This is a good topic, and I can always count on Pete to step up to the plate
when I throw an unusual idea into the mix.  The Jackson and Co. backsaw
looks like it was made by a Brit.  Perhaps a transplanted English maker who
used American materials if the handle is indeed applewood.  For all his good
work to help the workers in his employ, I commend Henry Disston.  Healthy
workers are more productive and possibly more loyal -- Disston was a pioneer
in that model of business philosophy.

As for the model of the driven competitor, I point to Disston's
contemporary, ruthless Andrew Carnegie, who is better known in our time for
his philanthropy than his strong-arm management in the rail business and his
later hold on the steel industry.  I admire Disston for his business model
and his products.  However, I am experienced enough in life to have been
disappointed by hero worship and am willing to try to see shadows in a
person's motivation and character.

As for outright patent theft, I don't think Disston engaged in that.  The
Jackson Gorham multi-gizmo ruler-square saw was so named by Disston, giving
the patent holder full credit for the line of saws Disston produced under
license.  I'm liking the T. Taylor saw-named-after-the-inventor theory, even
if it isn't the product Mr. Taylor worked on.

I'd be interested in knowing the source of the not-so-common name of
Broadwell mentioned in Erv's book, both as a Disston product and a
manufacturer in the year 1865.

What is the connection between Disston, Walter or William Cresson, and the
half-back saw?  Did Disston start producing that saw after Cresson went out
of business in 1862 or before then?  Cresson made a saw with the half-back
design, possibly before Disston.

Erik von Sneidern

----- Original Message -----
From: "Pete Taran" 
To: "oldtools" 
Cc: "'Erwin L Schaffer'" ; "'Erik von Sneidern'"
; "'Steve Reynolds'"

Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 12:19 AM
Subject: [oldtools] Re: A different opinion (long), was: Teaching a Galoot
to fish