Understanding Japanese Saws + The PERFECT Dovetail Saw // Woodworking 101

How to choose Japanese woodworking saws and the perfect dovetail saw. I worked directly with Suizan to help develop their awesome new 9.5" Fine Rip-cut Dozuki saw which is absolutely perfect for dovetailing.
~ NEW 9.5" Fine Rip-cut Dovetail Dozuki Saw amzn.to/3dDLHxh
~ 9.5" Fine Crosscut Dozuki Saw amzn.to/3ygveIN
~ 9.5" Two-sided Ryoba Saw amzn.to/3lPBlz6
~ Two-sided Flush-cut Saw amzn.to/3ELemwf
~ 8" Ultra fine Crosscut Dozuki Saw amzn.to/3rTS5J7
~ 10.5" Aggressive crosscut Kataba Saw amzn.to/3rOqxF8
~ Folding Ryoba Saw amzn.to/3lPb5Vd
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DISCLAIMER: Woodworking and the use of power and hand tools can be extremely dangerous. You are responsible for understanding the safe use of your tools and techniques. Your safety is YOUR responsibility, I accept NO responsibility or liability for any injuries, accidents, death occurring to you or others if you attempt to do the things that I do or use advice that I give.

[@JayBergCustoms]

That's the best Japanese pull saw video I've ever seen, and a great demonstration!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@NewApologist]

I agree Jeffrey‼️

[@douglasbrown3493]

Thanks for this video.

[@therelaxingwoodshop7495]

You are the reason I started woodworking and then started up my tiny KZbin show. Merry Christmas

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thanks so much. That means a lot to me!

[@fu3zy]

best demonstration on the difference I've seen yet. thank you

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@scottmedori1437]

Amazing to see the different kerf widths side by side

[@zacculbertson2458]

You are by far my favorite KZbin woodworker. Something about the way you explain things really connects with me. I really hope to see more woodworking videos from you soon. I'm new to this and really wanna learn from you. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you Zac. I appreciate that and it means a lot!

[@dien2no423]

Wow, today - 29Jun22 - I discovered your channel. And am I happy about that. So much so that I just ordered your two-recommended Dozuki rip and cross cut saws. Now I have to find a YT video to check out dovetail cutting :) I am 74 and after many years as a woodworking hobbyist, and wanting to do dovetail joinery, I am embarking on dovetail joinery. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@jaredhuber7359]

YES!! You are the man! Thank you for getting them to make this saw. Seriously.

[@rjtumble]

Ha! Samurai Utz seemed a little uncomfortable "this is not my stick".

[@arth.4196]

Excellent video on Saws. The use and skill a person learns is like 👍 sawing, without knowing it.

[@mohammadismail4584]

Thanks Chris. After watching your video I basically clicked the links you provided below and got me two dozukis- rip and cross. They are amazing and indeed "DYNAMITE TOGETHER". Thanks man

[@MathanielTZ]

I bought some of these saws after I saw your video showing your trestle table build. I've since bought others, but you were certainly the initial impetus. Thanks for the addition instruction.

[@alanr745]

This started as an infomercial, but turned super educational. Thanks!

[@daveklein2826]

It NEVER started as an informercial

[@tomnekuda3818]

Good upload. I always learn a lot when you do the teaching/demonstrating. Good job, old man.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@thwwoodcraft1449]

Excellent! I keep buying Japanese saws when woodcraft puts them on sale and today learned I don't own a single rip cut one, but instead have 3 that are redundant cross cutters. Even the one they labeled as a dovetail saw has the cross cut teeth LOL. Will order via your link.

[@timothyball3144]

Very cool helping develop that saw.

[@justin3690]

Great video and demonstration on the impact of saw tooth orientation. I am in bed about to sleep, but now I want to run downstairs right now to check my saw blades.

[@pmdinaz]

I use the Ryoba for undercutting jambs before the tile goes in. I now see that new Dozuki in my shop for wood projects Thanks Chris!

[@intentionaltom9447]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Best video I have seen yet on explaining what saws and why!

[@tomsawyer118]

Discovered you on the farmhouse trestle table, got no notifications for a long time but back on my page with the bell. Forgot how calming these video's were!

