If you were going to get a Silky saw, which model would you get

Thanks!

I have a F180 with the larger teeth. It nicely balances size and performance with modest weight. It is comfortable to use. Good for wood upto about 6" diameter. Fits well in my packed gear.

For home use, I might consider something a bit longer.

Good Luck

I have a Katana Boy 500mm. For a guy that hates sawing wood, I love this saw. It's like a knife cutting through butter. I the long reach is handy for cutting down high dead wood.

I have two........the Big Boy ( yellow handle) works great and if having fires every night or having to maybe cut some fallen tree / limbs across portage trails or creeks this saw is the cats meow.

Then I have a smaller silky ( Pocketboy /red handle) when its just me and I want to go light and fast. I like the simplicity and durability of design.

They really are an excellent tool IMO. Watch yourself, very sharp and you could cut yourself wide open if your not paying attention.

I take it that you saw the Cabela's sale on Silky Saw's today. Up to 30% off.

Love my pocketboy.

I have the F/S Silky Hand Saw SUGOI 360 and it is amazing and will cut amazingly fast. I love it. Its tough and durable.
All silky saws are great.

I have the Big Boy and it's all I need for BW trips. It's also great for general pruning and trimming around home.

quote WHendrix: "I have the Big Boy and it's all I need for BW trips. It's also great for general pruning and trimming around home."

+1

Looking at the Big Boy also. (I might have a saw collection problem.)

How many Silky owners have found the need to replace the blade? And, after how many years of use? Do you consider it essential to have a spare blade on hand?

Amazon: saw - $60 spare blade - $39

The blades will stay sharp thru a lot of cutting and many years of use. After using or storing I put a little oil or lubricant like WD-40 on the blade to keep it from rusting. You would be surprised how a little corrosion will dull the saw.

I have 4 or 5 ranging from the super accel210 to the bigboy 2000. For just camping/hiking/etc I bring my ultra accel 240 or my gomboy 270. I feel theyre the best compromise between size, weight and actual utility, usually the 240. a 210 will comfortably cut 4 inches, you can cut bigger but that will require many more SHORT strokes. Size the blade length to the proper diameter, usually half of the blade for efficiancy. 8in blade=4" log, etc. whatever you go with, silkys are king.

Over time, I've owned 2 Silky Big Boy saws. My first purchase wound up on the bottom after an unfortunate episode with a chute in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. I thought enough of the saw that I replaced it with an identical model.

The saw might be a bit of overkill for many situations, but when you really NEED a saw it performs flawlessly. Over the years, I've cleared a lot of deadfall from campsites to make them more livable (in a few cases returning the campsite to usability). And as recently as last year, I used the Big Boy to make a few Quetico portages passable in several spots before the portage crews were able to access them. Most of this work was on tree stock that was under 6 inches in diameter. But I've actually successfully tackled 1 foot diameter oaks ... it takes a little effort, (and some skill not to get the saw blade locked up in a pinch cut), but the saw is up to that kind of task if need be.

Finally. Its not that you need this, but even with some aggressive looking teeth, the saw cut is commonly smoother than a baby's butt.

dd

I've been impressed with the durability of the blade of the Bigboy. I've used it for one year on several trips with friends that I'm not confident gave much thought to keeping the saw in great shape. I've also used it for numerous construction projects around the house, such as cutting out plywood from a newly framed in door. It's a quality blade, and as long as you don't cut your firewood on rock you'll be very happy with it.

I just purchased an accel 240 for a gift. I may have to get one for myself now. Heck of a quality saw.

quote Northwoodsman: "I just purchased an accel 240 for a gift. I may have to get one for myself now. Heck of a quality saw."

Indeed, I like the length and size of that saw. The Big Boy is an excellent choice and I was glad to have had it on some camp cleanup chores in WCPP (blowdown) but that accel 240 might just be the perfect overall size.

The Silky saws look great... I will have to look into them when mine needs to be replaced.
For those on a limited budget, I can highly recommend this Corona saw from Lowes... only about $20. Corona Saw

quote ghamer: "The Silky saws look great... I will have to look into them when mine needs to be replaced.
For those on a limited budget, I can highly recommend this Corona saw from Lowes... only about $20. Corona Saw "

To me they are the premier of saws.

