RUITOOL 6-Inch Japanese Pull Saw (Ryoba) Review 2025: SK5 Double-Edge 14/17 TPI Flush-Cut Saw With Beech Handle for Precise Woodworking

If you’ve been looking for a compact, precise, and budget-friendly Japanese hand saw for joinery, trim work, or flush cutting dowels, the RUITOOL 6-inch Ryoba should be on your shortlist. This double-edged pull saw pairs a flexible SK5 blade with finely tuned tooth patterns (14 TPI and 17 TPI) to tackle both softwoods and hardwoods in tight spots—without lugging out power tools.

Curious about pricing or availability? Check it here: View the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw on Amazon.

Highlights at a glance

• 6″ double-edged ryoba blade for rip and crosscut tasks
• 14 TPI side for softwoods; 17 TPI side for hardwoods and fine work
• SK5 high-carbon steel, impulse-hardened teeth (HRC 60–63)
• Three-sided ground teeth for fast, clean cutting
• Flexible blade ideal for flush cuts; comfortable beech handle
• Backed by responsive customer support (24-hour reply window)

Specs and features

• Blade style: Ryoba (double-edged), pull-stroke
• Blade length: 6 inches (ideal for controlled, precise cuts)
• Steel: SK5 high-carbon
• Tooth hardness: HRC 60–63 (impulse hardened)
• Tooth geometry: Triple-ground, fast chip removal
• TPI: 14 TPI (softer woods, general cuts), 17 TPI (hardwoods, fine finish)
• Handle: Beech wood
• Use cases: Flush trimming dowels/tenons, small joinery, molding and trim, picture frames, small furniture parts

What makes this saw stand out

1. Double edge versatility

• Two saws in one: one edge optimized for cleaner crosscuts and hardwoods (17 TPI), the other better for faster cuts in softer woods (14 TPI).
• The ryoba format means no back spine—so you can cut deeper than a backsaw of the same blade length when clearance is limited.

2. Pull-saw precision

• Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, which keeps the blade in tension and reduces wandering.
• The thin kerf takes less effort, leaves a narrower cut line, and results in cleaner surfaces with less tear-out.

3. SK5 steel + hardened teeth

• SK5 high-carbon steel provides a nice balance of flexibility and strength.
• Impulse-hardened (HRC 60–63) teeth improve edge longevity. As with most impulse-hardened Japanese saws, the teeth are not designed to be resharpened—so avoid nails and screws to prolong life.

4. Flexible blade for flush cuts

• The blade flexes to sit nearly flush against a surface, making it ideal for trimming dowels, pegs, and plugs without gouging.
• Tip: Use a thin shim (playing card or blue tape) under the blade when trimming proud plugs to safeguard delicate finishes.

5. Comfortable beech handle

• The beech handle provides a warm, natural grip and good control for delicate work, whether you choke up on the blade for starts or take longer strokes.

Real-world performance: what it’s like to use

• Starting the cut: The fine teeth bite easily with light pressure. Score your line with a marking knife to help the saw track perfectly.
• Tracking and speed: The pull action and thin kerf keep the line true. The 14 TPI side feels faster in softwoods (pine, cedar); the 17 TPI side shines in dense hardwoods (maple, oak, walnut) with smoother finish.
• Surface quality: Expect clean, low-splinter edges, especially if you scribe and support the exit side with a backer board on crosscuts.
• Flush trimming: The flexible blade lets you glide along surfaces to trim dowels and tenons neatly. Use minimal pressure and longer strokes for a glassy finish.
• Tight spaces: The 6-inch blade is nimble in cramped cabinets, on-site trim, or interiors where a larger ryoba is awkward.

