Thread: Spear & Jackson, History of the Saw

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the effort in making that available, there are some amazing pictures in that book, it's good to see it made available on-line.

Thanks Peter & Gary.

Regards
Ray

What a great book, I have a few people that will love a copy thanks for sharing.

Enjoying it immensely. Love the understated bit where they mention Disston as a company started by someone who once worked for Spear & Jackson.
Jim

You noticed that Disston reference. Sort of puts things in perspective. Disston would like people to think they invented the handsaw during a dream.

Gary

Henry Disston was 14 when he arrived in US in 1833, apprenticed to his father a textile machinist. His father promptly died on arrival in Philadelphia. Henry's entry into the sawmaking business is not certain, but did not occur in Derby where he lived before emigrating to the US. He could not have worked for S & J.

Now whether someone in S & J developed this story or whether it was Goodman (History of WW Tools) is not known to me ... but the myth certainly has legs.

Cheers
Peter Evans

It would be interesting to know the details. The mention is as I said understated:

Henry Disston and Sons, Inc (founded by a man who had previously worked at Spear and Jackson's in Sheffield),

It doesn't actually say who that man was.
I also notice that one of the references in the bibliography is actually a Disston publication.
Perhaps someone has definitive knowledge.
Cheers,
Jim
ps It definitely sounds good though

Have a look at:

Henry Disston - Biographical Sketch by Jacob S. Disston, Jr. - H. Disston & Sons, Inc. - Philadelphia, PA

a speech by Henry's grandson.

Peter

Thanks Peter,
that would seem to settle it - still a good story though
Jim

Been digging around on the net so I'm probably repeating more myths. However, it is claimed that Henry encouraged skilled workers from Spear & Jackson to come and man his factory. Perhaps they made him an honorary S & J craftsman
Cheers,
Jim