I received an email from Blue Spruce (Woodpeckers) this morning promoting (gushing really) Bad Axe’s version of Disston’s No. 9 tenon saw. A few weeks ago I received the original announcement from Bad Axe. This is a limited time production similar to Woodpeckers marketing strategy. At the time I thought nothing of it, but now I wonder if Woodpeckers has their eye on acquiring Bad Axe. I own 2 Bad Axe backsaws and know times are tough, but I would hate to see another small independent toolmaker get gobbled up. That said, Woodpeckers has an outstanding reputation for quality and, thus far, manufacturing their tools in the USA. So maybe it’s just a sign of the times and a way for independent toolmakers to survive.