Best Japanese Saws for Woodworking: Top Picks for 2023

Japanese saws have been a staple in woodworking for centuries, known for their precision and efficiency. Unlike Western saws, which cut on the push stroke, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, allowing for greater control and accuracy.

When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools can make all the difference. And for those looking for a saw that can handle intricate cuts and delicate work, a Japanese saw may be the perfect fit.

When shopping for the best Japanese saws for woodworking, it’s important to consider the type of saw that will best suit your needs. Factors such as blade length, tooth count, and blade thickness can all impact the saw’s performance.

In this article, we’ve researched and tested various Japanese saws to help you find the best one for your woodworking projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered.

Best Japanese Saws for Woodworking

When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools is essential for achieving the desired results. Japanese saws, also known as Noko Giri, are known for their precision and ease of use. They are ideal for making intricate cuts and are perfect for those who want to take their woodworking skills to the next level. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best Japanese saws for woodworking that you can consider adding to your toolkit. These saws have been carefully selected based on their quality, durability, and overall performance. So, let’s dive in and explore the top Japanese saws that can help you achieve your woodworking goals.

SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Ryoba Double Edge Flush Cut Saw Woodworking tools Gifts Japanese Ryoba Saw

If you want to experience a new level of woodworking, SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Ryoba Double Edge Flush Cut Saw is the perfect tool for you.

Pros

• The Japanese-style pull saw is lighter and requires less power to use than European-style push saws, resulting in a cleaner edge.
• Made of high-quality Japanese steel, the saw is razor-sharp and makes precise cuts.
• The saw is manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen, ensuring the highest quality.

Cons

• The handle may have cracks due to the handmade wrapping process.
• The appearance of each handle may vary from one to another.
• The saw is not suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

If you are looking for a versatile saw that can help you make a wider range of woodworking products, the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Ryoba Double Edge Flush Cut Saw is an excellent choice. This saw is perfect for both beginners and professionals alike.

The Japanese-style pull saw is a game-changer in woodworking. Unlike European-style push saws, which cut through a pushing motion, Japanese saws cut materials via pulling. This means that the SUIZAN saw is lighter in weight, requires less power, and results in a cleaner edge.

Made of high-quality Japanese steel, the saw is razor-sharp and makes precise cuts. The double-edged blade has two types of teeth: rip and crosscut, allowing you to switch between tasks effortlessly.

The SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Ryoba Double Edge Flush Cut Saw is manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen, ensuring the highest quality. The whole process of making this tool is completed in one of Japan’s towns known for its craft-making tradition with a history of over 100 years.

In conclusion, if you want to experience a new level of woodworking and diversify your woodworking life, the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Ryoba Double Edge Flush Cut Saw is the perfect tool for you.

KERYE Japanese Pull Saw 9.5 Inch

If you’re looking for an affordable, versatile, and durable Japanese saw, the KERYE Japanese Pull Saw 9.5 Inch is worth considering.

Pros

• An ideal birthday gift for men/women & professional/beginner woodworkers, carpenters and DIYers
• Larger working area compared to 6-inch saws
• Sturdy durable material made from SK5 high carbon steel and beech and rattan handle

Cons

• Plastic winding on the handle may not be durable
• The denser side teeth may be too slow for some users
• The saw may require frequent sharpening for optimal performance

This saw’s 9.5-inch blade offers a larger working area than 6-inch saws, making it more versatile for a range of woodworking tasks. The SK5 high carbon steel blade is known for its hardness and wear-resistance, while the beech and rattan handle is light and ergonomic, reducing fatigue during use. Additionally, the saw’s 3-sided grinding teeth are sharper and more wear-resistant, offering a longer lifespan.

The KERYE Japanese Pull Saw 9.5 Inch is a 2-in-1 pull saw with two sides with teeth, one with teeth of 10 TPI (rougher side) and the other, 17 TPI (denser side). While the rougher side is more suitable for quick and less detailed rip cuts, the denser side is more suitable for slower and more detailed cross cuts.

Overall, the KERYE Japanese Pull Saw 9.5 Inch is a reliable and affordable Japanese saw that is suitable for both professional and beginner woodworkers. However, some users may find the plastic winding on the handle to be less durable than other saws, and the denser side teeth may be too slow for some users.

RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw

If you’re looking for a lightweight and flexible Japanese saw for woodworking, the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The optimal blade size of 6 inches makes it easy to achieve precise cuts.
• The SK5 high-carbon steel blade is durable and flexible, with a hardness of HRC60-63 degrees.
• The double-edged design allows for both rip and cross cuts.

