Features
- Fleam-ground teeth cut in both forward and reverse directions
- High-carbon steel cutting edge for durability and edge retention
- One-piece construction for rigidity with flexibility
- 5 teeth per inch (TPI) optimized for wood cutting
- 9-inch length suitable for pruning and post cutting
- Universal tang fitment compatible with most reciprocating saws
Specifications
Blade Length | 9 in |
Application | Wood and pruning |
Tpi (Teeth Per Inch) | 5 |
Blade Material | High carbon steel |
Blades Per Pack | 1 |
Fitment | Universal tang |
Fleam Ground Teeth | Yes |
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9-inch reciprocating saw blade intended for cutting wood and pruning. It has fleam-ground teeth that cut on both forward and reverse strokes, a high-carbon steel cutting edge for improved edge retention, and a one-piece construction that provides a balance of rigidity and flexibility. Designed to fit most reciprocating saws and suitable for branches, shrubs, pressure-treated lumber, wet wood, composite board, plywood, and wood posts.
Skil 9-in 5-TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Review
A Saturday of pruning and light demo gave me a clear picture of what this Skil pruning blade is—and isn’t. Mounted on a brushless recip saw, I put it through green branches, a couple of pressure-treated 4x4s, and some soggy yard waste. The headline: it’s a fast, forgiving cutter in wood, especially when you let the teeth do the work, but it’s not a demolition blade and won’t love nails, dirt, or heavy-handed feed pressure.
Design and fit
This is a 9-inch, 5 TPI, high-carbon steel blade with fleam-ground teeth and a universal tang. The fleam grind is a pruning-style tooth geometry that cuts on both the forward and reverse stroke. In use, that translates to a smoother bite when you’re working on live or wet wood, and less “thump” when the blade exits the cut.
The one-piece construction sits in a nice middle ground: flexible enough to follow curves and resist snapping if you bind, yet rigid enough for controlled, straight cuts in branches and posts. The 9-inch length is a sweet spot for yard work—long enough to tackle 3–5 inch limbs and flush cut stubs, without being so long that the blade whips around uncontrollably.
Fit is a non-issue. It clicked securely into several saws I tried, from a compact homeowner model to a heavier-duty pro unit.
Cutting performance in green wood
On green limbs from 1 to 4 inches, this blade moves quickly. The aggressive 5 TPI tooth count clears chips well and the fleam grind really shines in wet material. Starting cuts is clean; the teeth grab without skating, and once you’re in the cut, stroke efficiency feels high. I could keep the saw at a moderate speed and still maintain fast feed rates, especially with orbital action turned on.
Flush cutting against a trunk was manageable, though you’ll want to use a steady hand and let the shoe ride the bark to keep the blade from bucking. The blade leaves a coarser finish than a fine-tooth pruning blade, as expected, but the cut quality is perfectly acceptable for yard work.
Dry lumber, posts, and composite
I tested on a PT 4x4, kiln-dried 2x material, and a composite fascia offcut. In PT lumber, it cuts reliably, if not spectacularly fast. The blade prefers a light touch; forcing the cut doesn’t speed things up and can increase chatter. On 2x stock it’s quick enough for rough work like trimming protruding ends or cutting to length where a circular saw is overkill.
Composite board and plywood are fine, though the coarse tooth geometry can tear out on plywood veneers. If you need cleaner edges, switch to a higher TPI general-purpose blade. For wood posts and landscape timbers, this blade is at home; just be mindful to avoid soil contact at the bottom of the cut, which will dull any high-carbon edge quickly.
Vibration, control, and feed pressure
The blade tracks well when you keep the shoe engaged and maintain moderate feed pressure. Compared to a stiffer bi-metal demolition blade, there’s a touch more flex in the cut, which shows up as added vibration if you lean on it too hard. The trick is to let the teeth pull the blade through and let the saw’s stroke do the work. Pushing aggressively only increases chatter and the potential for the blade to buckle if the kerf closes around it.
In tight brush, the flexibility is an asset; it resists snapping when a branch pinches the blade mid-cut. In thicker, denser stock, a stiffer blade will feel more planted.
Durability and edge life
The high-carbon steel edge holds up well in clean wood. After an afternoon of pruning, the tooth points were still sharp enough to keep cutting efficiently. The one caveat is debris: hit dirt, stone, or a hidden nail, and you’ll notice performance fall off quickly. That’s not unique to this blade—high-carbon steel simply trades some heat and impact resistance for speed in wood. If you anticipate nail-embedded lumber or demolition, a bi-metal blade is the safer choice.
I didn’t experience tooth loss, but I did notice that when the blade got hot and pitch built up, it cut slower and vibrated more. A quick wipe with mineral spirits to remove sap restored performance. If you’re cutting resinous or wet species, plan on occasional cleanings.
Comparisons and trade-offs
- Speed: In green wood, this pruning blade was as fast or faster than general-purpose bi-metal blades of similar length. In dry, dense lumber, a stiffer demolition blade edged it out on straight cuts due to reduced flex.
- Smoothness: The fleam-ground teeth reduce grabbing on the return stroke, which makes plunge starts and awkward angles less jarring than a standard rip-tooth profile.
