Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

Re: Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>I can't compare them, only have the Kanaharu, which is very nice, I like it. I don't know where you're getting the Mistukawa for $139. Hida sells the hand made Mistukawa for $172, so the difference would be about $46.

In point of fact, most likely either of them would do a great job. Before the Kanaharu I used an LV Professional Dozuki, which I also liked a lot. Basically, cutting dovetails is not a difficult task, couple of passes and you're done.

Pam

Re: Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

Wiley Horne--Glendora, CA

>Tony,

My overall thought is the same as Pam's, including the one about 'which Mitsukawa saw is this'? I'm familiar with the $170's one, identified as 'handmade--white steel' at the Hida website. Have you found a way to buy that saw for $138--if so, I say go for it. If it is a different Mitsukawa saw (and the firm makes many saws), then my comments will not apply.

I have owned the Kaneharu (sold it at benefit auction), and presently own the Mitsukawa rip dozuki in a 270mm length. Here are some comparisons, where it is possible to make them, but again I am referring to the Mitsukawa saw at Hida's site:

1. Both saws have very good steel. I think the Mitsukawa has great steel.

2. They have an entirely different feel about them. The Kaneharu has graduated teeth, 17ppi near your hand, declining to 11-1/2 at the far end. Even though this is a small saw, 7" long, it is very fast due to the graduated teeth. The Mitsukawa has a constant 13 ppi or tpi (I forget which), and so has a slower feel to it. The Mitsukawa can make a deeper cut, especially if you buy it in a longer length (more below on this).

3. I would say that for a dedicated dovetail saw, the Kaneharu might be a little better, because it has finer teeth at the beginning of the cut, and finer teeth IMO mean a more accurate start, which is crucial.

4. On the other hand, I found the Kaneharu almost too fast. You have to really focus on staying in control.

5. But if I were getting the Mitsukawa, it would not be the shorter length. Since the 210, 240, and 270 all have ungraduated 13 tpi, the benefit lies in getting the longer saw. I see that Hida doesn't offer the 270 anymore, but I think that Misugi Designs does--ask Kayoko.

6. A terrific all-around rip dozuki is the 270mm Mitsukawa, and I use it a lot for tenon cheeks. And if you gang the drawer sides for cutting tails, it's great for that too. I really like this saw.

So, like everything else, it depends.....If you gang drawer sides when dovetailing, and if you use thick drawer fronts, then the heavier Mitsukawa is the way to go, and I would get either the 240mm or the 270mm (Misugi Designs for the 270mm). The steel is exceptional IME on the Mitsukawa, and you can use it in larger applications, like tenons.

However, if you want a true dedicated dovetail saw, get the Kaneharu.

Wiley

Re: Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

tonyr

>Hey guys, many thanks for the information. please see this link on misugi's sight for the $138 mitsukawa:

http://www.misugidesigns.com/saws.html

does this appear to be the same as the one sold by hida? it says "back saw, dovetail rip cut, 8 1/4 inch".

right now i'm leaning towards the k, bc it will be dedicated rip, but i'm quite curious to know if this is the same saw hida sells for more. many thanks, tony.

Re: Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>8-1/4" is 210 mm, so it's a puzzle, either Misugi is charging more for machine made or less for hand made. I'd guess that it's the hand made that Kayoko has gotten a good deal on; but why not call her and ask if it's the hand made saw?

Pam

Re: Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

tonyr

>i did speak with kayoko today. she said that it is definitely hand made and in fact the same saw that hida sells. however, to confuse matters, she says the 8 inch (in change) is 20tpi and the 9 inch (in change) is 18tpi, vs. supposedly 13tpi from hida, who i haven't had a chance to call to confirm, perhaps tomorrow. so i don't really know what's going on, but i trust kayoko totally.

Re: Kanaharu v. Mistukawa Saws

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>Cool, nothing like getting your money's worth of shopping experience, all these choices to be made and weighed. :)

Pam