325 S. Kimbrough
Springfield, MO 65806

Garvie Ballew survived the sinking of two different ships during World War II. When asked by his superiors what skills he would like to take back to civilian life, unsinkable Garvie Ballew replied that he would like to learn to sharpen saws.

It was the beginning of what was to become a successful business. Armed with his sharpening skills, Ballew, with his wife Edith and her brother Charles ("Uncle Charlie") Wood, founded Ballew Saw & Tool, Inc. on April Fools' Day, l968.

Garvie Ballew, Edith, and Uncle Charlie have since passed away, but sons Jack and Steve Ballew continue to carry on the family business. Besides Jack and Steve, Ballew Saw & Tool, Inc. employs 15 skilled woodworking and tool sharpening professionals. (See Pictures)

Ballew Saw & Tool, Inc. provides tool sharpening and also manufactures a few of its own cutting tools, as well as buying and selling a variety of industrial machinery and name-brand cutting implements. Most of the company's inventory is geared toward the skilled carpenter/cabinetmaker, although the company also provides large saw blades to a few sawmill clients.

The company's largest client group is probably cabinet shops with one to ten employees. Other clients include schools, the government, and even missionaries buying machinery to take to places like South America. Ballew Saw & Tool, Inc. serves many home hobbyists, including actor and carpenter, Harrison Ford.

Ballew Saw & Tool, Inc. is now one of the top mail-order businesses in the nation selling woodworking tools. The company has eight 800 lines, and its biggest client base is in Missouri. We take great pride in serving the folks at home. Ballew Saw & Tool also has the pleasure of serving over 12,000 customers nationwide plus those in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.