A back saw arrived... what is Silver Steel?

[Brian Hale]

I just acquired a Groves back saw from around 1850 and the brass back is labeled Silver Steel. I've never had a silver steel saw that i know of. Anything special about it?

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[steven c newman]

Atkins also used the term for their line of saws.....

There was also the German Silver Steel...$$$$$

[Brian Hale]

Apparently it just means polished steel.

Marketing....

[Steve Voigt]

Apparently it just means polished steel.

Marketing....


Nope, it is a high-carbon tool steel, a little higher in carbon than O1. Still commonly used in Britain. Not much different than the 1095 used by modern sawmakers.

[Phil Mueller]

This is the only explanation I have found (from the Atkins 1906 catalog)



The wonderful growth of our business in hand and small saws has been noted and remarked upon from all quarters. The secret of our success in this Department is on account of the high quality of the saws.
This quality is based upon the use of our celebrated Silver Steel which enables the saw to take a high, tough temper, which, together with the finest grade of grinding, finish and workmanship throughout, makes them the finest saws on the market.
The following numbers are our leaders :
Nos. 51, 54, 55. Silver-Steel, Damaskeen finish.
Nos. 53 and 65. Silver-Steel,, Perfection handle, Damaskeen finish. Nos. 66 and 67. StlvBr-Srnnl, Mirror finish.
Nos. 68 and 69. Silver-Steel, Perfection handle, Mirror finish.
No. 64. Silver Nickel Steel, London spring, Damaskeen
finish.
No. 52. Silver-Steel,, Damaskeen ; made especially for pattern and bench work, to run without set.