The Disstonian Institute

The Henry Disston and Sons Saw Works based out of Philadelphia, Penn. is to hand saws what the Stanley Tool Works is to hand planes.

During their heyday before the advent of the circular saw, the Disston works cranked out millions of rip, crosscut and different specialty saws for craftsman across the country – and the world. A peek inside the toolboxes of hundreds of thousands of woodworkers would reveal a gleaming saw with a sensually curved applewood or beech handle and Disston’s distinctive logo etched into the blade.

The Disstonian Institute is a website featuring a great deal of information on the company, the different saw models offered and scans of old catalog pages complete with drawings and the original advertising copy.  Truly a must-see site for old hand tool collectors.