Irwin Universal Handsaw
Score: 88/100
Suizan Ryoba
Score: 92/100Rankings
The Suizan Ryoba is a professional-grade Japanese pull saw featuring a 9.5-inch double-edge blade with 9 TPI for rip cuts and 15 TPI for cross cuts. It utilizes razor-sharp Japanese steel with a thin kerf to deliver clean, precise cuts with minimal effort, available in folding and fixed handle variants.
The Irwin 1773465 is a 15-inch universal handsaw featuring patented triple-ground teeth that cut up to 3x faster than traditional saws while eliminating binding. It combines high-carbon steel construction with an ergonomic Comfort-Grip handle for speed and comfort. It is ideal for DIYers and contractors needing a versatile tool for wood and drywall, though it lacks the precision for fine cabinetry.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 inchesbest | 9.5 inches | |
11 TPIbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.34 lbsbest | 0.44 lbs |
21.8 inches | 23.62 inchesbest | |
0.85 mmbest | 0.5 mm | |
5 inchesbest | 2.5 inches |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Ergonomics(2) | ||
Handle Material | High-Density Resin | Cane-wrapped or Polypropylene |
Handle Type | Ergonomic | Interchangeable |
Dimensions & Weight(2) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 0.34 lbs | 0.44 lbs |
Overall Length (inches) | 21.8 inches | 23.62 inches |
Performance & Usage(4) | ||
Intended Use | Universal | Woodworking |
Saw Type | Universal Handsaw | Japanese Pull Saw |
Cutting Action | Push | Pull |
Suitable Materials | Wood, Drywall | Wood |
Blade Specifications(5) | ||
Blade Length (inches) | 15 inches | 9.5 inches |
Teeth Per Inch (TPI) (TPI) | 11 TPI | 9/15 TPI |
Blade Material | High-Carbon Steel | Japanese Steel |
Blade Thickness (mm) | 0.85 mm | 0.5 mm |
Blade Width (inches) | 5 inches | 2.5 inches |
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Blade Coating | Water-Based Lacquer | null |
Replaceable Blade | false | true |
General(1) | ||
Warranty | Lifetime Limited | null |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the Irwin 1773465 as a reliable multi-use tool that prioritizes speed without sacrificing finish quality. The patented grind and tapered nose are specifically praised for improving clearance and stability in standard building materials, positioning it as an ideal choice for professionals needing a fast, versatile saw that does not require specialization.
Everyday users generally praise the saw for its speed, versatility, and comfort, noting that it cuts through various materials efficiently while reducing fatigue. There are no recurring complaints explicitly noted in the data, though potential blade wear is inferred due to the non-sharpenable nature of the blade.
Professional reviewers, including Jonathan Katz-Moses, praise the Suizan Ryoba as a personal favorite for all-around hand sawing due to its weight balance, sharp edge, and thin kerf. Experts highlight the efficiency of the pull-stroke design and the durability of the Japanese steel, though they note that users must adapt to the non-cutting forward motion.
Everyday consumers commonly praise the saw for its immediate sharpness, smooth cutting performance, and lightweight efficiency compared to Western saws. Users appreciate the versatility of the dual-edge blade and the value for Japanese quality. Recurring complaints focus on the difficulty of cleaning cane handles, the initial learning curve for the pull stroke, and occasional cosmetic cracks in the hand-wrapped handles.
“My personal favorite for all around hand sawing”
“Razor-sharp cuts immediately; smooth, clean edges on various woods”
