I have read that the longer a back saw the easier it is to saw straight. I was wondering about the depth of blade. Does the depth of the blade make a difference in the ease of use (ie. cutting straight)? Or is it just to suit the work?

I have Japanese saws but I will be getting some new western back saws (joinery saws) and I have a range of blade depth to decide from. I haven't used western back saws since I was a kid so I am really in new territory. I am wanting to know whether I should be looking at the deeper side or should I be trying to keep the blade on the smaller side.

I am looking at a set of three saws. A dovetail saw (rip), a carcas saw (x-cut), and a tennon saw (rip). I will mainly be doing smaller scale work. Boxes, side table and hall tables, stands and chairs and the like. Smaller Tennons and defining dadoes for hand routing etc.

My current thinking is

dovetail saw - 9" blade, 15ppi , about 1 3/4" useful blade depth.
(usually they are 8" or 9" but am thinking of maybe 10" because I prefer a longer stroke usually. Do you think I should stick with 9" rather than try and get 10" length, which would be more of a rip carcas saw?)

Carcas saw - 14" blade, 14ppi, about 2 1/4" useful blade depth.

Tennon saw - 14" blade, 10ppi, about 3 1/2" useful blade depth.


What do you reckon with this selection? And your thoughts on blade depth??