Best Hand Saw for Resawing (Top Picks for Smooth, Accurate Cuts)

Expert-tested resawing hand saws for woodworkers who demand precision, speed & clean kerfs

Resawing by hand is one of those woodworking tasks that separates casual DIYers from true craft-focused makers. When you’re trying to split a board into thinner pieces-maybe for bookmatching, panels, drawer stock, veneers, or reducing waste-you quickly discover how much a high-quality resawing hand saw matters. A great hand saw tracks straighter, bites cleaner, and reduces fatigue so you can stay consistent through long rips. A poor saw? It will wander, bind, and leave you questioning your life choices halfway through the cut.

After testing multiple options and evaluating blade stiffness, tooth geometry, comfort, and cutting efficiency, we found standout performers that deliver professional-level results-even for users without years of hand-tool experience. Below is a curated breakdown of the best hand saws for resawing, each chosen for a unique advantage such as value, speed, control, or versatility.

Our Top Picks – Best Hand Saws for Resawing

Hand-selected resawing saws offering clean cuts, straight tracking, and exceptional user comfort across different budget levels and skill types.

• Best Overall – CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Fine Finish Hand Saw (CMHT20881)
• Best Value – 14 in. Pro Hand Saw (11 TPI Fine-Cut Soft-Grip Hardpoint)
• Best for Smoothest Finish – IRWIN MARATHON ProTouch Fine-Cut 15″ (2011200)
• Best for Fast Cuts – IRWIN Coarse Cut 15″ ProTouch (2011201)
• Best Universal Pick – HAUTMEC 14″ Universal Hand Saw 11 TPI
• Best Budget Option – STANLEY 15″ Hand Saw 8 TPI (15-334)

1: CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw, 20-Inch – Fine Finish (Best Overall Choice)

The CRAFTSMAN CMHT20881 is easily the most balanced resawing hand saw in this lineup, offering a wide 20-inch blade that tracks straight and produces clean, reliable rip cuts. It’s designed for woodworkers who want a dependable, predictable tool that won’t bog down mid-cut.

Key Features

• 20-inch blade delivers excellent stroke efficiency for resawing
• Fine-finish tooth geometry reduces tear-out
• Thick, rigid plate minimizes flex for straighter cuts
• Comfortable handle reduces wrist strain during long rips
• High-quality steel stays sharp longer

Detailed Review

This saw stands out immediately for its combination of length, tooth geometry, and plate rigidity-three essentials for hand resawing. The longer 20-inch blade means you remove more material per stroke, reducing fatigue over long boards. Its fine-finish tooth pattern bites efficiently without tearing fibers, making it ideal for hardwoods and softwoods alike.

During testing, the CRAFTSMAN excelled at maintaining a straight kerf line even without a resawing guide. This stability is extremely helpful for beginners learning to resaw by hand. The handle design also contributes to its comfort; testers noted that extended ripping sessions were less tiring compared to similar models.

For woodworkers who need accuracy, predictable tracking, and smooth surfaces ready for light planing, this saw performs at a professional level.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent blade length for resawing	Slightly heavier than 15″ saws
Very clean, smooth cuts	Costs more than budget options
Tracks straight with little correction needed	Requires careful storage to protect fine teeth

Who Should Buy This?

This model is perfect for woodworkers who prioritize accuracy and surface finish. If you resaw regularly or work with hardwoods, this saw provides the power and stability you need.

Final Verdict

The CRAFTSMAN CMHT20881 offers the best mix of speed, control, and surface quality. For most users, this is the ideal all-around hand saw for resawing.

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2: 14 in. Pro Hand Saw 11 TPI Fine-Cut (Best Value Pick)

This 14-inch Pro Hand Saw offers impressive cutting performance at a budget-friendly price. While shorter than a typical resawing saw, its 11 TPI tooth count produces surprisingly controlled and smooth rip cuts.

Key Features

• 11 TPI fine-cut teeth for smooth resawing
• Compact but rigid blade suitable for tight or small stock
• Non-slip ergonomic handle enhances grip
• Sharp hardpoint teeth require no sharpening
• Great balance for beginners learning hand resawing

Detailed Review

Despite its shorter size, this saw performed better than expected in controlled resawing tasks. The 11 TPI teeth help maintain a clean kerf while preventing the saw from grabbing aggressively. This makes it a great choice for those new to resawing with a hand tool. While it’s not the fastest saw in the lineup, its stability and reduced vibration earned high marks.

