Anyone who’s ever used a Japanese pull saw rave about them. This is because they are so accurate. However, there are many variations of Japanese pull saw in the market. It is difficult to choose the best one. And, we need to compare some factors when we want to choose the best Japanese pull saw.
This article will give you an in-depth review about choosing the best Japanese pull saw.
You will learn what to look for when choosing a Japanese pull saw, and our buying guide will help you establish a plan to select the right tool for your particular projects.
Let’s get started!
What Are Japanese Pull Saws Used For?
A Japanese pull saw is a small saw that is used for woodworking and is used by cutting on the pull stroke. The saw is normally about 1/4 inch wide and has a blade that is crosscut at a 20 or 22 degree angle.
This angle to the blade of the saw is what allows the user to cut along the grain of the wood. The saw is unique in its design, because it has a handle that is longer than the blade.
This is so that the user can apply more force to the saw, while the blade remains stationary. The handle and blade are connected by a riveted joint, and the handle is usually made of wood with a leather cover.
Japanese pull saws are cordless hand saws that have cutting edges on both sides of the blade. It can be used to cut thin veneer, MDF, MDF sheet, tiles, wood, sandpaper and other products. The saw is also powerful enough to cut through multiple size blocks.
What Should You Look for in a Japanese Pull Saw?
When looking for the best Japanese pull saw, there are many different characteristics to consider. The most important of these is the metal used for the blade.
While most saws have blades with different kinds of steel, Japanese pull saws are made from high-grade carbon steel. This material is the most resistant to chipping and dulling, and also allows for the most accurate and smooth cuts.
Another important aspect of Japanese pull saws is the varying blade sizes wrapped into one tool. Usually, this is proportional to the length of the handle, with the most common length being in the 20-inch range.
Many saws also have tear-drop shapes, with the tip of the blade normally being slimmer than the handle.
Why Should You Get a Japanese Pull Saw?
There are lots of different reasons why you should buy a Japanese pull saw:
- The Japanese pull saw is a revolutionary saw. It’s the only saw that can make a cut on both the push and pull stroke.
- Its ease of use and accuracy make it ideal for the novice and professional woodworker.
- With proper care and maintenance, the Japanese pull saw can be a valuable asset to your woodshop for many years to come.
- The Japanese pull saw has a blade that is thinner and finer than a western saw. It is capable of cutting on the pull stroke just like on the push stroke. The Japanese pull saw is used in a multitude of different situations.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw
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Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw
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Vaughan BS250D Double Edged
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Roamwild Multi Pull Saw PRO Replacement Japanese Blade
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Shark Corp 10-2440 Fine Cut Saw
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Features
- Fast and accurate cutting
- Super comfortable grip
- Extremely versatile
The SUIZAN Hand Saw is a model that is designed by a Japanese Dozuki company, which is considered one of the most prestigious and renowned Japanese craftsmen. Their product is well known to be good and durable.
They have good quality materials and they are long-lasting, which can guarantee a long lifespan of the product. The SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki dovetail hand saw is really powerful and durable.
It has a fixed blade, which allows you to get an effective cut. It has three different blade finishes, which are stained, blued and polished.
WHAT WE LIKE
You can choose the best quality of blades by just touching the cutting edges of the saw. The SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki dovetail hand saw can be used for both wet and dry cuts.
The Dozuki (pronounced doh-zoo-kee) is a Japanese hand saw that is similar to, and by some considered to be an improvement on, the Western saw frame.
The Dozuki is a “pull saw”, which means it is designed to be pulled towards the woodworker, rather than pushed. It has a shorter blade than a Western saw, typically 6 to 8 inches, and is about 2/3 of the weight.
PROS
- Very well balanced
- Blade can be changed out effortlessly
- Surprisingly comfortable grip
- Very easy for beginners to get started
CONS
- The saw sometimes has difficulty cutting plywood
Features
- Very good weight distribution
The Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba is a 6 inch Japanese pull saw that is among the best ryoba saws on the market. Featuring a traditional Japanese design, this saw offers a pattern of teeth on the blade that strike a balance between fine toothed ryoba saws and Western saws.
The result is a saw that cuts efficiently and precisely, without tearing your wood or creating rough splinters.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Gyokucho is a great example of a well-made Japanese pull saw. However, the Gyokucho’s blade is not the only thing that makes it stand out.
It also features a traditional Japanese handle that is said to be both comfortable and durable. The handles are made from a well-oiled beechwood that is uniquely designed to give you a firm and comfortable grip while keeping your hands comfortable, even when working for hours.
PROS
- Very light weight
- Great for medium-sized projects
CONS
- Blade is a bit thin
- The blade can bow and flex at times
Features
- Tri-edged teeth make cutting very accurate
The Vaughan BS250D Japanese pull saw is a stellar tool to own. The BS250D is best used for cutting wood, plastic, and aluminum, and is meant to be used on small scale construction, carpentry, and furniture repairs.
Additionally, the BS250D can be used to cut apart pallets, and other materials that can be broken down by the pull saw.
WHAT WE LIKE
This is a handmade saw, and the first saw in the BS series. It works wonderfully, and is very well made. It’s very flexible, and very well suited for cutting curves. It’s even suitable for soft woods, and is a great tool for both professionals and hobbyists.
PROS
- Unique tri-edged teeth
- Easy to make cuts, but beginners will have a learning curve
CONS
- Even when locked down, the blade sometimes seems a bit loose
Features
- Nice, thick blade
The Roamwild Multi-Pull Saw Pro Replacement Japanese Blade is a replacement blade that you can use instead of the original one. The company that makes this blade is called Roamwild, and they are a company that is based in Japan.
WHAT WE LIKE
The blade features a 2-in-1 solution: One blade is 12 inches long and the other is 6.5 inches long.
This means that it will be easier to use, and it may also cut more smoothly. However, you may find that this blade will not be suitable for cutting very thick branches.
PROS
- Great double-edge design
- Thicker blade than some other pull saws
CONS
- issues relating to the blade not audibly locking, or the blade not locking properly.
Features
- Tough design
- Cuts accurately
- Micro-etched blade
If you are searching for an introductory saw that fits into your hand like it was custom made for you, you’ll want to check out the 10-2440 Shark Corp Fine Cut Saw. The Shark Corp 10-2440 Fine Cut Saw has been making the rounds in the pull saw community with great reviews so far.
The saw has a 24″ long blade and is made of high-carbon steel. It also comes with a fitted leather case and a sharpening stone.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Shark Corp 10-2440 has a micro etched blade which makes it very easy to sharpen. The fine cut saw is also fitted with shark teeth which makes cutting much easier. (The Shark Corp saw is a western style saw which is designed to cut on the pull stroke, so the teeth are designed to make that easier.)
PROS
- Very accurate when making cuts
- Surprisingly tough design
CONS
- Blade could be just bit thicker
- Some buyers wish the blade would lock audibly
Conclusion
Wrapping up, we found all of these pull saws to work quite well using a multitude of tasks. Thanks so much for checking out our review article about the best Japanese pull saw.
In our honest opinion, the SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw takes the top prize. It’s versatility and blade take the cake.
Customers love that the pull saw combines the best of toughness and ease of use. We love that the SUIZAN is so tough yet very refined. Highly recommended.
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