Semi-Backsaws

[Jared McMahon]

The recent thread on dovetail saws got me checking out the different makers and styles, and I notice that a few people offer copies of the Disston not-quite-backsaws, the No. 8 and No. 9. I've read one or two discussions of these but they still puzzle me. Are they simply compromise tools that allow one saw to be decent at multiple tasks? Or are there places where you would specifically want one of these, even if you already had a tenon/sash saw and a panel saw? Does anyone have experience using these? I'm interested in hearing opinions.


http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/backsawpage/no8saw.jpg

http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/backsawpage/no9saw.jpg

[PADDY HEALEY]

Jared, the #8 half back serves me very well as a perfectly sized cross cut saw for case and panel work and the #9 rip is great for large scale tenons. (think work bench sled base wedged tenons in 4" to 6" hardwood stock),

Both were made by Mr. Wenzloff and cut like a dream. The #8 comes to hand nicely and I have openly accused him of some occult power as the #9 allows my thumb to rest in the recess provided and fore finger to wrap in it's recess around the front as if he had a mold of my hand to use as a pattern. These saws are a joy to use. Paddy