About Disston
About Disston
Disston traces back to 1840, when Henry Disston left his apprenticeship in Philadelphia to start his own saw-making business, later formalized as the Keystone Saw Works. In 1855 Disston produced the first crucible saw steel made in the United States, a breakthrough that established the brand's reputation for quality and let it compete directly with imported British saw steel.
Disston's sons Hamilton and Albert joined the firm in 1865 and 1870, and the company became Henry Disston & Sons, eventually building a large saw works complex in Philadelphia along with housing, schools, and churches for its employees, one of the more notable company towns of its era. Porter Company, Inc. of Pittsburgh purchased Henry Disston & Sons in 1955, and the business reorganized as Disston Precision Incorporated, which continues to manufacture saws and custom flat steel products under the Disston name in Philadelphia today.
Disston blades and flat steel stock show up in woodworking shops, maintenance departments, and manufacturing operations that need dependable American-made cutting steel rather than disposable imported blades. On ChatMRO, buyers can search by Disston part number or blade type and get matched to the right product without tracking down a specialty distributor.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Disston manufacture today?
Disston Precision Incorporated manufactures saws and custom flat steel products in Philadelphia, continuing the brand's original focus on precision steel cutting tools. It operates in custom lots for industrial and specialty applications rather than mass-market retail.
When was Disston founded and by whom?
Henry Disston started his saw-making business in Philadelphia in 1840 and went on to produce the first crucible saw steel made in the United States in 1855. The company later became Henry Disston & Sons after his sons joined the business in the 1860s and 1870s.
Is Disston still owned by the Disston family?
No, Porter Company, Inc. of Pittsburgh purchased Henry Disston & Sons in 1955, and the business reorganized as Disston Precision Incorporated. The Disston name has continued on the company's saw and flat steel products despite the change in ownership.
What is Disston known for historically?
Disston is historically known for producing the first crucible saw steel made in the United States and for building one of the era's notable company towns around its Philadelphia saw works, complete with employee housing, schools, and churches. That reputation for quality steel still underpins the brand today.
How do I find the right Disston product through ChatMRO?
Search by the Disston part number or describe the saw type, length, and tooth configuration you need, and ChatMRO will match it to the correct product. Our RFQ form is available if you need a custom flat steel cut or quantity.