Silky Stories - Silky Saws

How Silky Helps Volunteers Maintain Trails for the Appalachian Mountain Club

For Craig Heinselman, his job as North Country Trails Volunteer Programs Supervisor for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), is what he calls a “semi-retirement” job. But Heinselman approaches his position coordinating custom groups … read more about How Silky Helps Volunteers Maintain Trails for the Appalachian Mountain Club

Alone Season 11: Dub Paetz and his Gomboy Endured 80 Days in the Arctic

Season 11 of the survival show Alone was a tough one. Alone: Arctic Circle took place in the Mackenzie River Delta in Inuvik, Canada, around 20 miles from the Arctic Ocean and right on the edge of the tree line. There, contestants survived star … read more about Alone Season 11: Dub Paetz and his Gomboy Endured 80 Days in the Arctic

Wildland Firefighter Joe Beck Always has a Silky in His Pack

Born and raised on a cattle farm in Montpelier, Idaho, on the border with Wyoming, wildland firefighter Joe Beck grew up around Silky saws. “My dad has a Bigboy, and I always thought that it was pretty sweet. Every year, we’d take t … read more about Wildland Firefighter Joe Beck Always has a Silky in His Pack

Dylan and Wesley Harkavy depend on the Hibiki to make fine furniture

“I’m a big fan of Alone,” said Wesley Harkavy. “That’s where I first saw Silky saws. Everyone on the show carries a Silky. Dylan and I do a lot of fishing and camping. We always had cheap, dinky saws that were dull … read more about Dylan and Wesley Harkavy depend on the Hibiki to make fine furniture

Ryan Jung: Who needs a snow saw when you have a Silky?

Backcountry skier Ryan Jung, who lives just south of the Monterey Peninsula in California, does a lot of things with his Silky, including using it for snow safety. “When there is enough snow I usually backcountry ski around China Peak dead … read more about Ryan Jung: Who needs a snow saw when you have a Silky?

Silky Saws Help Erich Zimmerman Maintain the Methow Valley Trails

Erich Zimmerman is a trail builder with Methow Valley Trail, a small chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, in rural Eastern Washington. “The Methow Valley is a popular spot for recreation,” says Zimmerman, who worked on a … read more about Silky Saws Help Erich Zimmerman Maintain the Methow Valley Trails

Silky's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s holiday shopping time, and gifting a Silky is one of the best ways to add joy and cheer to the season for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite woodworker, arborist, or trail steward, check out our lis … read more about Silky's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

For Craig Caudill, Author and Founder of the Nature Reliance School, Silky saws are indispensable

Craig Caudill didn’t intend to become one of the leading survival, bushcraft and wilderness instructors in the Southeast. He became an expert by doing what he loved in his home state of Kentucky: hiking, fishing, backpacking, and explorin … read more about For Craig Caudill, Author and Founder of the Nature Reliance School, Silky saws are indispensable

Silky Releases a Limited Edition Gomboy Kuro to Celebrate the Gomboy’s 40th!

To celebrate forty years of the legendary Gomboy saw, Silky proudly introduces the Gomboy Kuro: a special anniversary edition of the best-selling Gomboy. The Gomboy Kuro encompasses everything Silky users know and love about the Gomboy 240 Curv … read more about Silky Releases a Limited Edition Gomboy Kuro to Celebrate the Gomboy’s 40th!

Overlander Andy Hines Always Carries Silky Saws

Andy Hines is a director, filmmaker, and fabricator of antler firestarters, who has been grammy-nominated for his music videos. Originally from Nova Scotia, he’s now based in the Sierra Mountains of Northern California near Yosemite, where … read more about Overlander Andy Hines Always Carries Silky Saws

New England Forestry Foundation uses Silky Saws to Manage Forests for Timber

In the 1930s in New England, a group of outdoor lovers who were also foresters grew concerned about the overharvesting of the region’s private forestlands. For landowners, timber harvesting is a money maker, but the greatest returns for la … read more about New England Forestry Foundation uses Silky Saws to Manage Forests for Timber

Introducing New Katanaboys

Since 2009 when Silky’s Katanaboy 500 was first introduced, Katanaboys have set the standard for handsaws so powerful and efficient they can replace a chainsaw. Today, Silky introduced two new saws: the Katanaboy 550 and the Katanaboy … read more about Introducing New Katanaboys

Fisherman and Hunter Josh McFads on Using Silky Saws for Work and Play

Hunter, fisherman, and content creator Josh McFads owned a three-piece folding saw when a friend introduced him to Silky. “When I was cutting, the blade would twist, and I had to assemble the saw and break it down again every time I use … read more about Fisherman and Hunter Josh McFads on Using Silky Saws for Work and Play

Coppice Worker David Ewer Uses Silky to Make Sheep Hurdles and for Woodland Management

Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management. Coppicers cut down a tree to a stump, which encourages new shoots to grow from the stump or roots in many species of trees. It’s a little bit like pinching the tops of your tomato p … read more about Coppice Worker David Ewer Uses Silky to Make Sheep Hurdles and for Woodland Management

