This test evaluated 11 Western-style dovetail saws, from $10 to $125. I used each one extensively in cherry, oak, and maple, making cuts with the grain and across it. I observed how fast each saw cut, the ease with which it started a cut, how smooth the saw was throughout the cut, and how well it tracked a line. I also checked the saw’s quality of construction and ergonomics.

The handle on the Pax 1776 saw, made of English elm, was the most comfortable of the pistol-grip saws I tested, and its hang was the most to my liking. Its back is hefty and holds the long blade rigidly and in tension. The saw cut aggressively and fast, but it was a bit difficult to start and made for a rougher cut. However, the extra blade length allows for a long, efficient stroke, and the saw became a favorite of mine.

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