Vaughan Bear Saw Japanese saws are made in several styles, and you can find one to suit any task, whether it be cutting plywood, particleboard, ABS pipe, or framing lumber. I tried three of Vaughan’s saws and was pleasantly surprised by how well they worked, considering their low cost.

Traditional Japanese pull saws have straight, straw-wrapped handles. Bear Saw handles are made of rubberized plastic, which provides a comfortable if nontraditional grip. The smaller saws have a pistol-type grip, and only the double-edged saw has the typical Japanese straight, long handle. All saws come with blade guards and reusable soft plastic cases.

The saws cut aggressively in all sorts of materials, including hardwoods. I was impressed by how the double-edged (rip and crosscut) saw, which produces the finest kerf, cut dovetails. My traditional Japanese saw, which costs three times as much, cuts a bit smoother, making it easier to control, but one could certainly get by with a Vaughan saw. The teeth on the rip side of the saw are graduated, and that makes it easier to get a smooth start to a cut.

Bear Saws’ affordable prices make them a very good buy and a good introduction to Japanese saws.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Suizan Japanese Pull Saw

A versatile saw that can be used for anything from kumiko to dovetails. Mike Pekovich recommends them as a woodworker's first handsaw.

Buy at Amazon

Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper

The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley