Bahco Vs. Silky: Battle Of The Bushcraft Saws - Preparedmind101

Chris, Jessie, and Will attempt to figure out the answer to one of the hottest debates in bushcraft gear: Which is the better saw, the Bahco Laplander or the Silky Pocketboy? Both sides insist their saw is the better. So IS there a clear winner?
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[@highonimmi]

there is no "special technique". it is this way on all eastern style saw blades...not just silky....they cut on the pull....that's it. we need to remember that the silky saws are meant for arborists....not bush craft. the saw blades are made to give the smoothest cut possible so the tree doesn't get too traumatized thus allowing disease to nail it. the bahco is total bush craft. this comparison it's kinda like comparing apples to oranges. they are both excellent for the job they are meant for. the only thing that is important is that u bring SOME TYPE OF SAW to cross cut the wood. unless u rock the axe and only an axe.

[@simonh6371]

@Mike DeGrasse Tyson Bahco is Swedish, bushcraft is an ancient tradition and part of their culture going way back, there's no dividing line in Sweden between actually having to live like that as people did in the past, and what we now call bushcraft.

[@josephdube7968]

P.S it's about using less energy!!!!! Not witch one is faster!!!!

[@sibeliusjohannes2660]

joseph dube exactly! I don't get why this few seconds would matter in the woods

[@livewithnick]

How fast is witch 2 then? Are their brooms different sizes? 🤷‍♂️

[@hornerinf]

@@sibeliusjohannes2660 I thought that too, but it really depends on how much energy you have and if you are older you don't want to expend all of your energy on the action of sawing wood...so, the easier and faster, the better. I ordered the Silky so I will find out if I chose badly...then I'll get the other one. I live in a place where I cut wood all the time and having a light, portable handsaw is appealing.

[@rockets4kids]

Some comments from someone looking to purchase a first bushcraft saw with little knowledge of either, but also experience using Japanese (Eastern) woodworking saws: - There is a *huge* difference between Eastern and Western saws. Western saws are designed to be used on the *push* stroke. Eastern saws are designed to be used on the *pull* stroke. This is the *technique* that people are referring to. - Saws that cut on the pull stroke can be made much thinner since they do not need to be stiff. This allows for less material to be removed, resulting in less effort required to make a cut. - If you try to use an Eastern saw with Western technique it will give terrible performance -- it will cut slowly and bind/buckle. - It seems very clear that you are trying to use Western technique with both saws. My suggestion is to read up on the proper usage of Japanese/Eastern woodworking saws, practice that with the Silky, and do this video again. That's a video I'd really like to see.

[@joemcnair9700]

rockets4kids i

[@Francois_Dupont]

that that is very retarded of them to make a "review" when they dont even know this simple fact.

[@stevemalone6012]

Not to mention a dull blade against a new saw??? Lol Come on now..

[@preparedmind101]

Get ready for the comments! (Puts opinion helmet on)

[@CedricAda]

I have both and truly flip a coin between the two when I go out. Literally, different strokes for different folks. For me? Bahcos easier, Silky slightly quicker. Maybe. Silky a little better on green wood, bahco a little better in dead? All so slight. Nice seeing them used. I like the folding bow saws a little more than the hand saws.

[@Cain0078]

+PREPAREDMIND101 Love them both... Use a Silky Ultra Accel Curve at work and Bahco Laplander on my spare time...

[@michaelstjohn6086]

+CedricAda Gear and Outdoors think I'll buy both myself. Silky "technique" but two out of this vid seem to do well with the Silky without ever hearing of the technique.

[@futuresonex]

+PREPAREDMIND101 I've never used a Silky. So I can't say which is 'better', but I do know which is the most popular among bushcrafters, and that's the Bahco Laplander. How do I know this, besides the fact that everyone I know who uses these things in the outdoors carries a Bahco Laplander? Amazon. Whenever you look at something that's popular among bushcrafters -- bank line, Mora Bushcraft Black, paracord, etc... -- and look at the 'frequently bought with' section, there's usually a Bahco Laplander there. I don't recall ever seeing a Silky saw in one of those lists! I've also never really understood the whole 'how fast does it cut' argument. I mean, we're not felling the forest here. We're cutting a few poles or getting some firewood. If it takes a few seconds longer with one saw that it does with the other, so what? It doesn't matter. What I want is the one that I know isn't going to break on me and leave me in the woods without a saw! That's what I care about, and I've heard about a lot of broken Silky saws but never a broken Laplander! EDIT: I just noticed this mistake, "How do I know this, besides the fact that everyone I know who uses these things in the outdoors carries a Silky?" Yep, my brain was thinking 'Bahco Laplander', but somehow my fingers typed 'Silky'. That happens something. I'm trying to type one word, but my fingers revolt and type something else! Damn fingers. Anyway, it's fixed now. ;-)

