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Suizan Ryoba vs Gyokucho Razorsaw: Japanese Saw Comparison

Updated June 2026

The Suizan Ryoba is the better first Japanese saw - rip and crosscut teeth on one blade handle the full range of shop cuts. The Gyokucho Razorsaw crosscut is more precise and lighter for dedicated crosscut-only work, but too single-purpose for a first saw.

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At a glance

Spec Suizan Japanese Pull Saw 9.5-Inch Ryoba Check price on Amazon Gyokucho Razorsaw 240mm Crosscut Check price on Amazon
Price $30-$45 $45-$60
Our rating 4.7 / 5 4.6 / 5
Best for Any woodworker who wants to add a Japanese pull saw to their shop, especially beginners finding push saws hard to start straight. Woodworkers who want a dedicated crosscut pull saw for trimming, flushing, and clean joinery cuts.
Teeth Rip and crosscut (dual) Crosscut only
Versatility High - covers most cuts Low - specialist tool
Price $30-$45 $45-$60
Best for General shop use Precision crosscuts, trimming

The Suizan Ryoba is the better first Japanese saw - rip and crosscut teeth on one blade handle the full range of shop cuts.

The two options in depth

Amazon
Suizan Japanese Pull Saw 9.5-Inch Ryoba
4.7 Editorial score / 5.0

Suizan Japanese Pull Saw 9.5-Inch Ryoba

The most-recommended entry-point Japanese pull saw for woodworking. The 9.5-inch Suizan ryoba has rip teeth on one side and crosscut teeth on the other on a thin, replaceable impulse-hardened blade. Cuts far faster than a push saw of comparable price and tracks straight in the cut without the technique needed for Western push saws.

Best for Any woodworker who wants to add a Japanese pull saw to their shop, especially beginners finding push saws hard to start straight.
  • Rip and crosscut teeth on one blade - versatile for most shop crosscuts and rips
  • Thin kerf cuts fast with minimal effort compared to Western saws
  • Replaceable blade when dull - the body outlasts many blades
  • Impulse-hardened teeth cannot be resharpened - blade replacement is the maintenance plan
Price $30-$45 Check price on Amazon
Amazon
Gyokucho Razorsaw 240mm Crosscut
4.6 Editorial score / 5.0

Gyokucho Razorsaw 240mm Crosscut

A specialist single-purpose crosscut pull saw from Gyokucho, the Hyogo maker of the Razorsaw line of replaceable-blade saws since 1969. The Gyokucho Razorsaw is lighter and more precise than a ryoba for crosscut-only work, with a 0.6mm plate and crosscut-only teeth. The community uses these for final trimming, flushing plugs, and clean precision crosscuts.

Best for Woodworkers who want a dedicated crosscut pull saw for trimming, flushing, and clean joinery cuts.
  • Crosscut-only teeth (13 TPI) on a replaceable blade
  • Stiff 0.6mm plate holds the cut and produces clean cuts in hardwood
  • Lighter than a ryoba for extended trimming and flush-cutting work
  • Single-purpose crosscut only - get a ryoba if you need rip and crosscut in one tool
Price $45-$60 Check price on Amazon

Which should you buy?

Buy the Suizan Ryoba as your first Japanese saw - the dual-tooth design handles ripping timber, crosscutting boards, and general work in one tool. Buy the Gyokucho Razorsaw after you already own a ryoba and want a lighter, more precise saw dedicated to fine crosscut work and trimming. They complement each other; the ryoba is not a replacement for the Gyokucho when precise crosscut work is required.

Related guides

Japanese vs Western Saws: Which Cuts Are Best for Which

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Suizan vs Gyokucho Japanese Pull Saws

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Common questions

Which is better for cutting dovetails?

Neither is ideal for dovetails. For Japanese-style dovetail cutting, the Z-Saw Dozuki is the right tool - a spine-stiffened pull saw that prevents deflection on the cheek cuts. A ryoba can cut dovetails with practice but the thin plate wanders more than a spine-stiffened saw.

How do I replace the blade on a Suizan ryoba?

The blade slides out of the handle and a new one slides in - the process takes about 30 seconds and no tools. The handle lasts indefinitely and only the blade is replaced. When the blade dulls (more effort needed, rough kerf), replace it rather than trying to resharpen the impulse-hardened teeth.

Is the Gyokucho Razorsaw good for cutting miters?

Yes, for precise miters in small to medium stock where a miter box or shooting board provides the registration angle. The fine crosscut teeth and thin plate produce a clean kerf that needs minimal cleanup. For large-scale miter cuts, a longer handsaw or a miter saw is more appropriate.