What is this part of the saw for?

[Sean H]

Ok, I know that the handle is for holding, and the teeth seem to be for cutting, but what is that little nib on the end of some saws for? Its on the top of the blade and near the end where it is rounded off. The picture below shows three Wenzloff saws, all with that nib, but of different sizes and shapes.

Is it to attach a forward handle or a backing? Or maybe to be used like a gun sight for aiming the saw and getting a straighter cut?

[JohnnyNoName]

Oh boy, the nib discussion... :-)

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/25835

Jonathan

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[JohnnyNoName]

also... http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/faq.html

[pagel]

Here's another link from wkfinetools.com - http://www.wkfinetools.com/hUS-saws/z_reading/1917-NIB-menTrainingMag/1917-menTrainingMag-NIB.asp

Truth be told, no one really knows with any certainty. I like Brit's answer on Lumberjocks that JohnnyNoName linked to above:

"Personally, I find it is a useful aid to tell you when to stop pulling the saw back in the cut. As soon as you see the nib, start pushing again."

[Sean H]

After following your links, I believe that I can answer my own question now:

What's the nib for? Nothing.

or

What's the nib for? Whatever you want it to be for.

This has shaken me from the paradigm that every detail of every tool has to have a purpose, and I feel a little bit wiser for it.

Thank you. :-)