Arborist Hand Saws & Scabbards

Buying guide

Curved or straight

A curved hand saw bites hard on the pull stroke, which makes it fast for overhead cuts and larger limbs. A straight blade gives better control and a cleaner finish for precise pruning cuts. Many climbers carry a curved saw on one side of the saddle and a smaller straight saw on the other.

Length matters too. A saw with a long blade cuts larger limbs quickly but is heavier and harder to handle in tight spots. Saws around 300 to 330 mm, like the Gomtaro 300 and Gunfighter 330, are a popular middle ground.

The Silky Zubat is a classic curved arborist saw with an aggressive tooth pattern. The Sugoi is a large curved saw for fast cutting. The Gomtaro is a straight saw known for being tough and reliable, and it is also popular for cutting roots. The Gunfighter is designed with arborists in mind, with a scabbard built for carrying on a saddle.

A curved hand saw with a long blade is the go-to choice for many removal climbers, while pruning specialists often prefer a shorter straight blade.

Scabbards and carrying

A hand saw with a sheath is safer to carry and easier to reach. Most Silky saws come with a scabbard that clips to your saddle or belt. Mount it where you can draw and return the saw with one hand without looking, and check that the retention holds the saw securely when you are upside down in the tree.

Many climbers tether their hand saw so it cannot fall into the drop zone.

A tether can be as simple as a short cord between the saw handle and a saddle loop. Make sure it is long enough to make full strokes but short enough not to tangle with your climbing system.

Cutting technique

Pull saws cut on the pull stroke, so let the saw do the work and avoid forcing it on the push. Use the three-cut method on heavier limbs to prevent bark tearing, and make final cuts just outside the branch collar, as described in ANSI A300. Keep your free hand well away from the blade path.

When working aloft, position yourself so you are not reaching across your body or cutting toward your own rope or lanyard. A sharp saw cuts rope as easily as wood.

Blade care

Wipe sap off the blade after use and keep it dry to prevent rust. Most hardened-tooth blades are not resharpened; replace the blade when it dulls or bends. Replacement blades are available for many Silky models in our blades section.

Keep your hand saw scabbard clean too. Sawdust and sap build up inside and can make the saw stick, which is frustrating and unsafe when you need to draw it quickly.

Rust on a blade slows cuts and weakens teeth. A light coat of oil after cleaning helps in wet weather, but wipe off excess before use so it does not pick up grit.