[@SuperSpiderman1979]

Awesome Video 👌 thank you.. been looking around at Japanese saws. Did some enquiries at shops.. and I'm glad I watched this video. Thank you

[@randykane474]

Very good video to understand the different types of Japanese saws.

[@chrisshannonmoeller781]

Thanks Chris. I really appreciate the side by side comparison between the rip and crosscut saws.

[@bradprescott7865]

Great explanation, thank you for your effort 👍🏼

[@hugostare8695]

Many thanks Chris, I`m looking to buy a couple of of Japanese saws and your video was the first one I`ve watched. No need to watch any others now, everything I needed to know in one concise short video. Many thanks and greetings from England. Liked and subscribed! PS:- Nice wolf you got there!🙂

[@unitycatalog]

Perfectly timed video ....just bought a dozuki saw

[@cepaasch]

I have a couple of Japanese hand saws and they ROCK!!! I am surprised more people don't use them and for all the reasons you pointed out.

[@KAPWoodworkandbuilding]

I’ve recently come back to woodwork and cabinet. Having only used western saws I’ve recently discovered Japanese saw’s and will be making some purchases soon. Your video is very informative. Great work.

[@ambysto1541]

🤩 Thank you so much for your video I learned so many things about saws👍👍🤩

[@rollingstone3017]

Really worthwhile demo! Especially the side by side comps. My Z saw is a kataba rip. Wouldn’t trade it for nothin’. Cuts dovetails like magic.

[@RaabStephan]

I've got the Ryoba and the Dozuki, I'll be adding your Dozuki to my "Future Purchases" list!

[@gthiesfeld]

This is great info! I've been trying to get more into hand tool woodworking. I've concentrated on chisels and planes so far, but haven't bought any saws yet. I'm thinking today is the day.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Saws chisels and planes are the holy trinity of hand tools

[@deemdoubleu]

Great demonstration of these saws thankyou. It's a hard sell to an old English woodworker but I'm very tempted to try these out.

[@iamwhoiam4410]

I have 9 Suizan saws, and use them on a regular basis. I also have the saw you recommended to Suizan. I use it to cut tenons with, used it today. I really like the 6 inch Dozuki saw for cutting dovetails in 5/8 inch thick wood and less. Thanks for your video.

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

WOW those saws r awesome great advice.

[@tangledfeet1970]

Many thanks, Chris - and 'hi' from Scotland. I've been meaning to try a Japanese saw for years but watching your video has inspired me and I've just bought the Dozuki saw at the top of your list from Amazon UK... I do note that it is out of stock in the US! Look forward to showing the kids at school as my day job is a high school 'technical' teacher which encompasses several subjects, woodworking one of them.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Hello my Scottish friend! Awesome to hear that, I bet you and your student will really be impressed!

[@briansvedin1788]

The squared-off beard is a solid look, keep that rocking

[@bolerkai]

Excellent explanation of cross-cut vs rip cut saws, I learned a lot.

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

I have seen u use them loads. thanks.

[@peterkelley6344]

I have heard of these saws before but have never seen a demo of them. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family,

[@Bryan-fn6lp]

Thanks for making this video. It’s the only one I’ve seen that explains and demonstrates the difference between a crosscut and rip saw. I have a western “all purpose” saw and tried ripping a board just a few feet long. I couldn’t believe how long it took. I could have easily crosscut the same distance in a fraction of the time. So then I was puzzled by why we even have crosscut saws if rip saws can do both jobs. Now I finally understand.

[@rossanctuary5238]

Lol... He failed to mention that the cross cut teeth, ten to dig into your wood, as your making a rip cut

[@rodpotts2666]

Just the information I needed! Thanks

[@squatch2003]

Excellent video! Thanks for the in depth explanation of the different saws and demonstrations of them! Very helpful, good work!

[@lazycarpenter0146]

Thank you. I learned a lot.👍

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Chris! Thanks a lot! 😃 I bought a ryoba a while back, but my parents stole it from me to use in the garden... 😂 Anyway, I still need the dovetail saws for sure! About western saws vs Japanese saws... Well, I don't know which is better, but the Japanese is DEFINITELY easier to use! For my parents, who are both at their 80s, but for me as well... Both my shoulders hurt a lot, so it's a non brainer! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@richardlaymance9984]

Great demo. I bought my first ryoba way back when you built your mailbox. Consequently, I built one as well and loved doing it.