[@kaizoebara]

+PREPAREDMIND101 I'll let you in on the secret Silky technique: use little force on the pull, none on the push. That's why Jessi was more successful with the Silky, she let the saw do the cutting.

[@verysurvival]

Myers is a fucking human chainsaw

[@WilliamMyersmantisoutdoors]

Hilarious

[@SmokyMountainOutdoors]

+William Myers MantisOutdoors you kinda jumped the gun a little on the second race with Chris didn't you buddy? Lol

[@SmokyMountainOutdoors]

+William Myers MantisOutdoors not that it mattered or anything lol

[@dilutedrep2864]

i have a silky and dont think you need technique just dont hurry and saw like a normal person if you saw too fast it will work against you and could brake

[@livewithnick]

Isnt not hurrying a technique though? 🤔

haha... u shouldn't go out with tools u can't use... not even notice that the silky are a only pull saw... and u guys wanna tell us something in a video about saws? and why it needs 22 minutes??? shame on you. i also have both brands and there's no skill involved to notice that the silky are a wood eating bastard is...

[@josephdube7968]

grow up!!! you mist the point !! it's an opinoin! not law!!

[@SuperSwitched]

arborist probably like the slky because it is designed to cut on the pull stroke, like all tree pruning saws.

[@dilutedrep2864]

silky takes less energy then fighting the forward cut of the bahco

[@mikefiles2087]

I like forward cut

[@whatabouttheearth]

@@mikefiles2087 Alot of people like forward cutting, but with alot of folks it is also due to their personal muscle development, a pull and push use different muscles

[@markdancer3501]

My woodworking saws were all Japanese saws, which are all pull saws. mostly because I could never get the technique right with western push saws (kept binding and flexing the blades). I love my Silky Pocket Boy. I bought one complete saw with a fine teeth (for dry wood), and a spare blade with course teeth (for green wood), and switch in whichever in appropriate for the task at hand.

[@Iridium242]

I actually ended up picking up a Fiskars one, the blade on it is similar to the Silky. but it looks like I may also pick up the Silky one now after watching this review. So far the fiskars one has been great, but I like the way the silky cuts.

[@muddog1561]

So, I got my Silky 240, I cut some Maple and Hickory with the Gomboy and the Bacho, and the Corona saws. The Silky did the best with the Corona a close second. The Bacho is now retired to my home work bench.

[@BrentonCarr]

just like the silky better because of the tapered blade. less friction.

[@Cands528]

Let's see a video of Jessie putting her kit together

[@Dod01]

+Stanley Sprow Funny I want to see a video of Jessie taking her kit off lmao ;p

[@malmasters2958]

+Dod Lug lmao

[@BigAlsExcavation]

one things for sure, I'd much rather share my survival shelter with Jessi then Chris or Will.

[@yoadrian3814]

+Mark Deshaies will is a sexy beast though! Haha :D

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

I'm a die hard SIlky fan: being a climber for a master arborist and then going solo with my own customers. But in this context, sure, get which ever one you like. I wouldn't trade my Ibuki, Katanaboy, Hayauchi pole saw for anything other than other Silkys, but I can see where for bushcrafting, either one would work well (an arborist also considers a saw as a surgical tool so how clean it cuts through the cambium matters). Great test and I enjoyed your video. Thank you.

[@davidtanguma6247]

Chris you need to man up and give your opinion and not always go by what Will says.The Silky saw is by far a better saw. Even Jessie could see that she had a tougher time with the Bahco. It is obvious that Will has a bias opinion. If you don't believe me review the tape and watch his facial expressions.

[@preparedmind101]

My opinion has changed since then. That saw was medium teeth. I got a Gomboy with large teeth and a Bigboy. Also the Corona Saw. All three are better. I no longer use the Bahco.

