Hand saws for woodworkers, from Japanese pull saws to a 300mm hacksaw and a fret saw frame. The bulk of this range is Japanese: ryoba, dozuki, kataba and flush-cut saws from Zetsaw, Suizan and Temple Tool, alongside Pony Jorgensen pull saws, an Olson scroll and fret saw frame and the Stanley FatMax 5-in-1 hacksaw.
Choosing a hand saw
- Ryoba: double-edged, rip teeth on one side and crosscut on the other. One saw for general carpentry. Stocked in 180, 240 and 250mm.
- Dozuki: a stiffening back and very fine teeth for joinery, tenon shoulders and dovetails. 150mm for small work, 240mm for bench joinery. Hardwood and fine-tooth versions available.
- Kataba: single-edged with no back, so it cuts deeper than a dozuki. The Temple Tool 265mm is the deep crosscut option.
- Flush cut saw: flexible blade with no set, for trimming dowels and plugs level without scratching the surface. 120 to 150mm double-edged versions from Zetsaw, Suizan, Temple Tool and Pony Jorgensen.
- Folding dovetail saw: Pony Jorgensen 150 and 240mm folding pull saws for the toolbag.
Japanese pull saw vs Western push saw
A pull saw cuts on the pull stroke, so the blade is under tension and can be much thinner. That means a narrower kerf, less effort and a cleaner cut, which is why they have taken over fine woodworking. The trade-off is that Japanese blades are hardened and not resharpenable; most Zetsaw and Suizan saws take replacement blades instead. If you need a conventional handsaw, the Jorgensen coarse handsaw and Zetsaw carpenters range cover rough work. Hand saw prices here start under R200 for a Zetsaw craft saw and run to around R730 for a Zetsaw universal. See the full Japanese hand saws range, pair with wood chisels for joinery, or go to hacksaws for metal.
In stock in Cape Town, delivered nationwide and free over R2000. Call 021 674 2119 for advice.