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

This is the best overview of Japanese saws I've seen. Thumbs up and thanks for posting!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you. I appreciate that!

[@mattwilson2953]

Awesome video and can't wait for you to get back into your woodworking videos. I enjoy them all but I've learned so much and really enjoyed your past building videos.

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent video Chris! I own a couple of Japanese saws and love them. Nice seeing my friend UTZ make an appearance. Looked like he was waiting to take his turn at sawing! Happy Holidays to you & your family. Be well and stay safe! 👍👍🎄🎄🎄🎄👍👍

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you Sapele Steve. I always appreciate you stopping by and saying hi!

[@BadAppleWoodwerx]

Thanks Chris, appreciate the thorough rundown. I find the Japanese saws easier to handle than the Western saws, the pull cut just seems more stable to me.

[@matiaslarsson5120]

Nice video Chris! I love your projects! Greetings from Argentina!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Thanks so much my friend. Very informational and helpful video. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Keep making. God bless.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Thank you Jared

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@ThirdCoastCraftsman ur very welcome my friend.

[@Mark_Wood]

what a great informative video! Also great to see Oots again. He hasn't been on your videos lately. Glad he's doing well.

[@benjamingerow5650]

6:30 oh I need that!

[@bladen0869]

My kids will be using my western saws long after I’m gone.

[@MatthewHarrold]

I use a Ryoba (#3), a tiny Dozuki (#4), and a flush cutter (#8) ... I use the #4 to start a fine cut then swap to the #3 to finish the cut if I haven't bothered to use a chiseled cut starting point. I love these Japanese styled saws. So satisfying. Interesting idea with your saw design. $0.02

[@wolfman2878]

Thank you for the explanation, you taught me a lot.

[@artrobert0875]

Great stuff man!

[@22busy43]

I bought a suizan ryoba a while back. It has become my favorite saw. I reach for before a power saw if I’m only doing a few cuts.

[@ericwise4335]

Outstanding.

[@tattooedredheadx]

16:08 Wowwww! That third blade is noticeably thinner!

[@TomDanaher]

Great another Japanese saw for me to buy. I have several Suizan and think they are great..

[@mwrcrft]

Nice saw and I do like pull saws with a JKM magnetic guide in soft woods and in hard woods I like a push saw free hand as I feel I have better control with the wider plate and more aggressive tooth pattern but that is just me.

[@ericmorris9660]

Good boy Utz!

[@bryanguillory3074]

Nice video. Very informative!

[@erikhorner1883]

I was told to reach out to you about a Oliver model 26 lathe I’m letting go. It has 60” of swing and 15’ between centers. I ran out of space because of other restorations projects I’m working on.

[@clemoniii]

Had the folding Ryoba couple years, and am always amazed how well it works, but admit I use power tools much more. Often use the little flush cut, and there's nothing like it. Been wanting to get pistol grip Western dovetail saws to start dovetail work, but this video AND THE GWP at the end pushed me to Suizan and your 9.5" dovetail saw. I've had 4 GWP's and 2 Drathaars over the years. To bad there isn't a saw that is as versatile AND perfected as the Drathaar!

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Haha Utz is a Draht. Good eye!

[@hdwoodshop]

Wish you had captions on the names. Cool to learn the names and spellings. lol thanks for the tutorial

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

They are spelled out in the description 👍

[@Three-13]

Ver, very informative!

[@PoppabearsCave]

love these saws.

[@WayneMacDonald1]

Very helpful. Thanks for this!!

[@keithbrock6410]

Great video, I always learn when I watch you. Good job pointing out price, you can pretty much buy the 3 or 4 saws you said were must haves for the price of one quality western saw.

[@jsimon179662]

Just ordered your dovetail rip saw. Have several dovetail saws with mediocre results. Let’s see if it’s the tool or the operator. I have two crosscut models and they are amazing.

