Number one on our list is none other than the signature ryoba-style Japanese hand saw. This traditional design is one of the most commonly found styles in the Japanese saw realm among others. The Japanese word ‘Ryoba’ literally means double-edged, due to the two-faced nature of this woodwork tool. Although the saw cutting teeth are present on both sides of the saw, each performs a unique and individual task. For example, one side is designated for crosscutting, whereas the other side contains teeth that are specifically built for rip-cutting purposes. Apart from this, versions with alternating hardwood and softwood-cutting teeth are also readily available. Dozuki These manually-operated woodworking tools might seem paltry and minor in form and construction, however, they can actually transpire to be pretty resourceful for a number of reasons. Not only are Japanese pull saws incredibly time-saving and efficient in terms of labor and energy, but they also possess the ability to finish a cutting machine’s job in less if not the same amount of time. In addition to the customized Nomi (chisel) and a Kanna (plane), the joint work and inexpensive nature of these saws make them the perfect tools for handcrafting as well as executing small-scale projects. Besides this, owning a top-tier Japanese saw can not only make the woodcutting process much more trouble-free and smooth, but it can also create precise, surgical cuts that would otherwise have been near to impossible to achieve in traditional hand saws. Therefore, investing in a high-quality Japanese saw will not only save you money and labor but will also make your woodworking task significantly more gratifying and trouble-free. The Azebiki has probably the most unique and distinctive design out of the lot. The saw presents a short spade-like blade that is curved and has teeth on both sides, similar to the Rayoba style saw. The primary function of this type of Japanese saw is to start the cutting process in the middle of a panel and fit into more congested spots, courtesy of its petite size. What To Consider Before Buying a Japanese Saw? Teeth size