Make your Own Backsaw

A well tuned backsaw can be a valuable weapon in your war against the wood. ;)
Making your own saw can be a fun project to make and use. You are not constrained in design or purpose and can have fun with it. My saws may not be your cup of tea, but seeing how I make mine might inspire you to try it for yourself.
Whether you are buying a new saw from one of many saw makers who produce great tools or building your own, you should know how to care for it, how it is made and how to sharpen it and keep it sharp.
Here is a list of companies I received materials from for making my saws, but you can just as easily get an old saw and refurbish or re-purpose it.
Saw handle and tooth geometry print outs as well as slotted brass backs, files and nuts.
www.blackburntools.com
www.tgiag.com
www.toolsforworkingwood.com
www.travers.com
www.mansiontools.com
1095 Tempered steel shim stock for making the blade.
www.lyonindustries.com
www.mansiontools.com
www.travers.com
Instruction and tips;
www.thesawwright.com
www.blackburntools.com
www.badaxetoolworks.com
Other videos;
Matt Cianci the saw wright.
• Video
• Video
Paul Sellers sharpening tips
• How to Sharpen a Woodw...
Lie-Nielsen Backsaw
• Saws Part 1: Saw Techn...
My blog;
bearkatwood.blo...
I hope that this video inspires you to try your hand at making your own saw.
Please be safe and follow all safety procedures in using the tools in your shop. These videos are for inspiration and not intended for instruction, though this episode has a bit more than some of my than others. Be creative and try something new!
Thank you very much for watching!
Be sure to send me pictures of your finished project, I would love to see and share what you have made.
Email me a picture at [e-mail]
Have fun woodworking!!

[@archenemy1124]

"Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing". That's one of the best pieces of wisdom I've heard.

[@jamesopell]

Occasionally you run across a great craftsman, and sometimes you run across a great artist, but rarely do you run across a person so possess both and shares it with others.......Thanks....

[@bearkatwood6354]

Wow, that was very nice of you to say. I appreciate it very much. Thanks for watching.

[@VinlandAlchemist]

Bruh, I hope you realize how ineffably *invaluable* the level of educational content this video has provided us - thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, for providing this information. For all of us "makers" in this world, you are a True Knight among men. I have no words for my appreciation. Damned good job, Good Sir Brian! :)

[@bearkatwood6354]

So glad to hear, I have plans to make a new version with even more.

[@WoodByWright]

I love the Brass Angle on the file! that is a sweet idea! Love this video. I will defiantly be coming back to it from time to time!

[@howdy9433]

what a kind and generous person. thank you for this video!

[@YoHeroZero]

Have you been featured in one of those fancy magazines? I could see Fine Woodworking Magazine picking up one of your saws and just falling to pieces over them. In the day that I have had your "Thin Medium Curly Maple Dovetail Slotted" dovetail saw, I am just BLOWN away by the quality and attention to detail that you put into the functional piece of art. I couldn't find a single machining mark on the darn thing. I am so overwhelmingly pleased and impressed with your craftsmanship. Thank you.

[@bearkatwood6354]

How very kind of you to say and to that end you might want to pick up a copy of the upcoming FineWoodworking Magazine ;) So glad to hear you liked my work, it is a learning experience and each one is a progression from the next. Thank you.

[@clark57225]

The longer I watched, the more I liked it. The more I saw of your work, the more I understood and admired it. Thank you for introducing me to a wonderfully creative, yet completely useful interpretation of the back saw. Thumbs up.

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you very much.

[@cheeriosboy]

Anything worth doing, is worth over-doing. Genius.

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much Brian!!!

[@bearkatwood6354]

+Matthew Cremona You got it brother! My pleasure.

[@rtwg605]

I came here to learn about how to cut saw teeth. That explanation was beyond A. W. E. S. O. M. E., and the only detailed explained found. But I also thoroughly enjoyed the other details. Great stuff!!

[@bearkatwood6354]

very glad to hear. always happy to answer questions if I can.

[@bearkatwood6354]

A year and a half and I have learned a little bit about saws ;) I hope to keep learning about them and improving in making them. I thank you all for your orders and hope to make saws for all who would like them, but remember I am a woodworker. Not a tool maker. So if you can make your own or order from Bontz or Bad Axe I would appreciate it. But if you just have to have a saw from me I understand and would be happy to make you one.

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have one of these!!!! Super nice!

[@bearkatwood6354]

you can email me at [e-mail] and we will see what we can do ;)

[@bobakleh1397]

I never comment on videos, but let me just say that I love all your videos. Very inspirational and beautiful work. I'm 23 and am passionate about woodworking. Your videos keep me motivated. Keep it up.