[@allenwc]

Ha, great demo. You Should try that in western red cedar 🤨😮, the rip saw used cross grain does make a more noticeable tear out on the back side, especially with hanging fibres. In less aged red cedar it can leave a very furry back side.

[@mikemikemike2884]

Awesome video!!! Thank you for all the info, very helpful!!!

[@brucewelty7684]

Thanks. Now, to upgrade your power saws. Get a radial arm saw. For the disadvantage of dust collection vis a vis the SCMS you get a LOT more capabilities. Ripping on the RAS is safer than on the TS. MESSIER but safer.

[@TheSMEAC]

I really appreciate the opportunity to have a long deep rip dozuki and certainly will add to my shop. Admittedly I’ll still use my Florip and BadAxe saws in joinery, but maybe in fine inlays, splines, and in chair making they’ll jump in rotation. If I was a brand new sawyer, I’d go Japanese saws until I just made a concerted decision to add to my skills and take up western saws. For someone just getting started, the money they’d save on buying Japanese saws can really help them get ahead by freeing cash up to invest in quality sharpening gear, a good No° 4 or Jack, or a few decent chisels. If you’re like I am where the only powered tools I use are in milling (bandsaw, jointer/planer), the entry point in western saws is steep (panel, tenon, dovetail, sash, etc and multiple configurations of at least the handsaws). There could easily be $1000 hiding in going to Japanese saws to begin with and set someone up with the gear to discover what sharp actually is and how sharp in a nice No° 5 or a 3/8” chisel will give you the pleasure of the ‘AhHa’ moment. Yes, yes, yes... if you’re just getting started, go with Japanese saws and do your research/talk to others about sharpening gear, chisels, economical woods to start with, etc... 👍

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

That Japanese saw might make its rotation even in your joinery once you spend some time behind it 😁

[@TheRedhawke]

I agree with you. Until I finally learned how to sharpen my tools properly I was a very frustrated woodworker. I was young and poor with mostly hand-me-down tools or tools I picked up at yard sales. I finally met an older guy who was nice enough to teach me how to sharpen chisels and plane blades properly. Changed my world. Now I’m the old guy who always takes the time to help younger guys learn.

[@simoncapizzi9689]

Thanks so much for the video! One question, anyone else have trouble getting their fret saw into the super narrow kerf of the Japanese saws? Whenever I cut dove tails with my traditional saws, no problem. But I struggle with my Japanese saws. Am I doing something wrong?

[@josephvillarrubia8146]

Suizan? Don't you mean Shushan? Bonus points to anyone that gets this reference :D

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@trolltaker]

Chris, is that really a wooden shovel leaning against the wall behind you? When I was a boy, in the 1960s my Dad got a job with a local lumber yard making shovels that, by my memory at least, looked exactly like that one. They made them for use in a local black powder factory because they wouldn't create sparks. (FWIW, my Dad was a boat builder too, came from a boat family. By far, his favorite boat was the dory. Of course, to him, that meant New England lobster fishing, but he also had one as a boy on Lake Superior and knew from personal experience just how seaworthy they are. Of course, your riverboat is descended from those boats, which is why I mention it.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

I had no idea about those shovels. That’s super cool info. Got this shovel at an auction because I though it was cool

[@trolltaker]

@@ThirdCoastCraftsman I sure wish that I had one of Dad's today!

[@grubbsnorthrop9807]

Awesome job! Love the detail and time you take for teaching. Brief, clear, and simple with an amazing demo for visual. So aahhh…when are you opening a craftsman school?

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Hopefully this summer I’ll start running classes

[@grubbsnorthrop9807]

After seeing what winters look like there that’s a good season haha.

[@zacdeen27]

Western saws make me feel more cool, because “Merica”, but dang it’s hard to argue that they are more practical than Japanese saws. Awesome job on demonstrating the difference between saws.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Haha I totally get that

[@rollingstone3017]

LOL. Same here. Western saws have such a cool nostalgic look to them. But dang, I absolutely love the Japanese saws, and use them more and more exclusively 🧐😁

[@Stephen-uz8dm]

I feel the western longer blades and palm support and push cutting all offers some advantage in cutting itself but now that we have power tools for all kinds of bulk cutting. People only really use hand saws for the finer detail work and joinery and this is where the pull saws really shine.

