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ashlandjack
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04/11/2020 05:50PM  
Trying to decide between a Silky Big Boy 360 and an Agawa Canyon Boreal 21. The prices are about the same. Does anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks.
 
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OCDave
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04/11/2020 06:07PM  
My Silky Boy is the F180. It is lighter, but also less functional. I carry it when backpacking with a group likely to want to build fires.

I got my Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 last fall. It makes short work of sawing tasks in my backyard. I have not taken it on a trip yet but, I am eager to do so.

The Silky saw feels disposable to me. It will sell for $5 at the estate sale they have when I die.

The Agawa Canyon saw feels like a heirloom piece of gear. I imagine a grandson or granddaughter using it on their own BWCA adventure with one of my Gransfors Bruks hatchets.

Good Luck.

PS. Eventually you will need a new blade: $10-15 for the Agawa Canyon vs $46 for the Silky Boy
 
MidwestFirecraft
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04/11/2020 08:27PM  
I own them both, plus the katanaboy 500 and pocketboy. The big boy 14 with extra large teeth is by far my favorite all around saw. You have to understand that it is a pull saw and will be damaged if you apply downward pressure on the push stroke. Other than that they are lighter and more efficient than a bow saw. The bigger factor is that a bow saw is limited in the diameter it can cut by how high the frame is, which is really frustrating when trying to cut larger pieces. How To Avoid Breaking Your Folding Saw
 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
04/11/2020 08:37PM  
I'm going to follow this thread. We've always carried a Sven Saw and seemed to have good luck with it, but the Agawa Canyon looks like a better mousetrap. More money than the Sven - about double - but maybe worth considering.

My first thought is I'd pass on the Silky Big Boy, but that's based strictly on first opinion. I'm sure it has it's purpose.
 
trailchief
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04/11/2020 11:26PM  
Thought about getting a Silky last season. I have a Sven saw that has always been good to me. My buddy I trip with has the Agawa Canyon. Wasn't really impressed with it. I dont think it cut better than the Sven. Just my two cents.

After searching on here for info on the Silkies, I found a thread that recommended the Irwin saw. Found it at Farm n Fleet for $16. I haven't looked back. It flies through woodn and it's more versatile because its not a bow.

This guy here Irwin Hand Saw
 
gkimball
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04/12/2020 09:21AM  
I have been using a Silky Big Boy for several years and have never felt it is flimsy or light duty. As with all saws you need to be careful with how you use it. It cuts very well and the pulling stroke cutting saves a lot of energy. Also you can fit the blade in places that you can't get a bow saw into.
 
AirPrex
senior member (92)senior membersenior member
  
04/12/2020 12:16PM  
gkimball: "I have been using a Silky Big Boy for several years and have never felt it is flimsy or light duty. As with all saws you need to be careful with how you use it. It cuts very well and the pulling stroke cutting saves a lot of energy. Also you can fit the blade in places that you can't get a bow saw into."

+1 on all of this except I have a Silky Ultra Accel curved 240
 
Northwoodsman
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04/12/2020 01:15PM  
I have both. I would recommend the Silky.
 
SinglePortage
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04/12/2020 04:42PM  
I have both and I would go with the Silky Big Boy. The Silky 180 is a great saw for warmer weather trips when the fire is more for fun. I bring the big boy on cool/cold weather trips when a bigger, warming fire is needed.

 
mschi772
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04/12/2020 04:55PM  
They're both the best of their respective types in my opinion and very equally-matched, so it's up to your personal preference. Most people have used a bow saw before, and while there are better and worse blades out there, you should have a decent idea of what using one is like. If you've never used a Japanese pull saw like a silky before, pick-up a cheap Corona saw to play with first. They're not as good as a Silky, but they're very cheap and good enough to give you an idea of what using such a saw is like. If you like the Corona, you'l love the much better Silky. If you find you prefer the way a bow saw handles, go with the Agawa Canyon.

Whatever you do, don't manhandle Japanese pull saws, and especially don't try to apply pressure and cut on the push stroke. That is how people damage these saws and fool themselves into thinking they're not good.
 
schweady
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04/12/2020 07:15PM  
After trying out five other models on several previous trips, the Silky BigBoy 2000 is the best saw we have ever brought in. We cook all meals over a fire and cut and split a lot of cedar to accomplish that. One of our guys did manage to break a blade, but we had a spare along. (Made him sweat it out a bit before pulling it out...)

