Japanese hand saws used in woodworking differ from their North American and European counterparts since they cut on the pull stroke as opposed to the push stroke. This allows them to have thinner blades that cut more efficiently and leave a narrower kerf.

Japanese style saws have recently gained popularity in North America.

Types of Japanese hand saws

• Dozuki

Tenon saw. From Japanese do/dou = trunk, tsuki/zuki = attached, thus a saw with a stiffening strip attached, i.e., a tenon saw. Pronounced "doh-zoo-key".

• Ryoba

Saw with two blades. From Japanese ryo/ryou= both, ha/ba = blade. Pronounced "row-bar". There is cross-cutting blade on one side and a riping blade on the other.

• Azebiki

A small ryoba saw used for cutting into the flat surface of a board rather than from the edge.

• Mawashibiki

From Japanese mawashi = turn, hiki/biki = cut (with a saw). A thin saw used for cutting curves, i.e. a keyhole saw.

• Kaeba

From Japanese kae = change, ha/ba = blade. A saw with a disposable blade.

Other Japanese saws

• Oga

A large two man saw used for ripping large boards in the days before power saws. One man stood on a raised platform, with the board below him, and the other man stood underneath him.