Silky Pocket and BigBoy Saws

Silky Saws has established a reputation as a leading precision toolmaker, ideal for those seeking top-notch backwoods blades. Their iconic models, such as the Silky Pocket and BigBoy Saws, deliver high performance and unparalleled quality for outdoor enthusiasts.

Silky Saws

Originating from Japan, Silky crafts saws like fine cutlery, using high-carbon steel for sharpness and sleek design. Models including BigBoy and Silky Pocket saws feature ultra-sharp, impulse-hardened teeth and tapered blades. These features allow them to easily glide through wood, making them feel more like instruments than tools. While the Bahco Laplander is a reliable choice for bushcrafters, Silky offers an edge that brings added joy to the task.

Pocketboy 170

The Silky Pocketboy 170mm Medium Teeth is proof that size isn’t everything—unless you’re slicing through limbs like a forest surgeon. Nicknamed the “Little Giant,” this folding saw punches well above its weight class. It features a 6.75-inch rust-resistant blade that’s tapered, chrome-plated, and ready to make short work of your trimming, pruning, and camp-craft chores.

Its secret weapon? Silky’s MIRAI-ME tooth design is a razor-sharp, impulse-hardened pattern that chews through softwoods with smooth precision. At 8.5 teeth per inch, the medium-tooth configuration hits the sweet spot for balanced speed and finish.

The blade locks in two positions—one straight, one flush—so you can work at awkward angles without torquing your wrist. Thanks to its rubberized, non-slip handle, it stays put even when your hands are cold, wet, or coated in sap.

Toss in a slick flip-lock carrying case with a belt clip, and you’ve got a saw that travels like a gentleman but works like a lumberjack. It folds down small enough for glove boxes, backpacks, or that side pocket on your cargo pants you always forget about.

Made in Japan. Born to cut. Built to last.

MSRP: $49.99 – $57.99.

BigBoy 2000

The Pocketboy is a nimble scalpel. In contrast, the BigBoy 2000 360mm is like a full-sized chainsaw’s clever cousin, that folds up and rides in your pack. Its design is similar to the other Silky Pocket and BigBoy saws, with impressive features like a 14.2-inch blade and aggressive XL teeth (6.5 TPI).

Crafted by Silky in Japan, the BigBoy 2000 features a taper-ground, impulse-hardened blade designed for fast, clean pull cuts. The non-set tooth design slices through green and dry wood alike with minimal resistance. The longer stroke means fewer strokes. Translation: You spend less time sawing and more time admiring your handiwork.

Its lightweight aluminum handle feels solid but won’t weigh you down. The rubberized grip keeps it planted, even when your palms are slick with effort (or sap). It locks open securely, so no unexpected folding mid-cut—a feature your fingers will appreciate.

At just over 16 inches closed, it rides comfortably in a pack. Yet, it unfolds into a serious piece of kit that’s become a go-to for arborists, trail crews, and anyone who believes “overkill” is just another word for “prepared.”

MSRP: $74.99 – $104.99

Silky Pocket and BigBoy Saws in Camp

Back from a camping trip in the hardwood forest, we tested the Silky Saws. It was apparent that the Pocketboy was easier to use on more minor cuts of wood, ranging from finger-broomstick thickness. Crafting pot hooks, fire poking sticks, and tarp stakes were easily handled by the smaller of the Silky Pocket and BigBoy Saws.

However, you can easily use it on larger pieces by sawing halfway through and breaking them over a rock. The  Silky Pocketboy lives up to its name. You can effortlessly tote it around in your pocket until the need arises. 

A tool doesn’t get a name like a BigBoy unless it can do substantial work. That’s precisely why the Silky BigBoy is made for significant tasks. My camp buddies and I sawed large, seasoned hardwood lumber for cooking and ambiance. We cut the rounds to be about 3 inches to 4 inches in diameter.

It wasn’t easy, but not because of the Silky Pocket and BigBoy Saws themselves. It’s hard to cut that much thick, hardwood regardless of the tool. However, the BigBoy did an outstanding job and proved why it remains the champion of the BigBoy saws!