From his modest workshop in Camberley, Slava Rode restores, refurbishes and sharpens vintage saws. He also has his own brand of saws that he produces himself, largely by hand. I’m not sure if would call himself a saw doctor, but why let terminology get in the way of a good blog title?

I visited Slava on Friday and spend a most enjoyable couple of hours at his home where he restores hand saws and makes his own brand of Greyhound saws. He sells on eBay, under the name mapputta, and his website is: www.greyhoundtoolworks.com

I had sought some information on one of his eBay items, and he kindly invited me to visit “even if you don’t end up buying anything.” So, I put a bottle of wine in the car, in case that happened, but – of course – I bought a saw instead … and later, at home,Sylvia and I drank the wine. To celebrate!

I took my collection of inherited rusted saws, donated saws, and Christmas present saws, and was surprised to find just how many there were! Slava looked over them carefully, pointing out the better saws, and finished by saying: “You’ve got all the saws you need.” Of course, fellow tool lovers will know that you can never have too many tools. I looked at dozens of vintage saws and a few of Slava’s beautiful hand-made saws. Spoilt for choice, what I liked most of all was the ability to try them in my hand, to find a tool that fits “like a glove.” A real treat. In the end, after trying out a few selected saws, I bought one of Slava’s lightweight dovetail saws. It will be super for really fine joinery work and, while I know that vintage saws made before the early 20th Century have far greater quality than the mass produced saws that followed, there is a certain pleasure in supporting modern artisan toolmakers, who take such pride and care in their work, and produce high quality tools as a result.

Slava generously showed me how he restores the vintage saws he buys, and the equipment he uses in his small workshop. I was really impressed, and inspired to get started on cleaning up my saws ready for work in Boathouse 4, and in my own workshop at home.

So, this weekend has been partly spent cleaning up a small steel-backed saw, and I am pleased with the results. Sandpaper and elbow grease for the plate; scraper, sandpaper, Deks Olje D1, and furniture wax for the handle.

It just needs sharpening now and, even though I am not yet ready to try, I’d like to learn the skill, and to become a Saw Refurbisher and Sharpener – even if I am not to destined to become a Saw Doctor!