Japanese hand saw

[Matt P]

Does anyone recommend a least-expensive Japanese hand saw for making very fine cuts crosscuts for a novice like me? How about the Lee Valley set:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=58686&cat=1,42884

or any other Lee Valley ones?

or:

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5873

I saw David Marks using one to cut off ebony square plugs for covering screw holes (on WoodWorks). Although, wouldn't I just use a fine blade on the bandsaw instead?

[Greg Hines, MD]

I use a Ryoba from Woodcraft, and have been very pleased with how well it cuts. The Lee Valley set looks good, though I don't think I would use a keyhole saw from them.

You will also find that Marks uses them all the time, along with Scott Phillips on PBS.

Doc

[Ken Potts]

Matt,

I got one as a gift, I've used it many, many times. Not sure what it cost but they are a very handy tool.

Ken.

[Dave Falkenstein]

I like these:

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/shark_saw/pullsaws.htm?L+coastest+ttsh7070ff065506

[Matt P]

Those look like good values!


I like these:

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/shark_saw/pullsaws.htm?L+coastest+ttsh7070ff065506

[John Thompson]

Those look like good values!

They are good as Dave stated IMO, Matt. I have the first two on that link. I try to use joints on everything and I use those saws constantly to fine detail joints. Takes some getting used to with the thinner blades until you get the hang of holding it straight, but once you do they are in-valuable in my shop.

Sarge..

[David G Baker]

I like these:

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/shark_saw/pullsaws.htm?L+coastest+ttsh7070ff065506
I have the saws that Dave posted and love them. I have used and abused them for the past 10 years. They are really great during a re-model because they can get into places that most saws can't due to their flexibility. I do try to protect the teeth because they will cut you real quick if you accidentally run your body parts across the blade, don't ask how I know.

[Jeff Booth]

FWW did a review only about 6 months ago, included maybe 10 saws, rated the Dozuki Z saw very favorably..............

[Mike Cutler]

Matt

Pam Niedermayer, on the Neander' board here, does a lot of work with japanese woodworking tools of all types.
Shoot her a PM if she doesn't see this post, or maybe repost it on the Neander' forum, and see what her opinion is.

[David DeCristoforo]

Look here:

http://www.hidatool.com/shop/shop.html

YM