Creating a Quality Pull Saw
Japanese pull saw teeth are angled to cut on the pull stroke, a natural motion requiring little effort. Because pulling a saw places the blade in tension, it prevents the blade from bowing, buckling, or binding. The pulling motion allows the use of a very thin blade. The advantages are a very narrow kerf, exceptionally fast and smooth cuts, and unparalleled accuracy.
The Takumi saw is made using the similar techniques utilized by the master sword craftsmen of the Samurai era, and the result is a superior tool that affords the maximum hardness and flexibility available.
The initial steel milling process employs a folding technique, which creates multiple thin layers of steel that greatly enhances the strength and flexibility of the blade. Next, a highly-skilled craftsman tensions the blade to ensure maximum flexibility and long-lasting straightness with no distortion.
The blade is then gradually hollow ground, from cutting edges to the center, while at the same time it is ground from the hilt to the front edge.
This minimizes friction and associated heat generated by the cutting motion and totally eliminates the need to set the teeth. The hollow grinding process makes each tooth behave like a beveled knife-edge, slicing through wood smoothly and cleanly.
Each tooth is beveled on three sides to a precise angle with the use of the very thin diamond wheels. The point of each tooth is chisel-cut which promotes the smoothest and cleanest of cuts. The two beveled sides of the tooth help keep the kerf clear of sawdust.
All these processes combined serve to create a blade that is the ultimate in accuracy and smoothness of cut and ease of use.
To use a Takumi saw, we recommend starting the cut with the heel of the saw and with very gentle pressure, pull the saw toward you, maintaining a straight line through the cut. Let the saw do the work — a light touch is all that is required. Angle the blade slightly (0° to 10°) and pull smoothly with light, long strokes for the best results.
To care for the saws, do not cut metal. Wipe the blades gently with a lightly oiled cloth. The teeth are extremely sharp, so handle with care and always use a blade guard when storing the saw.
Takumi saws are highly-crafted saws using high-quality, hard steel. They will break if not used properly.
The blades are replaceable.
Our Pull Saws are Available in Sets, or Individually
Ryoba (101-885)
241mm blade length, 9 TPI Rip and 15 TPI Crosscut
Suizan Ryoba saws have teeth on opposite cutting edges. Traditionally, one side is for ripping, the other for crosscutting. The Takumi Ryoba features super-fine crosscut and rip teeth for extremely accurate cuts. It is exceptionally well-suited for cabinetry, furniture making, and other fine woodworking projects in medium to hardwood. It also makes smooth, flush cuts.
Kugihiki (101-886)
270mm blade length, 17 TPI & 25 TPI
Kugihiki is a flush cut saw. It is used to trim outcoming pieces of wood (like wedges, tenons, dowels, plugs etc) flushed with the board they were inserted to. The blade teeth have no set so they will not leave any scratches on the board while cutting.
Dozuki (101-887)
230mm blade length, 26 TPI
The Suisan Dozuki was traditionally designed for cutting tenons and specializes in crosscuts for intricate work such as joinery, moldings, and cutting dovetail joints. Its precise blade allows cuts as thin as 1/32". This saw is excellent for cabinetry and furniture making.
2-Pc. Set includes:
- Ryoba (101-885) - 241mm blade length, 9 TPI Rip and 15 TPI Crosscut
- Dozuki (101-887) - 230mm blade length, 26 TPI
3-Pc. Set includes:
- Ryoba (101-885) - 241mm blade length, 9 TPI Rip and 15 TPI Crosscut
- Kugihiki (101-886) - 270mm blade length, 17 TPI & 25 TPI
- Dozuki (101-887) - 230mm blade length, 26 TPI