Silky’s Blade Finishes Help Your Saw Last and Perform

If you’ve ever gotten your saw stuck cutting, or you’ve had a tree or branch you’re cutting spring back, the wood you were curing was under compression and tension. Wood under compression and tension requires extra care when … read more about Silky’s Blade Finishes Help Your Saw Last and Perform

Saddle Maker and Horseman Trent Peterson on Why Silky Saws Make Sense for Packing

Trent Peterson hails from Winthrop, in Washington’s Methow Valley. Peterson is a (horse) packer turned saddle maker and horseman. “To be able to call yourself that, you have to be able to create your tack, repair and build gear, be a … read more about Saddle Maker and Horseman Trent Peterson on Why Silky Saws Make Sense for Packing

Silky Bigboys Demystified

If you’ve ever gotten your saw stuck cutting, or you’ve had a tree or branch you’re cutting spring back, the wood you were curing was under compression and tension. Wood under compression and tension requires extra care when … read more about Silky Bigboys Demystified

Remote Ropes’ Waldo Etherington Never Leaves Home Without His Silky

Whether he’s Alaska-bound or spending months deep in a dense jungle, Waldo Etherington, founder of Remote Ropes, says when it comes to his Silky saw, he doesn’t leave home without it! Over the past 10 years, Waldo Etherington, a tr … read more about Remote Ropes’ Waldo Etherington Never Leaves Home Without His Silky

Photographer Ali Hall on Silky as a key tool on a Horsepacking Elk Hunt in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains

Ali Hall and her husband Chase live in Steamboat, Colorado, where Ali is a photographer and Chase manages the Yampa Valley Ranch. They run cattle and have breeding, training and horse operations as well. “So much of my photography is in … read more about Photographer Ali Hall on Silky as a key tool on a Horsepacking Elk Hunt in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains

Cinematographer Joey Schusler Always Has His Silky Bigboy on Hand

Former pro mountain biker and mountain bike adventure cinematographer Joey Schusler always has his Silky Bigboy on hand, whether he’s on a shoot, headed to a trailhead, or volunteering with his local fire department. “When you live … read more about Cinematographer Joey Schusler Always Has His Silky Bigboy on Hand

Why Silky Rides Shotgun when OnX Trail Guide Chris Menz is Offroading

Chris Menz hadn’t had the chance to try a Silky saw until he became a Trail Guide for OnX. “I’ve used a lot of saws over time,” said Menz. “My parents are landscapers, and I grew up landscaping and living on a 100-a … read more about Why Silky Rides Shotgun when OnX Trail Guide Chris Menz is Offroading

Orchardist Profile: Gnarly Pippins

Matt Kaminsky is known eponymously as Gnarly Pippins. It’s an apple pun and a nod to the wild apple trees he studies and works with. Kaminsky, who is Sunderland, Massachusetts-based, works as a full-time farmer, arborist, and cidermaker. H … read more about Orchardist Profile: Gnarly Pippins

Colorado’s Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee depends on Silky to keep OHV trails clear

Located in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest about 35 miles southwest of Denver, the Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area features 200 miles of trails for OHVs, or Off Highway Vehicles, including dirt bikes and ATVs. The 30 designated trail … read more about Colorado’s Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee depends on Silky to keep OHV trails clear

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (BWCA)was founded in 1976. They helped get Minnesota’s million acres Boundary Waters designated as wilderness during the Carter administration. Since then, “the Friends” as they’r … read more about Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

Build Your Sawing Skills: Cutting Wood with Compression and Tension

If you’ve ever gotten your saw stuck cutting, or you’ve had a tree or branch you’re cutting spring back, the wood you were curing was under compression and tension. Wood under compression and tension requires extra care whe … read more about Build Your Sawing Skills: Cutting Wood with Compression and Tension

Silky Saws Saves the Day: A Vermont New Year’s Eve Adventure

"I always keep a Silky in my truck,” says outdoorswoman Berne Broudy who lives in Vermont and owns half a dozen Silkys. “So when my husband and I headed to our cabin in the woods for New Year's Eve, while we didn’t expect half … read more about Silky Saws Saves the Day: A Vermont New Year’s Eve Adventure

Richmond Mountain Trails Uses Silky Saws to Build Vermont’s First Fully Adaptive Trail Network in Bolton, Vermont

“All trail networks are not created equal,” says Berne Broudy, president of Richmond Mountain Trails, a chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. “But both new and old trail networks can be equally welcoming to adapti … read more about Richmond Mountain Trails Uses Silky Saws to Build Vermont’s First Fully Adaptive Trail Network in Bolton, Vermont

White Water Kayaker and Arborist Phil Dennison uses Silky Saws to Keep Steep Creeks Clear

