11 Best Japanese Pull Saw Reviews of 2023 (With Important FAQs)

Woodworking is both a science and an art that lets the worker create masterpieces. One of the primary tools used for this craft is the saw. People are used to the usual hand saw that cuts in the push stroke. A Japanese saw, or a nokogiri is a type of saw that uses the pull stroke for a thinner and straighter kerf.

To understand more, we have prepared this Japanese pull saw reviews that you can check out.

With these, you would feel like a samurai in your woodshop. Prepare to be amazed and to do amazing woodcrafts.

What are the Best Japanese Pull Saw?

These pull saws may surprise you. There is less sawdust, less wood removed, and there is less muscle power needed to use it. It’s more precise with less effort. Here are some of the bests:

Best Overall: Japanese Style Ryoba Double Edge Pull Saw

This Japanese-style double edge saw is a two-in-one. One side of this pull saw has 7 TPI that does rip work, and the other side has 15 TPI that does fine, clean cuts.

Best Pull Saw for Wood Working: Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw 180mm No. 291

Gyokucho is the foremost manufacturer of Japanese saws. Almost all their saws are popular because of their blades are easily replaceable.

This hand saw from Vaughan & Bushnell is made to cut on the pull stroke. The user can now use a thinner blade as this saw blade comes with the 0.020" thickness blade, which removes less material, making sawing more accessible, faster, and more accurate.

Best Dovetail Saw for Beginner: SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw

This Japanese dovetail saw is lighter in weight. The blades are easily removable and interchangeable. Its 25 TPI sharp and thin blade realizes exceedingly smooth and accurate cut and results that the cutting-section is clean. It requires less power and therefore best for the beginner.

Best Japanese Flush Cut Saw: SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Trim Hand Saw

This flush saw can cut oak, sandalwood, ebony, mahogany, maple, walnut, and pine easily with its robust blade.

Best Folding Japanese Saw: SUIZAN Japanese Folding Ryoba Pull Saw F-001

This is the best folding Japanese pull saw because its two edges are functional, and still, you can fold it. Its blade is 9 1/2 inch long with 15 TPI that is absolutely good for smooth cutting.

Top Japanese Pull Saw Reviews

1. Japanese Style Ryoba Double Edge Pull Saw

If you need an all-around pull saw, the Ryoba is a perfect choice. Ryoba saws are known for its dual-edge blades.

Part of this saw’s design is a bit traditional. The material, on the other hand, has gone through modernization. It has a more durable handle than most Japanese saws out in the market.

This pull saw has two blades: one for crosscuts and one for ripping. The blade measures at 10 inches long and has triple-beveled teeth. For comfortability, the handle measures at 12 inches.

As this can be used in a variety of works, thus, is a good investment. You can use it on hardwood, plywood, engineered wood, moldings, and even PVC.

Some assembly may be required when setting it up. Only using a bolt and nut, the blade can be attached to the handle. All parts will be included in the package when you purchase one, so there is no need to worry about assembling it.

Pros

• Made of high carbon steel
• Double blade edges
• Handle is durable
• Versatile to use

Cons

• A little heavier and thicker compared to other pull saws

2. Gyokucho Razorsaw Ryoba Saw

When it comes to woodwork, something that is light to carry is a bonus. For some, it is a priority. That is what Gyokucho has in store. Because it only weighs 4.8 ounces, this pull saw can be handled with ease and convenience.

The blade is compact enough to be in a bag or toolbox. Due to its size, it can also be carried everywhere.

Its overall length measures at 15 inches with the blade being 7 inches only. Also, the blade is made of steel. About the handle, it is made of hard, durable, and specially developed plastic that is soft and grippy to touch.

Moreover, the handle is tilted, which means it can be used in tight spaces. The weight and length may be favorable; however, the grip itself may not be comfortable and user-friendly, as it could tire your working hand sooner than expected.

Interestingly, the blade is also removable and can be changed anywhere and anytime.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight hand saw
• Easily carried around
• Made from steel material
• Advantageous to use in compact places

Cons

• Not advisable for heavy-duty tasks

3. Vaughan BS250D Double Edged Handsaw

Some Japanese pull saws are not necessarily manufactured in Japan. But the Vaughan is. If you are fascinated with making hand tools and organizers, this is an option to check out.

