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Japan Woodworker Ryoba Pull Saw

WOOD magazine rating
Brand:
Japan Woodworker
Model:
19.605.0
Price:
$34

Description

This RazorSaw Grade has a blade length of 8¼˝ and an overall length of 21˝; Cross-cut: 17 tpi and Rip: 8 tpi. A unique feature of the Gyokucho Ryoba Saws is the handle which can be tilted in relation to the blade. This allows access into areas otherwise awkward or impossible to reach. Carpenters, restoration workers and boat builders will find this feature particularly useful. The teeth are impulse hardened for extended wear. The handles are wrapped with rattan for a secure grip. The various blades can be interchanged. A brochure detailing use is included with each saw.

Japanese woodworking saws (Noko Giri) are unique in that they cut on the pull stroke. This gives the woodworker a degree of control and accuracy impossible to obtain with Western “push” type saws. Because the blade is in tension during use, it can be thin and hard. This means a very sharp edge and exceedingly thin kerf. Ryoba Noko Giri are the mainstay of the Japanese woodworker. They have cross-cut teeth on one side and rip teeth on the other. The size and number of teeth vary with the length of the blade. The longer the blade, the larger the teeth and the greater the set. The 7½" to 9½" sizes are used for fine work associated with furniture and cabinet-making. The 10¾" and 11½" sizes are intended for carpentry work.

WOOD magazine review

Japan Woodworker Ryoba Pull Saw

Review Summary

Some of our editors have used Japanese-style saws for many years, and frankly, wouldn’t own any other kind of handsaw. This ryoba was extremely sharp out of the box and, using the 17-teeth-per-inch cross-cut edge, we crosscut a slab of 3/4×4" hard maple cleaner and in about one-fourth fewer strokes than with a fine-tooth miterbox saw. And, cutting on the pull stroke, we found it much easier to accurately start the cut with the ryoba.
Likewise with using the 8-tpi rip edge: faster, cleaner, and more accurate. The handle on the Japan Woodworker ryoba pivots where it joins the blade so you can swing it to a more comfortable working position if you like, or use the saw in a tight spot. Even if you used only the crosscut edge, this saw would be well worth its $26 price; the rip edge is just icing on the cake. A razor-sharp replacement blade costs only $19.

Detailed Ratings

5.0
out of 5

Performance

5

Features

5

Ease of Use

5

Value

5

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