Gyokucho Kataba 180 mm [293]

Description What’s Special About the Gyokucho Kataba 180 mm [293] Japanese Saw? The unique blade shape allows for starting cuts in the middle of a workpiece – for example, when making a rectangular cutout in a panel. More compact than traditional Japanese saws. The teeth are universal, suitable for both cross-cutting and rip-cutting. You can also cut modern materials (MDF, Plywood, OSB, etc.), but bear in mind it will dull more quickly. An ergonomic and lightweight Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) handle, detailed with the traditional Japanese ‘Seigaiha’ pattern (symbolizing ocean waves). The unique advantage of this material is a surface that softens from the warmth of your hand and is inherently non-slip, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip. Kataba [293] Specifications: Overall Length: 390 mm Blade Length: 180 mm Blade Thickness: 0.5 mm Kerf: 0.81 mm Tooth Spacing (Pitch): 1.5 mm Weight: 160 g Japanese Saw Care Tips: Keep it dry: The blade has a protective nickel coating, but you should still avoid leaving it in damp conditions. Long-term storage: If you won’t be using your saw for a while, apply a light, non-hardening oil to the blade (our Camelia Oil works perfectly for this). Traveling and storing safely: The best way to protect your saw is by keeping it in a Leather Case – it’s how traveling Japanese artisans (Watari Shokunin 渡り職人) have done it for centuries. About Traditional Japanese Saws: Unlike Western saws, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke. Why? There are many opinions, but no one seems to know for sure. Let’s assume it evolved historically, opposite to the Western world. As a side effect (or perhaps the reason), the blade of a Japanese saw is significantly thinner. This difference leads to several interesting aspects in hand saw use: During the pull stroke, resistance tensions the blade like a taut string. Attempting to push such a thin blade would cause it to buckle immediately. Thinner blade = less sawdust (less wasted energy). Long handle is ideal for pull-stroke sawing. As a bonus, you can grip the saw with both hands for quicker work and division of effort, helping you saw longer without tiring. Sometimes, even for rougher cuts, it’s not worth picking up an electric saw due to the setup time, need for safety gear, higher risk of errors, and noise. Another side effect, noticeable after the first cut, is emotional attachment… It’s very difficult to go back to another type of saw after using a genuine Japanese Noko Giri. About Gyokucho Saws: Gyokucho (Razorsaw) is credited as the manufacturer that modernized the Japanese saw. Widely distributed throughout Japan (and the world), they are highly regarded by professionals. All production takes place at the Gyokucho factory in Ono City, Japan. In the old days, Japanese saws were forged in blacksmith workshops, entirely by hand, and were very delicate tools. One needed to know how to sharpen them with a hand file; the fine teeth were prone to breaking. Sawyers had to be experienced craftsmen. Thus, the Japanese saw was not an easily accessible tool. Gyokucho brought this ingenious and refined tool into the new age. In 1969, they pioneered the replaceable blade system and mechanized blade production, simultaneously introducing impulse hardening (using electric current) for the teeth. The result is a Japanese saw almost unchanged from the traditional form but significantly more accessible and suitable even for beginners: Easily disassembled. The blade can be replaced with a new one once it dulls. Impulse-hardened teeth (66-70 HRC) stay sharp for a very long time, incomparably longer than traditional blades. Teeth hardened this way are less prone to breaking (though they can still break if you really try). The blade is coated with a thin layer of nickel, making the saw more resistant to rust. Lower price for a professional tool that will serve you for many years. Made in Japan – GYOKUCHO