Hi there. My name is Eric Pfeiffer and I find myself becoming obsessed
wtih old tools! It all started . . . . .

I am not much of a woodworker, although I can see myself becoming one.
My interest in old tools comes from a love of history and having worked
for two companies with long histories and great reputations. From 1987
until 2004 I worked for Neill Tools, based in Sheffield England.
Neill's products included Spear & Jackson tools and Eclipse hand
hacksaw blades - two storied brands. And it went from good to great
when I left Neill to work for Simonds Industries Inc (now Simonds
International), the company known in the past as Simonds Mfg. Co and
then Simonds Saw & Steel Co.

Both have storied pasts and well-known brands. What got me started was
the 100 Year Anniversary booklet Neill Tools produced in 1989,
celebrating a milestone. By the way, Neill almost bought Disston in
1987, and at the time they claimed it was a case of "the prodigal son
returned" as Henry Disston was evidently a sawsmithing apprentice at
Spear & Jackson before emigrating to the United States.

And now I am at Simonds. I started collecting Simonds saws and files
back about 6 or 7 years ago, tagging SWMBO along to antique dealers and
flea markets. I've got some great saws, and based on some bits I've read
on the porch, I'll be cleaning them up - blades and handles - soon! And
building a cabinet for them too! Displayed with pride . . .

Simonds will be celebrating our 175th anniversary in 2007 and I have
been researching the company's history in an effort to put out a history
booklet celebrating the 175th. See, the company put out a good one at
75, but 100 was during the Depression, 125 was not much of an effort,
and 150 was a real let-down under then owner Household International.

So I've been lurking on the edges of the porch, as well as in libraries
and historical society collections, learning about Simonds, saws, saw
collecting, saw cleaning, etc. You guys have a lot of great knowledge
and experience, and I decided I might be able to share a little but I
can certainly learn a lot, so here I am! A New Year's Galoot!

By the way, my wife does not appreciate SWMBO, which I lovingly refer to
as "swimbo", but she'll get used to it!

Keep those cards and letters coming, and I'll offer up facts as I can!

Eric Pfeiffer Westminster, MA
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