Abstract: An improved saw blade assembly (22) for use with heavy duty reciprocating power saws (10) is provided which includes a stationary, slotted blade support (24), as well as a reciprocable, U-shaped in cross-section blade (26) equipped with a crosspin (50) adapted for sliding receipt within said plate slot (38). The blade includes flanges (46,48) preferably extending essentially the full length of the cutting surface (42) of the blade (24), and moreover are of a height to provide substantial lateral support, thereby minimizing the occurrence of plate breakage during rugged use, e.g., in bone cutting operations.