[@davidtanguma6247]

Sweet hope Will sees the it the same way.

[@clancy6969]

+david tanguma "Bahco keeps gettin a raw deal with short pieces and stuff" OK Will.

[@Lv2flair]

I own both including a cheaper saw from Walmart and I like the Bahco by far. But it all depends on individual tastes and opinion and what you are using it for. The main reason I got all three for hiking/camping so that's why I prefer bahco, for home either one will do.

[@davidtanguma6247]

"To each his own"

[@rachavya]

At the risk of offering comments redundant to those already posted: 1. "Technique" is too fancy a word to describe something so trivially easy as using a saw; either saw. Anyone who knows anything about saws realizes that certain saws are to be pulled, ONLY. Others, like metal-cutting hacksaws, are only to be PUSHED (did you know that?). Some are bi-directional, as is the Bahco Laplander. The fact that a pull saw bends when you push it is as surprising to me as a car stopping when you put on the brake. RTFM. Whether you're an arborist or bushcrafter, if you have brain-arm coordination, it should take a few minutes to train your arm do what your brain commands. 2. Based on all I'd read during my beginning bushcraft/preparedness days, I bought a Bahco Laplander. I recognized it as "bi," and it worked well for me the first time. For reasons I will explain, I then bought a Silky. I had a similar "learning curve," which is to say NO curve. It worked for me the first time. Shall I claim to be a genius? For sure I'm not an arborist. I don't consider it a lifetime achievement for figuring out how to use a pull saw. Nor was the Silky my first -- even non-Japanese woodworkers are familiar with them -- they are perfect for cutting off the extra bit of dowel that sticks out when you plug a counterbored screw hole. By the way, in using it, I was instantly able to understand Silky's reputation for being a technically superior saw, and that's with the Bahco's performance fresh in my mind. 3. Why did I experiment with a Silky in the first place? Well, I needed a second saw, to stash in my second automobile. I took that as an opportunity to buy a Silky. I knew both would work, and both would be put to use. And I'd be able to learn for myself which to recommend. As an engineer, I was educated to evaluate technology dispassionately, and that's exactly what I did. 4. As a woodworker of some years, I expect great saws from both Sweden and Japan. That said, the fact that the Silky is technically superior was no surprise. Check out a Swedish Fallkniven and you'll begin to realize why they incorporateJapanese steel into their products. 5. OK, just what are Silky's technical superiorities? Here goes: First, the Silky saw can afford to be (and is) flexible because it is only PULLED. That permits a narrower blade, which permits a lower-friction, easier pull. Ironically, a novice is more likely to bend a Bahco, and that's because it IS pushed every other stroke and the blade is not completely stiff. Second, because of the way ALL Silkys are designed, they leave a much smoother surface on stub left on the tree. That means, should ever you have to harvest a branch from a living tree, you greatly reduce the chances of infection on the cut surface that remains with the tree (that's a big reason arborists prefer them). Third, Silky folding saws typically offer TWO positions for their handles. This permits the user to saw close to the ground without dragging knuckles on the ground. After buying a Silky whose length was about the length of my Bahco, I became hooked and bought more.Silky's, both folding and non-folding. All of them are amazingly light for their length and some of them are so effective that they're used by contestants in Japanese speed-sawing contests. By now, it should be clear that this engineer prefers Silkys. That said, if one is pressed for cash, the Bahco is certainly a great entry-level option. It WILL get the job done. The extra exercise a Bshco typically gives it user could be viewed as a plus -- most people who spend most of their time in the "first" world could use a bit more exercise. On the other hand, if we're talking about SURVIVAL, conventional wisdom dictates you should prepare yourself and your kit so as to expend the LEAST amount of calories when the excrement hits the propeller. When my life depends on it, I always pay a bit more. Call it life insurance.

[@highonimmi]

+Raphael Frommer agreed. I find it amazing they keep talking about how the bahco is half of the price of the silky yet they carry expensive knives and sheaths....I say carry what you feel best working with no matter the price.

[@baroneb5043]

Raphael Frommer comment too long... my ADD kicked in

[@devatwell334]

But can the silky cut bone if you needed to harvest a big game animal?.... No. Just my personal opinion the Bahco laplander is a jack of all trades while the silky is "fast" at cutting wood.

