A tenon saw is a type of backsaw that is used by carpenters to create neat, accurate cuts in wood. It is named after the mortise and tenon joint that the saw was designed to create. The saw plate or blade in a tenon saw is relatively short, typically around 250-300mm and has a depth of around 75mm-100mm. The back of the saw dictates how deep the user can cut, because as soon as the back of the saw hits the wood being cut, it cannot go any further. Tenon saws are most commonly used for making the tenons used in mortise and tenon joints, hence the name. They are ideal for making straight, precise cuts and are used almost exclusively with wood, both softwoods and hardwoods. The blade of a tenon saw will usually have between 10 and 14 teeth per inch, which means they will create a neater finish. Tenon saws usually have a closed pistol grip handle, which supports the blade and protects the users hand when sawing.