Those Japanese saws that people are linking - those are all pole saws for trimming brnaches, not carpenter's saws. While they will work for cross-cutting, they would be poor for ripping tenon cheeks as they have cross-cut teeth only.

A more suitable choice for the size of material you wish to work would be a 300~330mm ryoba (double-sided saw). Unfortunately, the selection of that size of saw available in the US is rather limited. Of the people here who go in for Japanese tools, the largest contingent tend to be furniture makers and not timber framers, so the products brought in serves that group more than any other. That's why all you tend to see are the 180~240mm size saws. I can assure you that Japanese saws are available, in Japan, in a vast array of sizes and types.

Hida Tool in Berkeley sells a machine-made 300mm ryoba by Gyokucho (model D-GC-#616) that would be adequate, and is just under $40. If you want a 330mm saw from them, all they list is a medium-quality Mitsukawa ("log saw") which is selling at $360 or so, likely too steep for most folks.

~Chris

P in NH, the short body height has shown no problem in cutting a straight line, it doesn't wander. As with any saw you have to steer it through the cut.

Chris, I use a number of pruning tools in association with cutting joinery. And the bigboy does not like to rip, at all. And for reasons you stated I am not holding out they will come out with a rip version. I like how it folds up and I don't need my bulky saw box but I still take it with me.

model #616 It's 3 clicks away under woodworking then saws
http://www.hidatool.com/shop/shop.html

A Ryoba 300mm saw worked very well for me. Cuts straight and clean both rip and cross cut.

Carl

Hello,
I think what Chris Hall pointed out about the difference between a branch pruning saw and carpentry saw should be kept in mind. I mean I don't see that anyone here is recommending using a bow saw for timber framing.

The Kobiki ripping saw, here on the right, and the ryoba saw are very good - far from the most expensive - timber framing saws which in my mind greatly facilitate hand powered work. I believe though that using good quality Japanese saws entails more than just a choice between different saw types.

Don

two saws