Saw sharpening files are imperative in woodworking for maintaining the sharpness of hand saws and other cutting tools to preserve their efficiency and effectiveness. Typically slim, triangular in section and tapered, saw sharpening files fit in the gullets between saw teeth to remove material and reshape them.

Ranging from regular to double extra-slim, they come in various sizes that sharpen saws anywhere from 4 tpi to 15 tpi or finer. Standard triangular sharpening files are not suitable for all sharpening tasks. For example, a Japanese saw feather-edge file is required to sharpen Japanese pull saws due to their unique tooth geometry and hardness. For removing nicks or shaping blades on drawknives, hatchets and axes, or draw-filing cabinet scrapers, a single-cut bastard file is recommended. Needle files are used for sharpening with delicacy, primarily saw tooth bits, shaping beading tool blades and touching up marking gauge points.