This D-8 came out of Pete Taran's personal collection — a saw he set aside over his decades of collecting because it was worth bringing back. Disston made more D-8s than any other model in the line, and this one earns the reputation: strong etch, clean handle, sharpened and ready to work.
At a glance
| Maker | Disston, Philadelphia |
| Model | D-8 |
| Approximate era | ca. 1947–1955 (before the H.K. Porter sale) |
| Length | 26 inches |
| Plate | 6-1/2" at the heel, 2" at the toe, straight |
| Points per inch | 8, crosscut |
| Medallion | Disston medallion, consistent with late family-ownership era production |
| Etch | Strong and legible |
| Sharpened by Aaron | Yes — ready to cut |
What I did to it
- Disassembled and inspected. Every part came off the saw and was checked before cleaning.
- Cleaned to preserve character. Handle and hardware were cleaned in a way that keeps the saw's age visible — no over-polishing.
- Plate cleaned. Cleaned properly while preserving the etch.
- Jointed and shaped. Toothline jointed and refiled for crosscut work.
- Sharpened to 15° rake, 20° fleam. Standard general-use crosscut geometry.
- Set. Minimum set applied — just enough to let the plate glide in the kerf without binding.
Honest condition
The plate has some staining and light scratch marks from a previous owner's cleaning — cosmetic, doesn't affect the cut. The handle is excellent, with only minor wear consistent with age and use. The etch is strong. Nothing else notable to flag.
About Disston
Henry Disston founded the company in Philadelphia in 1840, and by the late 1800s Disston was the largest saw maker in the world — the standard every other maker was measured against. The D-8 was Disston's best-selling hand saw: the same quality plate and construction as the fancier models, priced and built for carpenters and cabinet makers who used it every day.
Who this saw is for
If you're looking for a nice quality saw to make quick cuts across the grain that won't break the bank, this is an excellent choice. Freshly sharpened and Disston quality, this saw will earn its keep in your shop.
Questions about this saw? Email me at info@benchandchisel.com — I answer them all.
— Aaron, Bench & Chisel
