacksaw is the one to read for metal. The BAHCO folds for carrying. The table lists each listing's blade length and teeth.

Pick by job

• Timber, rip and crosscut: the SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm, rated 4.8 from 893 ratings, lists rip and crosscut cutting on a 210mm blade.
• Skirting boards and door trims: these are timber cuts, so use the wood saws above, the SUIZAN Ryoba (4.8 from 893 ratings) or the Fiskars, which its listing calls an ideal wood saw.
• Boards, PVC and laminates: the WORKPRO listing says it is suitable for cutting boards, PVC, laminates and tree branches.
• Plasterboard: the Goldblatt listing names drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic and PVC. Drywall is the American word for plasterboard.
• Flush and fine cuts: the SUIZAN Flush Cut Saw 150mm lists a 0.4mm blade for flush cutting.
• Joints: the Spear and Jackson listing says it is for joint cutting and sawing small pieces of wood.
• Carrying and outdoor use: the BAHCO Laplander is a folding saw, and its page title names trail maintenance, wood processing and camping use.
• Metal: a hacksaw is the saw people usually choose for metal. The CRAFTSMAN 12 inch hacksaw listing does not name a material to cut, so check before you buy.

Hand saw types in plain words

• Pull saw: a saw that cuts on the pull stroke. The SUIZAN listings say "Japanese saws cut materials via pulling and are called “pull saws.”"
• Universal hand saw: the general wood saw format used in the Fiskars and WORKPRO titles.
• Tenon or back saw: a saw with a stiff spine along the top of the blade. The Spear and Jackson listing says "Rigid Back Support for better control" and "Brass back for maximum rigidity".
• Jab saw: a short, pointed saw. The Goldblatt listing says it features a sharpened tip that quickly punches through drywall.
• Hacksaw: a frame saw. The CRAFTSMAN listing describes a solid metal frame designed for tension up to 225 lbs.
• Folding saw: a saw whose blade folds into the handle, such as the BAHCO folding saw.
• TPI: teeth per inch, the figure many listings give for the cut speed and finish.

Fiskars Pro Power Tooth Universal Hand Saw, a 15 inch carpenter saw

The Fiskars Pro Power Tooth Universal Hand Saw is a 15 inch carpenter saw rated 4.7 from 67 ratings on Amazon AU. Its listing calls it an ideal wood saw, with a triple ground, power tooth blade and 9 TPI. The listing also describes RapidStart blade technology with 40% more teeth near the tip for quicker, cleaner cut starts.

The listing describes an oversized SoftGrip handle that boosts power and control and a low friction coating that boosts rust resistance. Its description adds induction hardened teeth, and the product information table lists the blade material as High Speed Steel and the blade length as 15 Inches. The saw comes with a hang hole and sheath and is backed by a lifetime warranty, according to the listing.

The listing names wood as the job and does not name framing, plywood or PVC, so check the other cards if you plan to cut anything but timber. It talks about long lasting sharpness from induction hardened teeth but does not say whether the teeth can be resharpened. The listing gives 9 TPI in its bullets, while its product table lists 210 as the number of teeth, so compare it by TPI.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

At 67 ratings it has a smaller rating count than the BAHCO at 5,443, the Goldblatt at 5,967 or the CRAFTSMAN at 4,626. Its 9 TPI is finer than the Goldblatt at 8 TPI and coarser than the SUIZAN flush cut saw at 17 and 20, so as a general rule for teeth per inch expect a cut that sits between those two saws.

WORKPRO 16 Inch Universal Handsaw for boards and PVC

The WORKPRO 16 Inch Universal Handsaw is a general purpose hand saw rated 4.7 from 167 ratings on Amazon AU. Its listing describes a high strength SK5 steel blade with black Teflon coating and sharp triple ground teeth, and says it is suitable for cutting boards, PVC, laminates, tree branches and other materials.

The listing describes built in 45 degree and 90 degree angle markings for guided cuts and 29cm scale markings on the surface. The handle is a non slip ABS and TPE handle, and the listing says its size will work with any hand size. It also describes extra plastic protection on the teeth for safe storage and carrying. The product information table gives a blade length of 16 Inches and 48 as the number of teeth.

