A week ago, I was covered in sawdust, industrial-strength adhesives and varnishes, using power tools, wearing ear, eye, and breathing protection. Why? To understand the process by which hand-crafted oars for drift boats, rafts, kayaks, SUP’s, and canoes are made. Sawyer Paddles and Oars, since 1967, has been at it in Oregon for 50 years.
From raw materials, craftsmen cut and shape Ash and Douglas Fir (with other proprietary materials) to make the tools that those that make their lives (and fun!) on the water depend upon. I’ve used Sawyer Oars on my Streamtech Boats for many years now, and the magic of the products came to light when I got to actually make them myself.
I’ve always been a believer that the right combinations of people, services/goods, reliable products, and purpose-built tools are of great value. Put them in the right order, and magic happens. At Sawyer, an employee-owned company supporting families and river rats everywhere, there are great people. They hand-make great products that are purpose built.
All the reasons I needed to join the team, and with this we start a journey together in discovering The Feel Of Water.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Sawyer Stories - Tales of Oar locks, Eddies, and The Feel Of Water 