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you very much, I hope to keep going.

[@GaryDeans03]

I have been getting inspiration on KZbin for my woodwork projects for years. I've got to say I've not yet seen such a humble woodworker yet that produces such amazing quality products. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎅🏻

[@bearkatwood6354]

That is an amazing compliment, thank you so very much. I have had so many trials in woodworking and I don't feel I qualify to have an ego about it. I will try to keep putting out some good stuff if I can. Thanks again.

[@oakleyjack7600]

I love that you put your own ideas into the design, they turned out awesome. It kind of takes the spunk out of my idea of taking a 10" drywall knife, cutiing teeth into it and taking the handle off and mounting it on the end like a Gent saw. See you over@ LJs

[@bearkatwood6354]

+The Turtle Carpenter That could make a very useful tool. Make it well and you have something!

[@keirfarnum6811]

Great explanations and diagrams on explaining saw tooth geometry. Thanks for sharing!

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you very much for watching, I should really do an updated version.

[@wmwalkerco]

That was incredible! Well done, sir! I might have to try one but I doubt mine will come anywhere near how nice yours are. Really inspirational!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Nice, this is the first video I've seen of anyone making a saw, let alone a back-saw. Beautiful work.

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you for your comment and watching, I hope it was helpful.

[@thomasarussellsr]

BearKat Wood very, now I'm thinking I can make my ow saws as well as my own planes, chisels, hammers, and other tools. All I need now is a forge and a lot of practice. I have always succeeded to a pretty good extent when I set my mind to something. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@bearkatwood6354]

You bet, I hope to see what you create.

[@rustytchernis5023]

I think I will try to put a wood half back on one of my old panel saws. Thank you for the inspiration

[@greg6107]

Matthew this is so awesome, what a talented guy you are. Thank you 10 times for sharing !

[@bearkatwood6354]

Your comment made my day, thank you.

[@imNscale]

I bow to your ability and talents - the stuff you do is amazing! How 'bout a video on your saw vise - it is one of the nicest I've ever seen!

[@bearkatwood6354]

+Mike Quinn Sounds like a fun one.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Thanks Brian, I enjoy working on my saws and gathering up information on how to.

[@MartyOfAllTrades]

Man, you make it look awesome.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

One more comment on the saws i personally really think the wood baked look really sharp it adds a entire new or a signature look to A truly one of a kind saw I have been a professional Woodworker, hobbyist, and a Wood boat restorer through out my life. And i dont think many things. Can be cooler than designing and building your own specialty saw as you do at the moment i am between workshops but am looking foward. To getting a new one set up. And building one for myself

[@matthewezell1911]

Invaluable resource. Definitely going to try my hand at this.

[@bearkatwood6354]

Love to see how it turns out if you do, thank you for watching, glad to hear it was helpful.

[@MindfullyMindy]

I'm Digging on that surf guitar. Nicely done.

[@boudreaumay3040]

BearKat I really enjoyed your video and has really inspired me to add this project to my new shop. I still have a few things to go but I'm getting more hyped day and night ! Thank you for sharing and I'm sure I'll be watching more and more of your beeeautiful work. Kentucky new friend Boudie !

[@AndrewMorgan666]

Thee most inspirational and informative saw making video out there - a one stop help.

[@roncrandall]

That was a great video! I've never seen anyone make a saw by hand. Love the design! Thanks for the video.

[@NickFerry]

Amazing Brian, simply amazing!

[@mmd1957]

I doubt I will ever get round to making a saw but it was great to see how you went about making yours, many thanks for an informative and interesting video, well done!

[@bobbystanley8580]

Why has this channel not been recommended to me sooner?!?!

[@DesandSam]

Yeah, me too; saw Jay Bates vlog about his new saws. Came to watch the vid and subscribed to remind me to watch some more of your content (I can't watch 'em now, it's 11:50pm in the UK and I've got work in the morning! )

[@donesry2902]

Thank you! I really enjoyed this video. I don’t know if I will ever make my own saw or not but I really enjoyed the video

[@mikescncshop]

Brian, I have used citric acid powder from the grocery store to remove bluing from my saw plate stock. I use about a teaspoonful in a plastic container with enough water to cover the plate. In 30 seconds or so, the blue is completely gone. I think I paid around $2 for a bottle. The hardest part is finding a container that will hold a saw plate flat.

[@bearkatwood6354]

+Mike Higgins I have used that too, I had the bluing remover left over from a gun stock build I did. It seemed to work very fast and did a thorough job so I have stuck with it, but it stinks. Thanks. I agree about the container.