[@preparedmind101]

I got the Corona (large) razor tooth saw with custom kydex, and the Silky Gomboy (stupid names) with large teeth on the way.

[@Umber54]

Silky and Corona are neck and neck. Bahco is not even in the running.

[@GearReviewDepot]

The bloopers are hilarious, it's amazing you guys get anything done while your out filming. "bye, I love you"... Lmfao

[@bucknash]

i own both. ive had the bacho for a few years and i got the silky last year. the silky rocks! I'll never go back. it took me no time to get the technique either. yes the silky only cuts on the pull stroke but it's so effortless. honestly the trick is to let the saw do the work for both saws. if your bending the blade, you're going to hard.

[@centermass3454]

Do you think the cheap price of the Bahco has effected the outcome here ? Why not do your comparision with the by far most popular Silky, the 2000 Big Boy with XL teeth ? It crushes the competition, including the larger saws like the SVEN, but to keep it real you are then comparing a longer $70 saw to a $30 Bahco. Nevertheless, the Big Boy XL is the one everyone buys. Also, maybe Jessie was struggeling with the saw a bit since she has a lot less upper body strength than Meyers the human chain saw. Meyers old Bahco certainly worked fine when he was using it. Good video.

[@capohd28]

Watching you guys, I was seeing you bind up a lot on the Bahco, which is the reason I prefer the Silky. I can push my hand against the tree, and pull on the Silky without binding. Push cuts are where you get binding and even your video shows that.

[@daverosa3077]

Tried both. Silky has my vote. There was no technique. Not sure what you are talking about. The Silky I got has the more aggressive tooth structure. I happen to like it better. I find the silky was a little easier and took a little less effort. Not sure about this technique you speak of. My new favourite is the Silky I still have my Bacho. Just my opinion. Oh ya. My Silky strikes a fero rod just fine as well.

[@zdrummero1]

I just ordered a Bahco 396-LAP. Glad I did.

[@roberteads9995]

I've owned and used the Bahco Laplander and the Silky Gomboy. I like the Bahco. I'm a retired carpenter and have used a saw or two.

[@AriellaKK]

I have a Bacho Laplander, and I'm a woman. I love it. I have never tried the Silky, but if someone had one, I'd give it a whirl. I am perfectly happy with the one I have though. I also like the black blade on the Bacho, the Silky is very shiny. It is great to get a woman to try this stuff out too, because I like to hear their experience as well. I think you nailed this review. Well done!

[@puma1304]

good arguments! (good to have 3 testers simultaneously, it proved your point: the human factor is the decisive one). Personally if I have to cut something I always use my machete (as all southamericans would), and reserve a folding saw for the precision working. I really like the silky f180, but between these 2 here I go for Bahco. Considerations as price for the tool and for a replacement blade are also important, as well as to know how long are the blades going to be sharp... but above all the comfort of the handle is for me of the utmost importance (how ergonomic it is, how much force do you have to apply, how does it feel if you have to cut a lot of stuff...) "cutting speed" does not mean much, it is rather important to know with which saw you get less tired and your hands suffer less (blisters, etc) greetings from wild, wet and windy west Patagonia

[@xWhiteRice]

the thing about pull stroke saws is that they will literally only catch in the wood if you're trying to cut on the push stroke. the pull keeps the blade under tension, which is why the blade can be thinner. And the blade is thinner because it allows the same cut with removing less material, aka a faster cut. that said the handle does look more comfortable on the bahco. thats a real concern. And i dont know which is easier to sharpen. I know my gyokucho is basically impossible to sharpen. you just have to buy a new blade. if the silky is that way, thats a big disadvantage.

[@schlooonginator1227]

I bought the Bahco "Expert" which is similar to the Laplander but minus the hardened blade. Of course owning a Bahco I want it too win but after doing numerous reviews, I am convinced the Silky is a more efficient saw. I like your vids here but I can tell you are siding with the Bahco. Perhaps I am wrong but thats the vibe I got which is fine. However, what I don't really like is how you played down whether one is faster than the other with comments like"Come on, its a saw." Why? Because that same argument could be made to everything including knives yet we all know that any slight improvement is a deciding factor of how good something is. I guess I will just be straight up and say that I don't think this is the best or most fair video but I am realistic and know that no one is perfect and certainly will continue as a subscriber who respects your videos. I just think that you gave Silky th short end of the stick(no pun intended) by playing down cutting speed when this entire video is based on that criteria or mostly anyways.