Is budget a factor? Is packability a factor? I mean, there are only so many Silky saws. If money and packing are no problems, why NOT a Katanaboy or Genki Temagari? Otherwise, let the limiting factor determine the saw. Me: my packing and budget both theoretically limit me to a Bigboy or Gomtaro; I could pack a Katanaboy, but there is no way I'm paying $150 for a saw. More limited space or money than me? Gomboy...F180...Pocketboy... You get the idea.

In reality, I have a Sven 21 that I got as a gift and a folding Corona. They do what I need them to do for now, so that's what I use.

quote eroom: "I have a Katana Boy 500mm. For a guy that hates sawing wood, I love this saw. It's like a knife cutting through butter. I the long reach is handy for cutting down high dead wood."

+1!! I got mine "used" on ebay. It had never touched wood.

I have a Bigboy and I love it. I do more and more of my cooking over wood with each trip, either cooking on the fire grate or using a little folding sterno stove that you can get at walmart for under 10 dollars. I also bring a gas stove just in case and I figure that the weight saving from cutting down on carrying fuel by 3/4 more than makes up for the weight of the saw. Very easy to use and cuts quickly with less effort than other saws I have used.

I have the big boy. It just got here yesterday. I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw.

Wick: "I have the big boy. It just got here yesterday. I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw. "

Like I mentioned earlier I have the F/S Silky Hand Saw SUGOI 360 with a plastic belt case. Love it.
Not familiar with the big boy,but as sharp as the silky saws are you bearly touch the blade you can cut yourself.
If it is like you mention it will than be only a matter of time before you cut yourself. I can't imagine Silky saws being like that. Be careful I have touched my blade by accident and my fault and believe me it will cut you up good very easy.

That is clearly not acceptable. It sounds like someone put the wrong handle on the blade (or the other way around). It should be sent back for a replacement or a refund.

Wick: "I have the big boy. It just got here yesterday. I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw. "

That's correct when you get it with a curved blade. They sell a sheath for it. I picked up the same saw on Amazon today for $38.00. When I put it in the cart is was $48.00. But after taxes it was $41.13. Go figure.

I stand corrected. I was not aware that there are blade options. I bought mine several years ago when, as far as I know, that was not the case. I just went out and looked at my saw and it indeed has a straight (mostly) blade, and none of the teeth are exposed. I would be curious to know how the curved blade compares with the straight blade if anyone has experience with both.

For my Bigboy I was also concerned about stuff catching on the blade when its folded. My wife cut up an old pair of jeans and made a simple sleeve for the saw. Took her about 30 minutes.

The blade on the corona looked nice at lowes today, but has more teeth showing when folded then the bigboy does!

Silky Saws and other folding/break-down saws suck. Just get a real saw like This Irwin . Make a sheath or search this site for Irwin Saw Sheaths. You will be happy with it.

Wick: "I have the big boy. It just got here yesterday. I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw. "

The teeth points aren't showing just the teeth edges, so a simple solution is available: Just wrap a cloth around it and rubber band it. In fact, when I got my Big Boy 2000 on Amazon, it came with a cloth that is supposedly good at cleaning tree sap and gum. And it was $1 less than the saw alone. That's the cloth I'll wrap it with, I guess. Big Boy Reasonable Set

schweady: "

Wick: "I have the big boy. It just got here yesterday. I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw. "

The teeth points aren't showing just the teeth edges, so a simple solution is available: Just wrap a cloth around it and rubber band it. In fact, when I got my Big Boy 2000 on Amazon, it came with a cloth that is supposedly good at cleaning tree sap and gum. And it was $1 less than the saw alone. That's the cloth I'll wrap it with, I guess. Big Boy Reasonable Set

"

You shouldn't have to do anything extra to prevent cutting yourself.

Pinetree: "You shouldn't have to do anything extra to prevent cutting yourself."

?? I'm not worried about it jumping over at me and drawing blood... I'm just packing both the saw and the handy cloth in a way that makes sense to pack it efficiently for travel as long as I have decided to bring both along...

(BTW: I have an Irwin with Ragged sheath, a Bob Destrude, and a homemade collapsable bow saw. All dandy items. Did I mention my saw collection problem ??)

schweady:
?? I'm not worried about it jumping over at me and drawing blood... I'm just packing both the saw and the handy cloth in a way that makes sense to pack it efficiently for travel as long as I have decided to bring both along...