The listing says the chip removal design provides rapid removal of chips and strengthens stability and smoothness during cutting. It lists wide application in gardening, decoration, wood processing and DIY maintenance. The listing gives a tooth count of 48 rather than TPI, so compare it with the TPI figures on the other cards with care.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

At 167 ratings it has a smaller rating count than the BAHCO at 5,443 or the Goldblatt at 5,967. The listing gives no TPI figure, only a tooth count, and it does not say whether the teeth can be resharpened. It names boards, PVC and laminates but gives no finish quality claim, so choose a finer toothed saw for visible joinery.

Goldblatt Folding Drywall Jab Saw for plasterboard

The Goldblatt Folding Drywall Jab Saw is a 127 mm folding jab saw rated 4.7 from 5,967 ratings on Amazon AU. Its listing says it is designed for precise cutting of drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic and PVC. Drywall is the American word for plasterboard, so this is the card for cutting a hole in a plaster wall. WORKPRO sells it and Amazon ships it.

The listing says the jab saw features a sharpened tip that quickly punches through drywall or other similar materials, and that its 8 TPI blade cuts in both directions, push and pull. The bullets call the blade bi metal, while the product information table lists the blade material as High Speed Steel, so we quote both. The listing gives a total length of 299 mm, a handle length of 172 mm and a blade length of 127 mm.

The listing describes a lock system that prevents the blade from closing by accident during use, and a red button on the handle to open and close it. It describes a foldable design for easy carry and a handhold size for easy storage in a tool bag, plus an anti slip Super Grip handle. Beyond drywall, it names plywood, plastic and PVC, and says it is ideal for home DIY and framers, general contractors and woodworkers.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is a specialist saw with a 127 mm blade, so it will not replace a full size carpentry saw for long cuts. The listing gives 8 TPI in the bullets and 44 as the number of teeth in the product table, so compare it by TPI. The listing names no cutting job beyond the materials above, so check it before you use it on anything else.

BAHCO Laplander Folding Saw for carrying

The BAHCO 396-LAP Laplander is a folding saw rated 4.8 from 5,443 ratings on Amazon AU. Its listing title gives a 9 Inch Blade and 7 TPI, and the page title adds "Trail Maintenance, Wood Processing And Camping Use, Rust Protected Blade, Secure Lock, Fast Cutting Action". Those are the maker's words about the saw, not our test results.

The listing gives two sizes for the blade. The title says a 9 Inch Blade, while the product information table lists a Blade Length of 190 Millimeters and an Item Length of 7.5 Inches, so measure against the table figure if length matters. The title says 7 TPI and the table lists 7 as the number of teeth. The table lists the blade material as Stainless Steel, an item weight of 213 Grams and the handle material as Polypropylene, Thermoplastic Elastomers, while the bullets give a package weight of 300.0 g.

The listing bullets give only the product type, the package weight, the country of origin (Sweden) and the package quantity, so most of what we can say comes from the title and the product information table. The page title names trail maintenance, wood processing and camping use. If you want a saw that folds for carrying, this is the folding option in the guide alongside the Goldblatt jab saw.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The two blade lengths in the listing mean you should check the size before you buy. The bullets say little, and they do not describe a lock or a handle, although the page title names a secure lock. It is a folding saw, so it is not a stand in for a full size carpentry saw on long boards.

SUIZAN Flush Cut Saw 150mm for flush cuts

The SUIZAN Flush Cut Saw 150mm is a Japanese style pull saw rated 4.8 from 193 ratings on Amazon AU, sold by SUIZAN JAPAN and shipped from Amazon. Its listing gives the specification "For Flush Cut, Blade Length: 150mm, Blade Thickness: 0.4mm" and calls it a flexible saw.

The rest of the specification reads TPI: H:17(1.5mm) S:20(1.25mm), Kerf Width: 0.45mm and Overall Length: 315mm. The listing does not spell out what H and S stand for, though the bullet before it describes a blade for hardwood and a blade for softwood. It says the blades are also replaceable for extended use and that SUIZAN woodworking tools are manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen.