Woodworkers love this pull saw because of its superb sharpness. It is a classic style, double-edged hand saw. Each cut is sharp, and the saw pulls out the cut stroke precisely and accurately. The wood surface is exactly ripped - not too deep nor too light.

Weighing 11.4 ounces and with 18 arranged teeth per inch, this double-edged hand saw works well in a sawing mood.

With the blade being .020 inch in thickness, it works pretty well on any wood surface and material. Also, Vaughan’s overall length is 23 inches, and cutting length is 10 inches.

Aside from being made from spring steel, it is also plated to resist rusting. It may seem like this will not fit a tool bag or box, but it is very portable. The blade is convenient to disassemble for easy storage or replacement.

Pros

• Dual cutting surfaces
• Made of spring steel and plated for rust
• Easy to disassemble
• Teeth are hardened for sharpness

Cons

• The blade could be a little stiffer

4. Japanese Hand Flush Cut Ryoba Pull Saw

If what you are looking for is a sturdy and durable saw to be used in your projects, this one is an excellent choice.

This 22 ½ pull saw weighs 11.8 ounces. Its ergonomic handle measures 12.5 inches, and the blade measures at 10 inches. Also, the handle is wrapped with thermal plastic rubber for a more secure grip.

For extended usage, the teeth are impulse hardened. Its blade is 0.023 inches thick with 18 teeth per inch triple-cut saw on one side, which is perfect for cross-cut work, while the other side of the blade has 6-10 teeth per inch and is ideal for ripping.

With these features, this pull saw is ideal for medium crosscut bamboo, timbers, logs, MDF plywood, and PVC and ABS pipes. Because of the plastic head thumb screws, it is very easy to disassemble, in case the blade needs replacement.

Pros

• Grip is excellent
• Ideal, workable size
• Strong teeth
• Extremely sharp
• Comfortable handle

Cons

• May break

5. SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw (Japanese Saw D-003)

Best Mini Hand Saw

Woodworking is a craft. If you are one that is focused on woodcrafts, you would need a specialty pull saw like this one.

The blade is specially designed for fine cutting, for example, dovetail making. It is also better at crosscuts than rip cuts.

At 6 inches length, the blade could be relatively small compared to other pull saws out in the market. However, this size makes it perfect for smaller joints and furniture. As it is made from excellent Japanese steel, this blade is strong and is guaranteed to be rustproof.

The handle, on the other hand, is made of plastic, which keeps it light compared to a pull saw with a metal or wood handle. Its round shape lets the user have a comfortable hold that will not result in hand strain, even after a long time of working with it.

Since the blades are interchangeable, it could be an issue to look for replacement ones. It’s a good thing that this blade is available on any local market and is easy to find. This may not be anytime soon, as the blades can be resharpened and may take a while before it needs changing.

Pros

• Handcrafted by Japanese craftsmen
• Perfect for small and delicate woodworks
• Easy to use
• Blades can be resharpened

Cons

• Since the blade is small, it is not ideal for extensive tasks

6. SUIZAN Japanese Flush Cut Trim Saw/Hand Saw

Best Trim Hand Saw for hardwood

A household name that is famous for woodworkers is Suizan. They are known for making high-quality hand tools for over 100 years now. It is a flush-cut saw, making it an excellent choice for cutting dowels.

Manufactured directly in Japan, the blade is 5 inches of great Japanese steel. As it is made of steel, users are guaranteed of its durability. And since the blade is smaller than the usual pull saw, it is also lighter in weight and can be carried anywhere.

Moreover, it also has teeth on both edges - one side is to be used for hardwood, and the other side is excellent to be used on softwood.

Also, the teeth are so much stronger, and the sharpness lasts. Because of the quality of steel used, the cuts are sharp and accurate. This will also not strain your hands as pulling requires more effort than using a push saw. 

This Suizan saw maybe a small tool, but its quality and strength when it comes to woodworking are ideal for ultimate precision.

Pros

• Light and easy to carry
• Thin, double-edged blade
• Designed for precision cutting
• Less energy required

Cons

• Not designed for heavy work

7. SUIZAN Japanese Folding Ryoba Pull Saw F-001

This is another remarkable ryoba, or double-edged pull saw. Perfect for general use, this does the job on most aspects of woodworking.

The blade measures 9.5 inches and is made of Japanese steel. Its handle is 13.5 inches, made of polypropylene and cane-wrapped, giving the user a very long reach.

