I used to think those little Japanese pull saws were just a gimmick for hobbyists.

For years I stuck with my old western-style push saws. A buddy of mine, who does a lot of fine furniture work, kept telling me to try one. He finally just handed me his Suizan ryoba last week when we were trimming some 1x4 poplar for a built-in. I was shocked. The cut was so clean and it took almost no effort. I didn't have to fight the blade or worry about it binding. I'm a roofer, so I'm used to heavy tools, but this thing made the detail work feel easy. I'm definitely picking one up for my finish jobs now. Anyone have a brand they prefer for general trim and cabinetry work?

3 comments

3 Comments

james_bell1mo ago

Wait, you're a roofer and you're using it for finish work? That's the part that got me. I figured those saws were only for like, super fine model making or something. You're out there on a roof all day and then you pick up this little thing and it's better for trim? That's wild. I guess the tool snobs were right about something for once.

owens.anthony1mo ago

Notice how often the "right tool for the job" is the lighter, simpler one. We get sold on power and weight meaning quality, but a sharp, smart design that works WITH the material is a total game changer. It happens with kitchen knives, drill bits, even software. The fancy, overbuilt option just adds friction. That saw cuts clean because it's designed to remove wood, not prove how strong you are.

pat_moore1mo ago

You were trimming 1x4 poplar with a pull saw? That's the part that gets me. I've only ever seen guys use those on tiny bits of trim in the shop. Using one for actual built-in work, on site, seems like it would be too light. I guess if the cut is that clean, it saves a ton of sanding time. Maybe I've been wrong about them too.

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