If you are a woodworker, one of the additional things you should consider adding to your tools is a handy Japanese saw. There are certain benefits that you can get from a Japanese saw that you otherwise can’t get with other types of saws. Now is a good time to explore the benefits of this saw and find out which of the saws out there can provide the benefits you are looking for.
Best Japanese Saw Reviews
Make sure you get the following Japanese saws:
- Suizan Japanese Hand Saw
- Gyokucho 770-3600 Razor Ryoba Saw with Blade
- Okada Hardware Japanese Mini Dozuki Panel Saw
- Topman Authentic Japanese Woodworking Flush Cut Trim Saw
Now find out more why these Japanese saws are the best:
1. Suizan Japanese Hand Saw
Get clean and accurate cuts all the time but without exerting too much hand power with the help of this tool from Suizan. This tool is a product of expert Japanese craftsmanship, so you can expect only excellent quality with this hand saw. This Japanese brand is known for their 100 years of handcrafting experience.
Because Japanese saws require replacement every two years or so, this one has easy to remove blades. Finding the right blades is also easier. The blade has been sharpened to perfection and has a narrow Kerf that makes way or cleaner and more accurate cuts. Whether you are working with bigger projects or small finishing cuts, this will work for you.
Pros:
The quality of the steel used for this Japanese saw is unmatched. Although Japanese saws require blade replacement every now and then, the blades last longer than expected.
You don’t need to sand down or polish your cuts because this one already has clean results. Very little polishing is needed after cutting. There are no annoying bits of hanging wood.
It comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your tool, you can get a refund for it.
It is easy to work with. True to its promise, it really does eliminate too much hand work. You don’t need to exert too much effort in sawing. This is good for people who might have trouble with hand motions.
Because the kerf is thin, you can make dovetails with this. It is also suitable for small scale projects. Since it has flexibility to boast, you should be able to make finishing cuts with ease.
It cuts smoothly. Many users said they haven’t had issues with binds or their blade getting stuck in the wood with this tool. You can pull without putting in too much effort. It dispenses the need to use too much pressure when sawing.
It remains sharp for a long time as well. Users were able to keep on using it for a long time without experiencing dullness in the blade. It cuts through bigger pieces of wood with minimal effort. It speeds up cutting work as well.
Everything about this tool is well-made. The handle also feels nice and ergonomic. The blade is strong and resistant to damages.
Cons:
Some did not like the plastic handle.
2. Gyokucho 770-3600 Razor Ryoba Saw with Blade
This Japanese saw has an overall length of 15 inches and a blade length of 7 inches. It is different from other Japanese saws out there because of its tilted handle that enhances maneuverability. It allows users to reach those tight and awkward spots with ease. It is sharp and stays sharp for a long time as the teeth have been hardened to resist wear and tear.
The rattan-wrapped handles make way for more secure and more stable grip. Replacement of blade is also a cinch. And since it is compact, it should be easy to bring with you no matter where you go. It accepts #155638 type of replacement blade.
Pros:
This does cross-cutting work with ease. It makes quick work of cutting small stocks but shouldn’t be too difficult to use with heavier and thicker materials.
The cross-cutting side features 17 teeth per inch while the rip side features 6 teeth per inch. It makes way for cleaner cuts that require no polishing.
This is an affordable Japanese saw that does what it promises to do. If you are looking for a Japanese saw that has a good quality but isn’t too heavy on the pocket, this is a good choice.
The ergonomics of this Japanese saw is good. It has a comfortable handle. With this feature, you should be able to use this for an extended period of time without experiencing fatigue.
It is small and portable. It is also lightweight. It makes using this for hours a lot easier.
With its narrower kerf, you should be able to make even the thinnest of cuts.
It actually cuts through different types of wood with ease. It works seamlessly even on hardwood.
It comes with a plastic sleeve that you can use to protect the saw from damage during transport.
Cons:
Some people find the blade too flexible.
3. Okada Hardware Japanese Mini Dozuki Panel Saw
Are you new to using Japanese saws? You won’t find this intimidating to use. It is specifically designed for the use of beginners. It is ideal for cutting and scoring materials like veneers and even wood panels. What makes this unique and different from others is its Woodpecker hook tooth. You can use the V shape of the blade to make scratch marks to indicate your starting point.
Since it is a Dozuki blade, it has a metal backbone that reinforces the blade and maintains its stiffness. The entire blade length measures 150 mm while the handle is ½ inch in thickness. The handle is also wrapped for better ergonomics.
Pros:
This tool is precise. It creates very clean results all the time. It takes just a little bit of practice to get the hang of it. In no time at all, you should be able to create the exact amount of cut you want.
