A Japanese Pull Saw is one of the woodworking world’s best-kept secrets.
If you have used one before or even already own a Japanese Pull Saw, you know what a game-changer they are. If you haven’t used one yet, we are here to help you discover why they are so good.
Then we will help you choose which is the best Japanese Pull Saw for you.
First, here’s a quick explanation for the uninitiated.
What Is Different About A Japanese Pull Saw?
Most traditional saws that we are used to using cut when you exert force as you push the saw away from you.
A Japanese Pull Saw, as the name implies, does the opposite, it cuts as you pull the saw towards you. At first thought you may think that’s not a great idea as surely we can exert more force pushing away.
Well, there are benefits to cutting during the pull action. When you push a saw blade with the handle at the back against the resistance of wood, the blade’s natural tendency is to bend or flex, so the blade has to be thick enough to resist that force.
But when you exert the force as you pull the saw blade, its natural tendency is to straighten! Hold on a minute! How come we’ve never thought of that before! Surely that’s much better.
It is.
You can control your cut better, keeping it straighter. But really importantly it means the blade can be thinner. And a thinner blade can cut through the wood more easily. That’s a win-win.
Japanese Saws have very narrow kerf which makes their cuts very narrow and clean.
Using A Japanese Saw
At this point, it’s worth pointing out that after years of using push saws, it can take a little time to get used to the different style of using a Japanese Saw.
You need to remember to make the cut on the pull stroke and also bear in mind that you shouldn’t have to use as much effort when you do cut. The thinner, sharper blade should cut more easily than you are used to.
Types Of Japanese Saws
Just like the traditional saws we are used to, there are different types of Japanese Saw.
Here’s a quick guide:
Ryoba – Has teeth on both edges of the blade. Usually different TPI per side so you are getting two saws in one. Used like a traditional hand saw.
Kataba – A very thin and flexible saw with teeth that either stick out on one side only or neither side. These are great for cutting dowels flush without damaging the surrounding surface, so they are often referred to as flush cut saws.
Dozuki – Has a rigid ‘spine’ on the back of the blade, like a tenon saw, to keep it more rigid for straighter cuts. Good for dovetail joints.
Azebiki – Has a curved blade. You can place this curve anywhere on the wood to start cutting; you don’t need to start on an edge. So it’s useful for cutting out holes in wood.
COMPARISON CHART
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Suizan 9.5 Inch Ryoba Japanese Pull Saw
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Kakuri 9.5 Inch Ryoba Japanese Saw
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Suizan 9.5 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Japanese Pull Saw
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Suizan 7 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Japanese Pull Saw
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Gyokucho Razorsaw 5” Flush Cutting Japanese Pull Saw
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1. Suizan 9.5 Inch Ryoba Japanese Pull Saw
Specification
| Brand | SUIZAN |
| Blade Length | 9.5 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 25 |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
Features
- 9.5-Inch Double Edge Blade
- 0.02-inch thick
- Narrow kerf
- Cross-cut and Rip-cut
- Replaceable Blade
- Made in Japan
Suizan is a top Japanese Saw manufacturer who has been making quality hand tools for over 100 years. This 9.5” Ryoba saw is one of their highest-rated saws.
Like all Suizan Japanese Saws, it is made in Japan from top-quality Japanese steel.
The slim 0.02-inch blade with narrow kerf requires less power and leaves a cleaner edge to your cuts.
Featuring a removable 9.5” double edge blade with cross-cut and rip-cut teeth for quality straight cuts in any direction.
WHAT WE LIKE
This is a great all-purpose Japanese Saw that would make an ideal first Japanese Saw for those wanting to give them a go.
Its narrow, double-edged blade is useful for many jobs and as the blade is removable you can interchange blades as your collection grows.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The rip cut edge has quite large teeth and takes getting used to with the different technique of a Japanese Saw.
PROS
- Double Edge
- Quality Tool
- Cross And Rip-Cut In One Saw
- Sharp Straight Results
CONS
- Handle Comfort
2. Kakuri 9.5 Inch Ryoba Japanese Saw
Specification
| Brand | KAKURI |
| Blade Length | 9.5 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 17 Teeth per Inch |
| Item Weight | 8.1 ounces |
Features
- 9.5-Inch Double Edge Blade
- 0.6mm thick
- 0.9mm kerf
- 17 TPI Cross-cut
- Graduated Pitch Rip-cut
- Replaceable Blade
- Cork Resin Handle
- Made in Japan
Kakuri is another top Japanese saw maker that has been making quality tools in Japan for decades. This 9.5” Ryoba model is its equivalent to the previous Suizan.
