London pattern Handle's

[Anonymous]

A couple of nice london pattern handles for your perrusal

and another interesting victorian one

I seem to go for the ones where the handle opening is in the centre rather than at the top of he blade
It amazes me that when you study old saws even superfically like what I have, there is a steady pattern of deterioration down to your prof cuts and jet cuts/baracudas etc of the present time. You see it in the deteriorating quality of steel, the quality of workmanship (or lack of it) and finish to the handles, even the care and attention given to the quality of the artwork seen in the etch's (just a naff pad print nowadays). One thing that does perplex me though is why they used such flimsy thin brass split nuts originally?? Mystery.

 

[Evergreen]

By crikey, Mr S, you've got a fine collection of old saws there. I share your feelings about the decline in the style of tools - those saw handles have flourishes and complications in them that aren't functionally necessary but they demonstrate a pride of manufacture. And like you, I regret that you very rarely see a manufacturer's name or trade mark stamped in the metal these days. Nowadays it's usually just a superficial etch or worse still, a plastic decal.

But I not so sure that the materials were always better in the past. You've pointed out that brass split nuts can be fragile, well I've found old chisels can be pretty patchy too. Some hold their edge but others can be surprisingly soft.

Regards.

 

[Anonymous]

I know, your right, the past isnt all rosy and idyllic they were working to price then as now. Tool makers werent ALL superb I know it. But I do believe there was an ethos of ecxellence for its own sake as a sort of social function or obligation which has now been replaced with the illusion of exellence (mass production with built in obsolecence) and a dont care as long as we make profit mentality
I do not like any of the modern saws, except possibly bahco prof cut. They are too thin, flimsy, handles uncomfotable to use for long, no set on the teeth, difficult to move through the cut etc. Hit a nail with your new hardpoint and thats it, with a proper saw 5 minutes or less with a file and your back in business! I have 2 odd jet cuts on the wall I use them for cutting skirting away if its against the wall or any work near brickwork such as flushing off wooden plugs, also for the dreaded laminate flooring or chipboard thats about it!!
I had a lot more vintage saws but donated the bulk of them to tools with a mission they send tool kits for tradesmen to start business in africa etc I dont need that many and they will be put to good use over there
cheers Mr Spanton

 

[Evergreen]

Mr S

Ah well, if it's confession time then I have to put my hand up and admit that when I laid two laminate floors at home, it was a Stanley Jetcut fine tooth that I used! It did a good job, to be honest, but was completely shot by the time the second floor was down.

Regards.

 

[MikeW]

Absolutely lovely handles, Mr Spanton!

I have taken the liberty of saving a copy of them to my harddrive, I hope you do not mind.

I think both will make it to being made into saws we build for the heck of it.

Thank you for posting these. Lovely work.

Take care, Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Not bad eh?
I thought you'd like them Mike
copy them as much as you want, I'll send a full size scan if you like
I'll have another look see if I cant find the makers.
Those ones are very old I'd say up to 120/140 years?? I got one example of a disston thumbhole handle (badly smashed) which looks a good candidate to copy1
Cheers Mr Spanton

 

[MikeW]

Nope, Mr Spanton, those pictures are perfect. Nice full side shots like those work every time. I'll be able to draw it and make a pattern from some 5 mm Baltic Birch ply in about 15 minutes each when I go to make 'em.

And I liked the mystery saw in the other forum.

Gosh, so many beautiful handles, so little time!

Take care, Mike