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 700. The new saws have all of the power of the Katanaboy 500 and 650, but with a refined, more ergonomic handle, even more precise engineering, a longer blade, and a new carry case.

“The Katanaboy has a unique niche,” said Mark Boozer, Sales Director for Silky’s U.S. distributor, Vertical Supply Group. “You can use Katanaboys to cut really big wood; you can cut full grown trees. Most other handsaws can handle cutting six-inch or eight-inch limbs, but not much more.”

The new Katanaboys feature longer blades that seat snugly into new ergonomic Katanaboy handles. The handles have a thicker wall–1.6 mm versus 1.2 mm–which makes them sturdier, more stable when cutting, and more durable. The rubber handles are continuous and clean with Silky’s signature highly engineered design and attention to detail.

Longer saw blades on both the Katanaboy 550 and 700 give the saws an extra inch to inch and three-quarters of cutting capacity for greater efficiency and better performance tackling bigger trees.

The new Katanaboys now have a more robust carrying case. They’re made from thicker, more durable material with a handy pull tab on the hook and loop closure flap for easy saw access, and an adjustable shoulder strap to make carrying the Katanaboys comfortable.

Replacement blades for the Katanaboy 550 and 700 are compatible with Katanaboy 500 and 650 handles respectively. With the introduction of the new saws, Silky will discontinue 500 and 650 length Katanaboy replacement blades.

The new Katanaboys are the ideal saws for overlanders, snowmobilers, hunters, horsepackers, rally racers, and anyone else who could be separated from civilization, survival, or getting where you need to be by a downed tree. But they’re also great saws for homeowners, trail managers and anyone else who spends time around trees.

“It’s not feasible to carry a chainsaw all the time,” said Boozer. “This may not be a saw you use every day, but when you gotta have it, you gotta have it.”

And, if you’re not someone who is cutting large trees everyday, unlike your chainsaw, the Katanaboy won’t need gas or service, and the carburetor won’t get gummed up.

How big a tree can your new Katanaboy cut? About 50-60% of the blade length. So the 550 can cut an 11” tree, and the 700 can cut a 14” tree. And, when you’re in a pinch, you can go bigger if you need to. They let you cut big wood in a reasonable amount of time with a reasonable amount of energy. They do the same work as 95% of chainsaws. A Katanaboy can cut the same or bigger diameter tree as a 20” bar saw.

“We can’t say the Katanaboys cut as fast as a chainsaw,” said Boozer. “But they might cut something bigger than your chainsaw, and if you don’t break them, they're guaranteed to 'start' every time.”

It’s also a saw you can use during fire danger warnings when chainsaws are prohibited, and in places that don’t allow chainsaws, as well as places where you don’t want to make a racket, whether you’re hunting, birdwatching, or trail building.

The new Katanaboy blades have the same size and pitch teeth as the 500 and 650. The teeth are electroless nickel plated, which makes the saw teeth harder and more durable. It also prevents rust and buildup on the tips of the teeth that can impair cutting speed and power. If you have an original Katanaboy with chrome plated teeth, consider upgrading your saw or your blade. Silky transitioned the Katanaboys from chrome plated to electroless nickel plated three years ago.

Silky’s Katanaboys have always been exceptional tools for the job, and with the introduction of the new Katanaboy 550 and Katanaboy 700, they let you take command of your project, and solidify their claim to being the best folding handsaws made for cutting big trees.

As with all Silky saws, the Katanaboys are produced in Japan from raw materials sourced in Japan.