Who it’s for

• Woodworkers and carpenters who need a compact, precise pull saw
• DIYers tackling trim, picture frames, small furniture repairs, or dowel-plug flush cuts
• Makers who want one saw that can handle both rip and crosscuts on smaller workpieces
• Gift seekers: It’s a thoughtful, affordable upgrade for anyone building out a hand tool kit

It might not be ideal if…

• You mostly do heavy ripping or resawing: a longer ryoba or a dedicated rip saw is better.
• You prefer Western push saws or need a rigid back (in which case, a dozuki backsaw might suit you better for dovetails).
• You need a resharpenable saw: impulse-hardened teeth trade sharpenability for edge life.

How it compares

• Versus a larger ryoba (8–10″): The 6″ RUITOOL is more maneuverable and better for tight work and flush trimming, but a bigger blade will be faster on long cuts or thicker stock.
• Versus a dozuki (backed) saw: Dozukis excel at ultra-precise joinery with a rigid spine but can’t cut as deep; this ryoba trades a tiny bit of rigidity for depth and versatility.
• Versus Western backsaws: Japanese pull saws generally cut with less effort, thinner kerfs, and excellent control, especially for beginners learning to track a line.

If you’re comparing options and want real-time price context, you can check the current RUITOOL listing on Amazon.

Pro tips for clean, accurate cuts

• Let the saw do the work: Use light pressure; pulling hard can buckle or bind thin blades.
• Score first: A marking knife and square create a perfect track for the teeth.
• Support fibers: Use a sacrificial backer board to minimize exit tear-out on crosscuts.
• Choose the side wisely: 17 TPI for denser woods and fine finish; 14 TPI for speed in softer stock.
• For flush cuts: Place a thin shim under the blade to prevent marring finished surfaces.

Durability and maintenance

• Avoid cutting nails, screws, or embedded grit—impulse-hardened teeth can chip.
• Wipe the blade after use and add a light coat of camellia/mineral oil to prevent rust.
• Store the saw in a sleeve or tool roll to protect the teeth.
• If you notice pitch buildup, clean gently with a bit of mineral spirits and a soft cloth.

Customer support

RUITOOL notes efficient after-sales service with replies within 24 hours—good peace of mind if you run into shipping or quality questions. You can reach support through your order page after purchase.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Versatile double-edged ryoba: rip and crosscut in one tool
• Fine, clean cuts with minimal effort; thin kerf
• Flexible blade excels at flush trimming
• SK5 steel with impulse-hardened teeth for longevity
• Comfortable beech handle; compact and maneuverable
• Solid value for beginners and pros alike

Cons

• 6″ stroke is slower for long rips or thick timbers
• Impulse-hardened teeth aren’t meant to be resharpened
• Like most Japanese saws, it demands a light touch to avoid kinking

Value and where to buy

For the mix of cut quality, control, and versatility, this saw punches above its price. If you want a compact ryoba that does clean work without a learning wall, it’s hard to beat. See if it’s on sale: Check price and availability on Amazon.

FAQs

• Can I resharpen the teeth?
  • The teeth are impulse-hardened (HRC 60–63), which keeps them sharp longer but makes them impractical to resharpen. Treat the blade as a consumable and avoid hidden metal.
• Is the blade replaceable?
  • The listing doesn’t specify a replaceable blade system. Assume fixed unless the seller offers spare blades. If replaceability is critical, message the seller first.
• Will it cut plastics?
  • It’s designed for wood. Light cuts in soft plastics are possible with the 17 TPI side and gentle strokes, but expect the best results on wood.
• Left-handed friendly?
  • Yes. With a ryoba, simply flip the saw so the appropriate tooth pattern faces the work.

Bottom line: Should you buy it?

For small-shop precision, trim work, and flush cutting, the RUITOOL 6″ Japanese pull saw delivers excellent control and clean results in a compact package. If you’re assembling a hand-tool starter kit or need a gift for a maker, this is a smart, affordable pick.

Ready to add it to your toolkit?

• Buy the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw on Amazon
• See the latest reviews and current deals
• Get the RUITOOL 6-Inch Ryoba today

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