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 genuinely improved my time on the trails in 2022." And this year, Silky was a winner. Editor-in-Chief Josh Patterson, recognized Silky's Gomboy and BigBoy with this coveted award.

Here's what Josh wrote:

As much of the world reopened in 2022, in-person media camps once again filled my calendar. Most swag from these events isn't much to write home about—a branded T-shirt, stainless steel pint glass, or other small items to be given away or donated after the event.

Two brands got it right in 2022 by sending gear editors away with parting gifts that keep on giving. After all, what better way to show your commitment to mountain biking than saws to assist with trail maintenance?

I can’t write enough good things about how useful Silky Saws are for mountain bikers. The Silky BigBoy makes short work of larger fallen limbs. I’ve used it to clear limbs and tree trunks up to 14” in diameter in a matter of minutes. The more compact Gomboy is an excellent just-in-case saw to keep in your pack if you find a few downed branches.

We called Patterson to thank him and to find out more.

Patterson, who has not had a Silky until now, says, “It’s nice when brands that position themselves as caring about trails and advocacy give trail users a tool that you can use to pay it forward. It’s a night and day difference between these saws and other saws I’ve used as far as holding an edge and the speed with which the saw can slice through downed limbs.”

Patterson says that so far he’s used both the Gomboy and the BigBoy for yard maintenance and trail work, and he’s been “very impressed.”

“I can fit the Gomboy in my backpack or hip pack. I carry it all the time on the off chance I may need to cut something down. I take the BigBoy when I know I’ll need to cut up deadfall, limbs, or even trees on a ride."

Patterson said that the Big Boy surprised him with its efficiency cutting downed trees. "It might have taken a couple of minutes longer and a little more elbow grease than using a chainsaw, but I didn’t have to lug a chainsaw with me. The saw was unobtrusive in my pack. Using it in cold weather, I didn’t have to worry if the battery would last like I have to worry about with my electric chainsaw.”

Saris Mercanti, Marketing Manager at Ibis Cycles, who gifted Patterson the Pocketboy said, "As an outdoor enthusiast, it's important to remember that trails don't build themselves. Maintaining our local trail networks (and access to them) and building new zones takes work. At Ibis, we purchased and laser etched Silky Saws for each of our employees and a handful of friends because they're cool! But also, because it's a great reminder to get out there and lend a hand. Ibis employees have been using these saws for everything from clearing trails to cutting sheetrock. They're a great tool."

Patterson hasn’t been using the saws long, but he’s already become a staunch advocate.

“I’d like to see more local mountain bike advocacy groups using Silky saws,” said Patterson. “More riders need to be carrying small handsaws. If we all pitch in and deal with trail work when we come upon it, it takes the pressure off local land management agencies and keeps the trails flowing better for everybody.”