Best Japanese Saws

Japanese saws have long been known for their precision cutting abilities and unparalleled sharpness. In this guide, we have reviewed the top Japanese saws available in 2023, taking into consideration their cutting performance, durability, and ease of use. Our detailed analysis will help you choose the perfect saw for your woodworking needs.

Types of Japanese Saws

There are several types of Japanese saws, each designed for specific woodworking tasks. Understanding their differences will help you choose the right saw for your needs.

• Ryoba: The Ryoba saw is a versatile, double-edged saw featuring two sets of teeth - crosscut teeth on one side and rip teeth on the other. This allows the user to perform both crosscutting (cutting across the grain) and ripping (cutting along the grain) tasks with a single tool.
• Dozuki: The Dozuki saw is a single-edged saw with a thin, flexible blade and a reinforced metal spine. It is primarily used for making precise, clean cuts and is ideal for joinery work, such as dovetails and tenons.
• Kataba: The Kataba saw is a single-edged saw designed for deep, straight cuts. It features a thicker blade than the Dozuki and is available in both crosscut and rip tooth configurations. This saw is ideal for cutting large pieces of wood and can also be used for cutting tenons.
• Kugihiki: The Kugihiki, or flush-cut saw, has a thin, flexible blade with no set to the teeth. This design allows the blade to cut flush against a surface without damaging it. Kugihiki saws are typically used for trimming wooden pegs or dowels flush with the surface of the wood.

Top 5 Japanese Saws to Buy 2023:

1. Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw 240mm No. 610

Pros:

• Double-edged blade for versatility
• Impulse-hardened teeth for durability
• Comfortable rattan-wrapped handle

Cons:

• May be challenging for beginners to control

The Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw is a versatile double-edged saw that features a crosscut side for cutting across the wood grain and a rip side for cutting along the grain. Its 240mm blade length is perfect for general-purpose woodworking tasks. The blade is made from high-quality Japanese steel, and its teeth are impulse-hardened for extended durability and excellent cutting performance.

The rattan-wrapped handle provides a comfortable grip and reduces fatigue during extended use. The saw's lightweight construction and ergonomic design make it easy to control, although beginners may find it challenging to master at first.

2. Silky Gomboy 240 Folding Landscaping Saw

Pros:

• Folding design for portability
• Hard chrome-plated blade for durability
• Rubberized handle for a secure grip

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks

The Silky Gomboy 240 is a folding saw designed for landscaping tasks but is also suitable for woodworking. Its hard chrome-plated blade is resistant to rust and the effects of resin, ensuring a long-lasting cutting performance. The Gomboy's 8.5 teeth per 30mm provide a smooth and efficient cutting experience.

The rubberized handle ensures a secure grip and reduces the risk of slipping during use. The folding design allows for easy storage and transportation. However, the Gomboy may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks due to its folding mechanism.

3. Suizan Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Kataba Single Edge

Pros:

• High-quality Japanese steel blade
• Interchangeable blade system
• Excellent for precise cuts

Cons:

• Single-edge design limits versatility

The Suizan Kataba Single Edge saw is perfect for making precise cuts in woodworking projects. Its 9.5-inch blade is made from top-quality Japanese steel and features a fine tooth configuration for smooth, accurate cuts. The interchangeable blade system allows for easy replacement when the blade eventually dulls.

While the single-edge design may limit versatility compared to double-edged saws, the Kataba excels in precision work such as joinery and cabinetry. The comfortable handle ensures ease of use, although beginners may require some practice to master the pull saw technique.

4. Z-Saw Dozuki 9.5 Inch 15002 Japanese Panel Saw

Pros:

• Rigid metal spine for accurate cuts
• Great for dovetail and tenon joints
• High-quality blade material

Cons:

• Limited to crosscutting tasks

The Z-Saw Dozuki 15002 is a Japanese panel saw designed for crosscutting tasks and excels in creating dovetail and tenon joints. Its 9.5-inch blade features a rigid metal spine that ensures accurate and straight cuts. Made from high-quality Japanese steel, the blade provides a smooth cutting experience.

The Dozuki's fine teeth configuration makes it an excellent choice for precision work in woodworking projects. However, its design limits it to crosscutting tasks and may not be suitable for those seeking a versatile saw.

5. Hishika Flush Cut Saw 120mm

Pros:

• Flexible blade for flush cutting
• Double-sided teeth for versatility
• Compact size for tight spaces

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks

The Hishika Flush Cut Saw features a flexible, double-sided 120mm blade, perfect for flush cutting tasks and trimming dowels or pegs. One side of the blade has fine teeth for hardwood, while the other side has larger teeth for softwood.

The compact size makes it ideal for working in tight spaces and provides excellent control for detailed work. However, due to its size and flexibility, this saw may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or large-scale projects.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Japanese Saw

• Type of Saw: Consider the type of woodworking tasks you plan to perform and choose a saw that best suits your needs. For general-purpose woodworking, a Ryoba saw is a versatile option, whereas a Dozuki saw is ideal for precise joinery work.
• Blade Material: High-quality Japanese saws typically feature blades made from carbon steel or stainless steel. Carbon steel blades are known for their sharpness and edge retention but are prone to rusting. Stainless steel blades, on the other hand, are rust-resistant but may not be as sharp or hold an edge as well as carbon steel.
• Teeth per Inch (TPI): The TPI of asaw determines its cutting speed and the smoothness of the cut. Saws with a higher TPI produce cleaner cuts but cut slower, while those with a lower TPI cut faster but may leave rougher edges. Choose a saw with a TPI that suits your specific needs and preferences.
• Handle Material and Design: Japanese saws come with various handle materials, such as wood, bamboo, and plastic. Wooden handles are traditional and provide a comfortable grip, while plastic handles are durable and easy to clean. The handle design should allow for a comfortable and secure grip during use.
• Price and Brand: Japanese saws can range in price from around $20 to over $100, depending on the brand, materials, and craftsmanship. Established brands, such as Gyokucho, Silky, and Z-Saw, are known for their quality products. While it's not necessary to purchase the most expensive saw, investing in a high-quality, reliable tool from a reputable brand will likely result in better performance and longevity.

Maintaining Your Japanese Saw

To ensure the longevity and performance of your Japanese saw, follow these maintenance tips:

• Cleaning: After each use, wipe the blade clean of any dust or debris with a dry cloth or a brush. Avoid using water, as this can cause the blade to rust.
• Rust prevention: If your saw has a carbon steel blade, apply a thin layer of oil or rust-preventative spray to protect it from rusting. Store the saw in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Sharpening: Japanese saws typically have impulse-hardened teeth, which makes them difficult to sharpen. Instead, consider replacing the blade once it becomes dull. Some saws feature replaceable blades, making this process easy and cost-effective.
• Handle care: For wooden handles, apply a coat of oil or wax periodically to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each of these Japanese saws offers unique benefits for different woodworking needs. For a versatile all-around saw, we recommend the Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw. If you're looking for a portable option, the Silky Gomboy 240 is an excellent choice. For precision work, the Suizan Kataba Single Edge and Z-Saw Dozuki provide outstanding performance. Finally, for flush cutting and trimming tasks, theHishika Flush Cut Saw is an ideal choice.

When selecting a Japanese saw, consider your specific woodworking needs, the type of tasks you'll be performing, and your skill level. With the right saw, you'll be able to achieve precise, clean cuts that will elevate the quality of your projects. Happy woodworking!