 
MidwestFirecraft
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04/13/2020 05:49AM  
schweady: "One of our guys did manage to break a blade, but we had a spare along. (Made him sweat it out a bit before pulling it out...)

"


That's the only downside I have found with the Silky saw. Your tripping partners have to be humble enough to listen to instruction on how to use it. If I know it will be a problem or I'm bringing kids, I generally bring the Boreal. If it is my trusted tripping partners, it is one of the Silky saws all the way.

 
ashlandjack
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04/13/2020 07:05AM  
Great response, thank you.
If I would choose the silky what grit blade is over all the best , course ,medium , fine ? Also any opion on model and size?
 
schweady
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04/13/2020 07:28AM  
MidwestFirecraft: "...That's the only downside I have found with the Silky saw. Your tripping partners have to be humble enough to listen to instruction on how to use it..."

Yup. I want to engrave on the handle: "Cuts on the PULL"

ashlandjack: "Great response, thank you.
If I would choose the silky what grit blade is over all the best , course ,medium , fine ? Also any opion on model and size? "

The BigBoy 2000 has a very aggressive COURSE teething. Perfect for cutting our firewood.
 
Othello
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04/13/2020 09:34AM  
Great responses; there are many great saws, and it is a personal preference decision as much as anything. As also mentioned, know how to properly use the saw you choose, and you'll be fine.

I prefer the Silkys, and have both the BigBoy2000 and the Ultra Accel Curved 240. I use the Ultra Accel 90% of the time, but the BigBoy is a blessing when cutting larger diameter wood.
 
04/13/2020 09:55AM  

Fanno pony saw - an arborist saw. Very light with just the right amount of flex, super sharp and retains its edge very well.
Fanno 13" pony saw
 
04/13/2020 12:03PM  
Silky is always my choice. I find myself almost always bringing the katanaboy on trips now. I know, its overhaul every time, except when you NEED it to be big. I've cleared down trees on portages in minutes instead of an hour and it's made firewood gathering a much shorter 'game' than a chore. I'll be hard pressed to go back into a saw needing assembly and that is limited in how thick of a cut it can make.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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04/13/2020 12:32PM  
ashlandjack: "If I would choose the silky what grit blade is over all the best , course ,medium , fine ? Also any opion on model and size? "


Attached for size comparison is the Silky Katana 500, Big Boy, Gomboy, and Boreal 21. Best all around for me is the Big Boy with Extra Large Teeth.

 
OCDave
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04/13/2020 04:25PM  
MidwestFirecraft: "
ashlandjack: "If I would choose the silky what grit blade is over all the best , course ,medium , fine ? Also any opion on model and size? "



Attached for size comparison is the Silky Katana 500, Big Boy, Gomboy, and Boreal 21. Best all around for me is the Big Boy with Extra Large Teeth.


"
.


You guys are killing me. I haven't even taken my Agawa Canyon saw on a single trip and now having buyer's remorse.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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04/13/2020 05:53PM  
OCDave: "You guys are killing me. I haven't even taken my Agawa Canyon saw on a single trip and now having buyer's remorse. "

The Boreal 21 is a great saw. It's compact, easy to assemble, and dependable. I take it every summer when introducing kids to the BWCA or on youth camping trips. If it was my only saw I would still be very happy. We are truly blessed to have so many great tools at our disposal!
 
ashlandjack
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04/13/2020 08:10PM  
Well I am more undecided than when I started but sounds like I can't go wrong with either. But it sounds like I've got it down to two good chooses. I think the silky would be great for trimming the branches off down trees because it can get into tighter spaces where the Agawa may not fit, but could cut the larger stuff easier. If I use my solo stove smaller fuel is needed but I always like a fire in the evening. I am leaning toward the silky right now.
 
DKalis
senior member (56)senior membersenior member
  
04/13/2020 09:34PM  
+1 on the Irwin carpenter saw
 
mgraber
distinguished member(1486)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/14/2020 12:37AM  
I prefer the Agawa Canyon when cutting a lot of wood as it is MUCH easier on your grip muscles, at least for me. The Silky saws wear out my grip, but are also fantastic as far as cutting. There are more aggressive blades available for the A.C.
 
