How did they rip scale stock before bandsaws existed?

[Johnny J]

I've been trying to figure out a way to rip 1/8" thick strips of wood without using a bandsaw (because I don't want to buy a huge, heavy piece of gear that I have only VERY occasional use for). How did they rip scale stock before bandsaws existed? Sawing straight by hand is impossible (for me, anyway). Hand chisels don't do an even enough job (maybe b/c I'm not that good with them). So how did they do it in the 1800s? Miter box? Rough saw by hand & plane it down? That seems wasteful. Anyone have any idea?

Edit: whatever method I come up with, I'd like it to be usable on pieces of tree branches, not just on large pieces of lumber that are already square.