Arborist and white water kayaker Phil Dennison from Brevard, North Carolina, owns several Zubat 330s. It’s a tool he relies on daily in his work as an arborist. “I use the Zubat for tree work because the blades are easy to get hold o … read more about White Water Kayaker and Arborist Phil Dennison uses Silky Saws to Keep Steep Creeks Clear

Mountain Biker Nate Hills on why Silky’s BigBoy is Always in His Pack

Yeti Cycles ambassador Nate Hills is one of the most accomplished mountain biker racers in the sport. An Arizona native who now lives in the Colorado Rockies, Hills loves riding bikes and he loves working on trails. A former cross-country, 4X, d … read more about Mountain Biker Nate Hills on why Silky’s BigBoy is Always in His Pack

Renowned Mountaineer Conrad Anker Depends on Silky

Type “Conrad Anker” into Google and you’ll learn that he’s an award-winning mountaineer who has put up dozens of first ascents. He’s been a key player in a handful of movies, he was The North Face Climbing Team lead … read more about Renowned Mountaineer Conrad Anker Depends on Silky

Which Zubat is Right for Me?

When a brand offers a tool in five sizes and multiple teeth profiles and additionally, several styles, you know it’s got to be a top seller. The Zubat is Silky’s flagship saw according to Travis Vickerson, arborist, and Silky’ … read more about Which Zubat is Right for Me?

Jodi Rose, Alone Season 10 Contestant, on Why She Picked Silky to Help Her Survive

History Channel’s Alone Season 10 kicks off Thursday, June 8 at 9 PM Eastern time, and it’s the toughest season in the show’s history. In season 10, ten survivalists compete to survive as long as they can in Northern Saskatchew … read more about Jodi Rose, Alone Season 10 Contestant, on Why She Picked Silky to Help Her Survive

Ashley Saupe and her Silky BigBoy Keep Cast and Crew Safe on Your Favorite Survival and Adventure Shows

Ashley Saupe always has her Silky saw in her pack. That’s because as safety personnel for survival shoes like Mud, Sweat, and Beards, and Life Below Zero, this Alaska native knows she can depend on her Silky BigBoy whether she needs to cut … read more about Ashley Saupe and her Silky BigBoy Keep Cast and Crew Safe on Your Favorite Survival and Adventure Shows

Silky Receives MTBR Gear of the Year

MTBR is a cycling-focused website run by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. It's rich with reviews of mountain bikes and parts, bike trails, and more. Once a year, MTBR awards best-in-class products- a Gear of the Year award for "gear that gen … read more about Silky Receives MTBR Gear of the Year

Krista Strating, North American Tree Climbing Champion, on Tree Climbing Competitions and Her Love of Silky Saws

Being an arborist is a cool job. Not only do you get to use Silky saws most days, but you also get to climb trees. In the 1970s, the ISA Arbor, the governing and certification body for arborists, hosted a jamboree to raise awareness of the cra … read more about Krista Strating, North American Tree Climbing Champion, on Tree Climbing Competitions and Her Love of Silky Saws

The Trusted Saw for Professional Arborists

Amongst arborists, Silky saws dominate. “The Zubat is the one that made Silky famous in the U.S.,” said Nick Bonner from TreeStuff.com. “It’s by far the best selling saw in the world.” But Silky has a wide range … read more about The Trusted Saw for Professional Arborists

What Makes Silky Saws Teeth Special?

The patented MIRAI-ME teeth in Silky saws are precision ground in the blade, each with four cutting surfaces. The teeth are “non-set” so that the blade cuts straight into the wood, making a much finer incision than a traditional west … read more about What Makes Silky Saws Teeth Special?

Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen Tackle Trail Work with Silky Saws

In 2021, Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen (RMBCH) celebrated its 30th year as a volunteer organization, and brought back a three-day volunteerapalooza, Brighten the Sangres. The large-scale work project takes place in the Sangre de Cristo mo … read more about Rocky Mountain Back Country Horsemen Tackle Trail Work with Silky Saws

Straight versus Curved Blades: Which One is Right for You?

Drawing a Silky saw towards you physically forces the saw’s teeth into the wood fiber. Silky saws cut on the pull stroke, which pressures the blade naturally and puts less stress on your elbow joint, while also cutting faster and more eff … read more about Straight versus Curved Blades: Which One is Right for You?

Alpine Forestry Uses Silky to Protect Homes from Wildfire

Prescribed burning is often the best way to remove brush, grass, and dead trees, all of which can become fuel for a forest fire. Prescribed burns can help restore open space and maintain healthy forests, while also lowering the risk of a … read more about Alpine Forestry Uses Silky to Protect Homes from Wildfire

Dave Canterbury, Bushcraft and Survival School teacher, on why he loves Silky Saws

The Pathfinder School in Southeast Ohio is one of the largest survival schools in the U.S. Pathfinder owner and operator, Dave Canterbury, has been using Silky Saws for six years. We asked Dave how and why he uses Silky. The Pathfinde … read more about Dave Canterbury, Bushcraft and Survival School teacher, on why he loves Silky Saws