ZONA 35-550 vs SMB: Which Razor Saw Cuts Cleaner?

Quick verdict

ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw is best for thin-material precision; SMB Precision Razor Saw is a compact value option.

Overall Better!
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Compact Value Option!
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Also check similar comparisons:

  1. ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw vs. Gyokucho Folding Dozuki
  2. SMB Precision Razor Saw vs. Gyokucho Folding Dozuki

At-a-glance specs

Feature
ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw
SMB Precision Razor Saw
Blade Length
6-1/2 in (16.5 cm)
4.5 in (11.4 cm)
TPI / PPI
42 TPI
40 TPI
Blade Material
High Speed Steel
Carbon steel
Kerf thickness
0.010 in (0.254 mm)
Approx. 0.008 inches (0.2mm)
Tooth hardening
Not specified
No tooth-hardening info provided.
Replaceable or Fixed Blade
Fixed Blade
Replaceable (aluminum collet handle compatible)

Sharpness And Edge Retention

  • ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw: Very sharp out of the box but dulls quickly, longevity unclear.
  • SMB Precision Razor Saw: Sharp and holds edge through repeated hobby cuts, but quality varies.

Cutting Precision

  • ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw: Very fine teeth and thin kerf give clean, accurate cuts.
  • SMB Precision Razor Saw: Makes clean, professional cuts on soft materials, needs steady control.

Kerf And Material Compatibility

  • ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw: Thin 0.010 in kerf; cuts balsa, basswood, plastic, brass, copper, carbon fiber.
  • SMB Precision Razor Saw: Approx 0.008 in kerf; suited to balsa, basswood, plastic, soft metals.

Handle And Fit

  • ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw: Handle quality inconsistent; reports of loose, broken, or detached handles.
  • SMB Precision Razor Saw: Handle can loosen and blades can pull out; fits common hobby handles.

Build Quality And Durability

  • ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw: Variable build; may arrive bent, rusted, or with wrong TPI; durability unclear.
  • SMB Precision Razor Saw: Thin, fragile blades and spine; quality variance and risk of bent or missing teeth.

Scores snapshot

Feature
ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw
SMB Precision Razor Saw
Blade length (score)
7
9
TPI (score)
8
8
Kerf thickness (score)
10
9
Blade material (score)
8
6
Tooth hardening (score)
4
4
Overall Score
7.4/10
7.2 / 10
Learn how we scored it with a help of our tool!

Who should buy which?

Buy ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw if you:

  • You build models and need very fine, precise cuts.
  • You cut thin wood, plastic, brass, or carbon fiber for occasional projects.
  • You want a low-cost, razor-sharp saw for careful, slow cutting.

Buy SMB Precision Razor Saw if you:

  • You work with balsa, basswood, thin plywood, or plastic and need clean, fine cuts.
  • You want an inexpensive spare blade that stays sharp for multiple hobby cuts.
  • You use X-Acto, Excel, or Huron style handles and need compatible blades.

Don’t buy either if you:

  • You need a saw for hardwoods, thick lumber, or heavy duty cutting.
  • You require a perfectly straight, rock-solid handle and flawless manufacturing.

Final verdict

  • Choose ZONA ZON35-550 Razor Saw for finer cuts and slightly higher overall score.
  • Both saws suit hobby model work; pick SMB Precision Razor Saw for compact, compatible blades.
Overall Better!
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