The ergonomic handle also deserves attention. Long ripping cuts often cause finger pressure points or palm fatigue, but this model’s grip distributes pressure evenly. For smaller boards-like drawer parts, thin panels, or project lumber under 6 inches wide-it offers reliable performance.

Its biggest limitation is stroke length; larger boards will take more time. But for the money, it’s an outstanding value.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Very affordable	Shorter blade slows down big resaw jobs
Clean, smooth finish	Not ideal for heavy hardwood resawing
Comfortable ergonomic grip	Less stroke efficiency than 20″ saws

Who Should Buy This?

Great for hobbyists, small-shop woodworkers, or anyone who needs a dependable resawing hand saw without spending too much.

Final Verdict

A fantastic value pick that punches above its weight in clean-cutting ability and control. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want smooth results.

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3: IRWIN MARATHON ProTouch Fine-Cut 15″ (Best for Smoothest Finish)

The IRWIN Fine-Cut 15″ saw is designed for woodworkers who prioritize surface smoothness above all else. This saw produces some of the most refined resawing cuts among all tools tested.

Key Features

• ProTouch handle enhances comfort and reduces slipping
• Fine-cut tooth geometry for ultra-smooth kerfs
• 15-inch blade offers precise control
• Rigid plate prevents wandering during deep cuts
• Ideal for detailed work and thin veneers

Detailed Review

IRWIN’s fine-cut blade performed exceptionally well during tests requiring highly controlled kerf lines. The tooth geometry slices through fibers cleanly, leaving surfaces that require minimal planing. Although the 15-inch length limits long rip strokes, it compensates with accuracy and finish quality.

The ProTouch handle was another standout-comfortable, slip-resistant, and shaped in a way that naturally guides the user’s wrist alignment. This reduces the effort required to maintain a straight line during long cuts.

This isn’t the fastest saw, but if your goal is precision and finish quality, few competitors match it.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Best finish quality in its class	Slower on thick hardwoods
Excellent grip comfort	Shorter stroke vs. 20″ saws
Very accurate kerf tracking	Not ideal for high-speed resawing

Who Should Buy This?

Choose this saw if you want veneer-ready finishes and value precision over cutting speed. Perfect for furniture makers and detail-oriented woodworkers.

Final Verdict

A superb precision saw that delivers ultra-smooth cuts and excellent control-ideal for craftsmanship-focused resawing.

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4: IRWIN Coarse Cut Hand Saw, 15-Inch (Best for Fast Cutting)

If speed is your number one priority when resawing, the IRWIN Coarse Cut 15″ handsaw is the tool that gets the job done fast. Designed with aggressive teeth and a rigid blade, this saw chews through material quickly-ideal for thicker stock, framing lumber, and any situation where productivity matters more than finish quality.

Key Features

• Coarse tooth geometry optimized for fast material removal
• ProTouch ergonomic handle for comfort and grip stability
• Thick, rigid blade ideal for straight-line resawing
• Cuts hardwood, softwood, and construction lumber efficiently
• Highly durable teeth built for heavy-duty use

Detailed Review

During performance testing, the IRWIN Coarse Cut was noticeably faster than fine-cut saws, especially when cutting wide boards. The larger teeth remove more material per stroke, making it great for resawing tasks where surface quality isn’t the top priority. This saw thrives in rough-cut scenarios and excels at reducing thicker boards into manageable pieces.

What really improves the user experience is the blade stiffness. Even under aggressive strokes, the saw held its line well and didn’t drift off the kerf. The ProTouch handle continues to be one of IRWIN’s strongest design choices-it reduces vibration and improves fatigue resistance.

However, this saw does produce a rougher surface. You will need a few passes with a hand plane or sander afterward. For many woodworkers-especially DIYers and builders-that tradeoff is worth the significant increase in cutting speed.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Extremely fast cutting action	Leaves rougher surface compared to fine-cut saws
Ideal for thick or wide boards	Not suitable for delicate veneer-ready cuts
Very rigid blade for straight tracking	Loud and aggressive feel

Who Should Buy This?

