Sharpening Japanese Pull Saws – Razor Sharp in 60 Seconds

Ola Pettersson
2026-04-03T16:02:35+02:00

Don't trash your dull pruning saw! Using a diamond sharpener and 'The Marker Trick,' you can restore the edge of Japanese-style pull saws in just minutes. Watch the video and follow our step-by-step guide here.

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This guide shows how to sharpen a Japanese-style pruning saw. Unlike European saws, it cuts on the pull stroke (when you pull it toward you). These saws are very effective because the blades are thin and cut cleanly. The saw in the video is the one I always carry in my hunting backpack.

Sharpen your saw now

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The process in short

Make sure you have the right type of saw:

The teeth should point backward toward the handle

The spine should be slightly thinner than the area near the teeth

The teeth follow the blade and do not point outward (see images below)

Mark the teeth with a marker and place the sharpener flat against the side

Start with the coarse side and use circular motions along the entire blade on both sides

Repeat until the marker is gone and the teeth feel sharp again 👍

Image 1: Correct saw type

Image 2: Do not sharpen this type using this method

Bonus tip:
If the blade is rusty or has a dark protective coating, finish by applying a thin layer of food-safe oil using a piece of paper. This helps prevent rust and improves cutting performance. Rust creates friction and can make the saw feel dull even when it isn’t.

Why a diamond sharpener?
Many Japanese pruning saws have impulse-hardened teeth. This means they stay sharp for a very long time – but also that the steel is too hard for traditional files or stones. They simply slide over the surface. A diamond sharpener is one of the few tools that actually cuts hardened steel.

I strongly recommend using a larger diamond sharpener (like our Önne 300/600). It not only covers the blade faster, but is also safer – your fingers stay further away from the sharp teeth during the process.

Sharpen your saw now

Good luck sharpening – a sharp saw does half the work in the field! 🪚💎