Thread: Japanese Saws

Hi Andrew,

Umm. Yeah, a really big difference.


So big I sometimes hate myself for sending out so many Z and Razorsaw saws, because compared to a proper saw, they're not all that hot either, and those two are probably on another planet compared to your Bunnings special.

If you ever have the chance to try a good saw, take it. Doesn't need to be Japanese, just a good, sharp and well cared for saw is enough.

Stu.

Hi Stu

I've recently restored a Disston panel saw and tenon saw, and both are miles ahead of what I was using before that - a craftright tenon and a stanley hardpoint. This little Tajimi(?) saw seems to be at least as good as the restored ones though, so I'm really looking forward to trying a real one if they are that much of a step above again.

Are the razor saws the little ones like Zona make for model builders? I've been keeping my eyes open for them after reading a good review.

Cheers
Andrew

Hey Andrew, I've been reading though this book

Title: Japanese Woodworking Tools
Their Tradition Spirit and Use
Author: Toshio Odate

It's now at the local Library here in adelaide, they ordered it in for me Great book and very helpful to understanding more about many Japanese tools.

Hi Andrew,

No, although those Zona saws are good for what they are, Razorsaw is a trading name of Gyokucho here in Japan, who happen to make a ship load of different saws, not a bad one amongst them.

But they're made to a price, so while they are good, the Gyokucho saws can be bettered.

If the saw you have is a Tajima, then it's not bad, but maybe not quite as good as a Gyokucho in smoothness of cut or speed of cut. Still, the Tajima are not bad saws.

Stu.

Simon -thanks, I'll see if the local library's have it, sounds interesting

Stu - that's the one, Tajima. Gave it a run through some pegboard I needed to trim before work and was quite pleased with the results.

So the Gyokucho saws are worth a look then by the sound of it. I'll keep my eyes open for them. If I wanted one to cut dovetails and tenons what would I look for? (thanks for the info btw)

Andrew, I have a Bunnings Tajima saw as well and I find it to be a great saw for rough work. It's a crosscut with hardened teeth and makes short work of cutting hardwoods to length. Very quick cutting and tough. I can't remember what I paid for it but I don't think it was much. Possibly around $30. I'd like to compare it to a quality Japanese saw just to see the difference between hand made and mass produced. One day

One day indeed NCArcher . That's the motto I have with wanting to play with pretty tools that I don't yet see enough in the piggy bank for!

Andrew and Mr. Archer,

Yeah, the Gyokucho are reasonably good. I used to use one of several all the time, and in some cases they along with Z Saw are still my go-to saws for some tasks.

But when I'm cutting wood and I don't want to be fooling around after the cut, I pull out something that might not be entirely hand made, it'll be hand tweaked or made to a higher standard of quality.

That's not to say that the Gyokucho, Z Saw and Tajima are poor quality, but we're talking about a Seiko, a Casio and a Pulsar watch, and then trying to compare them to a Breitling or a Rolex.

They're all good, but there are few who could honestly say the cheaper watches are superior in any way other than price.

Thankfully, really good saws aren't all that expensive. The ones I prefer to use all cost well under $100, although the next nice one might cost a big jump more than that.

A dovetail saw? Gyokucho makes a really good one that nobody knows about. It's modelled on their Dozuki and goes under the model number #372. Caveat, I'm the only person that I know of sending them out of Japan, which is odd because they're really, really good and I'm not an official Gyokucho dealer.

It's a long story...

Hope that helps,

Stu.

It does, thanks Stu.

Can you pm me a price if you are selling the #372's please?

Originally Posted by Schtoo

A dovetail saw? Gyokucho makes a really good one that nobody knows about. It's modelled on their Dozuki and goes under the model number #372. Caveat, I'm the only person that I know of sending them out of Japan, which is odd because they're really, really good and I'm not an official Gyokucho dealer.

It's a long story...

Hope that helps,

Stu.

I have the exact saw that Stu is talking about, the Gyokucho Dozuki 372. In fact I ordered mine though Stu on his advice. I could not be happier with the purchase and it has seen many cuts and still going strong. This is my first Japanese saw and it makes short work of dovetails and small tenons. I Love it. And like you guys would love to get a hold of a ‘top end’ saw.


I have no affiliation with Stu or his store, I’m just a very satisfied customer, Stu’s advice and customer service is second to none.

Stu sent me some info, and it's also great to get a recommendation from a happy customer. I shall start a saw piggy bank

Originally Posted by Schtoo

Thankfully, really good saws aren't all that expensive. The ones I prefer to use all cost well under $100, although the next nice one might cost a big jump more than that.

.

Stu

I have a Tadayuki Mitsukawa Ryouba nokogiri. I think of it as my best J saw, based on the maker and price. It's not handmade (no hammer tensioning impressions or sen marks), but still quite a nice 'production' saw which I keep for my best cuts.How would you rate this level of Mitsukawa saw?

I sometimes wonder how much better a more expensive fully handmade saw might be and would I really appreciate the difference. For example, I have a Tasai chisel which is a really nice tool but I'm not convinced that its utility (as distinct from its aesthetics) is worth the extra $s.
.

I got a chance to sped some time in the workshop this afternoon and was cutting dowels up to make pegs on my tool wall. I'd been using a tenon, it was binding. I swapped to a hardpoint, worked fine but for some reason on the last lot I picked up the Tajami....wow. Two strokes and it's done, cleaner than the others and without the usual tearout on the other side. I am impressed and looking forward to seeing what a 'good' one can do if this one can do that!

Neil,

I don't identify with a Tadayuki Mitsukawa. Older saw is it? Possibly the previous generation of Mitsukawa, since the current fellow's name is Daizo.

So long as it's from the same family, excellent saw! I can't think that anyone would dare try and use the name though, pretty well revered as saw makers.

Sounds like the machine made, hand tuned version, which is similar to mine. Very, very good saws.

Because I can't be sure until I ask, I'll hold off anything else. Next time I see Mitsukawa-san, I'll ask him.

A handmade saw, there's not much in it compared to what you've got. Maybe a little bit more 'zing' out of the saw plate, maybe a little better reaction when there's tension on it. Maybe. The actual difference is so small, most mere mortals can't tell the difference.

I couldn't myself, unless I was told which was which and went looking for specifics.

Stu.