| Review by Eric | posted 231 days ago | 726 views | 0 times favorited | 8 comments | ![]() |
- Gyokucho 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge RazorSaw for Hardwoods
- Brand: Gyokucho | Category: Handsaws

I just got my very first Japanese handsaw the other day, and have really enjoyed breaking it in. I thought I’d just give you this review via some bullet points. Just know that my handsaw experience to date is a cheap Stanley crosscut saw (like any guy would own) and a Crown gent’s saw.
Pros:- Because the saw cuts on the pull stroke, I found it extremely easy to start a cut with zero downward pressure.
- The saw cuts fast and does not require a lot of elbow grease to keep it going.
- The blade can be adjusted to be at a slight angle to the handle, which will allow for working at the occasional awkward angle.
- The double edge lets me rip and do cross cuts just as easily. I found it kind of tiring ripping and resawing with my little gent’s saw.
- The saw cuts clean. I mean clean. In case the picture I’m attaching does not give you the full size option, click here for a full screen version of a comparison of how my three saws cut. If you can cut straight, you probably wouldn’t even need to plane it.
- It looks freakin’ cool, man. And if we ever have an intruder in the house, I’m going right past the kitchen knives and heading for this puppy.
- Since the saw is double-edged, it bends fairly easily. This requires greater concentration when sawing in order to keep the blade moving in a perfectly straight line.
- Because the blade gets wider as it moves away from the handle, you cannot use the back of the blade as a crude level. You need to more closely monitor how far down you’re cutting on the other side (dovetails, for example).
- The teeth are more fragile, since only the tips are treated. From what I’ve heard, this makes the saw stay sharp longer, but also means that the teeth are more succeptible to breaking. No personal experience on that yet, but it’s made me extra gentle with it.
- While you can sharpen it, most people advise against it, so you would have to buy a replacement blade. They only cost about $20, so no big deal I guess. A possible plus is if other Japanese blades (with different TPI for example) fit into my handle, which I haven’t checked on.
I got mine from The Japan Woodworker (via Amazon – I had a gift card) for about $35.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
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8 comments so far
FrankA
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136 posts in 260 days
posted 231 days ago
I have been wanting to take the leap ang get a Japanese handsaw but was not sure which one.
I think you have talked me into giving this one a try.
Thanks for the great review.
-- Frank Auge---Nichols NY----"My opinion is neither copyrighted nor trademarked, but it is price competitive."
Scott Bryan
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9024 posts in 303 days
posted 231 days ago
This is a nice saw and a good review. I would be interested in seeing how it works on dovetails.
thanks for the review.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Eric
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654 posts in 264 days
posted 231 days ago
I think that maybe a dozuki saw would be better for dovetails, since it has a hardened back. But since I’m going for “bang for the buck”, I couldn’t turn down a combo crosscut/rip saw.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
scottb
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2942 posts in 808 days
posted 231 days ago
I’ve gone through a few pull saws over the years. LOVE EM! I think they are worth their weight in gold – having enabled me to do things I couldn’t have done otherwise. I only wish the ones you can buy at the Big Box stores, also sold the replacement blades!
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
GaryK
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8487 posts in 469 days
posted 231 days ago
I just got a doubel sided saw a few months ago. I think it;s great,
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Jojo
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344 posts in 453 days
posted 231 days ago
Can’t help but jump on the thread.
Eric, japanese saws have to be handled with smooth hands. NEVER try to force the cut, you’ll break them. You just have to guide them in a straight line end let them “flow” over the wood, their extremely sharp and hard teeth will to all the work. This is specially true on the movement back to the starting position (the pushing one). That amazingly thin kerf comes at a price and this is it, just be gentle and don’t rush things.
I agree regarding the smoothness of the cut, they are wonderful tools. And yes, you can fit many different blades on your handle, depending on the brand. I can provide you with them if you need it.
You are also right when you say that a ”dozuki” works best for dovetails, even better, a small one.
PS: Don’t try to sharpen them, it’s not worth the hassle. How much do you value your time? I don’t know but it’s a crazy thing and you’ll end up taken away buy the guys in the white coats. Here, even the pros just throw the blades away and get new ones. And by the way you’ll see that they last really longtime.
-- Jojo, shopless in Kyoto ยท http://www.japanese-woodworking-tools.com/
Eric
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654 posts in 264 days
posted 231 days ago
Thanks for the additional comments, Jojo – appreciate your words of wisdom and experience.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
tenontim
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913 posts in 225 days
posted 222 days ago
I’ve been using the Japanese saws for years. I don’t even know if I could use a push saw again. They come in all the necessary flavors- tenon, dovetail, etc. If you’re not trying to cut logs in half, buy the ones that have a back on them. It stiffens them up quite a bit. I have a couple of the double sided saws, but I use them mostly for rough cut off or carpentry work. They take a little getting use to, but are really nice for fine work. Jojo is right about sharpening. They have 3 bevels on each tooth. Try the Japan woodworker for some good cheap saws. They also have really expensive ones, if you win the lotto:]
-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com