I got lucky on Ebay last week. I won a 28" 5.5ppi No. 12 Disston rip saw. I did pay a premium price for it as it looked to be in really good condition. What I wasn't expecting, however, was the what I think to be mahogany handle. I took a few photos, with the hope that someone can confirm this. I also wanted to ask if anyone knows anything about the use of special timbers like this in Disston saws. Did they just mix them in as occasional replacements of the traditional apple wood handles, or were these specially made for some purpose?
Also, I was wondering if anyone has come across a saw with the tooth line preserved in the green plasticky wax you see in the photo. I assume this was a protective coating put on after manufacture by the owner or sharpener. Am I wrong? The saw does, however, appear to be little, if at all, used. So maybe Disston did put it on? The teeth underneath are as clean and sharp and perfect as the day they were filed!
I'd appreciate any knowledge you might have on this.
Thanks!
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