An Introduction to Japanese Saws

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Japanese Saws are time-honoured tools with a legacy of accuracy and efficiency. Patrick Holcombe introduces us to the basics of using them, and helps us out with which you might initially

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[MrSteamDragon]

I had been using traditional Western saws with no issues for years. However, i developed rheumatoid arthritis in right hand and holding and using the push saws was starting to be difficult. I tried a ryoba to start with for ripping. Due to the different cutting (pull) and grip and less weight compared to a western saw, I can now continue my woodwork with very little pain and the improved grip gives me very accurate cuts. I now have a set of the 4 most useful Japanese saws. Highly recommended for those who may be in a similar position.

[cftpeic]

Nice video!
Kabata is actually Kataba(片刃)which means one side blade.
Ryoba(両刃)is both sides blade.

[MatthewHarrold]

I've started to wear out (bugger up) my Ryoba saw. Initially I hated the rip teeth as I wasn't trying long rip cuts. Recently I built a Tassie oak artist easel, 15 bird houses, and a queen size bed weighing 180kg all using the Ryoba, some chisels, and an f-ton of elbow grease. I've warped the cross-cut blade tip, tooth number 6, and you can see some discolouration in two other places where I didn't do great things. That's four newbie mistakes over around 3 years of woodworking causing minimal functional damage. It is still razor sharp and effective.

[timothydaniels]

Excellent video. It’s so true about saving time with hand tools. I use a small router for long grooves but the set up time is crazy, not to mention the noise and dust. Hand tools are a pleasure to use.

[rubencitostyle]

I got these three and also the flush cutting one and I love them - very often I work after dinner and it's lovely to do it without the noise of power tools, besides they give you so much precision - they are joy to work with - thanks for the video!!!!

[brianm.]

I just finished installing shiplap where I did the entire thing using my dozuki and kataba. Being able to work with little to no noise and producing less dust is a big deal. I love the quietness of using a handsaw and because no two cuts were the same I was able to scribe and cut without having to setup a miter saw each time.

[zacdredge]

Thanks for confirming they're Gyokucho; I've also been considering Gikoh/Kakuri but I've heard respected craftsman vouch for Gyokucho saws.
For tough cuts you can start the kerf with just the closest end of the blade as these teeth are made closer together for this purpose.

The single blade, spineless saw is 'Kataba', not "Kabata", just FYI.

[BloodyClash]

Just bought a Dozuki and a Ryoba....and i them

[petergannon]

Really good explanation. Like the idea of cutting the noise. Probably too late to fix my tinitus.

[davidclark]

I would like to add is that they are relatively simple to break. This occurs when the user pushes the blade forward but not exactly at the same angles as the saw cut. I bought a kataba specifically for hard wood and broke it in the first 5 minutes. A wedge or shim could have helped but the wood was very hard and the cut just started. Just a simple warning to be careful and don't rush the cut.

[danbytp]

Finally, someone who knows what he's talking about and makes sense. And I learned more in 10 minutes than 10 hours from everyone else! Great job, Holcombe San!

[meealan]

thanks, a great intro to japanese saws

[karllove]

Very good explaining. It's obvious by the way you handle them that you love good craftsmansship.

[lukmanaris]

Very well explained. The audio quality is amazing. What sort of microphone do you use, if I may know?

[landesnorm]

Nice video. How about mentioning that camellia oil (tsubaki oil) is good to put on the saws to prevent them from rusting?

[lax]

Excellent video, thanks for clarifying all the points, now I just need my credit

[chengliu]

The dozuki reminds me of a giant straight razor.

[Kevin_geekgineering]

they good quality one, they are not even cheaper than a jigsaw

[teitake]

@4:03 You said "Kabata." It's Kataba (Kata=single side, ba=blade). 片刃

[daiburt]

Oddly enough I make my own and carpenters are always asking me to make them one . All I do is take the handle off a jack saw and turn it around and make a handle from a piece of roofing batten