Whatever may be true of hand-saws, in machine-saws the tension method, as illustrated by the gang-saw and the band-saw, is steadily displacing the compression method utilized in the circular-saw.

Many kinds of work, however, can be done only on the circular-saw.
In order to diminish the disadvantages of the thrusting stroke, the modern hand-saw, Fig.

86, has been gradually improved as the result of much experience and thought.

The outline of the blade is tapered in width from handle to point; it is thicker also at the heel (the handle end) than at the point; its thickness also tapers from the teeth to the back.

All these tapers gives stiffness where it is most needed.
It is made wide for the sake of giving steadiness in sawing.