[@PrepperDale]

Hey Chris, another Great vid. For the record I have a Bahco and never felt the need for any other. It works great for processing deer also (as in cutting bone)

[@martincoleman247]

I have both, I use these tools on a daily basis for work. I prefer the silky it just works better for me, the person I work with uses the Bahco Just down to personal preference I guess

[@trooper2221]

I'm ordering the Gomboy!

[@michaelkilpatrick3076]

I believe the young lady told the tell. First time user and definitely no bias! I watched people in survival class struggle with that Bahco and wasn't at all with the Silky. It is what it is gang.

[@dib0018]

Arborist use silky nuff said. Kind of like bird watchers use Swarovski binos. OH and Jessie is HOT.

[@stevemalone6012]

Yep yep

[@non-masturbatingtyrannosau3476]

And special forces use bahco

[@jbss7382]

Chris I have an aborists silky saw. The blade both push and pull cut teeth, comes with 5 year guarantee and the blade Japanese made. It's superb

[@stauguastine]

Chris, the Silky seemed to perform better over all. I have used many different saws over the years, and I prefer the silky over all of them. I use the Silky Gomboy Large teeth. In your comparison, were the size of the teeth comparable? That too, will make a large difference in speed. Since the Silky cuts on the pull stroke only I found it easier to use when Buschcrafting alone and holding the wood, it only has to be truly braced one direction.

[@bennicolson9370]

The best one is the one you got

[@randystache78]

Ben Nicolson I'm a painter and i constantly hear "this paint is great" or "your paint is garbage". it's what you are used to and what you have that you call "best"

[@bennicolson9370]

Randy Tyler 110%

[@usoppbarbosa981]

I personally changed from the Bahco to a Fiskars Xtract. The saw is a little shorter, but its teeth just eats wood compared to the Bahco. That would be a saw i'd like to see on a follow-up test :)

[@Dan-sq5cv]

Another great video. It's great that you get into real use. I hate saw reviews that deal only with speed also. To many variables, as you mentioned , pressure, stroke speed (haha) , but also wood density variation, thickness etc, etc. I have the Bahco, Silky Gomboy, Fiskars and Sven saw, Got to say For weight comfort,I prefer the Bahco. However all cut well so no bad one.

[@BigFun4Life]

Great review yo...

[@TitoPazWho]

I guess this review is nice. I am trying to decide on what saw to buy and this review is helpful. Although I do not usually see video longer that 12 minutes. This one is just interesting. All talks are related and sensible to the issue. Other reviews are full of long talks that has nothing to do with the subject. kudos!

[@Hoelstadt]

I need to see you guys out in the wild actually using some equipment for working/building/making. Losing interest in the superficial stuff.

[@preparedmind101]

You can't please everyone 100% of the time.

[@Hoelstadt]

+PREPAREDMIND101 You're right, I guess I'm achin for some McQBushcraft type stuff. Would love to see you guys do something in-depth in the future. Peace

[@scottsherman5947]

+Hans Totally agree...you should have gone out and built a home with these two saws instead of this silly battle....people are homeless right here in the US America Chris...and I just think it's pretty shellfish of you to not build them a house with these saws. Do something real!! I want to see you set up a shelter, live there for six years using nothing but these two saws, and then start a bushcrafty fire at the end and burn it all down....then it'll be real....stop all this Hollywood production and driving your fancy Ford Tauruses....Hans and I are sick of this shit!!!!!!!!

[@michaelstjohn6086]

+scott sherman McQ has some excellent vids.

[@preparedmind101]

+Paracord Artistry My channel is the same it's always been. Primarily gear review and testing with prepping topics thrown in. People think everything needs to be "survivorman". I leave those videos to the guys that wasn't too portray themselves as survival heroes. That's not what I'm here for.

[@dougjohnsonbushcraftandbjj5561]

They all cut wood.

[@ritter6378]

but my question is how well does it stay sharp?

