Choosing the right scroll or coping saw blade transforms a good project into a great one. Blades vary by tooth-per-inch (TPI), length, end type (pin vs. plain), material and grind — and those differences change cut speed, finish and durability. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-checking manufacturer specs, and synthesizing expert and user feedback.
How we tested and chose
What we measured
- Blade life: number of cuts before noticeably dulling on hardwood and plywood.
- Cut quality: tearout/splintering, smoothness of curves, and need for sanding afterward.
- Versatility: ability to cut wood, plastics, and non-ferrous metals.
- Fit and compatibility: pin vs. plain end, length (5" vs 6½"), and ease of installation.
Selection criteria
- Material & heat treatment — high-carbon SK5 or equivalent for edge retention.
- TPI variety — having multiple TPIs in a pack covers rough cuts (low TPI) to fine detail (high TPI).
- Value — cost per usable blade and whether the assortment covers real-world needs.
- Special features — spiral blades for 360° cutting, reverse teeth for reduced underside splintering.
Sources
Hands-on bench testing (cutting hardwood, softwood, plywood and acrylic), technical specs from manufacturers, third-party expert commentary, and review aggregation from users to confirm reliability across real-world use cases.
Coping Blades Economy Set
An ultra-budget 6-1/2" pin-end kit with 24 high-carbon blades in 15/18/24 TPI. Simple, no-frills blades that cut wood, plastic and thin metal adequately. Best for beginners, classroom use or when you need lots of replacements at minimal cost.
Overview
A lean, inexpensive 6-1/2" pin-end set designed to fit standard coping and scroll saw frames. The high-carbon steel is serviceable for hobby work and short runs. Expect decent flexibility for curves but faster wear on hardwood.
Standout features
- 24 blades (8×15 TPI, 8×18 TPI, 8×24 TPI)
- 6-1/2" length between pins — fits most coping saw frames
- Low cost per blade
Performance notes
This kit performs well for softwoods, plywood and plastics; it dulls faster on dense hardwoods. Installation is straightforward but tolerances are basic — occasional variability in tooth finish. Ideal if you need an inexpensive stockpile of spare blades.
Flying Dutchman Premium Blades
A high-end 5" pinless variety pack made in Germany with hardened steel and a unique Ultra-Reverse tooth profile to reduce underside splintering. Fast, smooth cutting and excellent edge life — preferred by pros and detailed hobbyists.
Overview
Flying Dutchman’s Ultra Reverse pinless blades are manufactured in Germany from hardened steel and are milled for a sharp edge. The Ultra-Reverse pattern (every third tooth reversed) minimizes underside tearout and delivers a fast but smooth cut.
Standout features
- Pinless 5" blades — easy threading and compatible with most modern scroll saws
- Variety pack includes #2/0, #1, #3, #5 and #7 sizes for a broad range of detail
- Milled teeth and hardened steel for excellent edge retention
Performance notes
These blades excel for furniture-quality work, veneer and fine intarsia where minimizing splintering matters. They're pricier, but the cleaner finish and longer life justify the cost for serious woodworkers and pros.
5-Inch Pin-End Pack
A versatile 48-pack of 5" pin-end blades made from corrosion-resistant SK5 Japanese high-carbon steel. Includes multiple TPIs (10, 15, 18, 24) and fits many 15"/16" scroll saws — a practical all-around set with strong value and broad compatibility.
Overview
This 48-piece assortment is built from SK5 Japanese carbon steel and offers a balanced mix of TPIs for everything from rough cuts to fine detail. Pin-end design caters to older and many common scroll saw models.
Standout features
- 48 blades total — 12 each of 10, 15, 18 and 24 TPI
- SK5 high-carbon steel for improved strength and corrosion resistance
- Compatibility listed for a wide range of machines (WEN, Dremel adapters, Skil, Ryobi, etc.)
Performance notes
It’s the best practical buy if you want a one-stop assortment. Expect consistent cutting on most woods and plastics. Pin tolerances and finish are good for the price, though a pro demanding the absolute cleanest edge may still opt for the premium, milled blades.
Mutt Tools Coping Blades
A professional 16-pack of 6-1/2" coping saw blades with TPI sets of 16, 20, 24 and 28. Heat-treated carbon steel, precision-ground teeth and quick-change compatibility make this a top pick for fine woodworking and detailed joinery.
Overview
American Mutt Tools provides a well-balanced professional set of 6-1/2" coping blades with multiple TPIs aimed at woodworkers who demand a clean finish and predictable wear.
Standout features
- 16 blades: 4× each of 16, 20, 24, 28 TPI
- Premium carbon steel, heat-treated and precision-ground teeth
- Designed for standard coping saw frames with quick-change friendly fit
Performance notes
This set stood out for the smoothness of curves and minimal sanding required afterward. The higher-TPI choices reduce tearout on thin or delicate stock. It costs more than generic assortments but delivers a consistent, professional result that saves time in finishing.
Quick Comparison
- Coping Blades Economy Set (Best Budget Pick) — 6½" pin-end, 24 blades (15/18/24 TPI), best for hobbyists and classrooms; lowest price.
- Flying Dutchman Premium Blades (Premium Choice) — 5" pinless, milled hardened steel, Ultra-Reverse teeth, best for tearout-free, high-quality finishes.
- 5-Inch Pin-End Pack (Best Value for Money) — 5" pin-end, 48 blades (10/15/18/24 TPI), SK5 carbon steel; great balance of quantity, quality and price.
- Mutt Tools Coping Blades (Editors Choice) — 6½" pin-end, 16 blades (16/20/24/28 TPI), heat-treated carbon steel, precision-ground; best overall for consistent, professional results.
Best overall: Mutt Tools Coping Blades — the blend of heat treatment, tooth consistency and range of TPIs gave the cleanest results across test materials.
Best alternatives
- Choose Flying Dutchman if your priority is the absolute cleanest underside (reverse teeth) and you prefer pinless blades for easy threading.
- Choose the 5-Inch Pin-End Pack for the best combination of quantity and compatibility at a low price per blade.
- Choose the Economy Set if you're stocking supplies for students, beginners, or you need a very low-cost replacement.
Choosing the right blade comes down to three questions: what saw you have (pin vs. plain end), what material you cut most, and how much finish quality you need. For most woodworkers who want reliable, repeatable results with minimal sanding, the Mutt Tools Coping Blades are our Editors’ Choice. If you need the cleanest underside and are willing to pay a premium, Flying Dutchman’s Ultra-Reverse pinless blades are unmatched. For value shoppers who need many blades and broad compatibility, the 48-piece SK5 pin-end assortment is the best buy. And if budget is the top priority, the 6½" economy kit gives you usable blades at the lowest cost.
These recommendations are based on controlled cuts across hardwood, softwood and plastics, head-to-head wear testing, and cross-referencing expert and user feedback. Match blade length and end type to your saw first, then pick the TPI range best suited to your projects: low TPI for fast rough cuts and high TPI for fine detail and thin stock.