Pumpkin Carving Tool Review: Southwire Keyhole Drywall Saw

My family’s contribution to senseless violence against vegetables.

Last year I asked the question: What is your Pumpkin Carving Weapon of Choice?Among the answers was “Drywall jab saw”. This immediately resonated with me, and I filed it away in an undamaged brain cell. I picked one up today at Lowes to try on the family gourds.

I would like to say that I researched the tools thoroughly, comparing and selecting the one that would be the best for my needs. I didn’t. The Southwire 6-inch Blade Keyhole Saw happened to be hanging adjacent to the surge protector that I was picking up. I never even looked in “Tools” or “Drywall”, this one was less than $10 and the rubberized handle which is purposely exposed from the blister pack felt good in my hand.

Strangely, it cuts drywall pretty well too.

I cut the saw from its packaging this evening and got to work sketching my children’s designs on the pumpkins. Thing 1 (6yo daughter) wanted a funny pumpkin and Thing 2 (4yo son) wanted a scary/mean one, so I grabbed the saw and plunged right in (literally).

The tip fully pierced the wall with a satisfying “vrrrip!”. Once through, the blade positively zipped through to the hilt. This was great for long cuts, the blade saws a straight line beautifully. It took some practice to control a shorter plunge and utilize only half the blade for tight curves, but I was able to add eyeballs to my daughter’s pumpkin (rightmost in the opening photo).

The blade was definitely a saw. It left behind what can only be described as “pumpkin-dust”

I was comfortable enough with the grip that I felt safe giving Thing 1 a turn. It was her first time attempting to cut a pumpkin, and she was too tentative to achieve much, but I never felt that her hands were going to slip off the handle.

Straight lines are simple and quick, and the grip is solid no matter how slimy your hands.

The last pumpkin was my first attempt to carve something other than a face. This pumpkin was actually the offspring of one of last year’s victims. Apparently a couple of stray seeds clung to the inside of one of our jack-o-lanterns. I used the rotting gourds as compost for my apple trees. Two took root this spring and I left the vines to grow feral. My TTAK-o-Lantern was the one pumpkin that survived to full maturity. I think it turned out well for a first try, and this smaller, thinner pumpkin took all of 12 or so minutes to carve.

Bottom line is Jake’s suggestion last year of a drywall saw was a home run. I don’t think it matters which brand, I am sure that any reasonably capable drywall saw would perform as efficiently. I have never felt as comfortable with my grip not slipping when carving a pumpkin as I did when using this saw. I had more control, and it took less effort than any tool I have previously used for the task.

And it even cuts drywall.