This is the perfect saw for woodworkers who value speed and productivity. If you frequently resaw construction lumber or need quick material breakdown, this saw performs exceptionally well.

Final Verdict

A fast, aggressive, highly durable saw that excels in heavy-duty resawing tasks. Not the best for refined finishes, but unmatched in raw cutting speed.

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5: HAUTMEC 14 in. Universal Hand Saw – 11 TPI (Best Universal Pick)

The HAUTMEC HT0024 is a true “do-it-all” hand saw. Its 11 TPI universal tooth pattern makes it equally capable of crosscutting and ripping, including light-to-medium resawing tasks. If you want one saw that can handle a variety of jobs, this one offers tremendous value.

Key Features

• Universal 11 TPI tooth geometry for versatile cutting
• Sharpened hardpoint teeth designed for durability
• 14-inch blade offers fine control and maneuverability
• Great for wood, laminate, and PVC
• Optimized for both push and pull stroke efficiency

Detailed Review

During testing, this saw showed excellent versatility. While not as fast as coarse-cut saws or as smooth as fine-cut specialty saws, it consistently delivered balanced performance across the board. The universal tooth pattern allows it to initiate cuts cleanly while still offering enough bite for effective resawing.

Its shorter blade does limit large-scale resawing speed, but the precision is impressive. For hobbyists working with small-to-medium boards, the HAUTMEC is easy to control, lightweight, and predictable. It’s particularly good for users transitioning between crosscuts, rip cuts, and resawing without switching tools.

Build quality feels more premium than the price indicates. The handle fits comfortably in hand, even during longer sessions, and the blade shows minimal flex during rip cuts.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent all-around performer	Not specialized for heavy-duty resawing
Clean, consistent cutting action	Shorter blade limits stroke efficiency
Very durable for the price	Less aggressive than coarse models

Who Should Buy This?
Ideal for beginners, DIYers, or general-purpose woodworkers needing a single saw that performs well across multiple cutting styles, including occasional resawing.

Final Verdict

A balanced, well-built universal saw that delivers impressive value and consistent performance. Perfect if you want versatility without sacrificing too much cutting quality.

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6: STANLEY 15-Inch Hand Saw, 8 TPI (Best Budget Option)

STANLEY has been a household name in woodworking for generations, and their 15-334 hand saw is a solid choice for anyone needing a functional, reliable tool at the lowest possible price point. With 8 TPI, this saw removes material efficiently while keeping the cut manageable for beginners.

Key Features

• 15-inch blade ideal for general-purpose use
• 8 TPI tooth pattern for balanced cutting speed
• Lightweight and easy to control
• Affordable price without sacrificing basic performance
• Durable design suitable for jobsite or home-shop tasks

Detailed Review

This saw isn’t designed as a premium resawing tool, but it performs well enough for occasional tasks. Its 8 TPI teeth strike a middle ground between coarse and fine, allowing it to handle rip cuts decently while maintaining a reasonable level of control.

During hands-on testing, it performed best on softwoods and medium-density boards. It struggled slightly with thick hardwoods, but that’s expected for a budget model. The blade stiffness is surprisingly good for the price, which helps maintain kerf alignment during long rip cuts.

Where it truly shines is accessibility. New woodworkers or hobbyists who only resaw occasionally will appreciate its simplicity and reliability. And since it’s very affordable, it’s also a great backup saw or jobsite tool.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Very affordable	Not ideal for heavy hardwood resawing
Lightweight and easy to handle	Rougher finish than fine-tooth saws
Good all-purpose cutting ability	Handle comfort is average

Who Should Buy This?

Perfect for beginners and occasional users who want a dependable hand saw without spending much. Also great as a secondary saw for rough cuts and general project work.

Final Verdict

A budget-friendly, reliable performer suitable for light-to-medium resawing tasks. Not premium, but definitely worth the price.

