Which saw is described as a western style hand saw that cuts on the push stroke and is equally suited for rip and cross cuts but does not produce a finished edge?

• A. Combination Saw
• B. Back Saw
• C. Hack Saw
• D. Coping Saw

Answer: (A)

Understanding how hand saws are classified by cut direction and finish helps you pick the right tool. A western-style hand saw that pushes to cut and can handle both ripping and cross-cutting, while not giving a finished edge, is a combination saw. This blade is designed for versatile, rough carpentry work with one blade that does both types of cuts, so the result isn’t a finely finished surface and usually needs planing or sanding to smooth. A back saw, with its stiff spine and fine teeth, is meant for precise, clean joints and finishes the edge more neatly, which doesn’t match the description. A coping saw is for curved cuts and delicate work, not the broad, straight cuts described. A hack saw is for metal, not wood. So the combination saw fits best because it matches the push-cut, dual-purpose, rough-edge-characteristics described.