A Japanese pull saw that folds shut and cuts on the pull, not the push
Is this the right fit?
- Best for
- trim carpentry, small joinery, cutting dowels and molding, and anyone working in an apartment where a circular saw is not an option
- Skip if
- The thin Japanese blade will kink if you twist it mid-cut or try to force it on the push stroke. It rewards a light hand and punishes a heavy one.
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The SUIZAN folding Ryoba is a 9.5 inch double-edged Japanese hand saw with rip teeth on one side of the blade and crosscut teeth on the other, so one tool handles both directions of grain. Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, which keeps the thin blade in tension rather than compression. That lets the plate be much thinner than a Western saw, so the kerf is narrow, the cut is cleaner, and you need far less force. The handle folds the blade inside itself for storage and transport, and replacement blades are sold separately so the handle outlives the teeth. Best fit: trim carpentry, small joinery, cutting dowels and molding, and anyone working in an apartment where a circular saw is not an option.
Pros
- Rip teeth on one edge and crosscut teeth on the other, so one blade covers both grain directions
- Pull-stroke cutting keeps the blade in tension, so the kerf is thin and the cut face comes out smooth
- Folds closed for storage, which means it travels in a bag instead of needing a scabbard
- Blade is replaceable, so a dull saw costs a blade rather than a whole tool
Cons
- The thin Japanese blade will kink if you twist it mid-cut or try to force it on the push stroke. It rewards a light hand and punishes a heavy one.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it cut on the pull stroke instead of the push?
Pulling keeps the blade under tension, so it cannot buckle. That lets the blade be much thinner than a Western push saw, which means a narrower kerf, less material removed, and noticeably less effort per stroke.
What is the difference between the two toothed edges?
One edge has rip teeth for cutting with the grain, the other has crosscut teeth for cutting across it. Using the wrong edge still cuts, just slower and with a rougher face.
Can the blade be replaced when it dulls?
Yes. SUIZAN sells replacement Ryoba blades that fit the same handle, so you keep the handle and swap the plate. Japanese saw teeth are hardened and generally not resharpened by hand.
Is 9.5 inches long enough for framing lumber?
It will cut a 2x4, but that is near the top of its comfortable range. This saw is happiest on trim, dowels, molding, small joinery, and anything under about 2 inches thick.
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