HUGE 9 Saw Review and Comparison
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video we review and compare the Blue Spruce (x2), Lie Nielsen, Veritas, Bad Axe, Rob Cosman, Pax, Thomas Flynn, and Garlick $ Sons/Linx hand saws.
Links:
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My ranking:
1. Blue spruce dovetail
2. Lie Nielsen
3. Veritas fine tooth
4. Rob Cossman/Bad Axe
5. Bad Axe/Rob Cossman
6. Blue Spruce Gents (Hybrid, so not really fair to have it in the comparison lol)
7. Thomas Flinn (Tenon Saw, also may not be fair to have in this face-off lol)
8. Garlic & sons/Lynx
9. Pax
Any thoughts on the LN tapered versions? Thinking of ditching my cosman for a set of two of those. The saws seem to be the last holdover of when LN was affordable - like back in 2020 when their chisels were $50!
@robertgarvey5744 this was the tapered version I should have out that in the video! Sorry!
Thanks for trying to include hang angle! It was nice to see them all lined up. Merry Christmas and look forward to more videos!
Thank you for understanding!! I really wanted to but it would have added like 30 min to the video hahah
Merry Christmas!!!!
I love this video format. Super delightful. This is a super well-timed video for me because I've been considering buying a dovetail saw. Nice to know my own rankings are fairly in line with yours and Eric's. I'm surprised by the Bad Axe saw; hoping that's a one off problem. You might have convinced me to consider the Veritas fine tooth again.
Thank you! And that was actually very impressed with the Veritas. I didn't expect it to perform as well as it did against the others!!
You’re saying Jamie should have me in all his videos?
@@ericwhetstone5383 haha YES
@@ericwhetstone5383 I'm here for the Jamie and Eric show!
That would be boss!
Nice job boys! I have the utmost respect for Rob Cosman, what he does for vets and his skill as a woodworker. But, that resin handle is one of the most uncomfortable handles I've ever used. I only used the Bad Axe briefly at Handworks, so I couldn't give an honest opinion on it. Veritas is very comfortable and nicely priced, weirdly, so is the Lie Nielsen. I say weirdly, because not much from LN is easily affordable.
Don't forget...put some nice wax on those handles(wooden) to give them that soft/velvety feel. Again, nice job guys.
Thank you!!! And all great points!!! 100% gotta keep that Cottrill Wax on the bench!
Any chance each of you can put your overall favorite rankings in the notes? I know you spoke to it some but would be nice to see the full list.
Appreciate the review there’s tons to choose from. Tried a lot of those and my two favorite saws that feel the best and perform well are Bad Axe and Rob Cosman, so definitely all personal preference. The slight finger indent on the Cosman handle feels really good to me, and the handle feels more like smoothed/polished stone than plastic. The Bad Axe issue sounds more like an exception, my experience has been amazing with them. Hope they get back with you soon to resolve. One of these days hoping to enjoy a Blue Spruce Saw, love what they’re doing. Thanks so much for the review guys!
Ah that's a great idea! Yes I'll make a comment with my ranking and pin it. Should have done that lol
I am hoping the bad axe is a fluke I have heard good (and bad) things about them but deff didn't expect that. Imma talk to the guy that let me borrow these and once it's fixed I may be able to do a follow up video on the bad axe :)
I appreciate the honest feedback on the saws, especially the RC dovetail saw, as I was considering it. It's too bad that Blue Spruce isn't making dovetail saws at the moment.
Wait for them, they will be back :D
But if your in a hurry Veritas and LN are good too! Oh and the Blue Spruce gents saw is awesome. I have been reaching for it more and more tbh
@@BatCaveCreations I've been using the Veritas saw with 20 TPI to learn free-hand dovetails, and I really like it. However, I keep hearing people say that they couldn't believe the difference when they upgraded to a more expensive saw. So, I've been in the market to see if it's really worth the hype.
@chris-C8 that is very true :/ I started with veritas. Loved it but Blue Spruce us the best I've tried (manufactured). There are a few custom saw makers that are amazing but they are $$ lol
So I bought that little lynx saw. I really liked it as a beginner, mostly because I didn't have a good understanding of how to properly use a saw so I had really short strokes. Now.....don't like so much. It does come outta the cut when you try to use the whole blade and it's really not very comfortable to use. Don't know when or what I'm gonna try next but thanks for the info.
That is a good note and thank you for sharing your experience!
I was watching a video a couple weeks ago, and the guy used a saw similar to the Lynx for cutting half-blind dovetails. The angle of the handle and length made it perfect.
Oooh! That is a very good point!!! Thank you!
Fun to watch and very informative! I'm looking forwards to more videos like this. And I'm stil happy with my Veritas, which I selected based only on its hand-fit in the shop... 🤔
I was very impressed with the veritas and how it was able to stand with these big hitters!
LOVE this video !!!! Big Fan of all your content !! Keep up the GREAT work !!
Thank you!!!
Thanks for the video and both of your opinions.
