the last couple of days i have enjoyed the process of restoring a handsaw that i purchased from a thrift store for a couple dollars. i never thought i would learn as much about the Disston Saw Works company as i have, but it appears that the handsaw that i have come to own was likely manufactured somewhere between the 1940s and 50s by the Disston co. for a secondary line of handsaws. given this, the medallion found on the handle (it turns out you can usually determine the saw's brand and relative age from its medallion) is marked "WARRANTED SUPERIOR" with a bald eagle emblem. it is my understanding that these secondary line/budget model saws were marked with such an emblem as opposed to the standard Disston brand name and logo. i guess they weren't proud of these handsaws and didn't want their name attached and reputation sullied.
anyway, i am proud of how the saw turned out. my most recent use of a handsaw was in rebuilding our backyard compost bin. i believe i used an Ace Hardware saw for that project, but now that the handle of this old saw has been sanded and smoothed, i believe it will see much more use.
later this week, i am going to have the fortune of joining my friend patrick o. for a couple of shows, one in cleveland and another in columbus. we will be playing his music, which is louder and more raucous than the music i am used to playing, which makes for a fun challenge for me. it will be nice to catch up with my friend and get out of cincinnati for 48 hours or so. coming home always feels so sweet.