HowardSprague
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04/14/2020 02:59AM  
I recently got the Silky Big Boy 360mm LG Teeth and am pretty thrilled, though haven’t put it to heavy use on a trip yet. I like the straight blade, as the teeth are all hidden when it’s folded up. The grip feels great.
 
SevenofNine
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04/14/2020 08:34AM  
I carry the Irwin coarse cut saw as well. Decent saw and I don't worry too much about how the width of the tree like a bow saw.
 
schweady
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04/14/2020 09:25AM  
SevenofNine: "I carry the Irwin coarse cut saw as well. Decent saw and I don't worry too much about how the width of the tree like a bow saw."

For our most recent larger basecamp groups, we have carried in 2 saws. The past couple of years, that has been our Irwin and the Silky. The Irwin hardly gets touched in favor of the Silky.
 
04/14/2020 12:01PM  
I do clearing trips on the Pow Wow Trail (ep 86) with the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee. Before I did that I thought it was a no-brainer that I wanted a Boreal 21 - it folds up small and securely, has a narrow and cheap blade. But BWAC uses entirely Silky saws, and I have to say it becomes really obvious why when you're clearing trails. Pull saws such as the Silkys are super efficient, very maneuverable, and unlikely to get stuck. When we're clearing trails all day long for multiple days, the cumulative gains in efficiency and maneuverability really add up. I'd never dream of using a bow saw for trail clearing.

That said, most people take saws into the woods more for peace of mind than for actual work. Sure, they might cut some firewood, but at that kind of volume I don't know that it matters much. The Boreal 21 will be hard to maneuver in crowded places, but you can just find something that's less crowded to cut. Any reasonably well designed saw will work fine.
 
04/14/2020 02:23PM  
I have a Big Boy and have taken it on my last 3 or so trips, and have been thinking of getting an Agawa Canyon. For reference, I had a Sawvivor (no defunct) that was sort of like an Agawa, and I also have an Irwin (taken on 1 winter trip) and a Bahco 24 (taken on about 8 winter trips - the Irwin went on one winter trip but lost out to the Bahco).

Like TominMPLS mentions, I have found the Big Boy to be absolutely great at clearing trail. Two summers ago I did the secret portage from Slim to Fat and used it to clear a bunch of down trees. Last month on a winter trip I used it to clear a couple downed trees on portages between Brant and Gillis. One in particular was rather large in dimension and took a while. For downfall, it seems awesome. But downfall is often either at an odd angle, or its laying across allows you to use both hands.

Where I have struggled with the Silky is when I bring a 6-8 foot log back to camp and get down on my knees to process it. Most typically one hand has to be on the log, and one hand on the saw. I have found sometimes that holding onto the Silky while cutting this way is very tiring on my arm, and I wish I had a bow type saw or Irwin. Think about it this way - to simulate the Silky, but your hand on a flat table with your knuckles straight down and move back and forth. For a bow type saw or Irwin, make a fist and put the fat part of your hand under your pinky down and your knuckles forward and move your hand back and forth. So far I've felt the one handed sawing position of the Silky was harder than the one handed position of a bow or Irwin, especially the doing cut after cut after cut after cut.

So the jury is still out for me and I'll likely try the Silky for in camp processing one more time, but so far its not a slam dunk for me that the Agawa wouldn't be more comfortable for repetition sawing.
 
mgraber
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04/14/2020 06:30PM  
Believe me, the one handed repetitive sawing is the one place that the A.C. 21 is a winner, in other words, one man processing of a lot of firewood. For clearing trails, the Silky wins, but not by that much.
 
Moonman
distinguished member(929)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/15/2020 08:13PM  
Not to hijack the thread but have any of you used the Bob Dustrude saw? I have one, I love it, but have wondered about the Agawa. A buddy has a couple silky’s and he loves them, but also has a Bob Dustrude (which he loves as well and is very similar to the Agawa Canyon). Anyway, I find that with most gear you seldom get to check out all the contenders in person at the same time...whatever we buy, we feel we made the ‘right’ choice. I think maybe I will buy one of each lol.

Moonman.
 
