Silky Gunfighter Hand Saw, Professional 330mm

The Silky Gunfighter hand saw combines a curved 330 mm blade with a pistol-grip handle that gives you a firm hold for power cuts. It is a favorite for climbers and ground workers who want a fast saw that is easy to control with one hand.

Why the pistol grip

The Gunfighter's handle is its signature. A pistol-style grip lets you hold the saw firmly even with gloves on and drive cuts with your whole forearm. When you are reaching out on a limb or cutting at an awkward angle, that secure hold means more control and less fatigue.

Paired with a curved blade, the grip keeps the teeth biting through the whole stroke. The curve pulls the saw into the wood, so you work less to keep it cutting.

The handle is also rubberized, which helps when your gloves are wet or covered in sap. A slip with a sharp saw is never good, especially aloft.

Where it shines

The 330 mm blade is long enough for limbs most climbers would rather not start a top-handle saw for. Use it for reductions, deadwooding, removing stubs and cleaning up cuts. On the ground it is quick for limbing brush before it goes into the chipper.

The aggressive teeth leave a slightly rougher finish than fine-tooth pruning saws. For final cuts on ornamental trees, some climbers carry a finer saw as well.

For climbers who run a Silky Gunfighter hand saw as their main tool, the scabbard placement matters. Clip it on the side of your saddle that keeps the handle within easy reach of your cutting hand.

In removal work it is useful for trimming small limbs off a log before you rig it, and for cleaning branch stubs off the stem so your flip line slides freely.

Gunfighter vs Sugoi

Both are curved 330 mm-class Silky saws. The Sugoi has a tapered blade and a straighter handle, while the Gunfighter adds the pistol grip. If you like a secure, locked-in feel, the Gunfighter is worth a look. Compare with the Silky Sugoi to decide.

Some climbers carry both. The Gunfighter handles heavy cuts, while a shorter saw handles fine pruning. Whatever you choose, keep the saw sharp and in its scabbard when you move.

Care and safety

Clean pitch off the blade after work with resin cleaner and a light oil. Replace the blade when dull, kinked or missing teeth. Keep the scabbard clipped to your saddle and the saw in it whenever you move. Hand saws are sharp enough to cause serious cuts. Keep the blade in its scabbard when not cutting, wear gloves, and cut away from your body and your climbing line. Follow ANSI Z133 and get trained before cutting aloft.

If the blade starts binding or burning, clean it first, since pitch buildup often slows the cut. If it still drags after cleaning, replace the blade.

Store the saw dry in its scabbard, and when you swap the blade, make a few test cuts on the ground before taking it aloft.