Ar-silc.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Top 13 Best Japanese Pull Saw In 2024

Brandon Forder
  Apr 19, 2024 7:14 PM

A decent hand saw is a need for every woodworker, and those made in Japan are widely regarded as the best available. They can be used for a variety of purposes, are lightweight, sharp, and affordable.

Japanese hand saws are a worthwhile investment whether you're just starting out in the woodworking world or have been constructing things for years. You can acquire a great Japanese saw set that will allow you to tackle any woodworking project for less than the price of a single high-quality western saw.

After years of experience with Japanese saws, I decided to compile this comprehensive guide to help others make an informed decision when shopping for (and using) their first Japanese pull saw.


Compare Products

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Types

Dozuki Noko

The Dozukis are more suited for finer cuts due to their single-sidedness and rigid spine. Many of our experts agree that the Dozuki blades are the greatest Japanese hand saws to have on hand since they allow for deeper cuts and because the depth of the cut is not limited.

Ryoba

Saws in the Ryoba tradition have cutting teeth on both sides, unlike the Dozuki. When using it, you can either make rip cuts or cross cuts on one side. Additionally, there are ones that are designed to work with either hardwoods or softwoods [1] on each side.

Kataba

The Kataba saw, like the best Japanese saws, only has teeth on one edge. Kataba saws are regarded as universal saws that are appropriate for most woodworking operations, making them an essential addition to any workshop or toolbox.

You should know that the blades of Japanese hand saws are typically thicker and that they lack a rear. The Kataba is versatile, as it can also produce cross and rip cuts.

Azebiki

There is no mistaking the Azebiki Japanese saw for anything else. The Azebiki is very different from a standard western saw, featuring a curved blade with teeth on both sides. This style of Japanese saw is ideal for making cuts that originate in the center of your workpiece, and the short blade makes it easier to maneuver in confined spaces.

Kugihiki

"Cutting nails" is "kugihiki" in Japanese. These saws are well named since their flush-cut blade makes quick work of cutting both wooden dowels and nails. As an added bonus, the blade is thicker toward the back so that it can make more robust cuts, while the point is thin and flexible. Because of this, Kugihiki saws can make bevel cuts without destroying the wood's surface, whereas other pull saws would struggle to do so.

Sokomawashibiki

Bottom saws, or sokomawashibiki, were originally used to cut the wood for the bases of wooden buckets, hence their name. The curved blade makes it simple to make curved cuts in both hard and soft wood.

Mawashibiki

Instead of a keyhole saw, Japanese people use mawashibiki pull saws. Their narrow, thick blade is perfect for keyholes and shaping wood into curved shapes.

Teeth size

The typical tooth count for Japanese hand saws is between 22 and 27, and the blades are typically around an inch in diameter and one inch in thickness. In general, larger and longer teeth are used for more aggressive carpentry, while smaller teeth are best for bouncing in the first few cuts.

Handle

When cutting tough materials like wood, a firm hold on the saw's handle is essential. It's more likely that you'll get hurt if the handle of your knife is too flimsy or doesn't provide a good enough grip to keep it from slipping out of your hand mid-cut. Consequently, it is important to purchase a saw with a handle made of plastic or wood so that you can work comfortably.

Blade

It is crucial that you use a blade that is suitable for your purposes. Specifically for sawing, a thick blade is preferable. Similarly, spare blades should be kept handy in case one loses or breaks the original set.


FAQS

How do you store Japanese saws?

Japanese saws are best kept in a wall rack. A strap (or a hole for a strap) is usually attached to the bottom of the handle.

Just like any other saw, they can be put away for later use. They can either be hung by the handles or placed flat (with the blade standing). Make sure there is no stress or strain on the blade itself. Over time, this will cause a bowing effect.

Also, note that Japanese saws may be dismantled and put away without taking up much space. Removing the saw's blade makes it much more compact for storage in a drawer or toolbox. When you need to use it again, putting it back together only takes a couple of seconds.

Are Japanese saws better than western saws?

There are good and bad aspects to using a Japanese saw, just as there are to using a western saw. Because of their simplicity and low maintenance requirements, they are ideal for novices.

What is a Japanese pull saw used for?

The functions of both push and pull saws are equivalent, with the latter being used for fine joinery and the former for cutting to length. Size and shape determine how useful they will be as tools.

What is an Anahiki style saw?

This Japanese saw is ideal for slicing through both dry and fresh timber. When framing lumber, construction workers frequently utilize an Anahiki saw.

What is the optimal usage for a curve cutter saw?

Designed for cutting fine curves in small pieces of wood, this 3-pound saw is remarkably light and flexible for its size.

Why Are Japanese Saws Better?

The pull stroke mechanism utilized by Japanese saws makes them superior. You'll need less muscle power and use less physical effort with these saws, and they won't weigh you down as much as some of the heavier hand saws. The high quality Japanese steel used to make most Japanese saws ensures that they maintain their edge for longer.


Conclusion

Japanese saws are a welcome exception to the global standardization of woodworking tools because of their distinctive regional design. A precise saw is money well spent if only for the ability to cut dovetails by hand.


4.5
2 ratings