"

Yes, stuffed in a pack i can see bags getting pushed into the exposed area and the teeth cutting my expensive bags and equipment. It will need a good sheath that prevents it from opening more before going into my pack, more then just wrapped in a cloth. I think the wife unit can sew something to slip it in with velcro to seal off the opening.

AndySG: "Silky Saws and other folding/break-down saws suck. Just get a real saw like This Irwin . Make a sheath or search this site for Irwin Saw Sheaths. You will be happy with it."

Rolling my eyes.....

Wick: "The blade on the corona looked nice at lowes today, but has more teeth showing when folded then the bigboy does!
"

Sheaths can be purchased for the Coronas too. I have a Silky Super Accel Z1 which fits in the Corona sheath w/belt clip very nicely. I hardly ever make a fire in warmer months, tho. In September campfires are nice & enjoyable, I will say. No swatting at skeeters.

Are people getting the straight or curved Silky Saws? I wonder if the straight ones might close more completely.

andym: "Are people getting the straight or curved Silky Saws? I wonder if the straight ones might close more completely."

I got the curved. I think the straight one hides the teeth better when folded.

andym: "Are people getting the straight or curved Silky Saws? I wonder if the straight ones might close more completely."

Curved. It cuts better. And, more than anything, that's what I want it to do.

Damn everyone suggesting awesome gear! I never heard of silky saws, now i have one in the mail on the way :P

I wrap my saw in one of those recycleable grocery bags to hide the sharp teeth. I can use the bag as my twig bag when collecting wood.

AndySG: "Silky Saws and other folding/break-down saws suck. Just get a real saw like This Irwin . Make a sheath or search this site for Irwin Saw Sheaths. You will be happy with it."

I am interested in knowing from those you who might know. Is Andy right? I've heard good things about the Irwin saws. Anyone with experience have further thoughts on which is better?

Mc2mens, my saw is the Irwin.

I think both saws are fine choices. Just a preference for folding or non-folding. Pack a pair of leather work gloves, tho. You don't want to rip your hand/finger open should you get distracted while sawing. When you touch the Silky's teeth you just know it'll slice your skin/muscle real easy.

AndySG, quite the odd link you've attached to Irwin Saw. To each his own vanity/ bragging, I reckon.

Thanks for pointing out my error MJM. I had copied that link earlier to send to a friend as a joke. Apparently, I messed up copying the Irwin Saw link and wound up posting a rather offensive link instead. My bad, and I apologize to all.

However, those interested in a premium saw for cutting wood, I and others highly recommend the Irwin. It was first recommended by PortageKeeper, the guy who does portage clearing trips every year. In response to the overwhelming acceptance of this tool, member Ragged made and sold over 100 sheaths for the saw. I believe he still makes them.

Once again, sorry for my faux pas. Am I embarrassed? Indeed I am.

New saw got here, grabbed some duck canvas off the shelf, fired up the sewing machine and 30 minutes later here it is!

Wick: "I have the big boy. It just got here yesterday. I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw. "

This problem inspired me to learn to sew. My first project:

I couldn't take it and ordered a gomboy curve 240, it comes with a plastic case which seems useful for packing

boondock: "I couldn't take it and ordered a gomboy curve 240, it comes with a plastic case which seems useful for packing"

got ya! you got dat 'gizmo bug' like the rest of us. Enjoy!

I have the pistol grip handle with the sheath and understand many of you like the lighter weight of like 0.65 pounds for comparable blade length. I just wonder how the straight handle vs the pistol grip as far as feel when cutting. I would think maybe the pistol grip would be a little easier and the fixed blade maybe a little more stable and efficient? Anyone have both or a comment? Kind of curious.

pistol grip

I got over 12 years out of that Florian saw but I think they have changed mfg's and quality of their product from a review I read.

I looked at Hooyman 5' extension saws that I could put in my backpack and I can't tell you how many times I've climbed a new tree and wanted to trim limbs "just" out of reach. The Hooyman saw got good reviews and I watched some YouTube vids on the product.

I think I'll buy the Hooyman as the retractable extension option sold me. I can remove the saw from the extension if I want.

Also, there is folding saws guide which provide detailed review of best saws of 2019!

