Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Dahlen.
Cassandra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into making custom handcrafted saws started in an unexpected way—through a Facebook ad looking for an assistant sawmaker. I’ve always been drawn to working with my hands and expressing myself through art. Growing up, I explored all kinds of creative mediums—painting, ceramics, metal arts—and eventually found a deep passion for stained glass.
In 2020, during quarantine, I taught myself stained glass through trial and error, watching countless YouTube tutorials and experimenting on my own. At the time, I was working as a server and bartender around Duluth, but like many others, I lost my job during the pandemic. That shift pushed me to look for work that aligned more with my creative side—something hands-on, something meaningful.
That’s when I came across the ad for an assistant sawmaker. I figured if I could teach myself stained glass, I could learn sawmaking too.
Around that time, Mark Harrell, the founder of Bad Axe Tool Works, had just relocated the company from La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Superior. With the move came the need for an entirely new team—and I was one of the first people he hired at the new location.
A few years later, Mark decided to sell the company and step into semi-retirement. Today, I’m proud to be running Bad Axe Tool Works alongside a dedicated team of craftsmen, continuing the legacy of making heirloom-quality saws by hand.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Stepping into this role and learning to run a small, niche business hasn’t always been easy. I didn’t follow the traditional route—no formal business education or college degree. Everything I’ve learned has come from hands-on experience, working directly in the field. On top of that, I didn’t come in with a background in woodworking, so I’ve had to dive deep into the craft and learn as I go.
Over the years, we’ve gone through a few shifts in personnel, but I’ve been a constant—helping to keep the team grounded and moving forward through all the changes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bad Axe Tool Works. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Bad Axe Tool Works, we specialize in crafting custom, handcrafted handsaws and backsaws designed for fine woodworking. Every saw we make is tailored to the individual woodworker—from handle size and wood species to tooth filing and finishes—ensuring a tool that fits perfectly in your hand and performs exactly how you need it to.
What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and personalization. Unlike mass-produced saws, we offer custom handle sizing to match your exact grip—something you won’t find off the shelf. Each saw is hand-set and hand-filed, resulting in exceptional sharpness and precision that you can feel in every cut.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Once a week in the shop, we like to start the day with a Yoga With Adriene video on YouTube. It’s a great way to stretch out, get grounded, and mentally prepare for the work ahead. It’s become a simple but meaningful ritual that helps us stay balanced—physically and mentally.
Outside of that, we’re big fans of Wood by Wright. His videos are not only educational but packed with valuable insights on woodworking tools and techniques—always inspiring us to keep learning and refining our craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://badaxetoolworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badaxetoolworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadAxeToolWorks/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BadAxeToolWorks
