You’d think what with “carbide” this and “lithium” that, modern technology would sound the death knell for the humble handsaw. Not so fast. You’d be cutting yourself short if you ditched your Disston. Power tools still have their place, and one might assume they’d be the go-to tool for the six jobs below. But my experience has proven that these tasks can be more capably managed by hand. Even as the technology advances, I go back to handsaws more than ever before. By “handsaw,” unless otherwise noted, the tool I’m talking about is a hybrid tool. The saw in my toolbox, a Stiletto, cuts on the push stroke (like an western-style saw) as well as the pull stroke (like the Japanese style). Many “tool-box saws” have this configuration, which speeds up cuts while sticking with the traditional wood handle.
Related Posts

Before you start applying stain to a treasured wood dresser, make sure you’ve prepped the wood properly. Here’s how to stain wood furniture.



Mark and Theresa are taking you inside the sneak preview launch of Stanley Tools new tools in New York City where they will be talking…
I learned a lot about Popular Mechanics Editor Roy Berendsohn while we worked together building a fence at Popular Mechanics’ Rebuilding Together Philadelphia project. Actually,…



One of my favorite things about pergolas is how unique they can be. Each one, while built on the same principles, can look vastly different….



MyFixitUpLife talk broadcasts from DaVinci Roofscapes‘ breathtaking display at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Our interest is peaked by the big time beauty…



Top tips for getting the best results when working on a tile project? Check them out here. It’s true, I’ve put down a lot of…
MyFixitUpLife radio show: Power Up w/ Tech + Design It’s HoHoHo and there you go time … so what if the days are getting shorter….



Interested in making a dumbwaiter? Check out Mark’s design in Popular Mechanics magazine for an awesome How-To. For more by Popular Mechanics click here. Or search…



Mark and Theresa broadcasted live from the Ironclad Technical Workwear forge at the National Hardware Show. We grind the gears with Popular Mechanic’s outstanding, real…



May 27, 2010: Mark & Theresa talk un-Desperate Landscapes, answering your questions about buying a pro-grade weedwacker, options for building a backyard patio, and…
MyFixitUpLife radio show August 7, 2010 Mark and Theresa are broadcasting from a Rebuilding Together Philadelphia project in the Wister section of Germantown in Philadelphia…



A pergola can be the perfect backyard oasis, but they’re also fun to build. They’re a perfect blend of big honkin’ timbers, some pretty neat…



Ever wonder who created the original design makeover show? On this MyFixitUpLife talk show rewind, we’re talking with him on this episode. Find out why…
Mark & Theresa talk about the upcoming Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and Popular Mechanics magazine volunteer project. From energy audits, cool roofs, and solar water heater…
As a tyke I remember clamping a hunk of wood into my grandfather’s bench vise and cutting blocks. Later, it was fixing and building bikes…