Originally Posted by
Mike Allen1010
Brian,
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to clarify; Pete Taran is "The Man" when it comes to vintage handsaw's. I certainly can't speak for Pete, but I believe he started Independence Saw, one of the earliest boutique back saw manufacturers, that ultimately became the back/joinery saws Lie Nielsen sells today. Beyond that, Pete is one of the leading authorities in the world on vintage saws and his site vintage saws.com is to my mind the best source of classic, vintage Western handsaw's and related information on the Internet today.
The whole reason I got started with hand tool woodworking many years ago was purchasing a pair of Disston handsaw's from Pete. His saws were the revelation that help me realize I really didn't need that tablesaw (thanks Pete!). In comparison I'm just a rank amateur with way too many saws who enjoys occasionally passing them on to fellow Neanders, typically for the benefit of deserving charities.
Bottom line; if you're in the market for a quality, classic vintage handsaw you can absolutely depend on being straight, solid, exceptionally well sharpened/tuned and ready to go, Pete is your guy. I can honestly say I am a loooong time, extremely satisfied customer and give my highest possible recommendation to Pete personally and to vintage saws.com.
Pete has always been extremely generous in sharing his world-class knowledge and expertise with Neanders on SMC and the greater hand tool woodworking community. I'm confident you'll be thrilled with any saw you get from Pete – I know I have been for many years.
All the best, Mike