- 12 inch Smith's Key Carcase Saw -

Effective immediately (21 November 2015), I have stopped taking new orders for custom backsaws. For a full explanation, please read this blog entry.

This carcase saw traces its roots to 1816, where it is shown in Smith's Key (a catalog from which retailers could order merchandise). While it is the same length as my Disston carcase saw, the similarities end there.

The biggest real difference between the two is the handle. Looking beyond the most apparent difference (this saw has an open handle, while the other has a closed handle), it is seen that the hang of this handle is dramatically lower. This low hang angle has a very real mechanical consequence, as it invites you to get closer to your work, either by raising it or by bending at the waist or knees.

The most striking visual difference between the two is the heavily canted blade on this saw. While the canting has little effect on how the saw cuts, it does decrease the depth of the blade beneath the spine, thereby allowing the use of a thinner plate. While I recommend the use of 0.020" thick plate only on dedicated crosscut saws in my Disston carcase saw, I am comfortable in recommending its use on either crosscut or hybrid saws in this version.

• Twelve inch blade length.
• Canted blade - 3" depth of cut at the heel, 2 3/8" deep at the toe.
• To complement the canted blade, the spine is also tapered in depth.
• Standard tooth configuration of 12 or 13 ppi (for rip teeth), 13 or 14 ppi (for cross cut teeth), or 13 ppi (for hybrid teeth). Not sure what ppi means? Don't worry - it's all explained here - and if you still have questions, please let me know.
• Filed with rake and fleam to fit your usage. Not sure what rake and fleam are? Don't worry - it's all explained here - and if you still have questions, please let me know.
• Available in 0.020" and 0.025" plate thicknesses.

From the handle wood and pattern to the spine and hardware materials and design, this saw can be customized to meet your aesthetic sensibilities. Before ordering, please take a look at the range and descriptions of the available options.

Features include:

• Premium 1095 spring steel, hardened and tempered to Rc 48-51.
• Hand sharpened, hand set teeth.
• Spines with milled slots, sprung for tight friction fit.
• Improved split saw nuts for increased strength and longevity.
• Premium hardwood handles that are precisely shaped for comfort and aesthetics.
• Handles are available in a range of sizes to fit most any hand.
• Handedness: Left-hand models have the bolt heads and stamp on what is traditionally the "back" side of the saw. There is no difference in the shape of the handle or filing.

Patterned after the 12 inch carcase saw shown in Smith's Key from 1816.

Ready to order? Configure your saw using the dropdown menus below, or contact me to explore options beyond those found below. Because your saw will be made to your specifications, each saw requires a $40 non-refundable deposit at the time of ordering. The balance is due when your saw is completed and ready to ship.

After you place your deposit, I will send you a few questions that will help me customize your saw to fit your needs. If your needs or desires change before I begin building your saw, there is no extra charge - just let me know so I can update your design.

Made in the USA. Fully warranted for one year.