Review Of The Top Japanese Saws
1. SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw
The SUIZAN Japanese pull saw is one thats operated with a pulling motion rather than pushing, which is how one would operate a European saw. The pull saw is lightweight and easy to use. It also gives you a sharper edge.
The SUIZAN brand only uses top-quality steel to construct each of their blades. This is the best Japanese pull saw our experts came across and the blade thickness is only 0.02, one of the thinnest kerfs our experts have seen.
When the blade eventually dulls over time, you can easily switch out the blade with other types of Japanese blades easily.
What We Like
- Very thin kerf
- Made from Japanese steel, this durable blade is extremely strong
- Japanese-style pull saw
- It is easy to swap blades
- Cross cut and rip cut teeth
- Lightweight
- Double-edge flush cut saw
2. KAKURI Japanese Saw Set
You don’t have to decide on which Japanese saws you want, so why not buy a complete set? The Kakuri Japanese saw set has a total of 4 saw blades. You can find a universal blade, a semi-fine tooth blade, a fast rough cut saw blade, and a mini keyhole saw.
Each replacement blade is hand-forged from Japanese steel and features a high-quality handle made of red oak. It fits comfortably in your palm. The universal saw can be used for cross-cutting and rip-cutting, while the keyhole saw can cut curves. Users can also achieve precision cutting and rough cuts with the other two options.
What We Like
- Includes 4 Japanese handsaws
- Thin blade
- Constructed of durable Japanese steel
- Red oak handle
- Easy and quick blade replacements
- 9 to 15 teeth per inch
3. SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail
SUIZAN is known for some of the best Japanese saws, especially some of their Dozuki saws. Dozuki Dovetail Saws are the next on our list. They are another type of pull saw with a thin blade of 0.012 making them great for precise cuts.
The blade length is about 15 cm and its easily removable to make room for replacement blades. The SUIZAN DozukiDovetail handsaw is made of Japanese steel and retains the traditional Japanese quality while being modernized.
This Japanese Dovetail saw can also be used for flush cutting.
What We Like
- Great for flush cuts and dovetails
- Easily removable blade
- Pull stroke operated
- High-quality Japanese steel
- Kerf very narrow
- Lightweight
4. Gyokucho Razorsaw Kataba Saw
The next one on our list is a Kataba saw, which is a traditional Japanese cross cut saw. Of course, the blade on the Gyokucho Razorsaw is also crafted from Japanese steel so the blade wears slower. It also features impulse-hardened teeth to ensure that it lasts longer.
The Gyokucho Razorsaw Kataba is coated with corrosion resistant coating. The handle is wrapped in traditional Rattan wrap for a throwback appearance and a more comfortable feel. The Razorsaw is easier to use than push saws and will cut through any workpiece with ease.
What We Like
- Cross-cutting: Thick blade
- Japanese steel construction
- Coatings that resist corrosion
- Teeth that are impulsive-hardened
- 16.9 TPI (teeth per inch)
- Comfortable handle
Japanese Saws Buyers Guide
Japanese handsaws can be pulled on their pull stroke. There are many types of Japanese pull saws each with its own benefits.
Type Of Japanese Saw
Dozuki Noko
The Dozukis are single-sided with a stiff spine, which makes them more suitable for finer cuts. Dozuki blades don’t limit the depth you can cut, so they allow for deeper cuts. This is why many experts consider them to be the best Japanese handsaws to have in your toolbox.
Ryoba
Ryoba saws, unlike the Dozuki’s, are double-edged. This means that there are cutting teeth on both ends. One side is used for rip cuts while the other is for cross cuts. You can also find ones that specifically tackle hardwoods and softwoods on either side.
Kataba
The Kataba saw is another best Japanese saw that is also one-sided with teeth only on one edge. Kataba saws are also an indispensable part of your workshop or toolbox because they are recognized as universal saws that are suited for most woodworking tasks.
These Japanese handsaws have thicker blades and no back. The Kataba can also make cross and rip cuts.
Azebiki
The Azebiki Japanese saw is distinguished by its distinctive design. The Azebiki’s curved blade has teeth on both ends, which is very different from a standard western saw. The short blade makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots and this type of Japanese saw is great for cuts that start at the center of your workpiece.
Anahiki
The Anahiki Japanese saw is heavy-duty and can handle beams, logs and both seasoned or green wood. The Anahiki is able to tackle more difficult tasks than standard push saws, making it a popular choice for woodworkers.
Kugiuhiki
Kugiuhiki is a flush-cut saw that has a thinner blade at the tip. This Japanese handsaw for flush cuts is the best. The blade can bend which may seem like a disadvantage, but it allows users create intricate cuts. It is less likely to cause damage to your wood piece because of its flexible blade.
Mawashikibiki
The Mawashikibiki Japanese style saws are the best for cutting curves and making keyholes. The Mawashikibiki’s narrow blade was made for curves and turns.
Sokomawashibiki
Another Japanese hand saw, the Sokomawashibiki, creates curves on hard and softwoods. It even cuts tiger maple.
Handle
You will most likely see straight handles on the best Japanese saw. Straight handles offer greater control and are more convenient. You can make them from wood, plastic or wrapped in rattan. The material wont affect the operation and performance as much as it will impact the comfort of your grip.
The handle on push stroke European saws may need to put more emphasis on the design of the handle, but pull stroke saws are lighter and easier to handle.
Teeth
Depending on the type of Japanese hand saw you go for, our woodworking team says you will see different combinations of teeth, but you can find just about any type of configuration you need for woodworking.
For example, some rip cut blades may have smaller starting teeth at the rear and larger teeth at the front. This configuration allows for faster cuts. Even if you dont have this type of blade, its easy to find replacement blades with teeth combinations that you need just make sure your saw has a replaceable blade.
The replaceable blade and the extra ones you buy should all be made from high-quality Japanese steel, just like the durable and lightweight steel of theTsumura chainsaw bar, although you may find ones that are crafted from excellent quality Swedish steel. Blades can be made with hardened teeth or have a protective coating to ensure their durability. Another example of a Japanese hand saw is thetwo-man sawsthat are classified into two: felling saws and bucking/crosscut saws.
FAQ
Why are Japanese saws better?
Japanese saws are better because they operate on a pull stroke. They are easier to maneuver, require less effort to use, and are also lighter weight compared to other hand saws. Most Japanese saws are also crafted from high-quality Japanese steel, which stays sharper for longer.
Is Japanese saw better than Western?
If you prefer a pull operation and a lighter saw that requires less effort, Japanese saws can be better than Western ones. However, there are still plenty of people out there that find a Western-style saw to be better so its more of a personal preference.
