Silky Saw Comparison: Which Silky to Carry

Why a Silky saw comparison matters

Silky makes dozens of saws, and the names do not tell you much. This Silky saw comparison focuses on the five models tree workers ask about most: the Sugoi, Gunfighter, Zubat, Gomtaro and Pocketboy. All use Silky's hard, sharp, pull-stroke blades, and all cut fast. The differences are in blade shape, length, handle and how you carry them.

Before you pick a model, think about what you cut most. A pruning climber making finish cuts on live trees needs something different from a removal climber blocking down limbs, and a ground worker clearing brush needs something different again. Browse all the options in our hand saws and scabbards section.

All five are pull-stroke saws. That means the teeth cut as you draw the saw toward you, which keeps the thin blade in tension and lets it cut quickly with little effort. It also means you should let the saw do the work on the pull and use a light return stroke. Forcing the push stroke is the fastest way to bend or kink a hard Japanese blade.

Curved vs straight blades

Curved blades, like the Zubat, Sugoi and Gunfighter, pull into the wood as you cut. That makes them fast and efficient on overhead cuts and limbs at awkward angles, which is why most climbers carry a curved saw. The curve also helps the saw stay in the kerf when you are working one-handed.

Straight blades, like the Gomtaro, give more control on precise cuts and work well near the ground, on roots and on cuts where you want a flat, even face. Many arborists carry a curved saw on the saddle and keep a straight saw in the truck or on the ground.

Blade shape also changes how the saw feels when you start a cut. Curved blades bite quickly on the first pull, which is great overhead but can grab if you are not ready for it. Straight blades start more gently and track more predictably along a line, which helps when you want a precise undercut or a clean final cut close to the branch collar.

Silky Zubat: the all-round climbing saw

The Zubat is the saw most people think of when they hear Silky. It has a curved blade, a comfortable rubber-covered handle and a scabbard that clips to your saddle. Sizes include 270, 300 and 330 mm, with the 330 mm size a favorite for climbers who want reach without excessive weight.

It handles most pruning cuts, deadwood removal and small limb work. If you only own one hand saw for climbing, the Zubat is a safe pick. See our Silky Zubat 13-inch page for details.

Silky Sugoi: big wood without a chainsaw

The Sugoi is a large curved saw with an aggressive tooth pattern built for fast cutting in bigger wood. It comes in long sizes such as 360 and 420 mm and is heavier than the Zubat, so it suits climbers who want to handle bigger limbs without starting a top-handle saw.

It is a great tool for removal climbers working in tight spots and for crews working near structures or in noise-sensitive areas. The trade-off is weight on your saddle and a rougher cut than finer-toothed saws. Replacement blades are available, which helps when the blade dulls. Details are on our Silky Sugoi page.

Silky Gunfighter: comfort and control

The Gunfighter is a curved saw with a handle shaped for a secure, comfortable grip. Climbers who like it say it feels steady on overhead cuts and long sessions of pruning, and some find it easier to control one-handed.

It sits between the Zubat and Sugoi for many users: a solid all-round saw with a different feel in the hand. If you have tried a Zubat and found it tiring on your wrist, the Gunfighter is worth a look.

Silky Gomtaro and Pocketboy

The Gomtaro is a straight saw with a rubber handle, available in many lengths and tooth sizes. Fine teeth leave clean finish cuts, while larger teeth cut faster in green wood. It is a strong ground saw, a good choice for root cutting, and a precise option for climbers who prefer a straight blade.

The Pocketboy is a small folding saw that fits in a pocket or a saddle pouch. It is a handy backup, useful for small cuts, and a favorite for groundworkers who need a saw now and then. It is not built for heavy limb work.

• Zubat: curved, all-round climbing saw
• Sugoi: large curved saw for bigger limbs
• Gunfighter: curved, with a grip-focused handle
• Gomtaro: straight blade for control, roots and ground work
• Pocketboy: compact folding backup saw

Tooth size, blade length and scabbards

Within each model, Silky offers different tooth sizes. Larger teeth remove wood faster in green limbs but leave a rougher face. Finer teeth cut slower but leave a cleaner finish cut, which matters when you are making pruning cuts that the tree has to close over. Most climbers working on live trees do well with medium teeth on a curved saw.

Blade length is a balance between reach and weight. A longer blade cuts bigger wood in fewer strokes and lets you reach a little farther, but it hangs heavier on your saddle and is harder to control in tight crotches. Climbers who do a lot of fine pruning often settle on a 270 to 330 mm saw, while removal climbers lean longer.

Scabbard design matters more than people think. A good scabbard lets you holster the saw one-handed, holds it securely when you are moving through the canopy, and clips firmly to your saddle. Many arborists also add a short tether so a dropped saw stays on the saddle instead of falling toward the ground crew.

How to choose and care for your Silky

Match the saw to your main work. Pruning climbers usually start with a Zubat or Gunfighter. Removal climbers who want to avoid running a chainsaw on small limbs often add a Sugoi. Ground crews do well with a Gomtaro or Pocketboy.

Silky blades are hard and are generally replaced rather than resharpened in the field. Clean sap off the blade, keep it in its scabbard, attach it to your saddle with a lanyard when climbing, and keep your free hand clear of the cutting path. A sharp saw is safer because it takes less force.

Budget for replacement blades as part of the cost of ownership. Working climbers who prune every day can dull a blade in weeks, especially in gritty or dead wood. Keeping a spare blade in the truck means you are never stuck finishing a job with a saw that tears instead of cuts.

Common questions

Which Silky saw is best for tree climbing?

The Zubat is the most common all-round climbing saw. The Gunfighter is a good alternative if you want a different grip, and the Sugoi is worth adding for bigger limbs.

Can I sharpen a Silky saw?

Silky blades are hard and are usually replaced rather than sharpened. Replacement blades are available for many models.

What is the difference between the Sugoi and the Zubat?

The Sugoi is larger, heavier and more aggressive for bigger wood. The Zubat is lighter and suits most pruning and smaller limb work.