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Comparison Table: Best Hand Saws for Resawing

Product	Best For	Key Features	Value/Pricing	Standout Benefit
CRAFTSMAN 20″ Fine Finish	Best Overall	Long blade, fine teeth, rigid plate	Mid-range	Smoothest, straightest resawing
14″ Pro Hand Saw 11 TPI	Best Value	Fine teeth, ergonomic grip	Budget	Clean cuts for the price
IRWIN Fine-Cut 15″	Smoothest Finish	Precision fine-cut teeth	Mid-range	Veneer-ready cuts
IRWIN Coarse Cut 15″	Fast Cutting	Coarse teeth, aggressive bite	Mid-range	Fastest material removal
HAUTMEC Universal 14″	Best Versatility	Universal 11 TPI, durable blade	Budget–Mid	Multi-purpose cutting
STANLEY 15″ 8 TPI	Best Budget	Lightweight, 8 TPI general-use	Budget	Reliable entry-level performance

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hand Saw for Resawing

Choosing the right resawing hand saw makes the difference between straight, clean, rewarding cuts-and frustrating, wandering kerfs. Resawing is demanding on the blade, your technique, and your accuracy, so selecting the right tool matters for safety, efficiency, and surface quality.

Below are the key factors that genuinely impact resawing performance (no generic tips-only resaw-specific insights).

Blade Length

Longer blades dramatically improve your resawing efficiency.
A longer blade produces a longer stroke, removing more material per push and pull. This helps maintain momentum and keeps cuts straighter. For wide boards or hardwoods, a 20-inch blade provides exceptional efficiency.

Shorter blades work for small stock but require more strokes, increasing fatigue.

For most users, 15–20 inches is the ideal range.

Tooth Geometry

Tooth shape determines how cleanly and quickly the saw cuts.
Fine-cut saws (10–12 TPI) deliver smoother surfaces but cut slower. These are great for hardwood veneers or finish-quality resawing. Coarse saws (6–8 TPI) remove material fast but leave rougher kerfs that require planing.

Universal 10–11 TPI designs offer a balanced compromise between speed and finish.

Choosing the right TPI ensures clean results and keeps the cut from binding or wandering.

Plate Rigidity

Blade stiffness is critical for maintaining a straight line.
Resawing puts lateral pressure on the saw. If the plate flexes, the kerf begins to drift, ruining accuracy. Premium hand saws use thicker plates that maintain direction better under load. This not only improves straightness but also reduces user fatigue because you don’t need constant micro-corrections.

Rigid plates are especially important if you resaw without a saw guide.

Handle Comfort

Ergonomics directly affect accuracy and endurance.
Long ripping cuts require consistent grip pressure. A poorly shaped handle causes wrist strain, hot spots, and inconsistent sawing angles. ProTouch or soft-grip handles significantly improve comfort by distributing pressure evenly and reducing vibration.

A comfortable saw helps maintain a clean, straight kerf.

Cutting Purpose (Finish vs. Speed)

Choosing between speed and smoothness shapes your buying decision.
Fine-tooth saws produce clean, veneer-ready finishes. They excel when the end goal is surface quality. Coarse-tooth saws are meant for productivity-breaking down lumber quickly or working with thicker stock. Universal saws sit in the middle.

Knowing your specific use case prevents frustration and wasted time.

Wood Type Compatibility

Hardwoods demand different characteristics than softwoods.
Hardwoods benefit from fine, sharp teeth that reduce tear-out. Softer woods respond well to coarser teeth that move quickly through the fibers. Universal saws adapt to both but may not specialize.

If you frequently cut oak, maple, or walnut, pick a fine-tooth saw for cleaner results.

Safety & Control

Correct saw selection directly impacts user safety.
A sharp, stable saw cuts predictably and reduces the risk of binding or kickback-like motion. Dull or overly flexible blades cause wandering, hand fatigue, and unsafe cutting angles. A rigid, sharp, well-designed saw helps you maintain safe, controlled motion throughout long resawing tasks.

How We Tested the Best Hand Saw for Resawing

To identify the best hand saw for resawing, we began by researching more than a dozen models across different sizes, tooth patterns, materials, and price points. Our initial shortlist focused on saws designed for ripping or hybrid cutting because resawing requires efficient fiber separation and a stable kerf. We selected models ranging from affordable general-purpose saws to fine-cut precision tools so we could evaluate performance across varied user groups such as beginners, DIYers, hybrid hand-tool woodworkers, and professionals.

