Dozuki and Ryoba saws

[eric_wolf]

I'm looking for a good starter Dozuki and Ryoba saw set. Cost is an issue, but I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations? Japanese saw's aren't something I am inherently familiar with, but I like the methodology and would like to give it a try.

[nikbrown]

I love the Gyokucho/Blue Hard stuff personally. I order them directly form japan from a guy I know from the woodnet.net forums, Schtoo.

http://www.toolsfromjapan.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=316_318_503

They are mid quality saws and do a great job!

Here is a link to the Dozuki:

http://www.toolsfromjapan.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=316_333_389

At some point I want to try out a Mitsukawa but they are a bit more pricy than I have sprung for yet:

http://www.toolsfromjapan.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=316_318_502_481

[jimmykx250]

I picked up one @ berlands for around 55 buck and am amazed at how sharp it is. I bought it for dovetails and it just cut the wood like butter with very little effort. I highly recomend one vs a western saw. I dont think you need to spend big bucks either.

[wilburpan]

I'm looking for a good starter Dozuki and Ryoba saw set. Cost is an issue, but I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations? Japanese saw's aren't something I am inherently familiar with, but I like the methodology and would like to give it a try.

I use Japanese saws almost exclusively. The usual advice is to get a 240mm ryoba and a dozuki. That's not a bad starting set of Japanese saws, and there are a lot of options for those sizes. The ones that nikbrown linked to are quite good, and I have these saws myself.

However, I think that a better combination is to get a smaller ryoba and a bigger Japanese saw, like a 210mm and a 270 mm. The problem is that finding those types of saws is a bit harder.

I have an article on my blog as to why I think this works better.

[Jim DaddyO]

I bought the modern ryoba from Lee Valley. I am still on the learning curve with it, my cuts do not come out very straight or verticle sometimes. Fairley inexpensive saw, considering it is from LV.

[nikbrown]

I have an article on my blog as to why I think this works better.

Great article Wilbur! I agree 100% with your view on this. I use my 210mm saw a lot more than I use anything bigger.