It was one of those small sealing-wax knives to be found on old-fashioned writing-tables, with an ivory handle and a stiff blade.

The épée, which has a stiffer, thicker blade, weighs 27 ounces.

Using a back saw (a hand saw having a stiff rectangular blade), cut across the exposed part of the section at each end, following the marks.

We walk across the lawn, past the administration building, the grass-a kind of thick turf with stiff blades and tangled roots-spongy under our feet.

This saw has a stiff blade, making it ideal for angle cuts and trimming molding.

The work of a backsaw requires a thin, stiff blade.

"And I've seen you with stiffer blades."

Then, using a back saw (a handsaw with a stiff rectangular blade), cut through the exposed part of the damaged clapboard along each line.

At the edge of his vision he saw the shorter, stiffer blade speed towards his heart and threw himself back to avoid it.

This evolved into a 2-3 metre straight, stiff blade without a frame and a handle at each end.