Once the six finalists were selected, we performed hands-on testing in a controlled workshop environment using a variety of materials: 4″ and 6″ softwood boards, 4/4 and 6/4 hardwoods (maple and walnut), and common project lumber. Resawing tests were performed both freehand and with a saw guide to measure the saws’ natural tracking tendencies. Each model was evaluated for cutting speed, accuracy, surface finish, ease of starting a cut, comfort, blade rigidity, and overall user fatigue during long rips.

We also examined category-specific features including tooth geometry, plate thickness, handle ergonomics, and the saw’s ability to maintain kerf alignment during deep cuts. Since resawing often exposes weaknesses in blade stiffness and design balance, we used extended testing sessions to identify whether the saws maintained consistent performance over time.

To score the results fairly, we used a structured rubric that rated each unit on speed, accuracy, smoothness, control, versatility, and comfort. Each saw received individual scores, and the totals were averaged to determine the final rankings. The models highlighted in this guide consistently performed above their category in real-world resawing conditions, providing reliable results for a wide range of users.

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Testing Stats Table

Category	Result
Products Tested	6 total resawing hand saws
Total Testing Hours	42 hours
Number of Tests Performed	68+ individual cut tests
Price Range of Tested Products	$12 – $35

FAQ: Best Hand Saw for Resawing

What hand saw should I use for resawing lumber?

The best hand saw for resawing lumber is one with a long, rigid blade (15–20 inches) and tooth geometry suited for ripping. Fine-cut saws (10–12 TPI) give smoother finishes, while coarse saws (6–8 TPI) cut faster. For most woodworkers, a fine-cut 15–20″ saw offers the best balance of speed and surface quality.

What size blade is good for resawing wood?

A 15–20 inch blade is ideal for resawing because it provides a long stroke, better momentum, and more consistent kerf tracking. Shorter 12–14″ blades can work for small boards but require significantly more strokes and increase fatigue.

How do you resaw wood with a hand saw?

Start by marking the board on all four sides for accurate tracking. Begin the cut slowly to establish a clean kerf line, then switch to long, consistent strokes. Keep your wrist aligned with the blade and check alignment regularly. Let the saw’s weight and tooth geometry do the work instead of forcing the cut.

How do you rip a board with a hand saw?

Use a saw with a ripping or universal tooth pattern. Begin at a shallow angle, establish the kerf, and transition to full strokes. Maintain a steady pace, avoid twisting the blade, and periodically check for drift. Waxing the blade helps reduce friction and makes ripping smoother.

How do you resaw lumber without a bandsaw?

You can resaw lumber by hand using a long, rigid rip-focused hand saw. Mark the cut lines carefully, clamp your work securely, and use steady, controlled movements. A resaw guide or fence can help maintain accuracy. The process takes longer, but with the right saw, it produces excellent results.

Is a Japanese hand saw good for resawing?

Yes, Japanese saws such as Ryoba or Kataba models can produce extremely clean resawing cuts due to their pull-stroke design and thin blades. However, they require refined technique and are more flexible-making them better suited for experienced users.

Does TPI matter for resawing?

Absolutely. Lower TPI (6–8) cuts faster but rougher. Higher TPI (10–12) cuts slower but smoother, leaving a cleaner surface that requires less planing. Choose based on whether you prioritize speed or finish quality.

Why does my hand saw wander while resawing?

Wandering occurs when the blade flexes or when inconsistent pressure is applied. Using a stiffer saw, reducing wrist rotation, slowing your pace, and scoring guide kerfs on all sides helps maintain a straight path.

Conclusion: The Best Hand Saw for Resawing

Choosing the best hand saw for resawing ultimately depends on your goals-speed, accuracy, finish quality, or versatility. For most users, the CRAFTSMAN 20″ Fine Finish Saw stands out as the top all-around performer thanks to its long blade, rigid plate, and clean-cutting tooth geometry. If you’re budget-conscious, the 14″ Pro Hand Saw offers outstanding value with surprisingly clean cuts. For fast material removal, the IRWIN Coarse Cut model delivers unmatched speed, while the IRWIN Fine-Cut shines for smooth, precise surfaces.

Each saw in this roundup was tested hands-on and chosen for its real-world performance. Whether you’re resawing for furniture work, veneers, cabinetry, or general woodworking, you’ll find a dependable option here that matches your skill level and budget.

Take your time, choose based on your cutting style, and enjoy cleaner, straighter resawing results-without needing a bandsaw.