Cons

• The wooden handle may feel a bit cheap.
• The saw is not suitable for cutting planks wider than 4 inches.
• The product is made in China, not Japan.

This Japanese saw is an ideal gift for woodworkers, carpenters, and crafters. With its durable and flexible blade, you can achieve smooth and precise cuts on both hardwood and softwood. The double-edged design allows for versatility in your woodworking projects.

The 6-inch blade size is optimal for achieving precise cuts, and the SK5 high-carbon steel blade is processed by a high-frequency hardening machine imported from Japan, ensuring a hardness of HRC60-63 degrees. The three-sided grinding gear design of the blade also allows for faster chip removal and smoother cutting.

While the wooden handle may feel a bit cheap, the lightweight design of the saw makes it easy to handle. However, the saw is not suitable for cutting planks wider than 4 inches.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight and flexible Japanese saw for woodworking projects, the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is a great option to consider.

SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Saw Small Hand 5 Inch Pull for Hardwood and Softwood Woodworking tools Trim

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient flush cut saw, then the SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Saw Small Hand 5 Inch Pull for Hardwood and Softwood Woodworking tools Trim is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The pull saw design makes it lighter in weight and requires less power, resulting in a cleaner edge.
• Made of high-quality Japanese steel, the blade is razor sharp and can easily cut through hardwood and softwood.
• The saw is manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen, ensuring a high level of quality and craftsmanship.

Cons

• The blade may be too thin and flimsy for some users.
• The wooden handle may not be as durable as other materials.
• The saw may not be suitable for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

This saw is perfect for those who want to diversify their woodworking life, whether you’re a beginner or a master. With its traditional Japanese-style design, you can experience a brand new way of woodworking and make a wider range of products. The blade is suitable for cutting a variety of hardwood and softwood, including oak, sandalwood, ebony, mahogany, maple, walnut, pine, white cedar, Japanese cedar, larch, paulownia wood, and many others.

The SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Saw Small Hand 5 Inch Pull for Hardwood and Softwood Woodworking tools Trim is a reliable and efficient saw that can help you achieve precise and clean cuts. Its lightweight design and high-quality Japanese steel make it a great addition to any woodworking toolkit. So, if you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality flush cut saw, then this product is definitely worth checking out.

SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 7 Inch Ryoba Double Edge for Woodworking Tools Gifts 7 Inch (180mm) 7 Inch (180mm) Body

If you are looking for a versatile saw that can make razor-sharp cuts, then the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 7 Inch Ryoba Double Edge for Woodworking Tools Gifts 7 Inch (180mm) 7 Inch (180mm) Body might be the product for you.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Made of high-quality Japanese steel for sharp and accurate cuts
• Versatile saw that can be used for rip and cross cuts

Cons

• Requires practice to get used to the pulling motion
• Blade guard could be more robust
• Thin blade makes it difficult to cut straight lines

This Japanese-style pull saw is made of top-quality Japanese steel, which makes it lightweight and requires less power to use. The saw’s pulling motion results in a cleaner edge, making it an excellent choice for woodworkers who want to diversify their woodworking life. The saw is manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen, ensuring that the whole process of making these tools is completed with precision and care.

One of the advantages of using this saw is that it can make a wider range of woodworking products. Whether you are a master or a beginner, using traditional Japanese-style saws gives you a brand new experience. The saw’s blade length is 7 inches (180mm), with a blade thickness of 0.02 inches (0.5mm), and a TPI of 19 (1.35mm). The kerf width is 0.03 inches (0.8mm), and the overall length is 15.9 inches (40.5cm).

The SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 7 Inch Ryoba Double Edge for Woodworking Tools Gifts 7 Inch (180mm) 7 Inch (180mm) Body is a versatile saw that can be used for rip and cross cuts. It has a 4.8 rating out of 5 stars, with 5,038 ratings total. The saw’s feature bullets include its Japanese-style pull saw design, high-quality Japanese steel, and its manufacture in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen.

In summary, if you are looking for a versatile saw that can make razor-sharp cuts and a cleaner edge, the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 7 Inch Ryoba Double Edge for Woodworking Tools Gifts 7 Inch (180mm) 7 Inch (180mm) Body is an excellent choice. However, it requires practice to get used to the pulling motion, and the blade guard could be more robust.

