![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSSaho9DaGI/AAAAAAAACL4/a9ChLZMpJc0/s200/Jim%26Harrelson.jpg)
No vise is used when cutting with a Japanese saw. Huh?? What's a workbench without a vise? Less expensive, for one thing. Instead
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSSaiu_eWII/AAAAAAAACMQ/g663TKZYyjY/s200/Group.2.jpg)
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSSaiZLUNuI/AAAAAAAACMI/KD56yblj--8/s200/Group.1.jpg)
Jim and Harrelson recommend using the most aggressive saw possible for a given task. Larger Japanese saws, typically used for carpentry, are as accurate as but cut faster than smaller ones, which are typically used for joinery.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSSah8lC2yI/AAAAAAAACMA/cPgxgs3eQ_w/s200/Saws.jpg)
There is huge variety in the quality of saws on the market, the best having been made within the last 10-15 years (I don't think they were including saws that were and are handmade by masters, but rather machine-manufactured saws in the 20th & 21st centuries). Saws in the $40-$50 range with disposable blades are a good choice.
Avoid imp
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSTA7RhTvrI/AAAAAAAACMo/sRS8v7zjKS8/s200/ShortSaw.jpg)
Here are other points (no pun intended. well, maybe):
1) Shorter teeth with steeper bevels work best for hardwood.
2) Ry
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSSapNV6swI/AAAAAAAACMg/z-eP8QQ5_YQ/s200/PlaningStop.jpg)
3) Keep your saw oiled every day.
4) Dozuki is a backsaw and is available in both rip and crosscut.
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/SSSao5JzInI/AAAAAAAACMY/MMzdXAcWgeE/s200/MarkingGauge.jpg)
5) Azehiki (5th photo) is a short- bladed saw used for starting a cut in the middle of a board and for sawing the sides of a groove.
The last photo is Jim's marking gauge. I couldn't resist.
I bought a dozuki about 14 years ago and loved it until I put a kink in the blade (about 2 months after I bought it). It worked very well, but you have to be gentle and sensitive with Japanese saws. Maybe play a Barry Manilow album while you're using them.