[@martinhawrylkiewicz2025]

Great vid! Just curious if there is a way to make the handle on the Dozuki saw a bit shorter (for my needs).

[@tobyweston]

Amazon has had the dovetail saw as unavailable for a while now, any ideas when I can grab me one? Can’t wait!

[@flyness39]

Fantastic video, Chris! Yep, your earlier videos were what got me interested in these saws in the first place, and they're indispensable for hand crafting projects. Thanks for the update and some other options for birthday presents..!

[@anthonyvincent9990]

thanks for the information i think i know my next handsaw purchase. and just curious how old is Ootz?

[@denisblack5689]

currently unavailable:( i was going to buy three of them, but i can't. i actually have cross cut dovetail saw and two sided ryoba. i use those for more than three years now and my ryoba still works great, but my dozuki definitely wants to retire and i'm lacking of flush cut little helper:)

[@denisblack5689]

oh, i just realized that saws are unavailable for buyers outside of usa. if i choose us city to deliver it is available.

[@tim_biller]

Thanks for the video. The saw looks great but your all your links show them all as unavailable?

[@zacdeen27]

They’re showing “in stock” for me. I used the safari browser.

[@tim_biller]

@@zacdeen27 Thanks. Fixed it by changing the link to the UK store in my browser (Safari too) rather than the US one. Which is odd as recently any such links have automatically redirected. Cheers!

[@peterhaake1837]

The 9.5" rip saw that Suizan worked with you on doesn't appear to be available. Any idea when we'll be able to buy one?

[@albertquick6598]

What saw would you recommend to make Jack miters

[@GaminFaith]

I’ve never understood why push saws exist. I alway thought pull saws made more sense.

[@philshock3805]

The new dovetail saw is no longer available on Amazon. Any word on if/when it might be available again?

[@odinata]

Do they sell a replacement blade for the 9.5" Fine Rip-cut Dozuki you helped to design?

[@draggboy]

7:25 shows exactly why Japanese saws don't make good dovetail saws for most Western woodworking where we use lots of hardwoods. They're designed for soft woods and they just simply don't cut straight enough in hardwoods due to the thin and relatively unsupported blade. The back side of the cut will tend to wander and so you must cut away for the line and pare down to it with a chisel afterwards rather than being able to cut perfectly straight and square right up to a line. Rob Cosman's western style saws are the best for hard wood joinery, dovetail and otherwise, but of course you have to pay a price for them.

[@AssafOppenheimer]

Hi Chris, whats the depth of cut on your new dozuki?

[@brucewelty7684]

New sub btw!

[@brandontaylor5324]

Love the videos!!! Such an inspiration. I have almost finished “The Grapes of Wrath” on audible. Do you have any other classic recommendations?

[@nicholasmcneely245]

The new dovetail saw is no longer available on Amazon. Was it a one-time production run, or is it something Suizan will continue to produce?

[@johnday1786]

I do not have a bandsaw and it’s not in the works right now. I know you use a bandsaw to resaw boards but I don’t have that option. Is there a pull saw that is meant for resawing? I’ve tried with the ryoba and every time it gets half way into the depth of the blade and will start curving. I thought it was a bad blade so I replaced it and still the same results. I was wondering if you could give me some info on what my technique is that’s wrong, or info on getting the right tool for the job?

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Resawing is a pain in butt and takes really good form. I actually prefer a western saw or a Frame saw. A ryoba is pretty tough even for the best guys out there. If you have a table saw or circular saw and can set up a jig to saw a nerf on each side and then saw out the middle by hand that help. Then you’ll have some planing to do to smooth out the uneven surfaces.

[@kodoan411]

I had no idea Adam Sandler was into woodworking - who knew? Adam needs to work on his Japanese pronunciation though... Seriously though - great content that I enjoy watching. I just couldn't put my finger on who you reminded me of - no disrespect.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Haha I’ve heard that many time! I guess it must be true

[@kodoan411]

@@ThirdCoastCraftsman and here I thought I had amazing and unique powers of observation...