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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Improve the Precision of Your Cuts With the Best Japanese Saws
Japanese saws are the ideal tools for working with and shaping fine wood and soft plastics. They aren’t meant for just professionals either, these tools are suitable for all levels of craftsmen as long as they are aware of the materials they’re working with.
Most of these saws have pretty unique designs compared to traditional saws, which is why they are often overlooked by consumers. Once you pick up one of these tools though, you’re going to ask yourself why you only used traditional Western hand saws for so long.
And with the information on the top Japanese saws for 2023 in this guide, you’re going to know some important things to look for when you walk into a hardware store or start browsing online.
Show contentsElite Japanese Saw Worth Considering in 2023Finding Your Next Japanese Saw: A Buyer’s Guide
Japanese saws aren’t just efficient and time-saving, they are also incredibly useful when it comes to completing a machine’s job in less time — and without using electricity while costing less money. These saws also give you much smoother and more precise cuts, something that’s almost impossible to achieve using traditional hand saws.
Investing in a good Japanese saw can save you money and labor in the long run, while also making your tasks much more hassle-free.
You do need to know about some things to look out for though, there are a lot of products in the market — and it’s important to find a quality tool. Here’s a guide to help educate you before you walk into a hardware store or add something to your online shopping cart.
Types of Japanese Saws
Dozuki
This tool is similar to a Western back saw because of its stiff rib that prevents it from flexing. The dozuki is useful for dovetails and joinery.
Ryoba
This tool consists of crosscut teeth and rip-cut teeth, which makes it a great general-purpose saw.
Kataba
This versatile type of Japanese saw has a shape similar to the dozuki, but its back isn’t as rigid. It can also have a combination of crosscut and rip-cut teeth.
Azebiki
This is a two-sized Japanese saw that features curved blades. It is ideal for starting cuts at the center of a panel.
Oga
This tool is too large to be used by one person, and it’s typically used on large lumber.
Kugihiki
This is also known as a “flush-cut saw” and is much smaller than other types. It features a very thin and flexible blade, which is ideal for making flush cuts.
Mawashibiki
This tool is almost identical to a typical keyhole saw. It’s meant to be used for cutting holes and following tight curves and other hard-to-reach places.
Things to Consider When Buying Japanese Saws
Teeth
The size of the teeth on your Japanese saw should be larger and longer if you need to use the tool for more aggressive purposes. Smaller teeth are only suitable for making the first few cuts. Typically, most of these saws have around 22 to 27 teeth per inch.
Handle
This is where you’re going to be gripping your tool, which is what makes it crucial when cutting through materials like wood. If you don’t have a firm grip on the handle, the tool is more likely to slip out of your hands mid-cut and ruin the piece you’re working on. This can even result in pretty serious injuries. Ideally, your Japanese saw should come with a comfortable grip made of either plastic or wood.
Blade
Thick blades are better for sawing. Before picking up a Japanese saw though, you should decide on what you’re going to be using the tool for, and only then should you choose the type of blade. Additionally, you should also keep blade replacements with you in case one accidentally snaps.
Elite Japanese Saw Worth Considering in 2023
1Suizan Japanese Pull Saw
– Best Overall
Buy on AmazonCheck On WalmartThis option from Suizan is a classic, but it’s incredibly unique in its design. It has nine rip cuts and 15 crosscuts per inch, making it great for cutting softwood, and it’s pretty awesome for hardwood and carpentry, too. Combining two kinds of blades on each side gives this tool easy and efficient handling.
The multi-edged design makes this saw easy to store and will save you from buying separate saws for rip and cross-cutting.
The blade is made of 0.02-inch thick steel, which adds to its accuracy. This product also comes with a vinyl cover and replaceable blades. We chose this option as the best overall because of its stellar functionality and design.
