The 10 Best Crosscut Saws

The GreatNeck N2610 (around $21) performs nearly like a ripsaw, as it has a very aggressive cutting motion. You might leave a rough edge or two behind, but you're unlikely to run into a piece of lumber that's capable of putting up much of a fight against it for long.

You won't want to use the Gyokucho Dotsuki Takebiki (about $45) to slice through cords of lumber all day long, but you can't do better when it comes to making smaller cuts. Anyone attempting to build cabinets or other fine furniture should consider it.

The Lynx WCLH26 (appx. $140) is handmade by an experienced craftsman, ensuring it has a sturdy blade with a razor-sharp edge by the time it reaches your hands. Go ahead and be rough with it, too, as the brass mounting bolts will keep everything in place.

The WilFiks Pro (around $24) is incredibly versatile for round-the-house use, whether that means trimming trees, cutting pipes, or chopping up firewood. It has deep gullets to dispose of any chips quickly, as well as sap grooves to keep things from becoming a sticky mess.

The Japanese-style Z-Saw Crosscut (around $35) looks so elegant you may be loathe to use it at all. You shouldn't worry about putting it to work, though, as the sharp 9.5-inch cutting edge can chew through both hard and soft woods with ease.

This selection from Kings County Tools (around $85) is extremely easy for one person to handle, as you can shorten your strokes and you won't have to deal with a bunch of excess steel wobbling at the other end. It's best suited for larger jobs where a little roughness is acceptable.

If you're trying to fell a tree, you'll need the Lynx Two-Man (appx. $180) — and a friend. Made from sturdy British steel, it lets you make long, deep strokes that will chew through heavy logs in no time. Just be sure to get out of the way before that big oak topples over.

It won't win any awards for beauty, but the Great Neck PL15 (appx. $11) is a low-cost, high-performance model that's more than capable of meeting most DIY needs. It's small enough to fit in many toolboxes, but it won't take up much wall space if you decide to hang it instead.

If you mostly just need to tidy up your garden and trim some trees, the Mainpoint Pull Grip (about $18) will help you get it done neatly and quickly. It's only a foot long, so it won't take up much space in your shed, and it comes with a replacement blade.

The Suizan Ryoba (appx. $45) is probably unlike any model you've seen before, but don't let that put you off. It's extremely versatile, as one side is designed for crosscuts while the other can be used for rip cuts, ensuring you're prepared for any job that comes along.