: I built one stitch-n-glue kayak from a kit. Now I will build one or more from
: plans. I have hand saws, but no sabre saw. Should I get one or stick with
: my japanese hand saws? Sabre saws range from $30 to nearly $200, maybe
: more. What price range has the best values? Why pay more than $50 for one?

My feeling is; don't buy more tool than you can use or need... It's a waste of money. I know folks that buy the top name tools, use them once or twice and then there they sit... They don't appreciate with time.... They depreciate. There are times when all those " Extras " ( bells and whistles ) may come in handy, but most of the things that an expensive saber saw can do, some other tool can do them better...
The Top Of The Line tools are for those that need them to feed their family and/or pay the rent, and use them continuously.

For cutting a couple pieces of 3 or 4 mm plywood, you ONLY need a cheap saw and cut slightly outside the line and plane to the line. Same with ANY of them..

Expensive tools laying around are no more than expensive dust collectors... Same as a cheap one that's just laying around.
Just bragging rights... and we know that puts a lot of bread on the table...

Everyone has a different need for their tools, and you have to buy approprietly. I have never bought the expensive tools and I fed my family with mid-range tools for over 25 years. Saved a lot of money and those tools, with the exception of the few that have been stolen or given away, they are still out there performing when I need them...

I also helped out in a college wood shop where they had some very nice tools, and in the hands of someone that hasn't a clue, ....... he hasn't a clue, and the best tool in the world ain't gonna help a lick!!!

If you are only going to use it to build a couple of boats or a couple of dozen, you don't need all the bells and whistles or the Big Brand Name. You just need function... Buy according to YOUR needs!! Spend the savings on another tool and you will have two... ??

( Just my opinion, of course )

Rehd