The backing not just keeps it stiff, it also ensures that all the cuts you make are precise and straight.
It is a joy to use on softwood. For hardwood, it takes a bit more effort, but you should still be able to get the job done with lesser effort compared to Western saws.
What is great about this is that the teeth are induction hardened, so they are resistant to damages. They don’t break easily like others and they retain their sharpness for a long time even without the need to re-sharpen.
These are great for making finishing cuts. It makes dovetails beautifully. If there are cuts that require precision, go for this Japanese saw.
The price is great for something that has a good quality and functionality. It is also the cheapest choice in this list.
The ergonomics is good. It handles well and should not tire your hands out easily.
Cons:
Because of the back, this might not be ideal in making deeper cuts.
4. Topman Authentic Japanese Woodworking Flush Cut Trim Saw
This is a Japanese saw that is made from high carbon steel blade. It has flexibility that enables it to reach tight areas where a regular saw can’t. It doesn’t buckle, thanks to its pulling stroke. You are also able to make intricate cuts, do flush cut dowels, cut trims and make pegs.
It leaves behind clean cuts all the time and minimizes the production of sawdust. The triple-edge tooth design cuts through the wood cleanly, so it doesn’t produce too much dust. The blade itself has 6-1/4 inches of length and the wooden handle has 5-3/4 inches of length.
Pros:
This is completely Japan-made. Crafted in Miki City, Japan, you know this saw is a recipient of excellent craftsmanship.
Although the bade is flexible and thin, it doesn’t feel flimsy at all. The metal used is of good quality. The blade also retains its sharpness. It comes out already sharp, so you will be able to use it immediately. The blade was a bow saw is also good for the same use. If you are interested then check these bow saw reviews.
There are no issues with the handle grip. Many people still find the grip comfortable even when using this saw or a long time.
The flexibility of this saw is great as well. You can reach those tight corners with ease.
The price is affordable. Even if you are on a budget, you will find this easy on the budget.
It doesn’t scratch your work surface. If you don’t like marring your work surface, you should add this to your work arsenal.
It cuts through different types of wood with ease. It also works fast. The blade glides through the material with ease.
Cons:
Some said the blade could use a bit more rigidness.
Which Japanese Saw is the Best Choice for You?
Maintains Its Sharpness: Suizan Japanese Hand Saw. Japanese saws are intrinsically sharp, but they tend to lose their sharpness overtime. This one though has good sharpness and it retains its sharpness even after frequent use. You will also like the overall build and quality of this product. It is sharp enough to go through even thicker woods with minimal effort.
Lightweight and Compact: Gyokucho 770-3600 Razor Ryoba Saw with Blade. This is a good Japanese saw with lightweight and compact features. It works through smaller projects in a jiffy but should also be a force to be reckoned with in bigger projects that deal with hardwood. You won’t find this lacking in any department and especially shines when it comes to its sharpness and clean results.
Excellent Choice as a Finishing Saw: Okada Hardware Japanese Mini Dozuki Panel Saw
Clean and Consistent Cuts: Topman Authentic Japanese Woodworking Flush Cut Trim Saw. This tool creates clean cuts all the time. It cuts through wood like butter, so it doesn’t leave behind too much sawdust. If you like this kind of effect and you prefer using something that is flexible and sharp, consider getting this tool.
Why Should You Get a Japanese Saw?
A Japanese saw is different from a Western saw in the sense that these saws promote a pulling action rather than the pushing action that is used in Western saws.
As a result, Japanese saws are handled differently. With Japanese saws, you need to sit down to be able to utilize them properly as opposed to the usual standing up position woodworkers use when working with a Western saw. This can be good or reducing back strain and fatigue. People with mobility issues may also be able to work with a Japanese saw better.
Japanese saws also typically have thinner plates, so the cuts are narrower and cleaner. You can use the cut wood right away rather since they are usually straighter than the results of a Western saw.
Compared to a Western saw, working with a Japanese saw might be easier because you pull it rather than push it. it doesn’t require too much pressure and you don’t need to have a strong grip. This might be a better choice for those suffering from hand issues.
Some brands of Japanese saws are also more capable of making clean cuts on thicker lumber. There are those with no backs, so it also allows users full control and better accuracy.
Japanese saws tend to be more flexible as well. That means these saws can be tilted into a difficult position, something that can’t be easily done by a regular Western saw.
If you’re interested in traditional, non-motorized tools for cutting wood, it doesn’t get any more old school. If you’re cutting metal, then it’s a hacksaw for you.
Conclusion
Go ahead and check out our homepage for more tips on how to buy the best woodworking tool. With our buying guides, you can be assured that you will be able to spend your money wisely only quality tools.
