Saw Handle Artistry

Mucho Medallions

A medallion with the maker's logo is one of the more distinctive parts of a saw. Medallions are invaluable for identifying and dating old saws. You might be surprised at how many different saw medallions exist. I know I was when I began to catalog them. Check out the Saw Medallion Reference Guide for pictures of 240 different saw medallions from eight different countries.

Just Some Old Weathered Boards

You may have noticed that I use some old weathered boards for the background in most of my saw pictures. These aren't just any old boards though. These boards are wormy American chestnut, and they came from my maternal grandparent's house in Meadow Bridge, West Virginia. The house was on piers, and these boards served as part of the skirting to keep the cold winds from blowing under the house. As a small child, I watched my Dad pull these boards off the house in the 1950's. He was a wood hoarder extraordinaire, and he kept the boards tucked away in his shop down through the years. The boards became mine upon his death 19 years ago.

My grandparents at their home in Meadow Bridge

My maternal grandfather was a lumberman, working at sawmills his whole life. Meadow River Lumber Company, at one time the largest hardwood lumber mill in the world, was not far from his home in Meadow Bridge. So using these old boards in my pictures has special meaning for me. It may sound silly, but I somehow feel it involves my grandparents and my Dad in my work. I'm sure it would make them happy.

Why I Do This

Why I Do This

I like simplicity. Saws are simple tools.

I like working with my hands. Saws are hand tools.

I like being creative. Saws offer opportunities for artistic creativity.

I like refining my skills. Saw making requires a lot of skill.

I like variety. Saws come in endless variety.

I like making things. I can make new saws.

I like old things. I can restore vintage saws.

I like history. Saws have a fascinating history.

I like making money. Um...maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.

New Gent's Saws

I've just completed a pair of 8" gents saws. These saws represent a milestone in that they are the first saws I've made with my own etch! Check the "New Saws" tab for additional information.

British Saw Lot Purchase

I recently purchased a lot of 34 backsaws, 2 compass saws, and 2 small handsaws in the UK. The saws range from 19th century to mid-20th century, and most of the backsaws have brass backs. Many of these saws will be for sale soon. Check the "For Sale" tab often to monitor progress.