- Kenyon Panel Saw Kits -

If you have a soft spot for saws, the saws gracing the underside of Benjamin Seaton's tool chest lid are incredibly striking. Made by John Kenyon (a Sheffield sawmaker) in the late 18th century, the hard and severe lines of the blade and teeth are softened perfectly by the rounded elegance of the toe and handle. These panel saw kits are scaled down versions of the 26" handsaw found in the Seaton chest.

The blade: The blades are made from 0.032" 1095 spring steel, hardened and tempered to Rc 48-51. The teeth are punched, but not sharpened. Rip teeth are punched with approximately five degrees of rake, crosscut teeth with fifteen, and hybrid with ten. These angles are a good starting point, but can be easily adjusted when you sharpen it.

Like the originals, these blades are not taper ground. I have not found this to be a detriment, and actually welcome the added stiffnes of a full plate.

The toe is shaped with an ornamental nib, like the originals.

Making the holes for the bolts can cause some angst, but a solid carbide spade drill bit makes quick work of this task if you have access to a drill press.

Blades are deblued, but not sanded or polished. Expect minor scratches from material handling; wet/dry sandpaper can be used to remove these and take it to the level of finish you like.

Blades are leveled (flattened). No hammering, smithing, or "tensioning" is required on your part.

The saw bolts: Kits include three traditional split nut saw bolts, available in either brass or bronze. One has a 7/16" head and goes in the nose of the handle; the other two have 1/2" heads. A blank medallion bolt (available with a flush or sunken face) can be specified to replace one of the 1/2" saw bolts. These medallion bolts are 3/4" diameter, and can be hand graved or laser engraved for the final personal touch.

All nuts, except the one for the medallion, match the size of their bolt; the medallion nut is 1/2".

Made in the USA.