| Fig. 1 – Manual sawing with the forest supervisor watching ... |
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| Fig. 2 – One of the earliest one-person chainsaws |
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| Photos: Archives WSL |
The first chainsaws were developed in the 1920s. This innovation marked a major shift in timber production, similar to how the transition from axes to hand saws revolutionized the industry centuries earlier.
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The history of forestry is deeply intertwined with human civilization. For millennia, forests have shaped and been shaped by societies, evolving from mysterious and dangerous places into essential sources of timber and natural resources. Over time, they have become more than just a supply of wood—they now serve as ecological buffers, recreational spaces, and vital components of environmental sustainability.
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For many years, the role of a lumberjack was considered lowly and undervalued. However, the introduction of modern chainsaws transformed this perception. These machines elevated the status of loggers, turning them from manual laborers into skilled operators who played a crucial role in the forestry industry.
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From the Axe to the Saw
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The axe is one of the oldest tools used for cutting wood. Its design evolved alongside human culture, appearing in stone, copper, bronze, and iron forms that reflect different historical periods. The axe remained a key tool for felling trees well into the 19th century.
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Around 5000 B.C., Germanic tribes created the first saws by carving small teeth into crescent-shaped stones. It's unclear if these early tools were used for woodworking. When copper was discovered, it was used to make axes and saws—axes were not only for cutting trees but also for combat. By 750 B.C., iron began to replace bronze, but saws continued to be made from bronze for many years. They were more commonly used by craftsmen, doctors, and surgeons rather than in the forests.
Over time, the evolution of saw technology allowed for more efficient and precise tree felling, paving the way for the development of modern chainsaws. This progression highlights how tools have continually shaped the relationship between humans and nature, making forestry more productive and sustainable over the centuries.
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