Thread: Maebiki oga saws

Thanks for posting this. I haven't any experience with any of these types of saws - always wanted one, but know I'd be incapable of using it (even if I had any timber large enough to need it). Its kind of sad that such a skill will disappear .

Steve

Hi Fissionchips,

Thanks for the blog. Lots of good reading and references. I'll slowing go through it all.
I first saw one in Toshio's book and fell in love with them. I now have 6 maebiki (I couldn't resist each time an opportunity came up to buy one). I've rehandled and retored one. The others are all in good condition but a couple need new handles. I intend to tune them up and perhaps use them for demonstrations or competitions. Time is the issue with kids in school and full time work.

Thanks again,
Gadge

Thanks for sharing that interesting research, Fissionchips.

I think of the maebiki as the equivalent of our large western crosscut saw, which was still occasionally in use during my rural childhood (50+ yrs ago).

Although I have a few chainsaws which are more transportable and get the job done far quicker, I still use a 6ft crosscut and shorter one person saws for bucking firewood at home. It gives me some exercise and it's quieter for the neighbours.

Out of interest I purchased this 39in Japanese saw to see how it went for cross cutting. Not a whale back, as it was not for ripping, so not sure if it would be called a Maebiki.

Japanese 39 inch crosscut saw.jpg

I like the my smaller Japanese saws for joinery, but found I prefer my western saws for bucking. However, an interesting piece of Japanese tool history to hang on the wall.

Neil

Neil, I too was thinking of the comparison to western cross cut saws. My impression is that they enjoy more attention from hobby enthusiasts by way of competitions. There are still people making new saws and refining tooth patterns to get faster cutting action, similar to how Japanese plane enthusiasts hold Kezuroukai competitions.

I don't know the nomenclature too well, but I found a post that helps set maebiki apart from other nokogiri.

Gadge, it can sympathize with the urge to collect these saws as they can be quite impressive, though I try to limit myself to tools I will actually use...
I have a smaller Japanese cross-cut blade that I'm trying to restore to a new-ish appearance, and it's taken quite a bit of elbow grease. One day I'd like to get or make a sen tool for scraping steel, it would make a great companion for restoring old saws.