Why Japanese saws?

January 17, 2025 Interesting facts

Why Japanese saws?

Japan has a millennia-old wooden construction culture. The simple house and the temple, even fortifications - were almost exclusively built from wood. Many of these artworks, created only with hand saws and other traditional woodworking tools, are now part of the World Heritage. Over the centuries, a vast body of knowledge developed, which, in conjunction with the highly developed blacksmithing, led to the creation of unique woodworking tools. At the forefront among Japanese tools are the saws.

In the past, these saws were handcrafted in small workshops. Today, industrially manufactured saws with disposable blades have prevailed in Japan for three reasons:

for someone not specifically trained, it is too difficult to sharpen these saws with their sometimes complicated saw geometry.
conventional files fail with these laser-hardened saw teeth - they are harder than the file.
the replacement saw blade is cheaper than the labor time required for sharpening.

The three most important types of saws are:

the Dozuki - a single-sided toothed saw with a back that stiffens the blade and allows for very precise cuts.
the Ryoba - a double-sided toothed saw for rip and cross cuts.
the Kataba - a single-sided toothed saw without a back. It is traditionally used mainly for cross cuts, but is also available for rip cuts.

Regarding the tooth configuration, Japan distinguishes whether the saw is primarily to be used for longitudinal wood cuts, e.g., for slitting, or primarily for cross wood cuts, e.g., for cross-cutting or shortening. The trapezoidal tooth configuration shows, as the name suggests, a shifted trapezoid under magnification. The teeth are alternately ground. This tooth configuration is primarily suitable for cross cuts.

Which saw is right for me?

The answer to this question depends on the intended use and the skill of the user. Here are some tips to help you:

First: You are not strictly bound to the specified purpose of the saw. You can also make rip cuts with a crosscut saw, although it will be a bit slower, and you can make cross cuts with a rip saw, but the cut will not be as clean. It does not harm the saw itself.

If you are a beginner, never buy the most expensive saw. In my experience, saw blades are usually not replaced because they have become dull, but due to a blade break or torn teeth resulting from improper handling. With a cheaper saw, this is financially less painful.

A saw with a back is always easier to guide than a saw without a back. However, the cutting depth is limited, and the blade is somewhat more sensitive because it is significantly thinner than the blade of a backless saw. A backless saw allows for deep cuts and is better suited for tight spaces, making it the first choice for people who work a lot on construction sites. Which saw you choose to buy first is up to you - weigh your options! In the long run, it is advisable to have two saws at home.

However: there is no one-size-fits-all wisdom for all purposes. Do not hesitate to seek advice, by phone or email.

Regarding the specified dimensions for Japanese saws: The blade width is always measured in the middle of the blade, as is the tooth spacing, since in the triangular tooth configuration, the tooth distance tapers towards the handle. All dimensions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief, but without guarantee.

Japanese saws, often simply called Japan saws, are increasingly gaining popularity here, especially in the professional sector, due to their outstanding cutting performance.

Sharpening should be done after setting the teeth to avoid damaging the teeth with the setting tool. A triangular file is used for sharpening. Before that, the saw blade should be clamped into the filing jig close to the tooth root line to avoid vibrations. The file should just clear the clamping jaws. The file is guided horizontally and at a right angle to the blade exactly in the tooth gap for rip saws, and horizontally and diagonally to the blade for crosscut saws. The front and back of the tooth should be evenly covered, and during the backward movement, the file should be slightly lifted. The cross-section of the saw files forms an equilateral triangle, and the edge angle of 60° corresponds to the wedge angle of the teeth. The edges of the saw files are slightly rounded so that the tooth root also takes on this shape.

Cuts on pull

The advantages are explained here in detail:

The tension keeps the blade straight

Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, while European saws cut on the push stroke. The adjustment is quick and easy. It really is no hurdle!

Pull saws require only a thin blade

By pulling, the blade of the Japanese saw stays straight on its own, while with a European saw there is a risk that it will be compressed.

Less machining - less work

Since Japanese saws are pulled, the blade can be made much thinner than that of a European saw. The blade of a European panel saw must be thick to withstand the stresses of push cutting.

Fast and clean cuts

Don't forget: a thin saw blade produces less sawdust. The more sawdust you produce, the more power and time you need for a cut!