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Sunday, May 31, 2026
Sign of the Day
saw blade
Sign for the cutting part of a saw. Dominant G-hand moves back-and-forth across non-dominant B-hand, mimicking a saw's action
A2 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral, Technical
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Dominant: Index extended (G-hand); Non-dominant: Flat (B-hand)
Dominant G-hand moves linearly, back-and-forth, across non-dominant B-hand
When discussing tools, carpentry, or cutting tasks
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form non-dominant B-hand, palm up
- Place dominant G-hand across non-dominant palm/forearm
- Move dominant G-hand linearly, back-and-forth
- Repeat motion simulating cutting action
Coach prompt
Practice signing SAW-BLADE smoothly. Focus on the linear, repeated movement
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant: Index extended (G-hand); Non-dominant: Flat (B-hand) · Code Dominant: G; Non-dominant: B
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Brush
Palm orientation
Dominant: Index finger points towards non-dominant palm; Non-dominant: Palm up
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
The saw blade was very sharp
Specific for the cutting part of a saw, not the whole tool
Best fit: When discussing tools, carpentry, or cutting tasks
Mirror focus
Practice signing SAW-BLADE smoothly. Focus on the linear, repeated movement
Catch the slip
Ensure the dominant hand is a G-hand and the non-dominant hand is a flat B-hand, with correct movement
Use it today
The saw blade was very sharp
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'saw' (the tool/verb) or other cutting motions
When not to use it: When referring to the entire saw or the act of sawing
Regional note: Likely minimal
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] The saw blade is dull. / BSL:[Sign SAW-BLADE, then DULL]
2.[en] Replace the saw blade. / BSL:[Sign REPLACE, then SAW-BLADE]
3.[en] Careful, sharp saw blade. / BSL:[Sign CAREFUL, then SHARP, then SAW-BLADE]
What is the BSL sign for saw blade?
It uses a dominant G-hand (index finger extended) moving back-and-forth across a non-dominant B-hand (flat), simulating the blade's action.
How do you sign saw blade in BSL?
Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up. Take your dominant hand, extend index finger (G-hand), and move it repeatedly, like sawing, across your non-dominant hand.
Is saw blade one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
This BSL sign is two-handed. One hand acts as the material being cut, and the other hand represents the saw blade's cutting motion.
What handshape is used for saw blade in BSL?
The dominant hand uses a G-hand (index finger extended). The non-dominant hand uses a B-hand (flat hand, palm up or sideways).
How does saw blade differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'SAW' (the tool/verb) which often involves a larger, broader sawing motion. 'KNIFE' typically uses a G-hand against the non-dominant palm/finger, often with a slicing or chopping motion, not usually a back-and-forth movement across the forearm.
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Word web
Saw blade
cutter
N/A
Saw
Wood
Cut
Tool
Carpentry
Saw
Cut
Wood
Tool
Carpentry
Sharp
SAW (tool/verb) is a broader motion for the whole tool/action. KNIFE typically uses a G-hand slicing or chopping against the non-dominant palm/finger, a different motion. CUT (verb) is more general. SAW BLADE is distinct for its specific linear, repeated, back-and-forth action across the forearm, representing the serrated edge
Tools
Construction
Carpentry
BSL saw blade
sign for saw blade
saw tool sign
carpentry
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