While the blade may appear thin, measuring 0.02 inch only, it is super sharp and works precisely. It has teeth on three sides and is replaceable. With nine teeth per inch for rip cuts and 15 teeth per inch for cross cuts, the blade is versatile.

Looking at it closely, one will notice that the side for ripping has larger teeth, and the smaller teeth are for cross-cutting.

It is also noticeable that the smaller teeth look blackened. This is because of the steel hardening that the blade went through for durability, and so it stays sharper for a more extended period. The process was not done for the side with larger teeth, as it is not needed.

Because of the thin blade and narrow kerf, it can be used in a variety of ways, like cutting wood, metal, and even plastic.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Superbly sharp blade
• Beautiful design
• Accurate and smooth cut

Cons

• The learning curve might take time to handle it perfectly

8. SUIZAN Japanese Folding Dozuki Dovetail Saw

Dozuki is a Japanese pull saw that specializes in cutting joints. This one is special as it can be folded and can be safely carried around, much like your pocketknife.

All dozuki have a spine, or a blade stiffener, that runs from the blade to the handle. Made from high-quality steel from Japan, the cuts of this blade are precise and edgy.

Because of the quality of steel used, the blade will also remain sharp for a longer period. Also, this is perfect for beginners who want to master dovetails, miters, and hand-cuts. It smoothly cuts the bigger pieces and results in faster cross-cuts.

The distance of teeth on this blade works well in removing waste material out of the cut. Moreover, it is thick, so it does not negatively affect the kerf.

This blade is a good investment as it remains sharp for a prolonged period, thanks to its Japanese origin.

Pros

• Unique foldability making it portable and easy to carry around
• Replaceable blade
• Made of reinforced steel components
• Easily cuts hardwood

• The blade is inflexible

9. HACHIEMON Japanese Ryoba Pull Saw

If your woodworking involves working in narrow or tight places, this is the right pull saw choice for you.

This ryoba is manufactured by a Japanese company, Hachiemon, which is famous for crafting high-quality and the most efficient hand tools.

Its blade is 7 inches long, and the handle is 8 inches. The thickness is lower than average, thus making it more accurate.

Because of the teeth on both edges of the blade, it is versatile to use. For fine cutting, use the side with smaller teeth. On the other side, the teeth are longer, which is perfect for hard cuts on hardwoods.

Moreover, since this is a light saw, weighing only 3.85 ounces, it is easier to use, and it rips and cuts through materials nicely. It is capable of sliding easily even when used on laminated wood. Also, it cuts straight lines without any trouble. This is useful when applying finishing touches for smaller joints or interior works.

The vertical lines on the blade’s surface are made with the “morotegake” technique to reduce the drag of each pull and smoothly remove wood shavings.

Pros

• Reduced drag when used
• Easy to use
• Light to carry
• Cleaner and smoother cut

Cons

• The blade can get prematurely loose

10. Roamwild PRO Japanese Double Edge Pullsaw

A handle that would let us comfortably yet effectively use the blade can be a deal-breaker when it comes to pull saws. If you need one, this may be what you are looking for. Roam Wild is both versatile and unique in that matter.

The handle provides the user with a good grip. Its soft-touch grip, with its deliberate thumb groove on top of the handle, is super comfortable. Because of this, the user has maximum control of the blade and will be guaranteed accuracy while cutting.

Moreover, its blade is 30 inches long with teeth for woodworking. For fine and soft cuttings, it also has a 6.5 inches angled edge. The quality of the blade gives the cleanest cut using less effort. It cuts with an accuracy of 0.6 mm.

To add to its already beautiful features, it has a nail puller in its handle, which makes working more efficient. There is also a button on the handle which is used to replace or remove the blade.

This is perfect for cutting all sorts of materials – ContiBoard, PVC pipe, melamine, laminate, plywood, oak, pine, and other hardwoods.

Pros

• Double-sided teeth
• Longer in size
• Very comfortable grip
• Equipped with hammer and nail puller

Cons

• A little heavy

11. Shark Corp 10-2440 Fine Cut Saw

When your hobby or specialty is cabinet woodworking and flush cuts, do not miss out on this pull saw. This saw is versatile and flexible and can result in smooth wood edges.

Since it requires less effort, this allows for faster and cleaner sawing and is comparatively safer for the user to use.

