Japanese saws

Everything you need to know about the trend tools

Saw blog|Specialist knowledge

Japanese saws -
Popular with hobbyists and professionals

Japanese hand saws (“Nokogiri”) have been the faithful companions of experienced woodworking craftsmen in this country for many years. In contrast to European saws, which cut under pressure, Japanese saws work completely under tension. This technology enables particularly precise and energy-saving cuts – a feature that is also making Japanese saws increasingly popular with DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists.

Japanese saws are ideal for woodwork that requires precision and clean cutting edges. They are particularly suitable for furniture making, model making and fine carpentry work. Furthermore, Japanese saws are not just tools, but an expression of a deeply rooted craft culture that combines tradition with innovation.

Traditional tools for Japanese wood art

The development of Japanese saws was influenced by the centuries-old Japanese art of woodworking, which was characterized by precision and efficiency.

Origin and traditional woodworking

Japanese saws arose from the need to create fine and precise wood joints for traditional buildings such as temples, shrines and furniture. The Edo period from 1603 to 1868 is considered the heyday of Japanese woodworking, during which tools such as the dozuki saw were perfected.

Technological innovations

The pull principle enabled thinner saw blades, which allowed more precise cuts with less effort. This technology was further developed over the centuries. Later, impulse hardening of the teeth increased the sharpness and service life of the saws. Many Japanese saws are now available with a more comfortable plastic handle.

New types of saws were also created: Based on the model of the traditional Japanese saws, we created our modern “Japanoflex” hand saws.

Cultural significance

The aesthetics and precision of Japanese saws reflect the attention to detail and elegance of Japanese craftsmanship. Since 2020, the Japanese tradition of wood construction has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Types of Japansaws

There are different types of Japansaws that are suitable for different tasks:

Ryoba –
All-rounder with two cutting sides

Coarse side for longitudinal cuts (with the wood grain), fine side for cross cuts (against the grain)

Flexible saw blade without back enables particularly deep cuts

Universally applicable for many types of woodwork

to our Ryoba saws →

Offer

Traditional Ryoba, 240 mm

Classic Japanese saw with flexible saw blade toothed on both sides
For fine cuts and deep cuts flush with the wall in wooden and plastic moldings and door frames
Fine three-sided tension toothing and double-sided ground toothing for universal applications
Long raffia handle
Made in Germany
VPA GS tested

24,90 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

Kataba
Single-cut, backless saw

Very short back reinforcement, therefore suitable for deeper cuts

Mainly for cross sections

Can be used for general carpentry work in dry wood and wood-based materials

to our Kataba saws →

Offer

Traditional kataba, 270 mm

Classic Japanese saw with flexible saw blade and shortened steel back
For fine cuts and deep cuts flush with the wall in wooden and plastic moldings and door frames
Very fine pull teeth ground on three sides for particularly clean cuts without much effort
Long raffia handle
Made in Germany
VPA GS tested

22,95 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

Dozuki
Fine saw with back

Single-cut saw with reinforced back rail for particularly precise and fine cuts along and across the grain

Ideal for miters, mortise and tenon joints and other fine woodwork, making it perfect for carpenters and model makers

to our Dozuki saws →

Offer

Traditional Dozuki, 240 mm

Classic Japanese saw with sturdy steel back
For straight, precise fine cuts in hard and soft woods – for miter cuts and model making
Extremely fine pull serration ground on three sides for particularly clean cuts without much effort
Long raffia handle
Made in Germany
High-quality workmanship, VPA GS tested

23,60 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

Application and care
of Japansaws

Japanese saws are versatile and a valuable addition to woodworking.

The difference to western hand saws

Japanese saws are more efficient in the pulling motion because they can use thinner and more flexible saw blades. These blades do not have to withstand compressive stress, which means they are often only 0.3-0.6 mm thick. This results in more precise and cleaner cuts with less material loss.

The pulling movement also requires less force, as the teeth work efficiently and remove less wood.

The saw remains stable as the blade does not bend or jam when pulling, which often happens with pressure movements.

The special toothing also contributes to the high cutting performance.

Handling & technology

Hold the workpiece firmly in place and observe the optimum angle of inclination depending on the type of wood and cut.

The saw works best with controlled, even pulls. Pull, do not push.

Grasp the handle loosely but securely.

Do not tilt. The thin blades can break if used improperly.

Care & maintenance

Clean the saw after use with a dry cloth. Remove resin residue with alcohol or fine steel wool.

Many Japanese saws have impulse-hardened teeth that cannot be resharpened. If the saw is blunt, it must be replaced or the saw blade replaced. We offer a range of Japanese saw replacement blades available.

Store the saws in a dry place to prevent rust. You can also rub the saw blades with Ballistol or camellia oil to protect them from corrosion.