Gyokucho razorsaws, the original replaceable blade Japanese saws, have long been renowned for their cutting efficiency and excellent durability. The latest generation of Gyokucho saws have blue handles made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) a remarkable material that is simultaneously hard and resilient yet feels velvety to the touch and affords a superb grip.
Short backed saws used to be common in western tool catalogues, the stubby spine providing a little extra support for the blade whilst still allowing deep cuts to be made, for example when ripping down panels and sheet goods. In Japan short backed saws are still made and very popular. The Gyokucho 400 Ibarame Kataba has quite a stiff blade and 13 crosscut teeth per inch. This saw is excellent for crosscutting timber to length, sizing panels in solid timber and sheet goods, or making square or angled cuts for large scale joinery. It leaves a smooth surface and almost no breakout on the exit side.
The blades of Gyokucho saws are treated using a process called electroless nickel plating, this has three functions. Firstly, it protects the blade against corrosion, secondly it provides a nice shiny mirror surface so you can gauge your cutting angles, and thirdly its low friction properties inhibit resins and sap from building up on the blade - anything that does manage to get stuck to them can easily be washed off with warm soapy water. The teeth are differentially impulse hardened, one by one, bringing the outer surfaces to RC68 or more whilst still leaving the 'root' of the tooth soft and therefore much less prone to fracture - not unlike tiny Japanese sword blades. They are equally happy working in softwoods or temperate hard woods and can, with care and a light touch, be used on exotic timbers too.
- Blade length 240mm
- Overall length 550mm
- Blade thickness 0.6mm
- Pitch 1.9mm / 13tpi
- Set 0.125mm per side
- Max depth of cut = Unlimited
- TPE handle
- Replacement blade = Part No S-400
The traditional rattan handle version can be found here - Gyokucho 400 Proton Power Saw Ibarame Kataba 240mm
