555mm large crosscut saw (Kataba Nokogiri).未 "Mi"
別製東郷鋼 "Made of Special Quality Togo Steel" I haven't did an extensive search, but this is the only saw I know of with Togo steel stampings. I have not translated the hand carved mei down the middle. Togo Steel was produced by the Andrews Company out of the UK in the late 1800's until production stopped in the 1920's. I think there were around 12 grades of Togo available, and the top lines were considered a commercial equal to Tamahagane. Handmade saws are normally only made of two grades of sheet steel, White Steel #2 and Yellow Steel. A few Tamahagane saws exist, but this technology predates the Meiji era, and Yataiki, the last sawsmith alive that holds the knowledge is no longer making saws. The handle is made of poplar, a suitable American alternative to the Ho or Honoki wood (not to be confused with Hinoki).
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