Have you ever watched a carpenter effortlessly slice through wood with a saw? It looks so easy, but choosing the *right* saw can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds of saws out there, and pull saws are a popular choice for a reason. But with all the brands and styles, figuring out which one is best for your projects can be confusing and frustrating.
Maybe you’ve tried using a saw that just didn’t cut cleanly, or perhaps you’re looking to try a new tool for your woodworking adventures. This is where understanding pull saws becomes super helpful. They are designed to cut on the pull stroke, which gives you more control and makes for smoother, more precise cuts. This means less effort and better results for your projects.
By reading on, you’ll discover what makes a pull saw so special. We’ll break down the key features to look for, like blade type and handle comfort. You’ll learn how to pick a pull saw that fits your needs, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker. Get ready to make smarter choices and enjoy your woodworking even more!
Our Top 5 Pull Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pull Saw Detailed Reviews
1. RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw 6 Inch Double Edge Sided Pull Saw Ryoba SK5 Flexible Blade 14/17 TPI Flush Cut Beech Handle Wood Saw for Woodworking Tools
Rating: 9.4/10
The RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves woodworking, carpentry, or crafting. Its 6-inch blade is just right for making careful cuts, and it’s perfect for flush cuts and finishing touches. This saw is a thoughtful gift for any woodworker or craftsman.
What We Like:
- The 6-inch blade size is perfect for precise cuts.
- It’s great for making flush and finish cuts easily.
- The blade is made from strong SK5 high-carbon steel.
- The teeth are hardened to HRC60-63 degrees for durability.
- It has two sides: 17 TPI for hardwoods and 14 TPI for softwoods.
- This means it can do both rip cuts and cross cuts.
- The three-sided teeth design makes cutting faster and smoother.
- The handle is made of comfortable beech wood.
- RUITOOL offers excellent after-sales service and quick replies to questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-inch blade might be too small for very large projects.
- While durable, the thin blade could potentially bend if too much force is applied.
This RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is a versatile and well-made tool that will make your woodworking projects easier and more enjoyable. It’s a great addition to any toolkit.
2. KERYE Japanese Pull Saw 9.5 Inch
Rating: 8.7/10
The KERYE Japanese Pull Saw KY01 is a versatile and sharp tool for any woodworking project. With its 9.5-inch blade, it offers a larger cutting area than smaller saws. This means you can tackle bigger jobs with less effort, as physics principles suggest it saves you at least 50% more force. The saw is built with strong materials, featuring a blade made from SK5 high carbon steel for hardness and wear resistance. The handle is crafted from beech and rattan, making it light and comfortable to hold, which helps save energy during use. You’ll appreciate the 3-sided grinding teeth, which make the saw sharper and last longer. The double-edged blade is a real game-changer, with one side for quick, rough cuts (10 TPI) and another for slower, more detailed cuts (17 TPI). Plus, KERYE offers reliable after-sale support for 24 months, so you can buy with confidence.
What We Like:
- The 9.5-inch blade provides a larger working area and makes cutting easier.
- It’s made from durable SK5 high carbon steel for a sharp, long-lasting edge.
- The beech and rattan handle is light and ergonomic, reducing fatigue.
- The 2-in-1 design with 10 TPI and 17 TPI teeth handles different cutting needs.
- The 3-sided grinding teeth make the saw sharper and more wear-resistant.
- KERYE offers a 24-month after-sale warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the blade is replaceable, the product description doesn’t specify where to purchase replacements.
This KERYE Japanese Pull Saw is a fantastic tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Its thoughtful design and quality materials make it a valuable addition to any toolbox.
3. SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 9.5″ Assembly ver – Professional Japanese Pullsaw Handsaw Woodworking Tools
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to transform your woodworking projects with the SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 9.5″ Assembly ver. This isn’t your average saw. It’s a Japanese pull saw, meaning you pull it towards you to cut, not push. This style makes it lighter and easier to use, giving you super clean cuts every time. Made with top-quality Japanese steel, this saw is incredibly sharp. It’s built by Japanese master craftspeople in a town famous for its woodworking history. This saw is perfect for both beginners and experienced woodworkers looking for a new and exciting way to create.
What We Like:
- Cuts cleanly and easily thanks to the pull-saw design.
- The Japanese steel makes it super sharp and durable.
- It’s lighter than many other saws, requiring less effort.
- It offers a new experience that can inspire more woodworking projects.
- The double-edge blade lets you do both rip and cross cuts.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to assemble it yourself, which might be a small extra step.
- The handles are wrapped by hand, so their look might be a little different on each saw.
- Small cracks can sometimes appear during making, but it’s not a problem with the saw.
This SUIZAN Ryoba saw brings the quality of Japanese craftsmanship to your workshop. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to improve their woodworking skills and create beautiful things.
4. Japanese Hand Saw
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash your inner craftsman with the Japanese Hand Saw, a 6-inch double-edge pull saw designed for precision and comfort. Crafted with premium SK5 Japanese steel, this saw boasts exceptional strength and sharpness, ensuring clean, accurate cuts for all your woodworking projects. Its unique double-edge blade offers versatility, with 11 TPI for smooth cuts on hardwoods and 17 TPI for softwoods, making it a go-to tool for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers.
What We Like:
- Premium SK5 steel blade is strong and stays sharp.
- Double-edge design cuts hardwood and softwood with different teeth counts.
- Flush cut design allows for precise trimming.
- Soft grip handle is comfortable and reduces hand fatigue.
- Flexible blade makes smooth cuts and lasts a long time.
- Great for many woodworking tasks, from carpentry to DIY.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-inch blade size might be limiting for very large projects.
- While durable, the flexible blade could potentially bend if too much force is applied sideways.