Pros- Multi-edged, multipurpose tool
- Great for soft and hardwood
- Thin blades for greater accuracy
- Comes with a vinyl cover and replaceable blades
Cons- Low handle grip
2Qihong Japanese Ryoba Saw
– Most Precise
Buy on AmazonThis two-in-one saw by Qihong features 18 TPI, triple-cut saw teeth for cross-cutting as well as six TPI to 10 TPI saw teeth for rip cutting. All the teeth are made of hardened SK5 steel for increased durability and are great for cutting through bamboo, timber, logs, PVC and ABS pipes, and plywood. They are 0.023-inches thick and spread across a 10-inch blade, offering incredibly high-precision cutting with minimal effort.
The steel this option is made of is rustproof and flexible enough to be used in various cutting positions. The thin kerf also provides an additional advantage in different cutting situations.
Pros- Requires minimal effort for cuts
- Rust-proof, multipurpose SK5 steel
- Thin teeth for precise and smooth cutting
- Long handle for a two-handed grip
- Comes with a safety saw cap
Cons- Assembly instructions not included
3Okada Hardware Japanese Mini Dozuki Panel Saw
– Perfect for Beginners
Buy on AmazonThe Mini Dozuki Panel Saw by Okada is highly recommended for people who are new to Japanese saws. As the name suggests, it’s small and compact and is primarily used for scoring and cutting veneers or panels. The woodpecker hook at the tip of the blade is used to make the first few initial cuts.
The product features a metal backbone, which is where the name “dozuki” comes from. The length of the blade is 5.9 inches, and the handle is 14.6 inches. This product also comes with a hook-type replacement blade, making it super easy to put on the saw and take it off.
Pros- Compact and portable
- Great for making starting cuts
- Hook-type replacement blades included
- Extremely sharp
Cons- Not suitable for larger projects
4Hardtwerk Zen Japanese Pull Saw
– Most Ergonomic
Buy on AmazonHardtwerk’s Japanese Pull Saw combines Japanese and American design to bring you an excellent piece of equipment. This option features extremely sharp trapezoidal teeth placed on SK4 carbon chrome-plated steel, ensuring super-fine, precise, and clean cuts that require minimal effort.
The flexible saw blade also has two working angles and consists of 13 teeth per inch.
This product is also foldable, which makes it easy to store away and carry. It also features an ergonomic handle made of rubber for a more comfortable, stable, and firm grip.
Pros- Extremely sharp teeth
- Chrome-plated, anti-rust blades
- Foldable for easy storage and portability
- Offers two working angles
- Rubber handle for firmer grip
Cons- Not very durable
5Kerye Japanese Pull Saw
– Most Durable
Buy on AmazonKerye’s 9.5-inch Japanese Pull Saw features a set of extremely sharp teeth that have been quenched and burned to the perfect level of sharpness, offering incredibly high accuracy when cutting through wood. This option is double-edged too, which allows it to serve as two different tools. It’s also made of high-grade SK5 metal, adding to the swiftness and effectiveness of the blade.
The blade only weighs 0.3 pounds and is also replaceable for easy maintenance. This product also comes with a beech handle covered with rattan for a more comfortable grip and easier use. The blade, on the other hand, is covered with rust-resistant paint, adding to the overall durability.
Pros- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- 24-month warranty
- Multi-edged, multipurpose tool
- Easy assembly and maintenance
- Anti-rust painted blade and a rattan-covered handle
Cons- The teeth can dull quickly
People Also Asked
Q: What’s the difference between Japanese saws and other saws?A: Unlike most other saws, Japanese saws don’t depend on pressure for cutting, instead, they use tension to get the job done.
Q: Can I change the saw blade on my Japanese saw?A: Yes! And you can do it super easily and quickly. All you need to do is separate the handle from the saw blade by holding the blade (carefully), then start tapping the handle on some wood. The pressure will loosen the screw holding the handle, and you should be able to place the new blade into the hook and tap it into place.
Q: How do I need to maintain my Japanese saw?A: Ideally, you should take care of all your tools if you want them to be long-lasting. With Japanese saws, you should make sure there aren’t any nails or stones in the piece of wood or plastic you’re cutting. You should also oil the tool regularly to prevent it from rusting, just make sure to clean off the oil before using it — or else you might stain the piece you are working on.
