Knew Concepts 5" Mk.III Fret Saw – Screw Tension
Get greater cutting reach without sacrificing lightweight handling with the Knew Concepts 5" Mk.III Fret Saw with Screw Tension. Designed for jewelers, metalsmiths, model makers, and precision craftspeople, this lightweight saw combines a generous 5-inch throat depth with simple, precise manual blade tensioning.
The screw-tension system lets you fine-tune blade tension using the adjustment knob at the top of the frame. Once the blade is securely clamped, turning the knob increases tension until the blade reaches the desired tautness. This straightforward design gives you direct control over blade tension without the additional lever mechanism found on other Knew Concepts models.
At just 130.7 grams with the blade installed, the 125.005 provides substantially more reach than the compact 3" model while remaining remarkably light and maneuverable.
Features & Benefits
- 5" throat depth provides greater reach for larger workpieces and deeper cuts
- Lightweight Mk.III frame for comfortable, responsive handling
- Screw-tension system provides precise manual blade adjustment
- Simple tensioning design without a cam lever
- Greater working capacity than the 3" Mk.III
- Weighs only 130.7 g with blade
- Excellent for jewelry fabrication, piercing, metalsmithing, and model making
- Well suited to larger pendants, bracelets, decorative sheet metal, and deeper interior cuts
- Uses standard 5-1/8" jeweler's/fret saw blades
- Blade clamp orientation can be converted for left-handed use
- Made in the USA
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Knew Concepts |
| Model | Mk.III |
| Product Type | Fret Saw / Jeweler's Saw |
| Throat Depth | 5" |
| Tension System | Screw Tension |
| Blade Clamps | Fixed |
| Standard Blade Length | 5-1/8" |
| Weight with Blade | 130.7 g |
| SKU | 125.005 |
| MPN | 125.005 |
| Country of Manufacture | USA |
5" Throat for Greater Cutting Reach
The key advantage of the 125.005 over the 125.003 is its deeper 5-inch throat.
Throat depth determines how far the blade can travel into a workpiece before the material reaches the back of the saw frame. The additional two inches of clearance make the 125.005 a better choice for projects that are simply too large or too deep for a compact 3" frame.
The additional reach is useful for:
- Larger pendants
- Bracelets and cuffs
- Decorative sheet metal
- Larger pierced patterns
- Sculptural jewelry components
- Model-making projects
- Deeper interior cuts
- Precision fabrication
For customers who like the lightweight Mk.III design but routinely need more room around the workpiece, the 5" frame provides a useful middle ground.
Precise Screw-Tension Adjustment
The 125.005 uses Knew Concepts' straightforward screw-tension system.
Blade tension is adjusted manually using the tension knob at the top of the frame. Turning the knob clockwise increases tension until the blade reaches the desired tautness. You can check the tension by lightly flicking the blade—a properly tensioned blade produces a clear, taut sound.
This system is particularly appealing to users who prefer:
- Simple mechanical operation
- Direct manual control over blade tension
- Fewer moving parts
- A lightweight saw frame
- A more economical Knew Concepts configuration
Remarkably Lightweight for a 5" Saw
The 125.005 weighs just 130.7 grams with blade installed.
The low weight helps keep the 5" saw comfortable and maneuverable despite its additional working capacity.
For comparison:
| Model | Throat | Tension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125.003 | 3" | Screw | 115 g |
| 125.005 | 5" | Screw | 130.7 g |
| 125.005C | 5" | Lever | 140 g |
| 125.005CS | 5" | Lever + Swivel | 148.3 g |
| 124.005C Mk.IV | 5" | Heavy-Duty Lever | 214.3 g |
The 5" screw-tension model adds only 15.7 grams compared with the 3" 125.003 while providing two additional inches of throat depth.
Lightweight Control for Detailed Work
A larger throat doesn't mean this saw is limited to large projects.
The 125.005 remains well suited to detailed jewelry work, including:
- Fine curves
- Decorative profiles
- Pierced designs
- Interior cutouts
- Small jewelry components
- Sheet-metal fabrication
- Model-making parts
The advantage is that when a design extends farther into the material, the 5" frame gives you additional clearance before the back of the saw reaches the workpiece.
Simple, Precise Screw Tension
The screw-tension system provides direct control over blade tension with a straightforward mechanical design. Turn the tensioning knob to bring the blade to the desired tautness and make fine adjustments as needed.
This simple system is an excellent choice for general jewelry sawing, metalsmithing, model making, and precision cutting. For craftspeople who prefer traditional manual tension adjustment, the 125.005 combines that familiar operation with the additional working clearance of a 5" throat.
3" vs. 5" Mk.III Screw Tension
The choice between these two models comes primarily down to reach.
125.003 – 3" Mk.III Screw Tension
Best for smaller jewelry-scale work where compact size and minimum weight are priorities.
125.005 – 5" Mk.III Screw Tension
Provides two additional inches of throat depth for larger pieces and deeper cuts while retaining the same straightforward screw-tension concept.
The 3" version weighs 115 g, while the 5" version weighs 130.7 g.
125.005 vs. 125.005C
125.005 — Screw Tension
- Manual screw tensioning
- Fixed blade clamps
- 130.7 g
- Simple, lightweight configuration
125.005C — Lever Tension
- Cam-lever tensioning
- Fixed blade clamps
- 140 g
- Faster repetitive blade release and resetting
The lever model weighs only 9.3 grams more, so the choice comes down primarily to whether you prefer manual screw tensioning or the convenience of faster repetitive blade release and resetting.
Ideal For
The Knew Concepts 5" Mk.III Screw Tension Fret Saw is an excellent choice for:
- Jewelry making
- Jewelry fabrication
- Metalsmithing
- Silversmithing
- Goldsmithing
- Piercing
- Larger pendants
- Bracelets and cuffs
- Decorative sheet metal
- Model making
- Precision fabrication
- Hobby and professional bench work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Knew Concepts 125.005?
It is the 5" Mk.III Fret Saw with Screw Tension.
How is blade tension adjusted?
Blade tension is adjusted manually using the tension knob at the top of the frame. Turning the knob clockwise increases tension.
Does the 125.005 have lever tension?
No. This model uses screw tension. The 125.005C is the corresponding 5" Mk.III model with lever tension.
Does it have swivel blade clamps?
No. The 125.005 uses fixed clamps. The 125.005CS combines lever tension with swivel blade clamps.
How much does the saw weigh?
The 125.005 weighs 130.7 grams with the blade installed.
What length saw blade does it use?
The standard blade length is 5-1/8".
Is the 5" model much heavier than the 3" version?
No. The 3" 125.003 weighs 115 g and the 5" 125.005 weighs 130.7 g—a difference of 15.7 grams.
Why choose the 5" instead of the 3"?
The 5" throat provides greater clearance for larger workpieces and allows deeper cuts into the material before the work reaches the back of the frame.
Is it suitable for piercing?
Yes. It can be used for pierced and interior cuts. Users who perform large numbers of repetitive interior cuts may prefer one of the lever-tension versions for faster blade changes.
Can the clamps be configured for left-handed use?
Yes. The clamp orientation can be reversed for left-handed use.
| SKU: | 125.005 |
| UPC: | 196943890119 |
| BRAND: | Knew Concepts |
| MPN: | 125.005 |
| Made In: | United States |