It also features a narrow double edge Cross cut and Rip cut replaceable blade made from Japanese steel.
WHAT WE LIKE
Just like the Suizan, this is a great all-purpose Japanese Saw for experienced users and first-timers that produces great results.
The double edge blade allows quickly moving from cross cut to rip cut with a simple turn.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
A little more expensive than the Suizan, but price may vary from time to time so worth keeping an eye on.
PROS
- Double Edge
- Quality Japanese Steel
- Cross And Rip-Cut In One Saw
- Sharp Straight Results
CONS
- Price
Specification
| Brand | SUIZAN |
| Blade Length | 9.5 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 25 |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
Features
- 9.5-Inch Replaceable Blade
- 0.012-inch thick
- 0.016-inch kerf
- 25 TPI
- Cross-cut
- Made in Japan
This Suizan Japanese Saw is one of their Dozuki Japanese saws. Remember Dozuki saws are the ones with the stiffening rib attached to the back of the blade. Combined with the typically slim blade this allows you to make precise straight and narrow cuts, like those in dovetail joints.
The top-quality Japanese steel cross cut blade is removable and interchangeable for easy replacement and changing.
WHAT WE LIKE
This is another top-quality Suizan saw that produces very precise and accurate cuts with little effort.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
It is expensive. But high quality. The handle could sometimes benefit from more grip.
PROS
- Very accurate, narrow cuts
- Fine teeth
- Cuts with minimal work
CONS
- Handle hard and smooth
- Cost
4. Suizan 7 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Japanese Pull Saw
Specification
| Brand | SUIZAN |
| Blade Length | 7 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 15 |
| Item Weight | 9.6 Ounces |
Features
- 7-Inch Replaceable Blade
- 0.012-inch thick
- Narrow kerf
- Easy Grip Handle
- Made in Japan
This is a smaller 7-inch Dozuki Dovetail saw from Suizan. It shares all the same features and qualities as its larger brother but in a smaller size.
The handle is a more modern easy-grip manmade material.
WHAT WE LIKE
This saw produces excellent results with a surprising ease of cutting. The smaller size and lower cost may appeal to some users.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The smaller blade means it cuts to a limited depth. This may be an issue in some jobs where the 9” may be more suitable.
PROS
- Very accurate, narrow cuts
- Fine teeth
- Cuts with minimal work
CONS
- Limited cut depth
5. Gyokucho Razorsaw 5” Flush Cutting Japanese Pull Saw
Specification
| Brand | GYOKUCHO |
| Blade Length | 5 Inches |
| Number of Teeth | 19 |
| Item Weight | 1.92 ounces |
Features
- 5-Inch Double Edge Blade
- 0.0012-inch thick
- 32 TPI cross cut
- 21 TPI cross cut
- Beechwood Handle
This 5-inch Gyokucho Razorsaw is perfect for cutting dowels flush.
Gyokucho has pioneered the stamping and flattening of saw blades, as well as grinding, setting and impulse hardening teeth.
This results in a super-thin flexible blade that is designed for very clean flush cuts. Double-edged with fine teeth gives you smooth cuts in narrow materials.
WHAT WE LIKE
The super-thin 0.0012-inch, yes 0.0012-inch, flexible blade and fine teeth are perfect for flush cutting and produces such impressive results that the wood may not even need sanding.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The blade is not replaceable so it is in effect a disposable saw. But it is not too expensive, about the same as other replacement blades, so doesn’t matter too much.
PROS
- Super Thin Flexible Blade
- Smooth Flush Cuts
CONS
- Blade not replaceable
Conclusion
The Japanese Saw market is dominated by a couple of manufacturers so it’s hard not to choose one of their models.
Also, like traditional saws, there are different styles of Japanese Saws so it’s hard to recommend just one Japanese Saw.
If you are going to buy just one Japanese Saw (for now at least) then we would recommend the Suizan 9.5” Ryoba Japanese Saw. It is a great introduction to Japanese Saws and can be used on a wide variety of projects. It will produce superb results with surprisingly little effort (once you get the hang of the different way of using a Japanese Saw).
The Kakuri 9.5” Ryoba Japanese Saw is very similar, just a little more expensive. But you may prefer the cork/resin handle and rather pay the extra for this saw.
If you are looking for a Japanese Saw primarily for flush cutting things like dowels and joint ends then the Gyokucho 5” Flush Cutting Japanese Saw will not let you down.
Get ready to join the club of Japanese Saw fans!
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