[@jackdiller9087]

If you're gonna go through the effort of making your own things, you might as well make them a work of art. Quality job.

[@bearkatwood6354]

I completely agree, thanks for watching.

[@jackdiller9087]

Subscribed, too! Excited for your new videos :]

[@larscw74]

You could make a sled for the dremel, so you can make perfect straight lines which would save you a lot of time. It's pretty cool to see the whole process of how you make your saws.

[@cornflake73]

a wonderful legacy to hand down to your kids or grand-kids.

[@bearkatwood6354]

The saw making or the videos, I think both would be fun to hand down. I can just see my family sitting around laughing at how goofy grandpa was down the road.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

That's awesome, I just ordered some of the same steel for a project. I kinda want to make my own saw now lol.

[@bearkatwood6354]

+Dema's WoodShop Send me pics when you do and I will share them. Thanks Dema! I will get another sticker on to you next week.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT video Brian. You do exceptional work and should be very proud of what you do. How, why and what you did was very easy to follow as well.

[@icespeckledhens]

Nice little tutorial on saw making, thanks

[@Coolride1000]

I really enjoyed watching your video on how you make hand saws. Very informative.

[@rickl.orchids]

......fantastic show, ...has to be some of the best info out there........and turning out exceptionally built hand tools..........well done!! thanks for sharing your knowledge........

[@emanuelchavez8444]

Awesome video, those saws look prestine!!!

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you.

[@davidgagnon2849]

That saw is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your talents!

[@stephenrioles7554]

Well done, man! I have a couple of handles that i need to make for some old Disstons. I messed up a couple of "trial handles" so I've been nervous to cut into any of my cherry stock. That tip about making a spacer for a flush cut handsaw really just made my day. Can't wait to give it a try! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@bearkatwood6354]

Sure thing, if you have followed me on Instagram you might have seen the jig that I made that I use for slotting my saws. Hope it turns out well, Take care.

[@adamtheroofer3659]

I’ve watched this probably 5 times. I really think you are amazing. I will be making a few saws. I have some ideas. I hope one day to let you know how much inspiration I took from you!

[@danielpetersen6826]

Brian, congrats! Your saws looks like a golden treasure! I wish someday I'll be able to have a set of yours. Unfortunately, here in Brazil we pay a lot for crap stuff and even more in taxes, dutys, fees and shipping to import nice stuff. Hope that changes one day... Anyway, keep doing what you're doing! We need that level of craftsmanship in the things that surround us. Cheers!

[@timothyplumley6004]

This video is done well, especially for the beginners out here( myself top of that list) thank you... hand tools are cooler than crappy schools....go hardwork.

[@Three_Eyed_Willy]

Beautiful work!!!!

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you!

[@mwrcrft]

I saw that you have quite make any more saws and I can see why they look great but a whole lotta work.

[@robertberger8642]

Excellent video, thanks for making and sharing it!

[@MickyDan]

totally amazed at your work. truly inspiring.

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

Very cool way you presented this video. Really enjoyed it friend. Liked and subscribed

[@NokneesLooney]

thank you for responding have a merry Christmas .

[@MikeKapotsy]

I am going to have to get my hands on one of these saws at some point. These things are awesome. I am planning my traditional bench build this summer then onto hand tools! Wow, beautiful work Brian.

[@bearkatwood6354]

+Mike Kapotsy Yeah! You got be one of the cool kids, Matt cremona has one, Jay Bates will have two soon.. Better get your order in ;) Take care brother.

[@MikeKapotsy]

BearKat Wood it's not in the budget right now Brian, but I'll work it in at some point after my bench build. They are just beautiful saws.

[@RobinLewisMakes]

A lot of great info, didn't realise so much goes into the way the teeth work

[@HHGdrums]

Here because of jay Bates. love what you do

[@vladovarbanov7751]

Thanks for the amazing video.That was an autstanding job sir. I think for that fleam and slope angles, some kind of attachment to the jig can be made. Something like a bed of bearings and a pivoting point with a tightening mechanism to rotate the file up/down and left/right.It will be sweet to work with something like that.

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Historically there were many such jigs, you find them now and again on eBay. Thanks for watching.

[@adamthielman]

Thank you for sharing your craft with us...looks like a fun little project to try!

[@TobiPHartmann]

Great video Love the look Thank you

[@androidgameplays4every13]

This video is one of my biggest inspirations, thank you.

[@garryevans3594]

thank you very informative presentation. your craftmanship is incredible.

[@GnatManAllinCoIronWorks]

That was Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your love of tools. Makes me think I might just be able to do something like this. Just Awesome! C-Ya!,,,Peace!