The listing explains pull saws in the same words as the other SUIZAN card: Japanese hand saws cut materials via pulling, and compared with push saws this product is lighter in weight, requires less power, and results in a cleaner edge. It lists oak, sandalwood, ebony, mahogany, maple, walnut and pine for the hardwood blade, and white cedar, Japanese cedar, larch and paulownia wood for the softwood blade.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The blade is only 0.4mm thick and the listing calls the saw flexible, so a light hand suits it and it is not a framing saw. The pull stroke takes a short adjustment if you have only used push saws. The listing says the saw is for flush cuts, which is a specialist job, so it will not replace a general wood saw.

Spear and Jackson Brass Back Tenon Saw for joints

The Spear and Jackson Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw is a 300MM tenon saw rated 4.6 from 1,913 ratings on Amazon AU, with Amazon AU as the seller. Its listing says the universal teeth are for general use and cut along and across the grain, and it gives Country of Origin: Taiwan.

The listing describes a brass back for maximum rigidity, rigid back support for better control and a heavier blade thickness that minimises whip and vibration. It says the saw is for joint cutting and sawing small pieces of wood, with precision cross ground teeth. The product information table lists the blade material as High Carbon Steel and the handle material as Wood.

The listing says the teeth can be resharpened, and that the teeth have not been hardened and are therefore designed to be resharpened once they become blunt. It also says the company was founded in the City of Sheffield, which is famous for the production of steel, cutlery and hand tools. The listing gives no TPI figure in its title or bullets, and the product table lists 6 as the number of teeth, so judge the tooth size from the cross ground teeth wording.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

As a back saw, its depth of cut is limited by the brass spine, so it is for smaller, precise work rather than deep cuts. Teeth that are not hardened are made to be resharpened, so plan to keep a saw file and a saw set on hand if you want to keep the edge. At 1,913 ratings its rating count is smaller than the BAHCO at 5,443 or the CRAFTSMAN at 4,626.

CRAFTSMAN 12 Inch Hacksaw for metal

The CRAFTSMAN 12 Inch Hacksaw (CMHT20138) is rated 4.6 from 4,626 ratings on Amazon AU, with Amazon AU as the seller. A hacksaw is the saw people usually choose for metal. The listing itself does not name a material to cut, so check the listing before you rely on it for a particular job.

The listing says the solid metal frame is designed for tension up to 225 lbs, and that the saw has a 12 inch fixed blade length and a 4.375 inch cutting depth. It describes 90 degree and 180 degree adjustable blade angles that allow flush cuts, and a large, comfortable tension knob with a full grip handle. The product information table lists the blade material as Metal.

The bullets give no teeth per inch figure for the blade, and the product table lists 6 as the number of teeth, so we cannot compare its teeth with the TPI figures on the other cards. The table lists the handle material as Thermoplastic Elastomers.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is a hacksaw, so it is a specialist and not a stand in for the wood saws above. The listing bullets do not describe the blade itself, so check what you are buying before you rely on it for a particular material. Its 4.375 inch cutting depth limits how deep a cut it can make.

How we chose these hand saws

NestPath is built for Australian first home buyers, and our job is to cut through a confusing category and match a saw to each job. We research and study products rather than run a workshop, so here is how we put this list together.

• Two sources. We read the Amazon AU listing for each saw, meaning its title, bullet points, product information table and description, and we took the maker's own wording from those same listings. We did not test the saws ourselves.
• Ratings and counts. Star ratings and rating counts are the Amazon AU figures shown on each listing.
• One saw per job. We matched the saws to the jobs a homeowner faces: wood, plasterboard, flush cuts, joints, carrying and hacksaw work.
• Specs. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing. Where a listing gives two values for one spec, such as the BAHCO blade length, we name both.
• Seller. Each card names the seller its listing shows, and each card note says where that listing ships from, so you can see who you are buying from before you open the listing.

Last checked: 21 October 2026.

What should you look for when buying a hand saw?

