Irwin Universal Handsaw
Score: 88/100
Stihl PR 16
Score: 92/100Rankings
The Stihl PR 16 is a lightweight, compact folding pruning saw designed for efficient cutting on both wet and dry wood. It features a 16 cm blade with Japanese toothing and a chrome-plated finish, making it ideal for gardeners who need a portable tool for precise pruning tasks. While the safety catch is stiff initially, it loosens with use, and the saw is highly rated for its cutting efficiency.
The Irwin 1773465 is a 15-inch universal handsaw featuring patented triple-ground teeth that cut up to 3x faster than traditional saws while eliminating binding. It combines high-carbon steel construction with an ergonomic Comfort-Grip handle for speed and comfort. It is ideal for DIYers and contractors needing a versatile tool for wood and drywall, though it lacks the precision for fine cabinetry.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 inchesbest | 6.3 inches | |
11 TPIbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.34 lbsbest | 0.35 lbs |
21.8 inchesbest | 3.88 inches | |
0.85 mmbest | — | |
5 inchesbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Ergonomics(1) | ||
Handle Material | High-Density Resin | Rubber/Plastic |
Dimensions & Weight(2) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 0.34 lbs | 0.35 lbs |
Overall Length (inches) | 21.8 inches | 3.88 inches |
Performance & Usage(4) | ||
Intended Use | Universal | Pruning |
Saw Type | Universal Handsaw | Folding Saw |
Cutting Action | Push | Unidirectional |
Suitable Materials | Wood, Drywall | Wood |
Blade Specifications(5) | ||
Blade Length (inches) | 15 inches | 6.3 inches |
Teeth Per Inch (TPI) (TPI) | 11 TPI | TPI |
Blade Material | High-Carbon Steel | Chrome-plated Steel |
Blade Thickness (mm) | 0.85 mm | mm |
Blade Width (inches) | 5 inches | inches |
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Blade Coating | Water-Based Lacquer | Chrome |
General(1) | ||
Warranty | Lifetime Limited | |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the Irwin 1773465 as a reliable multi-use tool that prioritizes speed without sacrificing finish quality. The patented grind and tapered nose are specifically praised for improving clearance and stability in standard building materials, positioning it as an ideal choice for professionals needing a fast, versatile saw that does not require specialization.
Everyday users generally praise the saw for its speed, versatility, and comfort, noting that it cuts through various materials efficiently while reducing fatigue. There are no recurring complaints explicitly noted in the data, though potential blade wear is inferred due to the non-sharpenable nature of the blade.
“surprisingly sharp and strong”
“fits easily in a pocket while cutting smoothly and efficiently”
Professional reviewers, including BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, have awarded the Stihl PR 16 a 4.8 out of 5-star rating and designated it a Best Buy winner. Experts praise its ability to tackle wood effortlessly without clogging or sticking, noting its smooth cutting efficiency and pocket-friendly portability.
Everyday users consistently highlight the saw's reliability and strong cutting performance, describing the blade as surprisingly sharp and strong. The ergonomic design with rubber grips receives positive feedback for comfort during extended pruning tasks. The primary recurring theme in user feedback is the stiffness of the folding button mechanism when new, which typically improves with regular use.
