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No (B.S.) Just Good Saws.
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Let me start by saying if your looking for saw descriptions with "grandiose" claims, you've come to the wrong place. Your time would be better spent believing everything that is written on the internet AND trusting that carnival barker at the local county fair to "Step right up and win a prize, it's easy". That's not my style, never has been and never will be. However, if you're in the market for a saw that performs well for the novice or professional, right out of the box, with no B.S. attached, you've come to the right place (see below). I believe I've earned the right over the years to call my saws "custom" hand filed and anyone else that has a problem with that can just go pack some of that ocean sand, plain and simple.LOL
The D115 & D15 were Disston's most expensive hand saw offerings in the 1914 catalog. At that point in time they featured a Brazilian rosewood handle & a highly polished Extra Refined London Spring blade. Just like all the "D" series models at that time, the model number was designated inside the D and had no "- dash" like the later models did. Some of the earliest models featured a Diamond for the secondary etch for Disston's 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary. Right after the start of WWI it switched to an eagle and became the Victory saw. While the Diamond etched saws are hard to find the eagle etchings are very striking to the eye.
This is a "Lightweight" pattern which is basically a ship point. Starting in 1928, quite a few of the saws Disston produced were of this variety. Disston said sawing had changed and the lighter weight saws were preferred (you have to read between the lines as this was the advent of electrical circular saws and less hand sawing). I believe this saw dates from a time right before WWII or right after. The large "V" for victory is present on this saw, which was lacking through the war years. So this saw was more than likely made right before WWII or right after.
The polished blade is clean, straight with some staining but no serious pitting. The ribbon or stripe on the back is very light but still present and the etch is still pretty bold. The Brazilian rosewood (dalbergia nigra) handle has some abrasion but most of the original factory lacquer finish remains, even though there is some age checking. Folks, this is just a nice saw to have in your till.
I've hand filed it with what I believe is a very good combination of edge durability, ease of cutting and smoothness of cut. I'm going to use the term "Undercut" for the style of filing instead of sloped which is a more recent term that Steve LaMantia came up with about 1996 on the Old Tools List to describe the Disston pictures that most interested in saws have already seen. I just learned of the description of "Undercut" in an old Acme filer instruction booklet used. This booklet was graciously shared by a woodnet member. If you take a close look at the macro pictures you'll find the geometry and height of the teeth to be very consistent, which has been one of my trademarks since 2001.
I want to reiterate & stress my saws aren't just "Sharpened". I go through a lengthy process of hand tuning these saws to perform at their best. I can honestly say they are likely better than when they left the factory. All of this includes jointing, reshaping the teeth, setting, sharpening, followed by a light side dressing to bring them to a wicked sharp edge. I will guarantee this to be one of the sweetest vintage saws you can buy, period. By the way I didn't come up with the term "WICKED SHARP" it was a term given to one of my saws by a past Popular Woodworking editor and this gentleman has used quite a few different saws. I've been offering saws and sharpening for people since 2001. If you'd like to find out a little more about me just do a little search on my name, Daryl Weir, and I'm sure you'll find enough information to satisfy yourself about my abilities.
I truly believe my saws won't take a back seat in performance to anyone else's western style saws offered today, regardless of claims being made. I have legitimate reasons for saying this, so you can believe whomever you want on the subject.
Comeback again & Thanks for taking a look! Be sure to keep and eye out for some more nice saws coming up here in the future.
Are you interested in Old Tools and Tool Collecting? Want to learn more about tools, and meet some great people who have the same interests? Please take a minute to check out he Mid-West Tool Collectors Web Site at this link: www.mwtca.org Thank You.
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Daryl,
I have never owned a good hand saw, but have made cuts with many, okay, hand saws. My hope was to buy one, professionally sharpened, and immediately experience the difference. Your saw did not disappoint! The first hard wood piece I could find was a scrap of poplar casing, which was no challenge. I cut a 5/4 x 8 piece of maple, and could already appreciate how fine a saw I had.
As a carpenter and contractor, I look for and depend on quality tools. I now have a great hand saw.
Thank you, Vance
Daryl,
I got back in Germany last week, and yes - your saw was here waiting for me. Yesterday was my first day in the "shop" - and I used it for the first time.
They say that a great tool in the hands of an untrained user won't make that user any better.... But, to be honest, I'm not sure that's the case. I made several cuts - and the saw cut like a hot knife through butter and tracked like a laser. I have very limited ability - but this saw turned me into a surgeon.
Thank you for the work you've done - and the service that you provide to all woodworkers.
In your debt, - John
"I have experience with three names mentioned in the post & replies. I highly recommend Daryl Weir and Mark at Bad Axe. Not only do they sharpen and tune saws well, they say what they mean, and do what they say. If they say it will take a week, it will take a week, not two.
I have restored a lot of tools and have hired good help over the years to accomplish the work. There are some who's work was very good, however their word was not... and I waited and waited. Daryl and Mark have great work ethics, and get the work done and out the door with excellent workmanship (you will not be disappointed). Daryl and Mark are also very personable and will take the time to talk to you explaining what they will do and why.
I own quite a few hand saws, I don't use most of them. My favorites I use a lot are old (a Disston backsaw, panel saw; and a Bishop backsaw) and Daryl tuned and sharpened all three of them. There is something in those old saw plates the new ones don't have, I can't explain it, but I can feel it when I cut with them.
Glen Koopmans
"If you want a Saw, it is best to get one with a name on it which has a reputation. A man who has made a reputation for his goods knows its value, as well as its cost, and will maintain it." ----Henry Disston
The motto above is one that I adhere to in every saw that I refurbish. It's been a long road from where I initially started to finally get to where I am. Every saw I sell is one that I would gladly use myself