The most important thing is matching the saw to the job, because no one hand saw does everything well. Teeth per inch and blade length tell you most of what you need, and the push or pull stroke and the tooth type decide the rest. Check each against the listing before you buy.

Teeth per inch (TPI) is the number of teeth in each inch of blade. The listings here give 14 TPI for the best overall SUIZAN Ryoba (rated 4.8 from 893 ratings), 9 for the Fiskars, 8 for the Goldblatt, 7 for the BAHCO and 17 and 20 for the SUIZAN flush cut saw. As a general rule, fewer larger teeth cut faster and leave a rougher edge, and more finer teeth cut slower and leave a smoother one. Blade length sets your reach and depth of cut: the listings here run from 127 mm on the Goldblatt to 15 and 16 inches on the Fiskars and the WORKPRO.

The best overall SUIZAN Ryoba lists a 210mm blade, a blade thickness of 0.5mm, a kerf width of 0.8mm and an overall length of 430mm, and its listing says all SUIZAN Japanese saws consist of top quality Japanese steel. The SUIZAN flush cut saw lists a thinner 0.4mm blade, a 0.45mm kerf and a 315mm overall length with a 150mm blade. Read those figures side by side before you choose between the two.

The CRAFTSMAN hacksaw is built differently from the wood saws. Its listing describes a solid metal frame designed for tension up to 225 lbs, a 12 inch fixed blade length and a 4.375 inch cutting depth, with 90 degree and 180 degree adjustable blade angles for flush cuts. The Spear and Jackson tenon saw lists a 300MM size in its title, universal teeth that cut along and across the grain, a heavier blade thickness that minimises whip and vibration, and a country of origin of Taiwan. The BAHCO Laplander title gives a 9 inch blade and 7 TPI in a folding saw, and the Goldblatt listing describes a foldable design for easy carry.

Wood type is the last thing to check. The SUIZAN flush cut listing says its blade for hardwood can cut oak, ebony, mahogany, maple and walnut, and its blade for softwood can be used for white cedar, larch and paulownia wood. The Goldblatt listing says it is designed for precise cutting of drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic and PVC, and the WORKPRO listing names boards, PVC and laminates. Match your material to those listing words, then match the blade length and teeth to the size of the cut.

Push versus pull matters too. The SUIZAN listings explain that European saws, called push saws, cut through a pushing motion, while Japanese saws cut via pulling and, in the maker's words, are lighter in weight, require less power and result in a cleaner edge. Tooth care is the other choice: the Spear and Jackson listing says its teeth can be resharpened, the SUIZAN listings say the blades are replaceable, and the Fiskars listing describes induction hardened teeth but does not say whether they can be resharpened. Finally, look at the coating and the handle: the Fiskars listing describes a low friction coating, and the WORKPRO listing a black Teflon coating and a non slip ABS and TPE handle.

How do you keep a hand saw cutting well?

A hand saw rewards a little care. Keep the blade dry and lightly oiled, because rust is the enemy of any steel saw. Wipe it down after use, store it so the teeth cannot knock against other tools or concrete, and let the saw do the work in long, smooth strokes. Check any care notes from the maker first.

Some listings help with storage: the Fiskars comes with a hang hole and sheath, the WORKPRO describes extra plastic protection on its teeth for safe storage and carrying, and the BAHCO and the Goldblatt fold. A long, smooth stroke under the saw's own weight cuts faster and straighter than short, hard shoves, and it saves your shoulder.

For safe cutting, clamp the timber before you cut, keep your free hand and fingers clear of the line of the blade, and wear safety glasses. If you own the Spear and Jackson saw, a few passes with a saw file and a saw set restore the edge whenever cutting starts to feel like hard work, because its listing says the teeth are designed to be resharpened.

What else will you want alongside a hand saw?

A hand saw is the start of a homeowner tool kit, not the whole of it. A tape measure, a combination square, a mitre box, clamps, safety glasses and gloves make every cut easier, safer and more accurate. Two of those have their own guides here: safety glasses and tape measures.