[@StevanOutdoor]

Found this video because I'm in kinda a discussion with the Dutch Bushcraft Girls. They made a video about the Silky being the best saw for bushcraft and survival and I disagree. Where the Silky does have superior cutting power it comes with a manual. Make a mistake and it breaks. There's many videos showing that. The Laplander is way more forgiving and will bend before it breaks. So if you're a carpenter get the Silky and when you're doing bushcraft and survival get the Laplander, because you will forget that user manual and make mistakes when hungry, tired, wet, sleepy, etc. Btw. Jessy looks cute.

[@betweenfiveandseven]

Depends on what I'm cutting. Depends on where I'm going to be in my woods. Depends on a lot of things for me. I'm not fond of the PocketBoy 170 but I really like the 130. I don't care for the F180 either, but the entire gomboy line are excellent. ... If PreparedMind101 and/or MantisOutdoors ever want to borrow some other silkys to check out, I could probably accommodate that. The Laplander is a great utility saw. Everyone should have one.

[@muddog1561]

There is no technique, that's BS. Some people are immature.

[@joking78]

I got a Silky because when researching, I couldn't find any replacement blades for the Bahco. The initial price of the Bahco is less, but if you have to buy a whole replacement saw instead of just a blade it can become more expensive. Also, where I live I can camp in a forest of all hardwoods or a forest of all pine. Having the choice between teeth size with the Silky is nice. The Silky can throw showers of sparks right out of the box, as well as scrape wood. I did however snap a blade when cutting a tree that was probably a little too big, and at a funny angle. Just stating why I chose one over the other, never tried a Bahco.

[@deputyprepper4931]

People its a fucking saw. Lets be real, it does the job it was designed for and I agree with Chris, open the saw, place on the wood, move back and forth and wood becomes two. It all comes down to personal preference and how much you can afford. In my personal opinion, I would put either one in my pack and survive just fine.

[@SupermanBB]

Serious bias and lack of experience showing in this old video. I have both and can say for myself… Silky wins by a landslide in both cutting speed and energy conservation. The silky enables me to cut larger wood that I wouldn’t even attempt with a Bahco

[@commonsensecamper]

I think the reason that this is such a heated topic is that there are a lot less makers of these saws compared to knife makers. If there were only 3 or 4 knife manufactures then it would be the same heated debate over the subject. Its the old Chevy vs Ford battle. I have both of these. I feel that the Silky chews thru the wood just "slightly" better, however I prefer the Bahco because of the ergonomics of the handle and the blade. The Bahco is the one in my pack. Great job guys and gals. a very fair review and you cannot go wrong with either.

[@JonathanAdami]

"Maybe I'm just.... better at this than you..." hahaha love that dude!

[@Iamjasonallen]

Thanks Chris!

[@likota123]

Silky Pocketboy 170 all the way - for me at least. I gave the Bahco to my nephew because it just didn't work for me.

[@Ingeb91]

I own a silkys, but these saws are amazingly even. I don't give a shit about which is faster or better, because the margin is so small it doesn't matter. Both are the 2 best folding saws you can get for the money that they cost. Not very expensive, and they work for years. Let's find something more interesting to fight about.

[@kidrockfan69]

I'm just glad to see a video where the saws are used side by side instead of people laying them on a table or taking them out of a box and saying this one is better than that one.Thanks!

[@jessed1586]

Speeds not really a big issue with these two. It's like saying, " that car that's speeding by is going to get to that red light 5 seconds faster than me." It's not really an issue. We're both going to get there and relatively at the same time. Same with these cutting tools. What really matters is their durability, reliability and Longevity. BTW Jessie you're a good looking woman. Your facial expressions are very pretty. You look a lot like Minnie Driver too btw.

[@WorldSurvivalist]

You guys put me off the silky, I'm still using a £5 garden saw because I don't want to commit to the wrong expensive one lol

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

Hands down best video of saw comparisons ever......so many variables to consider....size....person....pressure.......that's how you should review things......I make the IRIDIUM STOVES for backcountry trips......it's got pros and cons to be considered...ITS ALL WHAT YOU LIKE

[@bashfulbrother]

I am puzzled as to why speed is such an important element in the functionality of the saw. I personally cut at a comfortable pace, and find the Zen. I bought one of the Corona Razor Force saws off of your endorsement and I love it.

[@MichaelSaull]

+bashfulbrother The speed gives the blade more momentum to bite deeper into the wood and allows you to remove more wood per stroke without binding up.

