Japanese Folding Saw for Gardening  

The Japanese folding saw used for gardening is not one I would try to re-sharpen for many reasons.

1

The Japanese saw blade has a tooth shape which is quite complex. The blade will typically have multiple angles cut into each individual tooth, and these can change across the saw's length.

A 3rd or 4th angle in a single tooth is not uncommon.


Blade's teeth, viewed from the side
 

2

The blade on the Silky brand of Japanese gardening saws have a shape where the sides are not straight from base to top. As depicted in the picture to the right,

  • the center of the blade is thinner than the top, and
  • the cutting edge of the teeth (bottom in this picture) is wider than those two.

This helps make the saw work well, but it would make re-sharpening the blade more difficult.

Other brands may have the same style of shape.


Silky Blade, viewed from the end

3

Additionally, it is common for these saw blades to have impulse hardened teeth, making it virtually impossible to use a machinist's file to re-sharpen them. Even diamond cards will not work.

Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes, it is a triumph of hope over experience.

Marina Schinz

This also can make the teeth brittle.


Key Note: If you do choose to sharpen these saws, be sure you also understand what the set needs to be. It is common for there to be no set; instead the changing width of the teeth accomplishes the same objective.


Don Williams at The Barn at White Run was successful using a diamond-shaped, aluminum oxide, “India” stone. Whilst most simply replace the blade, resharpening a blade is apparently possible.


About this site
Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.