The handsaw has been a toolbox staple for as long as people have been building things, and it hasn’t really changed much. What is surprising is how different cultures have created different designs to facilitate this most basic need to cut things.

Our Western concept of sawing has always been to make the teeth of the saw cut while you push it through the material, and hey, it does work quite well! The Japanese, on the other hand, have always designed their saws to cut while you pull them. Today, almost all experienced carpenters and cabinetmakers have grown to love this method of attacking the wood, and so Japanese Pull-Stroke saws have seen increasing popularity on this side of the Pacific. With names like Dozuki, Ryoba, and Kataha, these saws might seem a bit exotic, but they serve the same basic functions as western saws.

Dozuki The Dozuki is a dovetail saw, with an incredibly thin blade and a “backing” so the blade remains stiff while sawing. It sports a traditional bamboo handle and a 10-inch replaceable blade. $39.95 razorsaw.co.jp/english/

Ryoba The Ryoba is two saws in one, with a fine tooth and coarse tooth on opposing sides of the blade. It is available in a number of blade lengths. $22.00 to $37.00

Kataha The Kataha is a very flexible flush cutting saw. The teeth are not “set,” so you can lay the blade flat on a surface without marring it as you cut. It is also available in different lengths. $20.00 to 33.00 razorsaw.co.jp/english/

Bear Saw The American manufacturer Vaughan & Bushnell has also been importing their Bear Saw tools from Japan. These have comfortable American-style handles with replaceable blades. $16.95 to $24.95 vaughanmfg.com

All products listed here are available at W.C. Winks Hardware, 200 SE Stark St., Portland, OR. Call 503-227-5536 for more information or visit www.winkshardware.com.