The Japanese saw set from Svada made a very good impression in our test. The set includes a folding Japanese saw, a matching storage bag and a snap hook. Even thick wood can be sawn quickly and effortlessly. The high blade enables very straight cuts to be made, but if the saw is set at an angle at the start, this can hardly be corrected. The folding mechanism allows the saw to be stowed away compactly, yet it is not noticeable during sawing. The storage bag is also of high quality and proves to be very useful in practice.
Advantages
✅ Sturdy construction
✅ Sharp saw teeth
✅ Very straight cuts
✅ Only little effort required
✅ High-quality storage bag
✅ Practical folding mechanism
✅ Carabiner included
Disadvantages
❌ Jumping possible when attaching
❌ Skewed cuts can hardly be corrected
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. Of course, adequate protection of the product must also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Unnecessary packaging waste was largely avoided, items were packed compactly | 90 points |
| Packaging convenience | Packaging appropriate for the product, can be opened without tools | 100 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our case, the Japanese saw from Svada arrived together with other products in a suitably sized shipping box. The product packaging was well protected against slipping inside the shipping box and therefore well protected. Bubble wrap was not used. In the product packaging, the Japanese saw was folded up in its storage bag. The saw was also wrapped in paper film. As the saw is protected by the folding mechanism, the storage bag, product packaging and shipping carton, the film could have been dispensed with for reasons of sustainability. In addition to the saw and the storage bag, the carabiner rake was also included in the product packaging. The Japanese saw, the accessories and the associated product packaging were undamaged and in perfect condition.
The product packaging is printed in black with red accents and a picture of the saw and is a good visual match for the product. As it was not glued, it is easy to open without tools.
The two boxes and the storage bag provide excellent protection for the tool during transport. Accordingly, the first impression of the product is thoroughly convincing.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Set with Japanese saw, storage bag and snap hook | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German and English, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found in the instructions for use, no telephone number given | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The set consists of a total of three parts: the folding Japanese saw, a snap hook and a matching storage bag. The snap hook can be attached to the belt clip of the storage bag as well as to the saw. The saw has a suitable eyelet for this purpose.
The instructions for use are included in the product packaging. They are written in German and English. The use of the set is described comprehensively and clearly in two steps. Care and safety instructions also supplement the description. This means that the product can also be used by DIY enthusiasts who have never worked with a Japanese saw before.
Contact information can be found on the instructions for use and on the product packaging. It includes the company name, address and an e-mail address. Unfortunately, there is no telephone number.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | High-quality materials, sleek design | 100 points |
| Processing | Very good, no defects | 100 points |
| Stability | Sturdy construction with all stressed parts made of metal | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Good quality means a long service life can be expected | 100 points |
| Storage bag | Practical and made from sturdy fabric | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The storage bag is made of sturdy, black plastic fabric. It is sized to fit the folded Japanese saw exactly. The opening is located on the top. This is also where the fastener is located, which consists of the top part of the bag. This can be folded over the opening and fastened with Velcro. The metal belt clip is located on the back of the bag. This is attached to a loop, which offers a further fastening option. The back wall of the storage bag, which is double-walled, provides additional stability. Overall, the storage bag makes a very high-quality impression.
The snap hook is made of metal and, like the storage bag, is black. It has two separate eyelets, each with its own fastener. Each of the fasteners is spring-loaded so that they close automatically. The snap hook can be attached to both the storage bag and the Japanese saw.
The Japanese saw itself consists of a handle, saw blade and a release lever. Like the saw blade, the inner part of the handle is made of metal. It is covered with a thick layer of black rubber to ensure that it still sits comfortably in the hand. There is a deep notch along almost the entire length of the underside of the handle. When folded, the blade lies in the notch. This protects the blade from damage and at the same time prevents the user from injuring themselves on the saw teeth. Another advantage of the folding mechanism is that the size of the saw is reduced by around half when folded. This makes it easier to transport and store.
The release lever must be operated to unfold and fold the saw. This is also made of metal, but is concealed under a red plastic cover. A spring ensures that the lever engages automatically. The release mechanism also engages when the saw is folded out. This means that the handle and saw blade are not only connected via the joint, but also via the release mechanism. The saw blade has a thickness of well under one millimetre. However, the 47 mm height of the saw blade makes it very stable. The saw teeth are four millimetres high, alternately sharpened on both sides and very sharp.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Storage bag | Useful, especially for gardening | 100 points |
| Folding mechanism | Reliable, not noticeable when sawing | 100 points |
| Handle | Comfortable to hold, only one hand required | 100 points |
| Cutting precision | Possible to skip when starting the saw, it is almost impossible to correct crooked cuts. But very straight cuts. | 80 points |
| Sawing process | Fast sawing without high effort | 100 points |
| Sectional view | Almost smooth cut surface, only small splinters at the edges | 90 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In practical tests, the storage bag proved to be very useful, for example if the saw is only used sporadically when gardening. If the storage bag is attached to the belt, the Japanese saw is always ready to hand and can also be stowed away again quickly. The folding mechanism works reliably and is easy to operate.
The Japanese saw is also impressive when sawing. However, some skill is required when using it. If there is not yet a notch in the wood to be sawn, the blade tends to jump a few millimetres. However, once an initial cut has been made, the saw can be used to cut quickly and easily. Only a small amount of force is required. This is partly due to the sharp saw teeth, but also to the narrow width of the blade. As a result, the saw only needs to cut through a small amount of wood. The large height of the saw blade produces very straight cuts. The disadvantage, however, is that it is almost impossible to correct an unintentionally angled cut. If a cut needs to be made precisely, it is therefore important to ensure that the saw is precisely aligned, especially at the start of the phase.
The rubber-coated handle makes the Japanese saw easy to hold and comfortable to hold. Only one hand is required for sawing. The folding mechanism is not noticeable during sawing. The saw behaves as if it were one piece.
After sawing, the cut surface is relatively even and smooth. There are only small splinters on the edges, but these can be easily removed with sandpaper or a file.
Overall, the Svada set makes a very good impression in the practical test. The storage bag proves to be useful and the saw can cut through thick wood without much effort. However, skill is required for precise cuts, especially during the initial phase of the cut.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
| Rating cut | Not rated, as there are still too few customer reviews | |
| Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €50 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €11. With a price of €24.90, the Japanese saw set from Svada is currently in the middle price segment. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 97 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 95 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 80 points |
| Total | 93 points |
