The Traditional Tools Group Inc.

Before going into the actual manufacture of a handsaw, it is as well to realise the essential qualities of a good saw. Apart from the obvious necessity of sharp teeth sharpened to the correct shape and set, it must have teeth which will retain their sharpness for as long as possible yet not be so hard that a file will not touch them ; it must have spring so that it will return to its true shape after being accidentally buckled ; its cutting edge must be under tension (for reasons explained later) ; and it must be slightly thinner at the end and back edge so that it clears easily in the kerf.