Japanese Saw Vs Dovetail Saw: Which Is Best for You?

The Japanese saw is a newer model and so it is being a preferred choice. But the dovetail saw, which is an older model, is still good in its applications.

So which one should you pick between the Japanese saw vs Dovetail saw?

To start off, the Japanese saw is excellent with its ability to cut smoothly. It is super durable and can last a lifetime. Where the Dovetail saw is not so. The Japanese saw is a little more expensive but it provides you with safety features. It is also best for crosscuts.

Does this seem like what you’re looking for? In this article, you’ll find details about why workers prefer one over the other.

So without any waste of time, let’s dive in.

Japanese Saw Vs Dovetail Saw: Quick Comparison

Before you get into the detailed discussion, here’s a quick comparison between the two-

Feature	Japanese Saw	Dovetail Saw
Built Material	Unbeveled blade	54 degrees angled blade
Efficiency	Best for crosscuts	Best for strong cuts
Use Safety	Provides safety features so you don’t cut your fingers	Don’t provide such safety features
Durability	Can last a lifetime	Have to be replaced if the teeth rattle out
Cost	More expensive	Comparatively cheaper

We hope that this helps you to gain a quick idea between the two. But we suggest that you read details into these features to make a better decision.

Here are also some of our recommended brands for these saws-

• Japanese Saw- SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw Hand Saw
• Dovetail Saw- SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail Hand Saw

Now let’s carry on to the detailed analysis of these two saws.

Japanese Saw Vs Dovetail Saw: Head-To-Head Analysis

This section will cover both of these types of saws. What they are used for, and which woodworkers prefer one over the other.

We’ll talk about their differences and similarities when it comes to features. You’ll learn to tell them apart from each other with a quick glance on your workshop’s bench.

Built Material

The Japanese saw companies are concerned about the material. A Japanese Saw is made of a straight, unbeveled blade. And it has a symmetric taper near the handle. The blade of a Japanese saw is flat at the top for easy jointing. A Japanese saw is best for cutting veneers, plywood, particleboard, and other thin material.

A Dovetail Saw is also traditionally known as a T-saw. Its blades are angled at 54 degrees diagonally from the spine to each side. This helps to produce more power. It has a triangular shape near the handle. So it can cut right through timber with ease. It is designed to attain maximum performance on softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir.

Efficiency

The Japanese saws are best for crosscuts. It requires lesser effort than ripping. Because the thin blade slices through the wood easily. The Japanese saw is a newer, modernized version of the Dovetail Saw. It has been designed for increased safety. Because it reduces the risk of hand fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Dovetail saw is often used to make strong cuts. Because it has tougher teeth and a thinner blade. This type of saw is best for ripping. The Dovetail Saw is an old European tool. When we talk about efficiency, it will usually be in comparison to another saw.

Safety of Use

The Japanese saw is better in terms of safety. It’s because the saw blade is smaller and lighter. This makes it harder for accidents to happen with this type of saw.

It would be difficult for your fingers to get caught between the teeth of the saw blade. As mentioned earlier, this makes it also easier for them to maneuver around tight spaces as well.

The Japanese saw has a finer blade that can make precise cuts. This makes the cuts look sleek and organized when they are finished.

They are easier to maneuver around the wood of your choice. So, this enables you to make those beautiful cuts you wanted to see on your projects. Especially when making furniture pieces with precision cuts.

The Dovetail saw has a heavier and broader blade. It’s because they are an essential tool meant for tough cutting tasks. This makes it less safe. Because it can get stuck in a tight space or something you don’t want.

It is also heavier which makes it difficult to handle and more cumbersome to use.

This may not be important for most people. But having a lighter, safer tool would make working more convenient. Therefore, the safer Japanese saw would be useful in comparison to the dovetail saw.

Durability and Longevity

The Japanese saw has a blade composed of soft copper, with one side coated in a material. It is called “nagane”. This is a very hard metal that can cut through tough materials such as bamboo and wood.

The downside to this saw is the intricate process involved in sharpening the blade. You must use a special stone made of fine-grain sandpaper or jeweler’s rouge. It is rubbed against the abrasive surface of the blade to smooth out any imperfections.

The Japanese saw is more durable. It can last a lifetime, while the dovetail saw will last a few years with proper care.

The Japanese saw has more power than the dovetail saw. It’s because it is heavier and has a larger blade. However, this is also its downfall because it can easily break or get jammed.

The Dovetail saw has flat, narrow teeth. These are used to make tight joints between two pieces of wood.

So it is better for fine furniture work. The dovetail saw is lighter than the Japanese saws. It has less power but still cuts wood well. Another downside to this tool would be its limited number of uses. As once its teeth rattle out, you’ll have to replace them entirely

Cost

The Japanese saw costs between $10 and $12 USD with the average being around $11 USD. This saw has a blade made of high-carbon steel that lasts longer than one metal. But certainly not as long as a crosscut blade. 

The Dovetail Saw costs anywhere from $12 to $30 USD. The average cost is around the middle at around 22 USD.

The difference in price between these two saws is substantial. If your budget is tight, then the dovetail saw might be exactly what you’re looking for. But if quality and longevity are your main priorities, then the Japanese saw would be a better option.

Final Discussion: Dovetail Saw Vs Japanese Saw

We know that the Japanese saw is more durable and efficient than the Dovetail saw. It is also safer. But the Japanese saws are more costly too. So which one should you pick ultimately?

The Japanese saw is an excellent tool for hardwood. And since it is more durable, you would save more money in the long run.

However, the Dovetail saw is a perfect alternative if you are good with woodwork. And also great if use your tools daily.

So they are both worthy options to consider. Their strengths and weaknesses actually cancel each other out on paper. The result of this trial is that both saws are great. But most people will choose the Japanese saw due to its efficiency and its ease of use.

FAQs

Summing Up

We can assume that now you’re no longer in the dilemma between Japanese saw vs Dovetail Saw. Whichever one you pick, both are really great to use. But as said your consideration will be based on your priority. So whichever you chose, we wish that you make the right choice.

Till then, all the best!