On Saturday I hear the typical drop and run of the shipping company on the front porch. I shuffle up from the couch and and open the door. The truck was already down the driveway by the time I got to the door, but there on the stoop was a box with with Bad Axe Tool Works tape.

The package was rushed inside and down to the darkness of the shop. I couldn't find the box cutter so a recent Japanese chisel find that needs sharpening was used to open the box. There inside was a thing of beauty. The 18" tenon saw filed 11 ppi x-cut and a blued-steel back.

The cherry handle fit nicely in the hand. I have smaller hands and it is just barely is in my comfort zone. So those of you with larger paws will really appreciate it. I will say that not many saw handles ever feel perfect except for an antique carcase saw from Sheffield. This is a "its not you, its me problem." The cherry of the handle is exquisite. It is finely shaped and finished. Someone has paid attention to the details.

The teeth were covered with a piece of cherry, not the typical plastic sleeves. That would definitely meet the green standards of Bad Axe Tool Works.

If you have read this far, yeah it is an awesome beauty, but your are asking does it work? Well it came at the right time. I needed to cut some apron stock to length. So after a few practice cuts I set it to work cutting some 3/4"x5" cherry. By the way, the practice cuts were not really needed. Typically when I get a saw it is bit herky-jerky in the first couple of cuts, while it breaks in (gets rid of the burrs from filing). Someone had already done this or the filing job was perfection. A clean quick cut. It flew through the cherry. No shooting board clean-up required. I'll be cutting the tenons next, right from the saw cut.

In conclusion, it looks like another excellent saw maker has joined the ranks. They are offering a different product in the blued and stainless backs instead of the brass of current makers. The fit and finish match or exceed the current saws on the market. I'll be keeping this beauty and hopefully picking up a set as finances allow.

Regards,

Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with Bad Axe Tool Works or received anything for this review. These are just the ramblings of part-time woodworker.