Nineteenpack
member (36)member
  
04/15/2020 11:32PM  
I don't know what I would do without my SVEN Saw, I don't think anything comes close and the replacement blades are about $10. The SVEN Saw is light weight, packable, ergonomic design, reasonably priced with reasonably priced replacement blades. Its a no-brainer, get a SVEN
 
schweady
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04/16/2020 08:49AM  
Moonman: "Not to hijack the thread but have any of you used the Bob Dustrude saw?..."

Our progression was:
hardware store bow saw
homemade collapsable bow saw
Bob Dustrude
Irwin coarse cut
Silky Bigboy 2000

Each step of the way, we perceived a big improvement over the previous. YMMV
 
gqualls
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04/19/2020 05:32AM  
Silky Saw for me …. works great for what we do.
 
04/23/2020 07:50AM  
I have the Agawa Canyon and have had zero complaints. Now after reading this I am pretty sure I "need" a Silky just to give a fair comparison.
 
ashlandjack
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04/23/2020 10:30AM  
If I had to make the decision today I would pull the trigger on the Silky.
 
Mickeal
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04/24/2020 02:49PM  
The best advise I have received from this web site was, get a Erwin rough cut saw. You choose the length. I have used one for the past 6 years. It is a rough cut carpenters saw that is the best saw for the BW. I wish I had know this the 26 years prior.
 
04/25/2020 08:26AM  
IndyCanoe: "I have the Agawa Canyon and have had zero complaints. Now after reading this I am pretty sure I "need" a Silky just to give a fair comparison. "


Lol I am in the same boat. Why am I even thinking about it when the saw works great...but I am!
 
andym
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05/10/2020 09:07PM  
If you like the Silky Saws but want a different handle, these Corona pruning saws are a curved pull saw with hand position like an Erwin or Agawa Canyon. I tore through some good sized limbs while pruning a bush/tree in our backyard today. It would need a good sheath to carry for camping. There might be ones with shorter blades.
 
jrlatt
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05/11/2020 12:30AM  
I think they are both nice saws. They are bigger and heavier than what I pack. I have an older version of this that I take with me.
ars
ars~
Mine looks more like this one
ars I like the light weight(4.8oz) for the one I have.

If you want to go cheaper.
This is a good option. It is light (11.7 oz) and study I don't worry about someone else or my friends kids using it. It is harder to pack. I have found a nice spot on my pack between outside side pocked and main pack. You can break it down to make easier to pack if you like, I don't. I usually take it with. I also have a Swen saw(10.7 oz). It has a very sharp blade. It tends to sway from side to side a little while cutting for me. Yet there are those that will claim it will only cut small diameter stuff. I am not cutting logs thicker than 4" in diameter. I like to have a fire, but not a bon fire. So my 2 cents recommendation would depend on who your travel companions are. A light weight ARS or silky for my self. For group use I get Nicholson >
Economy Hacksaw Frame 12.00 + Soderholm >
12 In. Bow Saw Blade 3.49 + tax is less than 17.00
 
05/12/2020 01:03PM  
DKalis: "+1 on the Irwin carpenter saw"

I'm thinking about buying an Irwin. Is there a center model or type I should be looking at?

Thanks
 
05/17/2020 07:13AM  
For those using an Irwin, do you have the 15" or the 20" coarse cut?
Thanks
 
05/18/2020 02:20PM  
ashlandjack: "If I had to make the decision today I would pull the trigger on the Silky."


If you haven't decided yet, I have the Silky XL & very happy with it. Friends on trips have been blown away with how easy it makes sectioning off deadfall. I'm pretty damn impressed too, infinitely better than trips before the saw
 
05/18/2020 04:23PM  
I bought the Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 three years ago after getting fed up with other cheaper alternatives that would give me issues.

Like many things other things I can't give you a good comparison because I've only owned the Agawa but I can tell you my experience so far although it will be similar to the other comments.

1. It is far better than any folding blade I took up there prior. The folding blades just didn't get me the length and "leverage" (right word?? I'm not a saw scientist) I needed to effectively cut lumber quickly and it couldn't cut large logs very well. *EDIT: after reading more of this post it is clear that there are some very good folding blade saws out there so I may have to give these another try and just spend some more money to get a good one*

2. The Agawa is very sturdy. I have had it into the Quetico and about 4 trips into BWCA plus numerous "glamping" trips and it has not even shown signs of wear and tear. This thing seems indestructible. I also love how easy it is to collapse it for transport.