- Stiffness: You can fold any recip blade into an “S” if you crank on it in a binding cut. This one will remind you of that if you force it. Keep your feed steady and let the shoe support the work; it behaves.
- Longevity: In clean wood, edge retention is solid for high-carbon steel. In contaminated wood or with abrasive contact (soil, masonry), you’ll dull it quickly.
Best uses
- Pruning trees and shrubs, especially green and wet wood
- Trimming fence posts and landscape timbers
- Rough cuts in plywood and composite where edge quality isn’t critical
- Yard clean-up where a chainsaw is overkill or awkward
What it’s not for: ripping through nail-embedded lumber, aggressive demo through mixed materials, or precision cuts where splintering is a concern.
Setup tips for better results
- Use orbital action for pruning if your saw offers it; it speeds chip ejection.
- Run medium-to-high stroke speed and moderate feed pressure. If the blade chatters, ease off and let it bite.
- Keep the saw’s shoe firmly on the work. That stabilizes the cut and reduces bending.
- Avoid contact with dirt at the bottom of cuts. Lift the work off the ground or finish with a handsaw to protect the edge.
- Clean pitch and sap periodically with mineral spirits, then dry the blade to prevent rust.
- If you regularly cut limbs over 5 inches, consider keeping a 12-inch pruning blade on hand for extra reach and smoother arcs.
Value
For a single 9-inch pruning blade, the price is fair and the performance in wood is legitimately good. Because it’s high-carbon steel, you don’t pay the bi-metal premium, and in its intended materials it often cuts faster. You’ll get the best value if you keep it away from nails and abrasive debris and reserve it for wood and pruning.
The bottom line
The Skil 9-inch wood blade is a capable, purpose-built pruning and wood-cutting blade. It’s quick in green wood, controllable when you use proper technique, and durable enough for multiple sessions of yard work and light carpentry. Its limitations are predictable: it doesn’t like being forced, and it’s not a demolition blade. Treat it as a wood specialist, and it rewards you with speed and a smooth cut; treat it like a wrecking tool, and you’ll feel the extra flex and see performance fade faster.
Recommendation: I recommend this blade for homeowners, landscapers, and anyone who regularly uses a recip saw for pruning and clean wood tasks. It’s a strong value as a dedicated wood cutter, particularly in green and wet material. If your work mixes in nails, masonry, or aggressive demo, pair it with a stiffer bi-metal demolition blade for those duties and keep this one reserved for wood where it excels.
Project Ideas
Business
Micro-Pruning & Yard Tidy Service
Offer 60–90 minute pruning appointments for shrubs, small limbs, and hedge reductions. The 9-in, 5 TPI blade speeds through wet and green wood, enabling efficient on-site cuts without large equipment. Upsell seasonal packages and debris haul-away.
Rustic Garden Goods Maker
Produce and sell log planters, branch coat racks, trellises, and birdhouses sourced from reclaimed wood and pruned branches. The durable high-carbon blade lowers consumable costs while processing rough stock quickly. Sell via markets, Etsy, and local nurseries.
Storm Debris Quick-Cut Crew
Provide rapid limb and brush clearing after storms. The blade’s one-piece construction and bidirectional cutting help in tight, awkward spaces around fences and vehicles. Bill per hour with a minimum, and partner with landscapers for referrals.
On-Site Cut-to-Length Service
Set up a mobile cut station for homeowners and DIYers who need boards, posts, or plywood cut to size. The universal-fit blade handles PT lumber and composites. Charge per cut or per project and offer add-ons like delivery and layout assistance.
Raised Beds & Compost Bin Installer
Design and install modular raised beds and slatted compost bins. The fast-cutting blade makes quick work of PT lumber and posts, including wet stock. Offer tiered packages (materials + install) and seasonal maintenance or soil refresh services.
Creative
Log Lanterns & Path Lights
Slice 4–8 in logs into 6–10 in segments and use plunge cuts and slits to create light windows. The 9-in, 5 TPI blade blasts through green or wet wood, and fleam-ground teeth let you work efficiently even on pull strokes in awkward angles. Add LED tea lights inside and seal the exterior for weather resistance.
Branch Coat Rack & Peg Rail
Prune sturdy limbs, then cross-cut pegs and a backer from a straight branch. The universal-tang blade fits most saws for quick field pruning; its fast, aggressive cut handles knotty wood for natural pegs. Mount on a board or directly to studs for a rustic entryway piece.
Live-Edge Garden Bench
Cut two log sections as legs and a thicker slab for the seat. The 9-in length helps notch saddles in the legs and trim the seat to length. Keep the live edge and sand minimally for a natural look; seal with outdoor oil. Add lag screws or dowels for stability.
Curved-Slat Planter Boxes
Rip reclaimed fence boards or pallet slats into gentle waves using freehand cuts; the blade’s bidirectional teeth reduce binding on sweeping curves. Assemble into planter faces with contrasting curves for a sculptural effect, then line with landscape fabric.
Rustic Garden Trellis & Arbor
Harvest flexible saplings and thicker posts, then cut to size for a bent-wood trellis or small arbor. Fast 5 TPI teeth excel in green wood; zip tie or lash joints, then replace with copper wire or screws. Train beans, roses, or cucumbers over the structure.