This versatile saw is a fantastic addition to any toolbox, empowering you to tackle a variety of woodworking tasks with confidence. Get ready to experience effortless cutting and superior results.
5. 6 Inch Japanese Pull Saw，Hand Saw Woodworking Tools，Wood Handle
Rating: 9.1/10
This 6 Inch Japanese Pull Saw is a fantastic tool for any woodworker. It’s designed for precision and ease of use, making your woodworking projects smoother and more enjoyable. The comfortable wood handle fits nicely in your hand. This saw is sharp, lightweight, and built to last.
What We Like:
- The blade is made of strong SK5 high-carbon steel.
- Its teeth are very hard, reaching HRC60-63 degrees.
- The double-edged blade is sharp and flexible.
- One side has 17 teeth per inch (TPI) for hard wood, and the other has 11 TPI for soft wood.
- It can make both rip cuts and cross cuts, leaving a smooth edge.
- The saw is lightweight and sharp, allowing for accurate cuts with less effort.
- It’s perfect for small jobs and trimming details.
- It uses Japanese craftsmanship for durability and wear resistance.
- Triple ground teeth make cuts sharper in both directions.
- The company offers a full refund if there’s a quality problem, with no need to return the product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-inch blade might be too short for larger projects.
- While good for detail work, it might not be the best choice for heavy-duty cutting.
This Japanese pull saw is a high-quality tool that delivers excellent performance. It’s a great addition for anyone who enjoys woodworking, especially for detailed tasks.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Pull Saw
Pull saws are amazing tools for woodworking. They cut on the pull stroke, not the push. This makes them cut cleaner and with less effort. Let’s find the right pull saw for you.
Key Features to Look For
- Blade Type: Blades come in different types. Some are for fine cuts, others for rougher work. Look for a blade that matches your project.
- Tooth Count (TPI): TPI stands for Teeth Per Inch. A higher TPI means more teeth. More teeth make smoother cuts. A lower TPI cuts faster but can be rougher.
- Blade Length: Longer blades are good for bigger cuts. Shorter blades are better for tight spaces. Pick a length that fits your typical projects.
- Handle Comfort: You’ll be using this saw a lot. A comfortable handle is important. Some handles are made of wood, others of rubber or plastic. A good grip helps you control the saw.
- Replaceable Blades: Many pull saws have blades you can change. This is great because you can replace a dull blade instead of buying a whole new saw.
Important Materials
- Blade Steel: The steel used for the blade is very important. High-carbon steel is common. It’s strong and holds an edge well. Some blades are made with special alloys for extra durability.
- Handle Materials: Handles can be made from wood, like beech or rosewood. These feel classic and are often comfortable. Plastic or rubber handles offer a good grip, especially if your hands get sweaty.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Blade Hardness: A harder blade will stay sharp longer. This means fewer sharpenings and better performance over time.
- Blade Flexibility: A blade that is too stiff can break easily. A little flexibility is good. It helps the blade flex without snapping.
- Tooth Sharpness: Sharp teeth are the most important thing. They make cutting easy and clean. A well-made pull saw will have very sharp teeth.
- Handle Attachment: How the handle is attached to the blade matters. A secure connection means the saw won’t wobble. This gives you better control.
User Experience and Use Cases
Pull saws are perfect for many tasks.
- Fine Woodworking: For making precise cuts in furniture or delicate projects, a pull saw with a high TPI is ideal. It leaves a smooth finish.
- Dovetail Joints: These saws are famous for cutting dovetails. The fine teeth allow for very accurate cuts.
- General Carpentry: For cutting lumber for framing or other projects, a pull saw can make quick work of it. You might choose one with a lower TPI for faster cutting.
- Trim Work: Installing baseboards or trim often requires clean, precise cuts. A pull saw is excellent for this.
A good pull saw makes woodworking more enjoyable. It’s a tool that rewards careful selection with excellent results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a pull saw?
A: A pull saw is a type of handsaw that cuts when you pull it towards you, not when you push it away. This makes it easier to control and cut more cleanly.
Q: Why are pull saws better than push saws?
A: Pull saws are often better because the blade is thinner and the teeth are set to cut on the pull stroke. This means the blade doesn’t bend as much, leading to straighter, cleaner cuts with less effort.
Q: What does TPI mean on a pull saw blade?
A: TPI stands for Teeth Per Inch. It tells you how many teeth are on each inch of the blade. A higher TPI means more teeth, which makes for smoother cuts. A lower TPI cuts faster but can be rougher.
Q: Can I use a pull saw for cutting metal?
A: Generally, no. Pull saws are designed for wood. Cutting metal requires a different type of saw with specific blades and teeth designed for metal.
Q: How do I maintain a pull saw?
A: Keep the blade clean and dry. If the teeth get dull, you can sharpen them with a file or replace the blade if it’s designed to be replaceable.
Q: Are pull saws good for beginners?
A: Yes, pull saws can be great for beginners. Their ease of use and ability to make clean cuts can be very encouraging for new woodworkers.
Q: What is the best type of pull saw for cutting dovetails?
A: For dovetails, you’ll want a pull saw with a fine kerf (the width of the cut) and a high TPI. These saws are often called “dovetail saws” or “japanese saws.”
Q: How long should a pull saw blade be?
A: The best length depends on what you’re cutting. For general woodworking, a blade around 9-10 inches is a good start. For larger projects, you might want a longer blade.
Q: Can I use a pull saw for rough carpentry?
A: Yes, you can. For faster, rougher cuts, choose a pull saw with fewer teeth per inch (lower TPI).
Q: What’s the difference between a Japanese pull saw and a Western pull saw?
A: Japanese pull saws are known for their thin blades and fine teeth, cutting on the pull stroke. Western pull saws are often thicker and cut on the push stroke, but some Western-style saws are also designed for pulling. The Japanese style is very popular for its precision.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!