Historical information

Used for straight cutting along the grain of thick timber, rip saws were typically 24 to 28 inches long with 3 to 6 points (ripsaw teeth) per inch along the length of the steel blade. The saw’s closed timber handle is positioned above the heel of the saw and the blade tapers along its length to a narrow toe. The cut made by the saw, the ‘kerf’ is wider than the thickness of the blade as the bent teeth take out small pieces of wood, or sawdust. The kangaroo brass stamp indicates the saw originated from Robert Sorby and sons’ Kangaroo Works, in Sheffield, UK. The kangaroo brand emerged in the early 1800’s and was used extensively until the 1980’s.

Physical description

Tapered steel blade with corrugations and scalloping on cutting edge, affixed to a sturdy wooden handle by brass rivets. Some surface rust and borer holes.

Inscriptions & markings

KANGAROO [on plaque on handle]