Posted 12 years ago
RonM
(126 items)
I found these on CL and bought them without research.When I got home I saw an oddly carved number 10 on the handle of the bottom saw. On closer inspection I found Japanese characters on the blades of both saws.After a Google search, I learned they are from 1930 or earlier,the teeth are backwards from American saws.The cut is made on the pull stroke rather then the push stroke.This makes it easier to cut a straight line. The tall thin blade also helps keep the cut straight.The handles are made of pawlonios wood. It is a strong hardwood found here,but used more extensively in Japan. The teeth are extrmely sharp.
Thank you Walksoftly
Yes, those are Japanese pull saws. Absolutely wonderful for doing picture frames or trim work. We have three modern ones each with different tooth count for different work. They even make them now for cutting PVC pipe.
Notice the first tooth on your saws. The one closest to the handle is first with a pull saw. They are different than all the other teeth on the saw. They are the "starter" teeth. You line them up on your cut line and pull quickly to sever the grain of the wood. From that point you use the regular saw teeth. Modern hand saws don't have a started tooth. The saws above are not fine tooth so were probably intended for work heavier than trim or finish.
These are nice old saws. Keep them where they don't rust and thanks for showing them.
Thank you Stones Fan and Fhrjr. I'm sure I'll try them out on a some 1x8 pine boards that I intend to use for shelving.
They will bind up a bit in pine. Let the saw do the work, don't apply pressure or force it. After a couple cuts you will love it.
i use one of these regularly - my favorite saw for small carpentry stuff and pruning too.