A Brief History of Walton Saw
In the early 1950′s, our original founder Harold Walton operated Marin Saw Works out of the back of his Dodge pickup truck, visiting local shops and job sites, then personally sharpening each saw blade.
After a later upgrade to a Volkswagen van, he changed the name to Walton’s Saw Works in 1955. As the business grew, it became well known locally for its sale and service of fine woodworking tools, knives, router bits and, of course, saw blades.
Harold’s son Darren, the president and CEO of D. Walton Saw, Inc., founded Farallon Industrial Knives in 1989, servicing the paper and printing industries of Northern California. Business was very good and Darren branched out into other areas of tool sharpening, purchasing Santa Rosa Tool’s Saw Division, servicing the woodworking and building industries.
By 1997, Harold began to consider retirement, and Darren purchased Walton’s Saw Works. Thus began D. Walton Saw, Inc.
Harold continued to come in and help for many years beyond this point, when his golf schedule permitted, lending his life-long experience and knowledge to the business. But the growth was not over yet.
In 2000, further expansion became a reality when Walton Saw purchased East Bay Saw and Knife Works based in Oakland, Ca. This well-respected company had been formed in 1928, providing similar sharpening services to Walton’s, in addition to its expertise in servicing the food processing industry.
As of early 2011, the original East Bay Saw location on International Boulevard has moved, consolidating and merging into our main headquarters in San Rafael. The addition of East Bay Saw has greatly contributed to our ability to provide industrial sharpening services, as well as establishing our reputation as the go-to company in the Bay Area for food-processing operations, including large local salame and sausage makers.
In 2002, D. Walton Saw added another important cog to the machine, puchasing Petaluma Precision Grinding and bringing aboard it’s founder, expert saw sharpener Jay Monteleone, who is responsible for our carbide saw division to this day. The acquisition brought even more knowledge, technology, and experience to the company, giving Walton Saw a decided difference over its competition in the Bay Area. But the growth was not over yet!
In 2003, we purchased Bits n Blades, a company specializing in sales and service of router bits, saw blades, and printer’s knives. This also further expanded our delivery route throughout the greater Bay Region. Once again, with the addition of this company and by bringing aboard it’s principal founder (she’s still with us today), the expertise and reach of our services expanded even more.
In 2010, the latest expansion occurred when the well respected bandsaw company, Hastings Saws in Rohnert Park, Ca., was brought into the Walton Saw family. Hastings Saws was founded in 1947, and since then has been a major supplier of high quality custom welded bandsaw blades. Again, by retaining the services of Hastings’ expert welder and his many years of experience in the industry, Walton Saw has added yet another important member to our team.
Harold Walton passed away peacefully with his family by his side July 8, 2011. He will certainly be missed by his family, friends and many loyal customers. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. All of us at D. Walton Saw are continuing to follow his tradition, work-ethic, and legacy, providing the best sharpening and service in the Bay Area.