Thread: Plastic handled Disstons

Can't help with the date Kenny but I picked up one some time back - a panel saw. I gave it a light sharpen and have been using it as a workhorse in the last few weeks. I was surprised that the handle still felt comfortable at the end of the day. The steel is definitely the renowned Disston quality as I haven't had to re-introduce it to a file yet.
Cheers,
Jim

Jim.. I have also seen a tenon saw from this series.. And i agree, the steel is good quality..
If i would have known this at the time i would have picked it up.

Ken.

kenny, Disston used a variety of saw handle material over the years using bakelite in the 1920s, but a saw with a plastic like handle appeared around 1935 (in production to about 1955 - the D-95) and later in the 1950s and 60s the D-111 that had a black nylon handle. Your saw pictured is most likely a very late production saw. At a guess I would say it dates from about 60s-70s, most likely a HK porter saw.

Originally Posted by jimbur

The steel is definitely the renowned Disston quality as I haven't had to re-introduce it to a file yet.
Cheers, Jim

A postscript. It finally needs a second sharpening. Can't blame the Disston though. Cutting through old studs with hidden nails and splashes of ancient concrete would take the edge off anything.
Cheers,
Jim