I have a modern Lie-Nielsen and the handle is wider than the handle supplied on the previous Independence saw. I don't have small hands but the Independence saw just feels more comfortable to hold/handle than the LN does. I have a small dovetail saw from about 1820-1840 and that is by far the most comfortable handle of any saw I own. It's just an amazing fit.
Thank you! Yes I had one of their old ones to and it was very close to the size of the Blue Spruce. I'm not sure why they changed it :(
Just my 2 cents on that fine tooth progressive saw from Rob Cosman which I bought. That is a specialty saw for thin stock dovetailing not general purpose. That’s what I use it for. I didn’t buy it for 3/4 thick stock because yes, it would cut too slowly. I use it for 3/8 and 1/2 inch thick drawers etc.
Wait you only use the progressive part on thin stock?! I never though of that!
@@BatCaveCreations I start with the finer tip teeth but transition into a full stroke. The idea of the this saw with fine teeth overall is that thinner stock will be less likely to tear out.
@fredpierce6097 ah ok! Imma have to give it a try on thinner stock vs the others in the tpi/ppi range! I do see where the little teeth would help in think stock
Fun comparison video.
I' have so many vintage saws... some would say Way Too Many. 😂
My favorites that cut amazingly are sharpened by a guy in Santa Monica Ca and he uses a technique of sloping the gullets. I'm keeping one in unused condition just so that I can keep trying to resharpen my saws to an acceptable level for me. I could never come close to his sharpening technique.
Years ago I bought a Lie Neilsen Dovetail saw and have loved using it. Its almost too nice for me to bang around the shop with.
I noticed that Blue Spruce isn't selling their saws right now.
So, I ordered a couple of Rob Cosman';s saws. I haven't gotten them yet... so I'll have to wait to yell at you later. 😂 JK, I wouldn't yell at you, you're too nice!
I'll see how they work in comparison to the L-N and my vintage guys. It'll be hard to beat the vintage guys as they are super tuned.
That is a very very good point. A saws performance can change drastically with a good or bad sharpening.
A saw can be amazing out of the box but after the first sharpening it's 100% up to the sharpener on how it will perform!
And thank you for not yelling hahahahaha
@@BatCaveCreations You bet’cha! Have a great day and make some saw dust! 😃
@@pinkiewerewolf thank you!! You too!!!
Any chance for a more in depth review of the blue spruce in the future?
100% it's in the works! I'm back from break so I'll be working on it soon. I'm trying to see if I can set up a time to go out to Blue Spruce and talk to the maker to get all the technical details and such too :D
I know I’m yapping too much but here’s the thing; Paul Sellers prefers Gents Saws which most experts disdain and Shannon Roger’s of Renaissance Woodworker Channel hand tool instruction reknown dislikes all Veritas Saws. What is anyone to think? Simple… if your technique is good then any properly selected sharp saw will work well. But if your technique sucks or the saw setup has issues then no Boutique Diamond Studded Saw will seem adequate. Practice proper technique first and foremost!
100% agree!!!!!!!!
Hey! Thanks for the content! Couple of questions. Were these saws brand new and were they sharpened before the test?
Great question! They were all new enough to not need a sharpening. Well maybe the Pax needed sharpened but that was a new one hahaha
@@BatCaveCreationsI think we determined the pax performed OK crosscutting so it was more an issue of tooth geometry for what we were trying to do, not a need for sharpening.
@@ericwhetstone5383 a birdie is telling ne that Pax sells their saws unsharpened.... :(
How new was the Bad Axe? Always wanted one before Mark left the company, just wondering if quality has dropped at all since?
It was only 2 weeks old :( I'm getting mixed reviews now some saying they love them. Some saying they have a similar issue. And some saying quality went down hill when Mark left :(
Just my 2 cents…. I have been looking at the different dovetail saws. Love blue spruce tools but at this time they not making a dovetail saw. Love rob cosman , his knowledge,seems to be very honest and no bs. That being said we all wood guys. At his price point on his saw I would rather a wooden handle. Idk his handle may be better. But for me it’s a no go. Vertis seems to have the best offering when you look at price point and quality.
Thank you! I do agree with most of this!
It is a shame that blue spruce isn't selling saws right now of course it was like right after I posted these videos hahah
Veritas a great saws you will like them but as you advance you may want a faster cutting saw they can be on the slower side
...One thing about the Veritas is that sounds like most folks can't resharpen it. Also, for the Bad Axe I would recommend trying a smaller size. Now I wanna try the Blue Spruce! I have the Bad Axe stiletto saw and it doesn't curve. That would be a non-starter!
Ya idk if I'd want to resharpen it haha I think it uses like the Japanese style files. That would prob make a good video haha
I honestly was hoping bad axe would send a diff one while fixing that one but that didn't happen so I can't really compare it to another one of their products. I deff can't afford one hahah
I am very impressed with the blue spruce!
You'll like an upcoming video too! Imma teach my mom how to use a back saw and she will give her opinion on which is a good one for beginners!
