Japanese Saw Terms Glossary

Glossary of Japanese Saw & Carpentry Terms

In my experience, I have found that other companies’ websites selling Japanese saws post information about said saws that is not quite 100% accurate. This glossary is intended to correct this propagation of misinformation. And whilst it’s not meant to be an “all encompassing” list, it does provide a quick and handy reference guide to some of the common Japanese terms associated with saws and carpentry.

If you want an in-depth look at some of the types of Japanese saws commonly used, then you can check out my blog on the subject.

Daikume:

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Dozuki:

Dozuki-nokogiri translates to “saw with a spine”. These saws more closely resemble traditional Western Tenon back saws, where a stiffening spine is placed over the back of the blade for rigidity. Dozuki are used for exactly the same purpose; finer joint work (tenons, dovetails, etc).

Hassunme:

Hassunme (八寸目) refers to a specific size classification of a blade, rather than the function of a saw, or tooth pattern of said blade. The term translates to “eight sun size”, where "sun" (寸) refers to the traditional Japanese unit of length. This unit equates to approximately 3.03 cm, so hassun equals 242.4 mm. It is frequently shortened to 8SM (8寸目).

Also see Kyusunme and Nanasunme.

Kataba:

Kataba refers to the style of a blade and not to the type of saw . Kataba (片刃) translates to “single-edge”. All single-edge Japanese saw blades are Kataba, irrespective of the blade size, saw use, or handle type.

Also see Ryoba.

Kugihiki:

Kugihiki translates to “to cut nails”, where the word “nails” specifically refers to dowels made of wood or bamboo. A Kugihiki-nokogiri is typically used to flush-trim these “nails” level with the surface of work. These saws generally have no set to the teeth, reducing potential scratches to the surface of your piece.

Kyusunme:

Kyusunme refers to a specific size classification of a blade, rather than the function of a saw, or tooth pattern of said blade. The term translates to “nine sun size”, where "sun" (寸) refers to the traditional Japanese unit of length. This unit equates to approximately 3.03 cm, so Kyusun equals 272.7 mm. It is frequently shortened to 9SM (9寸目).

Also see Hassunme and Nanasunme.

Nanasunme:

Nanasunme refers to a specific size classification of a blade, rather than the function of a saw, or tooth pattern of said blade. The term translates to “seven sun size”, where "sun" (寸) refers to the traditional Japanese unit of length. This unit equates to approximately 3.03 cm, so Nanasun equals 212.1 mm. It is frequently shortened to 7SM (7寸目).

Also see Hassunme and Kyusunme.

Paiman:

<coming soon>

Rattan:

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Ryoba:

Ryoba refers to the style of a blade and not to the type of saw. Ryoba (両刃) translates to “double-edge”. All double-edge Japanese saw blades are Ryoba, irrespective of the blade size, saw use or handle type.

Also see Kataba.

Tatebiki:

Tatebiki (縦挽き) translates to “Vertical Cutting” or rip cutting.

Yokobiki:

Yokobiki (横挽き) translates to “Horizontal Cutting” or cross cutting.