• A tape measure so every cut starts from an accurate mark.
• A combination square to mark square and 45 degree cut lines.
• A mitre box to guide repeatable angled cuts for trim and skirting.
• A pair of quick clamps to hold your timber steady so it does not skate as you saw.
• Safety glasses to keep sawdust and the odd flung chip out of your eyes.
• Work gloves for grip when cutting rough timber.
• A carpenter's pencil that marks clearly on rough timber.

Two of those companions have their own guide here. The guide to the best safety glasses in Australia covers eye protection, and the best tape measures guide covers the marking end of the job. A saw also needs the timber held still, which is what a workbench does better than a knee and a milk crate. For trimming and marking, our snap off utility knife guide covers the knife side.

Is a hand saw or a power saw better for a homeowner?

For occasional small jobs a hand saw is often the better choice because it needs no power point, battery or dust extraction. A power saw earns its place when you have lots of repeated cuts or sheet goods to break down. This is our reading of the jobs, not a test result.

If you decide a power tool suits the job, our guides cover the best circular saws, the best jigsaws, the best reciprocating saws and the best drop saws. For the cuts that never justify setting up a machine, the eight hand saws above cover the ground.

Frequently asked questions about hand saws

Which hand saw is the best?

The best hand saw for most Australian homes is the SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm, a Japanese pull saw for wood. Its listing gives a 210mm blade, 14 TPI, rip and crosscut cutting and a replaceable blade. Amazon AU shows 4.8 stars from 893 ratings, sold by SUIZAN JAPAN and shipped from Amazon.

What is the best hand held saw?

The best hand held saw depends on the job. For wood the SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm is our choice, rated 4.8 from 893 ratings on Amazon AU, a pull saw with a replaceable blade. For plasterboard use the Goldblatt jab saw, for a saw that folds away the BAHCO Laplander, and for metal the CRAFTSMAN hacksaw.

What is a hand saw called?

A hand saw is a manual cutting tool, and the name follows the job: a handsaw for timber, a tenon saw for joints, a hacksaw for metal, a jab saw for plasterboard and a pull saw when it cuts on the pull stroke. This guide has a card for each type.

What are the three types of hand saws?

One common way to sort hand saws is rip saws, crosscut saws and back saws. A rip saw cuts along the grain and a crosscut saw cuts across it. A back saw has a stiffening spine for joints. The SUIZAN Ryoba, rated 4.8 from 893 ratings, lists rip and crosscut cutting.

Do carpenters still use hand saws?

Hand saws still suit small jobs that need no power point, battery or dust extraction, such as trimming a door or cutting skirting. For lots of repeated cuts or sheet goods a power saw earns its place. This is our reading of the jobs, not a claim about trade habits.

What saw to use when cutting wood?

For cutting wood, use a general carpentry handsaw for boards, a pull saw for fine or flush cuts, or a tenon saw for joints. The best overall saw here, the SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 210mm, is rated 4.8 from 893 ratings and lists rip and crosscut cutting at 14 TPI.

What is a good fine tooth hand saw for cutting plastic?

A higher teeth per inch count gives a finer cut, but the listing has to name the material. The Goldblatt jab saw listing names plastic and PVC at 8 TPI, and the WORKPRO listing names PVC. The finest TPI listed here, 17 and 20 on the SUIZAN flush cut saw, is for wood.

How do I know if my saw is rip or crosscut?

Look at the teeth and the listing. A rip saw has teeth made for cutting along the grain and a crosscut saw for cutting across it; some saws handle both. The Spear and Jackson listing says its teeth cut along and across the grain.

How to cut a piece of wood with a hand saw?

Mark the line on the top face and down the side, then start on the waste side of the mark. Steady the blade against your thumb knuckle for a few short strokes, hold the saw at about 45 degrees, and let its weight do the work in long, smooth strokes. Clamp the timber first.

What is a rip saw?

A rip saw is a handsaw with teeth made for cutting along the grain of timber. A crosscut saw cuts across the grain, and some saws, such as the Spear and Jackson tenon saw, say their teeth cut both ways. The SUIZAN Ryoba, rated 4.8 from 893 ratings, lists rip and crosscut cutting on a double edge blade.

About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au