Suizan Ryoba
Score: 92/100
Klein Tools Folding Jab Saw
Score: 88/100Rankings
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 Klein Tools 31737 is a compact, folding jab saw designed for drywall and construction work, featuring a hardened carbon steel blade that folds into a comfort-grip handle. It offers bidirectional cutting with triple-ground teeth and a versatile lockback mechanism with positions at 125 and 180 degrees for use in tight spaces. It is ideal for professionals prioritizing portability and bag safety over maximum blade length.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
9.5 inchesbest | 5.2 inches | |
— | 8 TPIbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.44 lbsbest | 0.538 lbs |
23.62 inchesbest | 11.9 inches | |
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 | Cane-wrapped or Polypropylene | Plastic with rubber grips |
Handle Type | Interchangeable | Cushioned Palm |
Dimensions & Weight(2) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 0.44 lbs | 0.5375 lbs |
Overall Length (inches) | 23.62 inches | 11.9 inches |
Performance & Usage(4) | ||
Intended Use | Woodworking | Drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic |
Saw Type | Japanese Pull Saw | Folding Jab Saw |
Cutting Action | Pull | Bidirectional |
Suitable Materials | Wood | Drywall, Plywood, Plastic |
Blade Specifications(3) | ||
Blade Length (inches) | 9.5 inches | 5.2 inches |
Teeth Per Inch (TPI) (TPI) | 9/15 TPI | 8 TPI |
Blade Material | Japanese Steel | Hardened carbon steel |
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Blade Coating | null | Triple Ground |
Replaceable Blade | true | false |
General(1) | ||
Warranty | null | 1 year |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers and editors consistently rate the Klein Tools 31737 highly, noting its innovation in storage safety and cutting efficiency. Editors highlight that the blade is as sturdy as fixed-blade alternatives while offering the convenience of a folding design.
Everyday users and contractors express strong satisfaction with the product's ability to cut drywall smoothly and protect tool bags from damage. Common praise focuses on the comfortable grip, the utility of the 125-degree angle for corners, and the convenience of the tether hole for ladder work.
“My personal favorite for all around hand sawing”
“Razor-sharp cuts immediately; smooth, clean edges on various woods”
“Blade cuts smooth through drywall like butter-folds perfectly, no more ripped bags”
