Prototypes of the modern saw were created over four thousand years ago. These tools came in the form of rocks that had a jagged edge on one side. They were used for working wood, bone, as well as soft rocks. These stone saws were either sharpened against the edges of rocks or ready pieces with sharp edges were picked up and used. Similar tools were used by ancient sculptors to create statues of gods. Ancient Romans and Egyptians made their saws of copper. They even sawed stone with such a tool by sprinkling abrasive materials in the place of sawing.

Iron saws first appeared in Scandinavia. These tools were cast in stone molds. However, the quality of these saws was low and they could not compete with axes. It was not until many centuries later that the ancient Greeks figured out how to make saws by forging, which made it possible to achieve high hardness of metal and, as a result, improve the quality of products. The teeth of these saws were sharper and due to their proper sharpening, they cut through material better. Mechanical saws first appeared in Germany in 1322.

The exhibit is a hand saw. It is a carpentry and joinery tool, which consists of a rectangular blade, one long side of which is rounded and has many teeth for sawing wood. It is made in the form of a metal plate, on the working edge of which there are teeth. On the two short sides of the blade hinge-shaped plates are attached to fasten the handles. The handles of such saws are usually made of wood. Sawing a log lying on the ground is difficult with any tool: under its own weight the log settles and clamps the place of the cut. For it to work properly, pads or “trestles” are needed. The two-handed saw is designed for two-person work, although with some skill one person can saw with it as well. Proper sharpening and tooth setting are very important.

The shape of the modern saw has not changed, but thanks to the development of technology chainsaws — the distant descendants of the original saws — have become widespread. Some villages still use the old saws due to greater availability and ease of use.