Razor Saws
The razor saw is an incredibly useful tool for the hobbyist who is looking to do a lot of conversion work. A very small backsaw having very finely-pitched crosscut teeth, often with no set. The Razor saw is used by hobbyists, notably model aircraft, model boat, and model rail-road enthusiasts. Razor saws typically use disposable blades (or are occasionally designed to be completely disposable), since their teeth are so small as to be impractical to re-sharpen. Unlike most other types of backsaws, razor saws are also frequently used to cut plastics and soft metals.
On some materials (resin pewter, some rubbers) the blade may bind. If possible you can use a bit of wax on the edge of the blade to keep it from binding in these materials.
The saws are available with different tooth per inch counts (tpi) and with different height and width blades. The strengthened back is considerably wider than the saw blade. Miter boxes are generally chosen that will allow your blade to clear the box slot. If you will be using the saw mainly for cutting angled cuts in a miter box, buy your saw as a mitre set.
The saws are available with changeable blades, but these tend to move in the handle more than fixed handle saws. For precision work, fixed handle saws are preferable.
Pros
- Very thin cutting blades are strengthed with a wrapped top
- Available in a range of depths and tooth numbers
- Most are pull saws (work on pull stroke)
- Inexpensive and easy to maintain
Cons
- Used mainly for straight cuts from top down, will not follow curves.
- Must check fit with your preferred miter box to get correct blade depth
- Store carefully so blades don’t warp
One can pick up a razor store from a variety of stores and online retailers, including Games Workshop, their product is pictured to the left, as well other producers such as X-Acto. I picked my saw up at my local model train shop for about $5 US and it does what I need it to do.