Handsaws: Curved VS Straight

[MasterBlaster]

I'm done with the curved blades, it's all straightness from now on. Curved blades just don't cut it in the real world.

Can I get an amen?

 

[Mr. Sir]

Really? I've never used a straight handsaw in a tree.

I guess I'll have to try one now.

 

[Wagnaw]

I've never bothered with a straight blade either.

What the big deal?

 

[top hopper]

Depends on what Im cutting, but 90% of the time a curved blade suits me best.

 

[Al Smith]

I've got one that must be 3 feet long,it belonged to my pappy . It's a curved one but I stop short of using anything that expends that much energy from my tired old bod . Although the old boy does have a Silky in the garage that cuts pretty good for a handsaw . Tricky SOB to sharpen but the old boy could get-er-done .

 

[Paul B]

I have a few of each but I surely prefer the curved, whats the news MB?

 

[top hopper]

whats the news MB?

In a few days he'll send it back or sell it just like the Gecks.

 

[sotc]

Haha, I started with a straight blade and when I used a curved blade it felt really weird. Think I prefer the curved but it could be just what i have grown accustomed to

 

[Wagnaw]

Straight may be nice for finishing back cuts. Curved blades always leave it extra thick in the middle, which sucks, if you need the hinge sides to hold.


MB better pipe up, lest he feel old! The only two dudes who voted for straight blades are over fifty.

 

[arborworks1]

I can't say that I have used a straight blade myself. Always had the curved zubats. I'm curious why the big deal,Butch?

 

[SkwerI]

The last straight blade handsaw I used said 'Stanley' on the handle. These days I don't use one often enough to make a difference.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

I can see where a straight for finishing the back cut would be nice.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Straight may be nice for finishing back cuts.

Thank you.

And there's no "may" to it.

The last straight blade handsaw I used said 'Stanley' on the handle.

As long as it reads Silky, you're on the right path.

These days I don't use one often enough to make a difference.

I wouldn't go to work w/o mine.

 

[Paul B]

so is that a Natanako? I cant make out the length.... just in case a donation is at hand, I dont want to donate tools the boss wont use, if you know what I mean

 

[brendonv]

I regularly finish my topping back cuts with the handsaw, and sometimes I wish I had the straight blade. For some reason I think they would just feel funny.

 

[MasterBlaster]

For some reason I think they would just feel funny.

There's no 'some reason' to it. It's pure physical mechanics. The straight blades cut a more uniform path.

so is that a Natanako?

Yes sir!

 

[arborworks1]

I have always thought of my handsaw as a good insurance policy. Always have one. Even have a pocketboy in my hiking backpack.

No more derailing,I promise.

 

[Wagnaw]

Curved is nice though cause it pulls itself into the cut, so you don't have to push with your wrist as much.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I used to think that, too.

 

[Wagnaw]

If I didn't like my Ibuki so much, I'd try a straight edge.

 

[MasterBlaster]

The Ibuki has too of an aggressive tooth pattern, IMO.

 

[fallguy]

Can't give you a opinion. I only have used a curved one.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Well, it's nice you posted.

 

[squisher]

Then count me in too. I've only used curved, so I'm not voting. I have thought about getting a straight blade, but I've actually never used a handsaw to finish a backcut, but I have a bucket so only climb when I need to. In the bucket I only have a handsaw around if I'm pruning.

 

[Koa Man]

A couple of months ago I changed from the Kanzawa curved to the Kanzawa straight blades. Straight blades are especially good with you need to take off mature coconuts one by one. The curved blade sometimes cuts the stem of a coconut you can't see, then oops, the unexpected nut drops.

They are a little slower cutting than the curved, but they can get in and make a cut in tighter places.

At this point I don't think I'll go back to curved, especially since I have only 1 curved replacement blade, which I am keeping for the pole saw, and 5 of the straight replacements.