As new saw makers come on the scene I take notice of their work
and I started taking note of the work of Isaac Smith a while back. As of late
his work has started showing the attention to detail that is unique among only
the best and most particular of craftsman.
As some of you know I have quite a collection of dovetail
saws all made by contemporary saw makers. Recently I commissioned Isacc Smith
to make a saw for my collection. I sent Isaac a piece of my prized Macassar
Ebony for the tote and what I got back is a saw that I’ve been enjoying
immensely.
Isaac’s work is impressive to say the least. To say the
most, the saw functions as good as it looks.
When people have the opportunity to try all of my saws side
by side they typically come to the conclusion that my Eccentric Saw, made my
Andrew Lunn, is without a doubt the top saw of the bunch. Bear in mind all
these saws are wonderful tools so I’m not dismissing the work of any of these
fine craftsman. Nevertheless the saw I recently received from Isaac Smith is
possibly the equal of the Eccentric saw.
Let me qualify something here. I’m in no way an authority on
saws. But I am one picky individual when it comes to tools and this saw has
impressed me. My methods for testing were nothing more than all these saws compared
one to another on the same piece of wood. It could very well be that some might
perform better in differing woods. Like I said it was not exactly a scientific
test. It was more a test of feel and reaction.
Moreover every detail on this saw is pleasing and the tote
feels wonderful in the hand and the areas that have defined crisp lines are not
the areas that contact your hand. The tote embodies precision, comfort and
beauty
I’ve also noticed that Isaac is making some other tools as
well and I have one of his carbide Scrawls that I’ve been using for everything
from marking for screws holes to turning burrs in tight corners on my plane
bodies.
He also has introduced a saw filing aid called a RakeMaker.
It has the same attention to detail as his saws.
Like I said, I’m not an authority, just a very pleased customer.
You can find out more by following this link, Blackburn Tools.
Ron