Wick: " I am kind of disappointed that 4-5 inches of the teeth show when it is folded. They definetly will catch my fingers when i run them down the folded saw, so they would catch and rip one of my bags when in the pack. I will have to find some kind of cover for it or buy a different saw. "

I have a Silky Gomboy 240 with large teeth, I love this saw. Took it on a 4 day trip recently and performed flawlessly. I highly recommend them.

minnesotashooter: "I have a Silky Gomboy 240 with large teeth, I love this saw. Took it on a 4 day trip recently and performed flawlessly. I highly recommend them."

Silky rocks

I use a Silky Big Boy (as previously noted).

I've been binge watching episodes of "Alone" and I believe that I've spotted at least three of the contestants using this saw.

dd

I bought a big boy this year. Can’t compare to other silky models but it’s definitely the best saw I’ve ever used.

I have the F/S Silky Hand Saw SUGOI 360 and just love it.

I bought the BigBoy this year as well. Because of what I'd read here, I went with the straight blade with LG teeth instead of the curved BigBoy2000 with the XL teeth. Teeth are concealed when saw is folded. I've only used it in the backyard so far and really like it.

Another vote for the Big Boy XL teeth - perfect camp saw.

Bump 1 for big boy XL. Cuts like butter, perfect for deadfall pines to slice nice length segments for splitting with the hatchet. Can’t imagine how I got by before it, way less work than the machetes we used before it!

Silky Gomboay 240, large tooth for me. ROG (Review Outdoor Gear) makes a great leather sheath for it. ROG Saw Sheath . You select which saw you want from the drop-down.

I like it 100% more than my Bahco Laplander folding saw, and 1000% more than my Milwaukee folding saw with a Sawzall blade.

Pine Tree do you still use this Silky saw? How much does it weigh?

SOVOS: "Pine Tree do you still use this Silky saw? How much does it weigh?

F/S Silky Hand Saw SUGOI 36 the saw weights 12 oz and the scabbard or sheath weights 11-12 .oz. so around 1.5 pounds. Maybe a little heavy for some light travelers. Summertime I usually never bring a saw or ax-never needed in Quetico where I trip mostly. Wintertime I will take it.

Lost my first saw, I left it on my back bumper and it blew off. Bought another one right away.
I am cutting all the time with it. I use it steady on my brothers deer hunting land, clearing fallen trees up to will say 10 inches(done some bigger, but it does have a limit. Smaller stuff your done cutting before you start.. I like the stiff recurved handle it seems to give me more torque or a better grip to saw. The blade never seems the dull. I actually have used it or misused it like a machete at times clearing blackberry bushed crossing our trails. I often joked I could compete with a chainsaw cutting. It cuts awesome on the pull and push stroke.
It all depends on what you want to carry and how satisfied you are with a straight handle cutting. The saw has a little depth to it so the blade is fairly stiff making it pretty efficient vs a blade that bends.
Like I said I use it in my yard, strap it on my belt all the time for being out in the woods. One of the best buys I ever made.

All that said I have no experience with the other saw designs.

Thanks for your reply Pinetree! I love that setup but it's a little heavy for the way we travel....no base camping and the older we get the more we are trying to shave off pounds. Other than that, it sure looks like the perfect set up. Again, thanks!

Pinetree: "

SOVOS: "Pine Tree do you still use this Silky saw? How much does it weigh?


F/S Silky Hand Saw SUGOI 36 the saw weights 12 oz and the scabbard or sheath weights 11-12 .oz. so around 1.5 pounds. Maybe a little heavy for some light travelers. Summertime I usually never bring a saw or ax-never needed in Quetico where I trip mostly. Wintertime I will take it.


Lost my first saw, I left it on my back bumper and it blew off. Bought another one right away.
I am cutting all the time with it. I use it steady on my brothers deer hunting land, clearing fallen trees up to will say 10 inches(done some bigger, but it does have a limit. Smaller stuff your done cutting before you start.. I like the stiff recurved handle it seems to give me more torque or a better grip to saw. The blade never seems the dull. I actually have used it or misused it like a machete at times clearing blackberry bushed crossing our trails. I often joked I could compete with a chainsaw cutting. It cuts awesome on the pull and push stroke.
It all depends on what you want to carry and how satisfied you are with a straight handle cutting. The saw has a little depth to it so the blade is fairly stiff making it pretty efficient vs a blade that bends.
Like I said I use it in my yard, strap it on my belt all the time for being out in the woods. One of the best buys I ever made.


All that said I have no experience with the other saw designs.

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