Handsaws: Expensive = sharper longer??
Hi. I occasionally use a handsaw for small tasks where it's not worth the trouble to get out the power tools.
The inexpensive handsaws I find at Home Depot (~ $15.) are wonderfully sharp and work well for this. But they're dull after only about a year of occasional use.
These handsaws are so inexpensive that it's easier to just replace them than get them sharpened, but I hate tossing the old ones.
MY QUESTION FOR YOU FOLKS: If I buy an expensive handsaw, does that mean it will stay sharp longer? Or does the money go to pay for other improvements in the saw?
Thank you very much.
will go back to the old ones...
I appreciate this thread--it has been most instructive. I have about 10 old saws now that I have waiting in the wing until I can get the right files to get them sharpened.
Most are disston. some sandvik and some atkins.
Some of the sandviks appear about new and cut rather well. I am glad I read the thread, because it have been most distressed regarding old vs new saws with regards to cut speed. I rescnetly bought a Stanly "sharp tooth 9 point." It cuts through all normal wood like butter. Great bang for the buck with my 4 year old son to cut soft-wood 2 X 4s--dont worry about him bending it and he can actually get through one on his own.
This saw cost about 17$, I think. I have found it to be the saw I go to for most of my rough projects--building workbenches for the kids, shelves, racks, etc. Have been down in that I thought it would be difficult to mess with the old saws given a cheap new one that is this good. The thread has inspired me to a different perspective--thanks for the original post and the answers to the same.
Jeff