I'm looking for suggestions on durable hand saws that won't break the bank since I'm planning to donate them to a classroom-like setting. These saws will be used by kids, and I expect they'll get some rough treatment, like hitting nails and general misuse. The current saws they have are practically useless – they seem to just give the wood a bit of a massage instead of cutting it! So, what's a good pick for this kind of environment where longevity and cost are both important?
3 Answers
For a classroom full of kids, I'd say those Japanese-style pull saws with impulse-hardened teeth are your best bet. They can handle a lot of abuse without needing constant sharpening. Just be ready for some broken teeth here and there!
If you're considering hand saws, I recommend checking out the Tools For Working Wood Gentleman's Dovetail Saw. It's pretty durable for class settings. For other cuts, just grab a ryoba from a hardware store—it holds up well!
You might want to go for Veritas saws. They strike a good balance between cost and quality. Plus, if the instructor teaches the kids how to take care of them, they can last a while!

Thanks for that tip! Sounds like a good plan for the kids.