Bukki-Gagari Noko Japanese Large Ripping Hand Saw - 330mm

Smith name: unknown

Steel: Carbon Steel

Cutting edge length: 330mm

Total length: 565mm 

Blade thickness: about 0.90mm

Weight: 480g

Manufacture Era: Before 1980（according to carpenter’s memory)

Accessories: -

Additional Information: This is a second-hand saw sourced from a sawyer in Nagano Prefecture. It was one of his personal favorites; despite the pine and cedar resin still clinging to the teeth, they remain sharp. The saw bears a rare stamp that reads 'Kato Ukeai' (加藤请合), which is quite unusual for a saw. 'Kato' is likely the blacksmith's surname. In this context, 'Ukeai' is a Japanese term signifying a bold guarantee or a pledge of confidence, indicating that the maker stood firmly behind the quality and reliability of his work.

I consulted Mr. Tsuchida regarding this saw, and he told me this large  rip saw as a 'Bukkiri' (also known as 'Bukkikagari'). He explained that it differs from a standard 'Kagari' saw in its design: while a Kagari saw is typically converted from a blade originally intended for a straight handle, a Bukkiri is purpose-built from the start to be fitted with a 'Shumoku-e' (a T-shaped cross-handle).

He tried to help me identify the blacksmith, but unfortunately, the saw provided too few clues to go on. He did, however, confirm that it is still in perfectly functional condition.