KERYE Mini Hand Saw Woodworking Tools

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile saw for your woodworking projects, the KERYE Mini Hand Saw Woodworking Tools is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The SK5 high-carbon steel blade is flexible yet strong, providing a smooth and accurate cut every time.
• The non-slip beech handle is both beautiful and functional, providing a firm grip while you work.
• The double-sided design makes it a versatile woodworking tool that can be used for a variety of projects.

Cons

• It may not be suitable for larger woodworking projects.
• The teeth on the saw have a set that will mar your work if you try a flush cut.
• The 6-inch blade length may not be long enough for some projects.

This mini saw is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Whether you’re working in your workshop or on a job site, this saw is the perfect tool for any project that requires fast and precise cutting.

The 3-sided grinding teeth of this flush cut saw allow for smoother cutting and flat cuts. The 0.02” blade thickness feature is especially useful for precision work, as it ensures that your cuts are clean and accurate.

Overall, the KERYE Mini Hand Saw Woodworking Tools is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile saw for their woodworking projects.

M Meisterstark Japanese Pull Saw Set

If you’re looking for a Japanese saw that’s easy to use and provides precision cuts, the M Meisterstark Japanese Pull Saw Set might be the perfect tool for you.

Pros

• The saw is extremely sharp and easy to guide, making it perfect for woodworking and DIY projects.
• The set comes with a free second blade, which can be changed in just a few seconds.
• The saw is designed to cut via pulling, which guarantees masterfully precision cuts with minimal efforts.

Cons

• The handle may seem flimsy at first, but it’s actually quite durable.
• The saw is designed for cross-cutting across the grain and flush saw trims, but it may not be the best choice for all types of cuts.
• The saw may not be suitable for heavy-duty or industrial use.

The M Meisterstark Japanese Pull Saw Set is a great tool for anyone who wants to achieve precise cuts with minimal effort. The saw is extremely sharp and easy to guide, which makes it perfect for woodworking and DIY projects. Additionally, the set comes with a free second blade, which is a great value for the price.

One of the best things about this saw is that it’s designed to cut via pulling, which guarantees masterfully precision cuts with minimal efforts. The saw is also ergonomically designed, with a 2k Max Grip Handle that makes it a popular Japan Hand-Saw and Wood-Working Tool for demanding professionals.

While the handle may seem flimsy at first, it’s actually quite durable and provides a comfortable grip. However, the saw may not be suitable for heavy-duty or industrial use. Additionally, while the saw is designed for cross-cutting across the grain and flush saw trims, it may not be the best choice for all types of cuts.

Overall, the M Meisterstark Japanese Pull Saw Set is a great investment for anyone who wants to achieve precise cuts with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a Japanese saw that’s easy to use and provides precision cuts, this might be the perfect tool for you.

SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw 6 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Saw Tenon Saw for Woodworking tools Gifts 6 Inch (150mm) 6 Inch (150mm) Body

If you’re looking for a high-quality Japanese saw that can handle all your woodworking needs, the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The Japanese-style pull saw design is lightweight and requires less power, resulting in a cleaner edge.
• Made from top-quality Japanese steel, this saw is razor-sharp and can make precise cuts with ease.
• The SUIZAN saw is manufactured in Japan by master craftsmen, ensuring a high level of quality and craftsmanship.

Cons

• The teeth on the blade are extremely fine, which can make cutting slow and tedious.
• The handle feels a bit cheap and may not be as durable as other saws on the market.
• The saw is designed for cross-cutting and may not be suitable for other types of cuts.

The SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw is an excellent choice for woodworkers of all skill levels who are looking for a high-quality saw that can handle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this saw will provide you with a brand new experience and allow you to make a wider range of woodworking products.

The Japanese-style pull saw design is a significant advantage of this saw, as it is lighter in weight and requires less power than European-style push saws. This results in a cleaner edge and makes it easier to make precise cuts. Additionally, the top-quality Japanese steel used in the blade makes it razor-sharp and able to cut through wood with ease.

One of the most significant advantages of the SUIZAN saw is that it is manufactured in Japan by master craftsmen. This ensures that the saw is of the highest quality and is made to last. The whole process of making these tools is completed in one of Japan’s towns known for its craft-making tradition with a history of over 100 years.

However, there are a few downsides to this saw. The teeth on the blade are extremely fine, which can make cutting slow and tedious. Additionally, the handle feels a bit cheap and may not be as durable as other saws on the market. Finally, the saw is designed for cross-cutting and may not be suitable for other types of cuts.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality Japanese saw that can handle a variety of woodworking tasks, the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw is an excellent choice. With its lightweight design, top-quality Japanese steel blade, and master craftsmanship, this saw is sure to provide you with a brand new woodworking experience.