3. This saw rips through logs. It is big enough to handle large logs and makes quick work of small branches. It also give you good "leverage" (sp?) for sawing back and forth.

4. I really enjoy this saw and I recommend to all my friends looking for a similar purchase. I would recommend this easily to you.

PM me if you have any questions at all about it.

 
schweady
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05/18/2020 10:48PM  
Just here cleaning up quotes...
 
Blackdogyak
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01/15/2022 09:55AM  
Older post but still valid.
I'd like to.tjrow.in my vote for the Boreal 21. Extremely well-designed and well-built tool. Rugged as heck...no flex at all. It's totally self contained. There are no screws, bolts, pins or nuts that must be used for assembly and disassembly. It simple folds open and clicks shut. No little hardware bits to lose in the leaves. It really is an amazing design. They make a smaller model and a larger 24 model as well.

While it's true that the bow saws limit the diameter logs you can cut, you can, if desired, turn the log and continue the cut. But really, for firewood, I'm not interested in anything larger than 8" diameter especially since I don't have a splitting maul. Lastly, the blades are universal and pretty inexpensive and lightweight.
 
Scoobs
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01/21/2022 07:00AM  
ashlandjack: "Well I am more undecided than when I started but sounds like I can't go wrong with either. But it sounds like I've got it down to two good chooses. I think the silky would be great for trimming the branches off down trees because it can get into tighter spaces where the Agawa may not fit, but could cut the larger stuff easier. If I use my solo stove smaller fuel is needed but I always like a fire in the evening. I am leaning toward the silky right now. "


A good axe can limb dead branches off trees, and split it down from fuel to starting tinder and shavings. It should have zero problem creating all the fuel you need for a small solo stove.

If you want to pack super light for a solo stove, you could use a good knife for breaking down small dead branches for your stove fuel. Welp technically, a good pair of gloves and boots might be all you need for this. :)

For a larger longer burning fire: a larger silky can easily cut the larger stuff. Even take down a small to medium sized dead standing tree. The axe for splitting the rounds, and breaking those down into fuel, tinder and starter shavings.

If I was going to bring one tool into the woods with me to save weight, it would be a small 20" axe. ...but be extra careful with it...
 
Scoobs
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03/05/2022 01:08PM  
Back to saws...

I just bought this saw in February: Silky Professional SUGOWAZA saw 420mm XL Teeth

Finally took out back, to give it a test run: it just ripped through well-seasoned Ash in no time, one round was 10". Plus it ripped through a seasoned 6" river birch like it was a twig.

This saw, while a bit long, is fantastic if you need to cut through larger rounds for a fire.
 
03/14/2022 09:56PM  
If buying the agawa canyon... get the more aggressive blade and it will be your favorite saw ever!
 
DMan5501
senior member (69)senior membersenior member
  
03/15/2022 11:53AM  
OK.. Need some saw advice..

Have the Silky Big Boy for group trips... absolutely love it!

Now in the market for a Solo & Backpacking saw..

Torn between:
Silky Pocketboy 130 & 170...
Leaning towards the 170.. The 170 has a bit larger handle and blade and not much of a weight difference.. (both curved blades and large teeth)..

What says you??

Thanks in advance

DMan5501

 
mgraber
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03/15/2022 03:35PM  
nctry: "If buying the agawa canyon... get the more aggressive blade and it will be your favorite saw ever!"


++1!
 
CRL
senior member (85)senior membersenior member
  
03/15/2022 06:59PM  
DMan5501: "OK.. Need some saw advice..


Have the Silky Big Boy for group trips... absolutely love it!


Now in the market for a Solo & Backpacking saw..


Torn between:
Silky Pocketboy 130 & 170...
Leaning towards the 170.. The 170 has a bit larger handle and blade and not much of a weight difference.. (both curved blades and large teeth)..


What says you??


Thanks in advance


DMan5501


"

Longer blade allows a longer, more efficient stroke. I do arborist work in addition to being a teacher. I use the Silky Tsurugi 330 (7.5 tpi) curved blade on my climb harness. It finds it's way into the portage pack, too.
 
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