Gyokucho Razor saw Blue Hard 240 Extra blade (Japan import)

I always hated western saws. They are a lot of effort and often get stuck.This saw is the complete opposite. Cutting feels almost effortless because of the thin blade and because it cuts on the pull stroke. Now that I've used it I also understand why they make them with long handles. This requires less effort from you and is very stable to use. I feel a pretty huge difference when holding the handle up close compared to far from the cut.I also didn't want a big electric saw which is much noisier, much heavier/larger, much more expensive, much dustier and much less safe.It's fairly short but I don't feel that is at all a problem for my needs, which would be a maximum thickness of 20mm in sheet wood or cross cutting 2x4". There was no point when cutting that I got to the end of the blade and wished it was longer. I'm sure I would also like a 300mm one but for this price this is awesome and I don't feel it's lacking.The side with the smaller teeth fantastic for cross cutting (going against the grain) and the side with the larger teeth is best for ripping (cutting along the grain).So for £13.36 I got myself the blade, which arrived pretty quickly from Japan and since it's under £15 there were no import fees to pay. (Do check the law for yourself, but this is what I read on the official website.)To make a handle all you need is two bits of wood and two 5m bolts or even just a couple of wood screws could do it. With mine I spent a bit of time shaping the wood so its round and also found a scrap bit of pipe (was a clothes hanger in a cupboard) to make the bottom part of the handle. It actually feels fantastic to hold.There is also a version of this with the finer teeth which I would like to try too. I think it's intended for hard wood.Keep the cardboard sleeve this comes in. It will be good for protecting the blade if you want to put it in a tool case. (I don't have a proper workshop, just a case.)

Some delay in delivery, but this was during the covid 19 epidemic so this was understandable. Customer service from the seller was great while the package was delayed, and I am very happy with the blade now I have it. I have used these blades for a few years, and they are far superior to anything else I have tried. I would highly recommend this product. Razor sharp, very fine keft, cuts easily and leaves a very clean cut