SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 240mm - Professional Japanese Pullsaw Handsaw Woodworking Tools

handle became loose before even using it

I grew up exclusively using western style saws and didn't know any different. Having seen a number of people on social media saying how good these Japanese style saws are, I decided to give one a try. The Suizan brand seemed to be particularly well respected for quality vs price so went for this particular 'general purpose' saw. Wow.It cuts like butter and with minimal effort, cuts dead straight and with a fine kerf. Not only that, but with cross-cut teeth on one side of the blade and rip-cut teeth on the other it is actually two saws in one. Both work equally well. It is so easy to use I ended up doing some smaller, finer projects with it and I reckon it even outperformed my brass backed tenon saw.After a few weeks use I ended up buying the smaller Dozuki style saw specifically for finer carpentry, and the small flush-cut saw for cutting dowel plugs and mitre splines.My western saws are gathering dust now.

Like many keen woodworkers I have adopted Japanese pull saws into my work because they are simply excellent at certain tasks, the main one being that you can cut very thin kerfs and thus if you have a steady hand get very accurate cuts.I've a few of these ryoba type saws but this is the first actual made in Japan one I've got and whilst perhaps not a huge leap over the rest it does have a more 'Japanese' feel to it. Maybe that's just me buying into the whole craftsman thing but if it works, it works.The saw itself is very well made with a super thin steel and fine razor sharp teeth. The crosscut side is very fine - which I like, and the rip saw side isn't too aggressive making a slower but more accurate job.handle is as normal for these things and if you have only ever used western style saws might take a bit of time to get used to.If I have one critical comment is that there is no hole drilled in the handle nor cut out in the blade to hang the saw up which is my preference.Overall a very good saw indeed for fine woodworking.

I started off getting the flush cut saw from SUIZAN, as I'd never used the Japanese style pull saws before, the finish you get without any sanding is amazing!It takes a bit more practice and patience to use, as the blades are very thin (trade off for those ultra fin and smooth cuts), and can flex quite a bit if you try and use your normal sawing rhythm, BUT, they are sharp, they cut so readily you can afford to slow down, if that makes sense? to get the perfect cut. I've now bought the Ryoba for general sawing, and won't be going back to my western style saws.I'm so pleased with these I'm going to start giving those insanely complex Japanese joinery joint's a go ;), but tip from a friend of mine, Japanese saws are great, Japanese Chisels are not as good he reckons as the much harder wearing westers types.

I love the look of the grip but with no use, there are flyaways or flakes loose on the grip coming straight out of the box. It is fine and usable/comfortable but I'm just going to see how it lasts and wrap it with leather when the time comes. Otherwise the saw is beautiful quality in every other way and worth the money.