Abstract
In this report, we clarified the development of reversing saw as below through the analysis of documents, old photographs and real things.
1 It was found in one of the documents that the kind of reversing saw that is shaped like fine work saw with its head split in two, existed in the region of Tokyo prefecture in 1877.
2 The inspection of the kind of reversing saw that appeared in the early Meiji era revealed that Tamahagane ( jewel steel) is used as a material to make the blade.
3 Reversing saw was able to be bought at stores in 1902. In 10’s of the Showa era, reversing saw was treated as a tool for manual arts use, but came to occupy the dominant position as a tool for carpenter use gradually.
4 The use of reversing saw was not seen in photographs taken probably in the Meiji era.
5 Behind the spread of reversing saw was the generalization of western steel (Tōgō Hagane) as a material for blades and oil hardening technique, and the pursuit of convenience.
