IRWIN vs SUIZAN: Flush-Cut Budget or Dovetail Precision?

Quick verdict

SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw is superior for precise, controlled joinery; IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw shines as a cheap, razor-sharp flush-cut and trim tool.

Also check similar comparisons:

1. IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw vs. Thomas Flinn 8-inch Dovetail Saw
2. SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw vs. Thomas Flinn 8-inch Dovetail Saw

At-a-glance specs

Feature	IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw	SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw
Blade Length	7.25 in (18.4 cm)	9.5 in (240 mm)
TPI/PPI	22-pt (21 TPI)	17 TPI (1.5 mm pitch)
Blade Material	High Speed Steel (HSS)	Japanese steel
Blade Thickness	0.015 inch (0.38mm)	0.012 in (0.3 mm)
Handle Type and Material	Polymer handle	TOUMAKI hand-wrapped handle (material not stated)
Tooth Geometry	Induction-hardened; fine geometry; exact tooth shape not specified	All-purpose (rip, cross & angle) with METATE teeth and ASARI set
Weight	0.24 lb (0.11 kg)	0.44 lb (0.2 kg)
Replaceable or Fixed Blade	Replaceable; quick-release	Replaceable; replacement blades offered

Note: We don’t test products ourselves. We review user feedback and/or community discussions to recommend top options with their necessary information. This info can be susceptible to misinterpretation.

Cut Quality & Tear-Out

• IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw: Very sharp, thin-kerf pull saw gives clean starts, smooth cuts, and excels at flush dowel trimming and light detail work.
• SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw: Thin, sharp blade with narrow kerf delivers precise, low-tear dovetail cuts and clean results on small stock.

Control & Rigidity

• IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw: Flexible micro-thin plate aids flush cuts but makes straight, controlled dovetail cuts harder and increases user error.
• SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw: Reinforced spine keeps the blade stiff for straighter long cuts and controllable pull strokes for delicate angle or miter work.

Durability & Lifespan

• IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw: Teeth chip or break on knots, nails, or hard plywood; many users report dulling or failure within weeks to months.
• SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw: Japanese steel holds a keen edge; packaging sometimes bends blades and isolated brittle steel reports exist.

Blade Replacement & Availability

• IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw: Replaceable blade with quick-release, but OEM replacements are scarce or costly in practice; many treat the saw as disposable.
• SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw: Replaceable blade, with replacement blades offered for continued use when dull.

Handle & Ergonomics

• IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw: Polymer handle is comfortable and stable; very lightweight design reduces fatigue and suits quick, on-site trimming.
• SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw: TOUMAKI hand-wrapped handle provides grip but can feel cheap or crack; several users rewrap or modify for comfort and durability.

Scores snapshot

Feature	IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw	SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw
Blade Length	1	8
TPI	1	8
Plate Thickness	6	4
Tooth Geometry	6	6
Material	7	7
Overall Score	4.2/10	6.6/10

Who should buy which?

Buy IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw if you:

• You want razor-sharp, clean cuts on small parts and trim.
• You do frequent flush-cutting of dowels or pegs where a thin kerf helps.
• You need a lightweight, pocketable saw for quick on-site or toolbox jobs.

Buy SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw if you:

• You make dovetails and fine joinery and need a thin, low-tear blade for tight-fitting joints.
• You prefer pull-stroke control for delicate angle and miter work.
• You want a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced dovetail saws.

Don’t buy either if you:

• You require heavy-duty cutting of large timbers or thick hardwoods.
• You need guaranteed long-term blade life and easy OEM replacements.

Final verdict

• SUIZAN 9.5″ Dozuki Dovetail Saw is the better choice for precise dovetails and controlled joinery.
• IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw excels as a cheap, very sharp flush-cutter for small trim and quick detail work.