Stihl PR 16
Score: 92/100
Suizan Ryoba
Score: 92/100Rankings
The Stihl PR 16 is a lightweight, compact folding pruning saw designed for efficient cutting on both wet and dry wood. It features a 16 cm blade with Japanese toothing and a chrome-plated finish, making it ideal for gardeners who need a portable tool for precise pruning tasks. While the safety catch is stiff initially, it loosens with use, and the saw is highly rated for its cutting efficiency.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6.3 inches | 9.5 inchesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.35 lbsbest | 0.44 lbs |
3.88 inches | 23.62 inchesbest | |
— | 0.5 mmbest | |
— | 2.5 inchesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Handle & Ergonomics(2) | ||
Handle Material | Rubber/Plastic | Cane-wrapped or Polypropylene |
Handle Type | Ergonomic | Interchangeable |
Dimensions & Weight(2) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 0.35 lbs | 0.44 lbs |
Overall Length (inches) | 3.88 inches | 23.62 inches |
Performance & Usage(3) | ||
Intended Use | Pruning | Woodworking |
Saw Type | Folding Saw | Japanese Pull Saw |
Cutting Action | Unidirectional | Pull |
Blade Specifications(5) | ||
Blade Length (inches) | 6.3 inches | 9.5 inches |
Teeth Per Inch (TPI) (TPI) | TPI | 9/15 TPI |
Blade Material | Chrome-plated Steel | Japanese Steel |
Blade Thickness (mm) | mm | 0.5 mm |
Blade Width (inches) | inches | 2.5 inches |
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Blade Coating | Chrome | null |
Replaceable Blade | false | true |
General(1) | ||
Warranty | null | |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, including BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, have awarded the Stihl PR 16 a 4.8 out of 5-star rating and designated it a Best Buy winner. Experts praise its ability to tackle wood effortlessly without clogging or sticking, noting its smooth cutting efficiency and pocket-friendly portability.
Everyday users consistently highlight the saw's reliability and strong cutting performance, describing the blade as surprisingly sharp and strong. The ergonomic design with rubber grips receives positive feedback for comfort during extended pruning tasks. The primary recurring theme in user feedback is the stiffness of the folding button mechanism when new, which typically improves with regular use.
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.
“surprisingly sharp and strong”
“fits easily in a pocket while cutting smoothly and efficiently”
“My personal favorite for all around hand sawing”
