Live Preview Product Photos
Bad axe tool works 12 inch stiletto dovetail saw with bench hook
Bad axe tool works 12 inch stiletto dovetail saw with bench hook
saw handle sizing chart from bad axe tool works
Bad axe tool works 12 inch stiletto dovetail saw in use
Bad axe tool works 12 inch stiletto dovetail saw backsaw with walnut handle
Bad axe 12 inch stiletto dovetail saw with titanium nitride sawback
Bad axe tool works 12 inch stiletto dovetail saw with maple handle
Bad axe tool works handle wood species cherry maple walnut white oak
Bad axe tool works custom finishing options for sawbacks and fasteners
Bad axe tool works custom saw handle checkering

12" Stiletto Dovetail Saw

$305.00

Shipping calculated at checkout

Description Parts Info
 Gallery

Current lead time:  4-8 weeks depending on customizations. Call or email info@badaxetoolworks.com for more accurate lead times.

Specs:

  • 15 ppi (Points Per Inch) / 14 tpi (Teeth Per Inch)
  • Tooth Filing: Rip-Cut (Recommended)
  • Plate Thickness: 0.018"
  • Kerf: 0.027"
  • Depth of cut: 1 7/8”
  • Perfect for furniture and cabinetry
  • Great for cutting dovetails in 1/4" to 8/4" stock.

Introducing the Bad Axe 12" Stiletto Dovetail Saw, a game-changing tool designed for serious dovetailing tasks. Precision Crafted and Performance Driven, this saw delivers exceptional accuracy, making it a contender for the only dovetail saw you'll ever need.

The Stiletto’s extended two-inch throw provides increased reach and control, allowing for longer, more precise cuts with fewer strokes. Its lightweight, perfectly balanced design enhances maneuverability, while the hammer-set tooth line bites effortlessly into the wood offering a tactile response akin to a serrated razor slicing with precision.

Built for versatility, the Stiletto excels at cutting dovetails up to 8/4 combined thickness, crafting sliding dovetails, and making efficient, clean cuts in ¾” stock. It also performs exceptionally well for ripping smaller tenon cheeks in thin stock, making it a powerhouse for fine joinery work.

At its core, the Stiletto is engineered for performance featuring a 12" open-handled design, an ultra-thin .018" plate, and just enough clearance below the back to optimize accuracy and efficiency. Its longer tooth line and featherlight construction reduce deviation, ensuring crisp, controlled cuts every time.

Taking inspiration from the legendary V-42 Stiletto, a WWII-era fighting knife used by the joint U.S. / Canadian 1st Special Service Force (The Devil’s Brigade), this saw embodies the same principles of precision, power, and purpose. Just as the V-42 was designed to pierce the toughest barriers with ease, the Stiletto Dovetail Saw is built to cut with confidence becoming an indispensable tool in your woodworking arsenal.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Plate & Filing:

The rip-cut filing pattern is optimized for cutting along the grain.

The crosscut filing pattern is expertly filed for cutting across the grain.

The hybrid filing is a good balance in between both rip and cross-cut filing.

Our saw plates are crafted from premium Swedish Spring Steel, tempered to a hardness of HRC 48-52 for exceptional durability and performance.

Sawbacks:

Delve into the craftsmanship behind our traditional folded sawbacks, a hallmark of excellence that sets Bad Axe's saws apart from the rest. Our folded backs embody a heritage of detailed artistry and functionality.

Crafted through time-honored techniques, our folded backs undergo a precise process, resulting in a seamless, robust construction. This method not only enhances the structural integrity of the saw but also allows for dynamic adjustments and retensioning of the toothline, crucial for maintaining optimal cutting performance over time. Watch Retensioning a Traditional Folded Backsaw short video to see how it’s done.


In contrast, milled brass static backs lack the versatility and resilience of our traditional folded backs. Their uniformity limits the ability to adjust tension, rendering them prone to premature wear, especially under rigorous use.

Sawback Coating Options

Each Bad Axe sawback begins with cold-rolled steel, valued for its strength and durability. We offer three premium coating options:

  • Black-Oxide: A sleek, matte finish that provides basic protection against rust.
  • Nickel: A mirror bright finish that not only adds a refined appearance but also offers enhanced corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
  • Titanium Nitride: A striking brass-toned finish renowned for its exceptional hardness, and superior protection against corrosion.

Handle:

Each Bad Axe handle is meticulously crafted from full-heart quartersawn stock in a selection of premium North American hardwoods including Cherry, White Oak, Hard Maple, and Walnut.

Why choose quartersawn wood? Despite being the priciest option, quartersawn stock offers unparalleled stability, minimizing the effects of seasonal wood movement that can compromise the accuracy of the saw plate alignment. At Bad Axe, we prioritize the use of quartersawn wood to ensure the longevity and reliability of our handles.

Furthermore, we are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. All our handle stock is sourced from a trusted family-owned business known for their sustainable lumber harvesting practices. This partnership, established from the inception of Bad Axe, underscores our dedication to supporting North American hardwoods and promoting eco-conscious manufacturing processes.

Handle Finish

All handles are dipped in natural Watco Danish Oil, except for Walnut handles, which are finished with black walnut Watco Oil. Each handle is then polished on a Tripoli buffing wheel and sealed with a layer of carnauba wax for a smooth, durable finish.

Fasteners:

We offer four fastener options to complement your saw: Brass, for a classic, polished look; or Black, Nickel, and Niter-Blue, which are steel fasteners coated for enhanced durability. All fasteners feature a slotted nut design, allowing you to easily use a flathead screwdriver for easy adjustments.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Cherry Handle and Black Oxide Steel Fasteners on a Titanium Nitride Sawback - shown with Tooth Guard and Bench Hook
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Cherry Handle, and Nickel Plated Steel Fasteners and Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Cherry Handle and Brass Fasteners on a Black Oxide Steel Sawback - shown with Tooth Guard and Bench Hook
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Cherry Handle and Brass Fasteners on a Black Oxide Sawback - shown with Tooth Guard
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with White Oak Handle and Black Oxide Steel Fasteners and Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Cherry Handle and Nickel Plated Steel Fasteners and Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Cherry Handle and Black Oxide Steel Fasteners and Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Specialty Handle and Brass Fasteners on a Black Oxide Steel Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Walnut Handle and Brass Fasteners on a Black Oxide Steel Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Specialty Handle and Black Oxide Fasteners and Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Walnut Handles and Black Oxide Steel and Brass Fasteners, and Black Oxide and Titanium Nitride Sawbacks
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Walnut Handle and Black Oxide Steel Fasteners on a Nickel Plated Steel Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Maple Handle and Brass Fasteners on a Black Oxide Steel Sawback
Bad Axe 12 inch Stiletto Dovetail Saw with Maple Handle and Gunsmith Niter Blue Fasteners on a Black Oxide Steel Sawback
Bad Axe 12 in Stiletto Dovetail Saw with White Oak Handle and Gunsmith Niter Blue Fasteners on a Black Oxide Steel Sawback