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Europeans used a push stroke to cut wood, while simultaneously pressing the saw into the wood. It is notorious for blocking sight, cramping the hands, and producing too much force. Japanese wood cutters use a different method. They pull the saw with no downward force. Carpenters now know that the pull motion is better for fine cuts.
Because they are lighter and more flexible, Japanese pull saws have many advantages. They are extremely useful for making flush cuts as well as clean incisions. A pull saw can be used to extract tiny pieces of wood measuring 0.3mm in width, which is unlike other methods.
Although it’s easier to choose the right type of pullsaw for you, selecting a high-quality pull saw can be difficult. This buying guide will help you to identify the differences between these products.
These are the top Japanese pull saws for 2022!
How To Purchase A Quality Japanese Pull Saw: A Buying Guide
All elements can be cut with a pull saw, including Plywood, Pine, and any other wood. You can also use them to cut laminate, PVC, and melamine. This buying guide will help you find a pull saw that will not cramp your hands, make a fine cut with minimum effort, and last a long time.
You can better navigate the market by analyzing each component of the saw to determine the best type of pull saw for you.
This is why its important to compare and contrast three different pull saws prior to purchasing.
The Market Types Of Pull Saws
Kataba saw
Kataba looks like a large chefs knife but with only one cutting edge. It can cut through large pieces of wood because of its ability to penetrate deep. Best suited for flush cutting and along the wood grain, you can choose a cross-cut or rip-cut type depending on your need.
Ryoba pull saw
Because of its twin edges and shape, Ryoba is the most widely used saw type. Easy to identify because of its pale rattan handle and chromed sleek blade, the two edges have different purposes.
While the finer cuts do cross-cutting, the less fine side works to cut parallel to the wood grain.
Quality Parameters For A Japanese Quality Pull Saw
A Japanese pull saw has all its properties in microscopic detail. Before deciding on the final verdict, it is important to consider the length of the teeth and the design.
Just as a missing feature can result in a less than satisfactory purchase, quality can make a difference if your plan is to cut into wood or harder surfaces. Poorly made pull saws can lead to you having to replace your product sooner than one of higher quality. You don’t want to have to buy multiple copies.
Accuracy reduction
The accuracy of a Japanese saw is a fraction of a millimeter (less than half, to be precise). This measurement is often expressed in terms of the “kerf”, the narrowest piece that a saw can cut.
A 0.3mm kerf is sufficient for most cutting tasks and can be easily achieved with most Japanese saws. Their thin design makes it possible to keep the view clear, contributing to the ease of making sophisticated designs.
Zero-effort cutting
With a pull saw, you should not worry about throwing your body weight on the blade, as is the case with European saws. Pull saws are thinner, sharper, and more flexible so they rip into the surface using only the pull motion and a downward directional force.
Twin edges
A twin-edged pullsaw will give you twice the value for your money. These are the most popular cuts that can be made with a double-edged pull saw:
Ripcut can be used to cut along the wood grain. This edge has rough, less dense teeth which are traditionally designed at ten teeth per inch.
Cross-cut can be used to cut wood fibers using a denser, finer tooth design. The saw edge for this type of cut has around 17 to 20 teeth per inch.
Rediscovered pull saw
While traditional Japanese tools are great, a well-thought-out reinvention further increases the value in all aspects. For example, ergonomic handles, finer teeth, durable blade material, and innovative teeth designs are the common upgrades seen with many top-rated saws.
The handle
While ergonomic handles prevent cramping and provide superior accuracy with just about any tool, it is hard to find on a Japanese saw. The Japanese conventional design, which looks like a Katana from Kill Bill, is very popular among woodworkers and manufacturers oblige by sticking to the rattan handle.
Nonetheless, you can still find innovation making its way into ergonomic handles that promote better accident protection.
Blades that can be replaced
Although most pull saws offer blade replacement options, it is important that the holding mechanism be simple to use and reliable in keeping your blade in place.
Hooks, clamps, auto-lock buttons, and bolts are popular choices.
Add-on features
Screwdrivers, rivets and wrenches are not hammers. But where theres a will (and a handle) theres a hammer. Manufacturers have since taken note of this hassle and are putting a piece of metal under the handle to make it multifunctional.
Other unique add-ons include a nail puller, knife, and filer.
Tips For Using A Japanese Pull Saw
- To ensure safety, always tighten the blade when replacing it. It doesn’t matter what mechanism is used to lock the blade in your pull saw. Make sure you check the fit from all angles.
- When you have marked the wood for a straight cut, you can place your saw on the wood and use the thumb of your other hand to keep the blade exactly on top of the marked line. Once you are confident you have set the kerf, hold the handle in your hands and apply the appropriate force.
Conclusion
There are many types of Japanese saws. Manufacturers continue to improve them. This has led to multiple versions of each type. The most highly-rated Japanese pull saws are Ryoba or Kataba.
Pull saws take less effort, provide finer cuts, and better control. A chromed SK4 steel blade on a wooden handle can last over six months with regular use.
If the blade’s efficiency drops, you can replace it.
