Diston backsaw

[Jerome Hanby]

Saw a Diston (what appears to be) back saw at my Dad's the other day. Are all Diston saws desirable or are the more modern one junk like so many other old tool brands?

[David Weaver]

Depends on how big it is, how old it is, and what condition it's in.

The very old saws are very desirable, but not common. The saws ranging around 100 years old are desirable and well made. The modern stuff that they made once circular saws came out, not so great to really modern stuff (Relative terms, think 1960s - the company had been sold) that's downright garish with thick plates, thin backs, ugly handles and thin backs.

Really, though, the only way to tell is the picture.

[Jerome Hanby]

Well Dad's shop days are pretty much in the past. I'm planning on doing some cleaning, rearranging, and repairing just so he can wander around and feel like his shop is still functional. I may take some pictures of that saw and post them, but I suspect it was purchased at a borg within the last 15 years. For what little hand sawing I have to do, I like my shark saws!