Shark has three precision cutting edges, which do a great job of clean cuts and is perfect for flushing.

The blade is 9 ½ inches. On one side, it has 17 teeth per inch and 9 per inch teeth on the other side.

With wide edges, the blade is much thinner than usual. This kind of edge results in better cuts and only needs less force.

Furthermore, the handle is not too heavy for flexibility and is made of high impact ABS plastic. It is also weather resistant. Moreover, there is a red push button with a twist-lock design, which releases the blade, either for replacement or for more convenient storage.

Pros

• Longer blades
• Weather-resistant handle
• Wide edge for better cuts
• Cuts exceptionally straight

Cons

• The blade needs to be tightened frequently

What to Look for Before Buying Best Japanese Pull Saw

Going for a Japanese pull saw for your woodwork is undoubtedly a treat. However, finding what is best for the craft can be such a task. Here are the things that have to be considered before purchasing one:

Blade

An excellent blade does an excellent job. Thick blades are a better choice for sawing. Replaceable blades are also an option one can look out for. If it gets dull because of usage, it’s better just to replace the blade than change the whole set.

Teeth Size

The size of the teeth allows you to think about the dimension of the wood that you will be working on. Longer and larger teeth are better for cutting aggressively. Saws with smaller teeth help with bouncing issues at first use.

Blade Length

This does not necessarily depend on the teeth per inch. The longer the blade is, the better it is for your wood crafts. Because of the length, the worker can cut deeply with less effort, and still have an easy and nice stroke.

Moreover, long strokes result in fair cuts. Sometimes, the shorter the blade, the harder it is to work on precision. However, smaller blades do well on shallow cuts where fewer strokes are needed.

Handle

Handle grip is also an essential factor to watch out for. The more comfortable the grip, the lighter the job for you. Your ability to handle the saw can dictate the result of what you are doing.

A little mishandling can result in a different cut than you need it to be. Some handles may be made of wood, and some are of plastic. Comparatively, handles made of wood are lighter than plastic ones.

Weight

For cleaner works, go for lighter saws. On the other hand, weighted saws would work on rough-finished jobs.

Size

Different woodworks would require a variety of saws. For intricate cuts and dovetails, you’ll need smaller blades. If you cut deeper tendons, you need to use a larger blade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where to buy Japanese pull saw?

The popularity of Japanese pull saws among woodworkers and enthusiasts is unprecedented. These pull saws can now be found at any home centers or hardware stores or can be ordered online.

2. Why use a Japanese pull saw?

Japanese pull saws cut your task time. They are also lightweight and do not require power. Since they do not need setups, you can make stopped cuts as you please. You could draw lines, cut crosses, or do rip cuts.

3. Japanese pull saw vs. push saw?

Blades on pull saws are thinner and more flexible than push saws. This means thinner kerf, more refined control of the cut, and less effort to remove material.

Also, many woodworkers say that it is easier to complete detailed work with a Japanese pull saw because of the extra control you have when pulling.

When it comes to sharpening, Western push saws are easier to sharpen. However, Japanese saws rarely need sharpening because the blade is stiffer.

4. How to use a Japanese saw?

Here are the steps to use a Japanese saw:

• Start the Cut - Mark the top and sides and gently push the saw against the thumb as the handle is being pulled back. Use your thumb to guide the blade and keep the teeth in the center. Make sure your thumb is above the teeth to avoid cuts.
• Move the Thumb Away - Once you have the kerf established, move both hands to the handle. Both thumbs should be on top of the handle.
• Position Your Stance - Your dominant hand should be behind the cutline, and your feet should be apart. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and cut steadily.
• Do Not Cut a Line That Cannot Be Seen - You may need to crouch down a little, so you can see the cutting progress.
• Change Sides - Once the first side is done, cut on the other side, still at a 45-degree angle.
• Level Off the Blade - Let the weight of the saw finish the center cut. To prevent splitting, grab the offcut as you reach near the end.

5. How to sharpen pull saw?

When the teeth are hardened on production, there is no need to sharpen it. If not, you can sharpen it using a feather file. Here's how to do it.

Final Words

Japanese pull saws are a great tool to have handy for any precise and guided cuts. They used to be expensive and rare but can now be found on any hardware or home center.

We hope these Japanese pull saw reviews help you decide which one you will get.