A saw with a reinforced back edge that keeps the blade straight and stiff, used for making precise cuts in wood and other materials.
Compound of 'back' and 'saw' (Old English 'sagu'). The 'back' refers to the reinforced metal spine along the top of the blade that prevents sagging.
A backsaw is so precise that fine woodworkers can cut dovetail joints by hand that fit so perfectly they create mechanical locks without glue—this technique is 500+ years old and still used in the most expensive furniture made today.
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