HARDTWERK Zen Japanese Pull Saw Foldable [Kataba]

If you’re looking for a high-quality Japanese saw for woodworking, the HARDTWERK Zen Japanese Pull Saw Foldable [Kataba] is a great option.

Pros

• The foldable design makes it easy to store and transport, which is a big plus if you need to take your saw on the go.
• The SK4 carbon steel saw blade is extremely sharp and precise, making it perfect for all types of woodworking projects.
• The ergonomic rubber handle provides a comfortable grip, even during extended use.

Cons

• The blade is not as deep as some other Japanese saws, which may make it less effective for certain types of cuts.
• Some users have reported that the blade can become dull relatively quickly, which may require more frequent sharpening than other saws.
• The saw is relatively lightweight, which may make it less stable during use compared to heavier saws.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality Japanese saw that combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern German precision, the HARDTWERK Zen Japanese Pull Saw Foldable [Kataba] is definitely worth considering. With its foldable design, sharp blade, and comfortable handle, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to take their woodworking to the next level.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best Japanese saw for woodworking, there are a few things you should consider. Here are some features to look for:

Blade Type

Japanese saws come in two main blade types: rip and crosscut. Rip saws are designed for cutting along the grain of the wood, while crosscut saws are designed for cutting across the grain. It’s important to choose the right blade type for your project to ensure the best results.

Blade Length

The length of the blade will determine the depth of cut that the saw can make. Longer blades are better for cutting thicker pieces of wood, while shorter blades are better for more intricate cuts.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

The number of teeth per inch on the blade will determine the saw’s cutting speed and the smoothness of the cut. Saws with a higher TPI will produce a smoother cut, while saws with a lower TPI will cut faster but leave a rougher finish.

Handle Design

The handle of the saw should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip. Look for a handle that fits your hand well and is made from a material that provides good traction, such as rubber or wood.

Blade Thickness

Thicker blades are more durable and can handle heavier use, but they may be more difficult to control. Thinner blades are more flexible and easier to control, but they may not last as long.

Blade Material

Japanese saw blades are typically made from high-carbon steel or laminated steel. High-carbon steel blades are more affordable and easier to sharpen, but they may not last as long as laminated steel blades. Laminated steel blades are more durable and can hold a sharper edge, but they are more expensive.

By considering these features, you can choose the best Japanese saw for your woodworking needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinguishing features of a Gyokucho saw compared to other Japanese saws?

Gyokucho saws are known for their high-quality blades that are made of high carbon steel. They are also designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for precision work. The unique design of the Gyokucho saw allows for a smoother cut with less effort, making it a popular choice among woodworkers.

How does the Mitsukawa saw range compare in quality and application to other Japanese saws?

The Mitsukawa saw range is known for its exceptional quality and durability. These saws are designed to be versatile and can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks. The blades are made of high-quality steel and are designed to be sharp and long-lasting. The Mitsukawa saw range is a popular choice among professional woodworkers.

What are the specific uses of a Ryoba saw in woodworking projects?

The Ryoba saw is a double-sided saw that is designed to make both rip and crosscuts. This saw is ideal for cutting large pieces of wood and for making precise cuts. The Ryoba saw is also designed to be easy to use and is a popular choice among beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.

How does the cutting mechanism of Japanese pull saws, like the SUIZAN, benefit woodworking precision and ease?

Japanese pull saws, like the SUIZAN, are designed to be used with a pulling motion rather than a pushing motion. This design allows for greater precision and control when making cuts. The blades of Japanese pull saws are also thinner than those of Western saws, which makes them ideal for making fine cuts and intricate designs.

Can you explain the differences between Dozuki, Ryoba, and Kataba saws?

Dozuki saws are single-sided saws that are designed to make precise cuts. Ryoba saws are double-sided saws that can make both rip and crosscuts. Kataba saws are single-sided saws that are designed for general woodworking tasks. Each saw has its own unique features and is designed for specific tasks.

In what scenarios would a Z Saw be preferable over a Suizan saw?

Z saws are designed to be more aggressive than Suizan saws and are ideal for cutting through thicker materials. They are also designed to be more durable and long-lasting than Suizan saws. Z saws are a popular choice among professional woodworkers who need a saw that can handle heavy-duty tasks.