What makes this Japanese pull saw different from a standard push saw?
A Japanese pull saw cuts on the pull stroke, which allows for a thinner, more flexible blade (like this SK5 steel one) that creates cleaner, more precise cuts with less effort and reduced tear-out.
Can this saw make flush cuts against a surface?
Yes. One side of the double-edged blade is designed for fine cross-cutting and rip-cutting, while the other has fine teeth suitable for flush cutting trim or dowels flush to a surface.