[@coreyhiggins621]

Wow! Brian, these saws are works of art! I love the unpretentious style of your videos even though I get the imprecision you're pretty much an expert. If nothing else, it's apparent you have really done your research and have had lots of practice. A very motivational and very inspiring presentation. Bravo! Just one question, what type of band saw blade do you use to cut the brass back?

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you very much for the nice comment. The blades I use for cutting brass are usually a 1/4" 6-8tpi raker carbide bit. Here is a site that has a nice chart on metal cutting bandsaw blades. Cheers. www.americanmachinetools.com/band_saw_blades.htm

[@robertbrunston5406]

Nicest saws I have ever seen! Thank you.

[@nmssis]

this was cool...thanks for sharing!

[@mannyj6616]

I love your videos, they are very educational. Could you please add a video or post the instructions on how to build that wooden holder to sharpen the hand saws.

[@bearkatwood6354]

I made that open source for people that have sketchup. You can download the pattern here 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/62648d86-3096-4125-8f22-3ce3f6d71a41/BearKat-Saw-Vise I would lower the tightening bolt by about 1-2" so you can get a full sized plate in, but it is a nice vise. Thanks.

[@BrianMcCauleyDesign]

Great video man. I might have to give this a try. Found you through Cremona!

[@andrewreid4337]

Beautiful craftsmanship! Also great video, 26mins flew by. Concise, well shot and superb woodworking. Bear

[@bearkatwood6354]

Wow, thank you very much. Greta compliment!!

[@user-io9ln1or7c]

Thank you Sir Thank for detailed explanation.🎉🎉🎉

[@1959Berre]

Ever considered adding checkering to the handle, like a gun stock? Feels wonderful, it really does.

[@shanejohnson800]

Your a beast I wanna buy one

[@mrrickardmartensson]

that was some good inspiration :) many thanks from Sweden

[@rickhall4318]

I'm 59 and I now have a man crush! Dude, where did you find the Sawmaking Essentials book? Really loving your work! Thanks!

[@strange-universe]

this has inspired me to do something, not sure what as yet, but definitely something, thanks

[@MrVinceb]

So good!

[@johndoe1765]

BEAUTIFUL WORK AND GREAT INFORMATION THANK YOU .

[@lylekobberstad8571]

Beautiful saws you make. Newer subscriber but just found out about this video from Jay Bates's video today showing the saws you built for him. Your video is so informative, definitely full featured video and you have a way of demystifying information and processes. Thanks for another great inspirational and informative video.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Beautiful Brian

[@bearkatwood6354]

+The ShavingWood Workshop Thank you so much, glad you liked it.

[@berniehayes286]

Great ,learnt a lot,thanks,

[@MattFriedrichs]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@smudgiebear6451]

Wow dude, your work is awesome and love your designs. I loved this video a true craftsman at work. Thank you for sharing

[@neuhaus59]

plain and simple.... Awsome !!!

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

Awesome saw my brother I love it later :)

[@lindamayo8051]

excellent work..like your style my freind..this is john..linda's husband...working for 44 yrs in wood and assorted stuff...NEVER made me a saw though...hmmmmm...might give her a wirl..im subscribed now..so i'll get your new postings..(not good at computer stuff..grrrr)..keep up good work!! john S m..

[@GuysShop]

Beautiful work Brian. I have been looking at carcass saws. I may have to give this a try if I can find the time. Thanks for the informative video!

[@999Eikes]

Amazing video

[@vaulimere]

Great video and lovely saws. Thanks for sharing this.

[@robertenglish8847]

thanks for sharing, you made it look easy

[@mariotoro460]

Bellos trabajos waww.me gusta esos serruchos waww.100 puntos bien ganados.usted es un másters.

[@norm1124]

great video, viewed it from the beginning to the end!

[@libertywayranch2424]

Beautiful and amazing work!

[@tomaswolsink7620]

very Nice video and good craftmanship !!!

[@benchtopwoodworks]

Gorgeous saws man! thanks for making this video!

[@RobRobertson1000]

Thanks, really inspiring!

[@jenniferwhite6089]

i just watch matthew cremona channel what a awesome hand saw and scaper you make for him

[@bearkatwood6354]

Thank you very much, I enjoy making them.

[@carlostoro2768]

I have spent months researching how to build a table saw and discovered a fantastic resource at Wilfs wood blueprint (google it if you're interested)

[@jenniferwhite6089]

thats awesome

[@artconnolly9519]

awesome video brother alot of great info thank you for sharing.

[@anthonychavez3742]

Way too cool.....WOW