I've been using them for years on hardwood and have never had a problem. Tooth breakage can occur with poor technique though. I no longer use Western saws.

 

Like timberwerks, I'm Japanese exclusively in use. If I have broken teeth, I haven't noticed them. I've got a nice saw or two but I generally get the cheap Dozukis from Lowes for $20'ish. I'll number them oldest to newest, using the newer ones for dovetails and the older ones for less exacting work. The oldest of them, I'll use in the yard cutting branches. I have a hard time using Western saws now, the technique is totally gone.

 

I've been using Japanese saws for about 15 years on white oak and other American hardwoods. I'll second the poor technique will break the teeth. They're almost impossible to sharpen, but once you've got the handle, the replacement blades are about half the cost of the saw. I, too, don't dare use a push saw anymore.

 

They work. Now there are a wide range of tooth configurations available
and saws marketed for use on hardwoods. Japanese architectural work
was usually done in softwoods but they have a tradition of casework and
other goods done in hardwoods like oak and from what I've read the
pull-saws are pretty much what they've been using for centuries.

 

The thin plate and agressive teeth of the pull saws mean less work. That's a given because less energy is making saw dust.

I personally don't think you have as much control over direction of the saw. For me it's the straight in-line handle orientation. The tactile feedback is lacking. I feel the same about what's called a gents saw. Same in-line handle.

For me, the Jorgensen Pony version of the pull saw provides the best of both. Its thin saw plate with agressive teeth and slight set doesn't take a lot of power to run. But, the pistol grip handle puts your hand in a more relaxed, natural position and the angle gives you some feedback. I find this saw easy to use all day and I get straighter more accurate cuts with it.

I will admit I haven't tried using a Japanese saw with my work on the floor like they use it. You know, Japanese saw horses are only about 9" tall and they often hold the work with their foot. Maybe, in that position the handle would feel more natural.

 

Just built a couple projects out of white oak and used my japanese saw with no problems.

 

Crank, I can't cut straight with the Pony! I index my finger over the blade; helps me to "point" somehow. I think it's a very personal thing; luckily there are ones cheap enough out there to try both.

 

I have a couple of the Dozukis which I like very much. I learned one lesson about them,the hard(expensive) way.
I have a magnetic strip on a peg board that I was "hanging" my saws from…duh everytime I pulled them off I was either bending or pulling the teeth out.
Haven't had any problems cutting oak,ash,walnut with them.

 

I have several a good one and some cheapies. Never broken a tooth.

 

I favour western saws but I do use Japanese saws too, or more correctly, saws with Japanese tooth profiles which cut on the pull stroke. There are times when they come in useful, even though they are not my go to saws. They will cut most woods well if used correctly. I use the Shark brand with disposable blades.

 

I have had three. Two are great, but I had one where several teeth came out in the first few weeks that I used it. I was experienced with pull saws before that happened, so I can't accept that my technique was flawed that badly. I brought it back to Woodcraft, and they were stumped. They swapped it out for me and I have been using the replacement periodically for about 10 years, and have never lost a tooth fromit. So, must have been something wrong with the steel quality in the first one.

 

I recently acquired a Japanese pull saw that I have used a little. They take some "getting used to". However, I predict that after I spend some time with it, I will prefer it to a Western push saw. It sure is sharp and the kerf is thin. I have never used a saw that cut through hard wood so fast. I can cut through a 1/2" oak dowel in 2 strokes.

 

I use several types. Some made in Japan and sent to me by my son who is based there.
After watching the Japanese use their saws, my techniques are absolutely far less than amateurish! But I've never broken a tooth.
My SIL painted pictures on my old western style saws.