This guide shows you how to sharpen a Japanese-style pruning saw. Unlike standard European saws, these are "pull saws," meaning they cut on the pull stroke. They are incredibly efficient due to their thin blades and clean cuts. The saw shown in the video is the one I always carry in my own hunting pack.
👉 You can find the sharpener used in the video here
The Process in Brief
- Ensure the saw is the correct type:
- Look at the teeth; they should point backward toward the handle.
- Check the blade geometry: The spine should be slightly thinner than the section just above the teeth (taper ground).
- The teeth must follow the plane of the blade and not flare outward (see images below).
- Use a permanent marker to color the teeth (The Marker Trick), then lay the sharpener flat against the side of the blade.
- Start with the coarse side of the diamond sharpener. Use circular motions along the entire length of the blade on both sides.
- Repeat until the marker ink is gone and the teeth feel razor-sharp again 👍
Image 1: Correct saw type
Image 2: Do not sharpen using this guide
Bonus Tip:
If the blade is rusty or has a dark "blued" rust protection, finish by applying a small amount of vegetable oil to a paper towel and wipe it thinly over the entire blade. This prevents further rust and helps the saw glide more easily through the wood. Rust creates friction, which can make a saw feel duller than it actually is.
Why use a Diamond Sharpener?
Many Japanese pruning saws have impulse-hardened teeth. While this makes the edge last a very long time, it also means the steel is too hard for traditional files or whetstones—they will simply slide off. A diamond sharpener is the only tool that effectively bites into hardened steel.
I highly recommend using a larger diamond sharpener (like our Önne 300/600). Not only does it cover the blade surface much faster, but it's primarily a safety feature: a larger stone keeps your fingers further away from the razor-sharp teeth during the process.
Good luck with your sharpening – a sharp saw does half the work in the woods! 🪚💎
