Hand Saw

Japanese hand saws cut as you pull the blade toward you. This cutting action offers several advantages:

  • Controlled Cutting: Light pressure and smooth pulling strokes help you follow your cutting line.
  • Thin Blade: The pull stroke keeps the blade under tension, helping prevent buckling and allowing a thinner blade.
  • Narrow Kerf: A narrow cut removes less wood as you saw.

SUIZAN saws are manufactured and assembled in a Japanese town with more than 100 years of craft-making tradition, where experienced craftspeople bring care and attention to the process. Each saw is carefully checked for quality.

How to choose Japanese Hand Saws (Pull Saws)

Ryoba Saw: for General Cutting

A Ryoba saw has two cutting edges: one for rip cuts along the grain and one for crosscuts across it. For your first Ryoba saw, consider a 9.5" / 240mm blade for everyday projects. Consider shorter blades for smaller workpieces, or longer blades for longer strokes. Check each model’s intended use.

Dozuki Saw: for Fine Joinery

A Dozuki saw’s reinforced back supports its thin blade for precise joinery. For your first Dozuki saw, choose a blade length and tooth pattern suited to your project. Consider a shorter blade for small workpieces, a longer blade for longer strokes, or an Ultra Fine Cut model for a narrower kerf.

Flush Cut Saw: for Trimming Dowels and Plugs

A Flush Cut saw trims protruding dowels and plugs level with the surrounding wood. For your first Flush Cut saw, consider the compact 5" / 120mm model for hardwood and softwood. If you prefer a longer, replaceable blade, choose the 6" / 150mm model or the 7" / 180mm model.

Start with the Starter Set

Start with the Starter Set for a selection of tools for cutting and finishing wood. It includes a 9.5" / 240mm Ryoba saw, a 6" / 150mm Flush Cut saw, two replacement blades for each saw, and two hand planes.

✓ Ships direct from Japan

Shop the Starter Set · $169.90

FAQ

What is the difference between a Ryoba and a Kataba saw?

A Ryoba saw has two cutting edges: one for rip cuts along the grain and one for crosscuts across it. A Kataba saw has a single cutting edge. Choose a Ryoba for both rip cuts and crosscuts, or, if you prefer a Kataba, select a model suited to your main cutting task (SUIZAN’s 10.5" / 265mm Kataba saw is designed for crosscuts across the grain).

Which Ryoba saw size should I choose?

For your first Ryoba saw, start with a 9.5" / 240mm model for general woodworking. Choose 7" / 180mm for smaller pieces, or consider the compact, flexible 6" / 150mm model. The 8" / 210mm range includes separate models for rough cutting and hardwoods. The 12" / 300mm model offers longer strokes for thick lumber. Choose by both blade length and intended use.

Are the blades replaceable on SUIZAN saws?

Many SUIZAN saws have replaceable blades. Choose the dedicated replacement blade for your exact saw model, since blades are not interchangeable between different models. Check the product page for the matching blade and follow the instructions for that saw when replacing it.

What is the difference between a pull saw and a push saw?

A Japanese Pull Saw cuts as you pull it toward you, while a push saw cuts as you push it away. Push saws generally have thicker blades to withstand the force of pushing. A Japanese Pull Saw keeps its blade under tension during the pull stroke, allowing it to cut with a thinner blade while reducing the risk of buckling. The thinner blade produces a narrow kerf, making it easier to follow the cutting line accurately with less effort. Japanese Pull Saws are not designed to cut on the push stroke. Forcing the blade forward may cause it to bend or break. For best results, apply light pressure when pulling and ease off on the return stroke.