Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge vs Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw
Both made our Best Hand Saws for Woodworking 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods if you want pull-stroke design cuts on the pull stroke, which is the natural direction of wrist and arm movement. Choose the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw if you'd rather have western-style push saw for woodworkers who prefer the familiar push-stroke action. Overall we rank the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Hand Saws for Woodworking 2026 list.
Winner overall: Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods
Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods vs Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Hand Saws for Woodworking 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Hand Saws for Woodworking 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Western Crosscut |
| Brand | Gyokucho | Stanley |
| Key features | Pull-stroke cutting; Dual-edge (rip and crosscut); Thin kerf | Push-stroke Western design; Triple-cut teeth; Comfortable handle |
| Biggest strength | Pull-stroke design cuts on the pull stroke, which is the natural direction of wrist and arm movement | Western-style push saw for woodworkers who prefer the familiar push-stroke action |
| Main trade-off | Replacement blades are required rather than resharpening -- a recurring cost | Non-sharpenable teeth -- replace the saw when dull |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | best-woodworking |
Which should you buy?

#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods if…
- Pull-stroke design cuts on the pull stroke, which is the natural direction of wrist and arm movement
- Dual-edge design: crosscut teeth on one side, rip teeth on the other
- Thin kerf removes less material and requires less force than Western-style push saws
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw section.

#3 pick · Best Western Crosscut
Choose the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw if…
- Western-style push saw for woodworkers who prefer the familiar push-stroke action
- Triple-cut teeth cut faster and stay sharp longer than traditional hand-filed teeth
- 15-inch blade handles large crosscuts and furniture parts
Best for: best-woodworking
Prefer the alternative? See the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods section.
Pros and cons of each
Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods
Pros
- Pull-stroke design cuts on the pull stroke, which is the natural direction of wrist and arm movement
- Dual-edge design: crosscut teeth on one side, rip teeth on the other
- Thin kerf removes less material and requires less force than Western-style push saws
- Japanese pull saw teeth are fleam-filed for the cleanest possible cut surface
Cons
- Replacement blades are required rather than resharpening -- a recurring cost
- Dual edge means the back edge teeth can damage the bench or the finished surface
Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw
Pros
- Western-style push saw for woodworkers who prefer the familiar push-stroke action
- Triple-cut teeth cut faster and stay sharp longer than traditional hand-filed teeth
- 15-inch blade handles large crosscuts and furniture parts
- The most affordable quality crosscut saw -- outperforms every older Western saw for the price
Cons
- Non-sharpenable teeth -- replace the saw when dull
- Produces slightly more tearout than Japanese pull saws in fine woodworking
Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods vs Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw: common questions
Which is better, the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods or the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw?
Choose the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods if you want pull-stroke design cuts on the pull stroke, which is the natural direction of wrist and arm movement. Choose the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw if you'd rather have western-style push saw for woodworkers who prefer the familiar push-stroke action. Overall we rank the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Hand Saws for Woodworking 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods and the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw?
The Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods stands out because pull-stroke design cuts on the pull stroke, which is the natural direction of wrist and arm movement, while the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw stands out because western-style push saw for woodworkers who prefer the familiar push-stroke action. The trade-offs differ too: the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods's main caveat is that replacement blades are required rather than resharpening -- a recurring cost, and the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw's is that non-sharpenable teeth -- replace the saw when dull.
Is the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods worth it over the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw instead if replacement blades are required rather than resharpening -- a recurring cost is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw instead of the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods?
The Stanley 15-579 15-Inch SharpTooth Saw suits best-woodworking, while the Gyokucho Razorsaw 9-1/2-Inch Double Edge (Ryoba) for Hardwoods is best for buyers who want the best overall package.