@@BatCaveCreations That sounds cool. I will be watching. I think Dovetail saws are like marking knives.. .really personal for comfort and ease of use. Still fun to hear opinions though!
@@blayne2029 that is very true!!!
Did you see Blue Spruce discontinued the carcass and dovetail saws?
For now, they will be back :)
@@BatCaveCreations Ya, I got the email the other day. I wanted to get a carcass saw next month. I guess I will have to save money and suffer with a LN 😜
@SaintFredrocks hahahha noooo!!!
Thank you so much for this comparison! ❤
Never thought I‘d say that about any Veritas product but in the end, it does look like the best budget choice in terms of value for money 😮😊
Recently stumbled upon your channel and now it seems like I just can‘t watch anything else any more😮 - just such a great content!
Kudos!!❤
Haha trust me I quickly became addicted to Veritas in doing all these reviews and now Bluw Spruce is becoming addictive haha
Thank you!! Welcome to the tool geek out sessions lol
Interesting. I really liked the Veritas 20 TPI on softwoods, but it took forever on maple.
Thats crazy! The testing cuts were on 1" thick hard maple. The real speed clip of it was on that 1" thick maple too!
@@BatCaveCreations maybe mine was too dull
@@blayne2029 that is possible :( sent it to me I'll experiment sharpen on it hahahhahha
Very surprised about how low Rob Cosman came had no idea he produces saws with plastic handles,thanks for the heads up.
I was too to be honest :( and to be fair they are a resin something handle but looks and feels like plastic lol
He chooses resin for the heavier weight.
Thank you for making this video !
What a great video so much great information thanks for sharing
Thank you! I'm glad it helped!!!
I ended up going down the Bad Axe path, and still not regrets. One of the main reasons is that if it gets dropped, the entire saw isn't ruined because the folded back allows it to be tuned up again, or have the plate swapped out. The curve should be fixable, if the back isn't dead straight or uniform in clamping then they have a duty to fix that. In terms of a handle finish that will look perfect forever, the Blue Spruce wins. Nothing will preserve the timber better than being infused with resin, I own one of their mallets. They are pushing the envelope with a friction fit in a milled slot in the back spine too.
2 great points! That is a benefit to the folded back and the resin infused handles on the blue spruce will make the finish last forever!
My Bestie Takeaway from all this: “Different Strokes For Different Folks”…😂😅😊
Hahaha deff! The top saws were so close preference is gonna play a role imo!
with the Bad Axe, pulling to one side, means the set is too heavy on that side.
It is, but we also ran into the issue of the plate not being straight. It is bowed both length wise and width wise, so it needed to be sent back. :(
@@BatCaveCreations Bad axe are one of the few companies that uses folded back, didn´t help to tap it??
@OrangeGeemer I did try that too, no luck and the flick of the metal sounded inconsistent along the length. I thunk it has a few issues haha
I have an order for 3 bad axe saws (they should be here during January), now I´m scared.
Ooh I'm hoping this one is just a fluke! But check the plates best way to do that is to cut full depth and then try lifting it up out of the cut that's how I discovered the issues with this one :(
Love all my Bad Axe saws, you’ll love them!
@@BatCaveCreations Can you explain a little bit more how you asses your saw ? I bought a Badaxes crosscut saw last spring and never been able to cut strait with it. Also it seams to catch and get stuck super easily. To the point where I now use my tenon saw to make my crosscut joinery (an other badaxe witch I love). At the beginning I thought it was my technique but now I wonder...
@pier-oliviermoreau4374 Dang! I am sorry to hear that. what I do is I cut full depth with the saw as far as the saw can go cut all the way. then look at that cut if it is curved. If there is that's an issue. the other thing you can check is the set. feel set on both sides if it feels heavy on one side that's an issue. the last thing is to actually take a square or a straight edge to the plate to see if the plate is straight on both sides and length wise and width wise. Every time I get a saw I do those 3 things to really assess it. Make sure that it's ok
@@BatCaveCreations Thanks for the help ! ... Well, I'm happy (and sad) to say, I wasn't crasy. I just did the 3 tests and they are all positive. I will check with BA and hope.
Shane Skelton, buy once.
RIP or cross cut, different task. Accuracy above speed!
I know me personally I'd never be able to buy a Skelton. They cost over $1k :(
You don't need a high TPI crosscut saw. Rip is going to cut just as clean. Well, it should if the saw is any good.
The Pax is supposed to be a gents saw, however when i use mine I become ungentlemanly and use profanities. Misleading saw.
Veritas fine tooth is my go to saw not just dovetails but other joinery too.
I came, I saw, I left a comment
Hahaha that is a PERFECT was to explain the Pax!
I was very impressed by the veritas! Price point too on it! Tho I tried not to talk about price haha
I retoothed one to 15 ppi and it is wonderful.
The Pax saw?
@@BatCaveCreations Whops. senior brain fart, meant to say Crown gents. My favorite dovetail now.
20:55 - That's what she said! 😂
Hahaha I knew there would be one and I'm glad it was you! Hahaha