[@bashfulbrother]

Michael Saull Well, now Michael that is an astute, concise, well thought out answer, OVER-RULED! Just kidding. Thanks, you must have taken physics. Thanks again.

[@bashfulbrother]

Michael Saull I guess I was asking about the need to go so fast. It's not like a person is going to miss a bus. So it takes a couple extra minutes, meh. The whole object in getting out there is to get away from the rat race and drink in some relaxation and peace.

[@MichaelSaull]

+bashfulbrother Ah I see what you mean. I think it is just because people rush a cut and then start to get tired or gassed 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through then it becomes a chore and your technique suffers. So people want a saw that cuts easier so they don't get gassed as often.

[@bashfulbrother]

Michael Saull Does speed really make all that much difference that it should be a qualifying element in the usefulness of a saw?

[@Standswithabeer]

aaaaaannnnndddd....I like the Silky 240mm. Guess I Iike cutting on the backstroke. :) Oh yeah...and Jesse...I like Jesse. :)

[@edvickers8063]

great video you guys. some serious stuff some funny stuff, some good info and some good demonstrations. keep em coming chris, jessi and will

[@UziRyder1]

The answer is they are both good bush saws. If you try the regular size Gomboy with large teeth it will really eat wood. For small saws on smallish wood, either one will divide wood into two pieces just fine.

[@briargoatkilla]

The Bahco cuts green bone damn near as good as a butcher saw. That's why I like it better than any other folding saw.

[@davidguthrie5941]

I've noticed the fire from wood cut with my silky saw gives off an orange flame and I can cook bacon over it. On the other hand, wood cut with my Bacho creates a fire with an orange flame and I can cook bacon on it. The "technique" needed for sillky isn't that complicated. Just go with your preference.

[@aarontooley570]

I laughed to tears at the outtakes great stuff you guys

[@survive_thrive]

Hi Chris, I like the way you present the products in your videos. You're very down to earth. I just bought my Silky Gomboy (in Australia just hours ago) and immediately noticed that when you hold the handle in your right hand and then lift the metal saw blade up & down in your left hand there is about 1mm play. In the knife world play like this in a folding knife would be totally unacceptable and screamed from the rooftops. How is yours? Did you notice this? Is the Bahco Laplander problematic with play too? Thanks, Darren.

[@dennisleighton2812]

Chris, you just ignored a really important element in the exercise. You two guys were both using muscle to do the work. Jessie used a better technique and it worked far better with the Silky. However, she really battled with the Bahco! Her energy expenditure with the Silky was perhaps a quarter that of the Bahco for the same result. Using the Silky with less energy and speed usually results in a better cut with less effort. By the way, why is it SO important for speed? It just chews up calories. One thing I do agree with - yes, it all comes down to personal preference, even though Jessie's was the better choice! ;-)

[@Demosophist]

All Japanese saw blades are pull saws. You have more control for cuts. I don't think speed is the point. I have a Suizan Ryoba woodworking saw and it's great for that, and you can do flush cuts very easily and it was two edges. They actually make a folding version of the Suizan saw so you have two teeth options, and it wouldn't be a bad choice for woodcraft.

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

I find it generally takes women longer. ;)

[@ianbruce6515]

I just got the Laplander and was very disappointed. Could be, it's because I'm a professional builder of wooden boats--and have been using Japanese pull saws for years! It may be that I was using the Laplander incorrectly, and not cutting both ways. But there is a reason that boatbuilders and cabinet makers use pull saws nowadays.

[@DriveShaftDrew]

all depends on who's using it there all ok as long as the job gets done personally I like my chain saws lol

[@walteasy4sheasy]

They're both great... but based on the pitch of each, it's apples to oranges. I'd take the Bahco easily over, say, a Corona... for around the house and lighter stuff. In fact, I own the Bahco and use it to do some of the lower trimming around the property. To take down trees, I use the largest of the Silky line the KatanaBoy. For more long term excursions in the bush, I'd take neither... instead I'd take the Silky 356-36. The grip is much better than the smaller Silky here. One-handed or two, it, like the KatanaBoy is a hand chainsaw, for real. The amazon reviews are wrong by the way. 200 reviews have it at 4.9, but it's easily 5.0. Like everyone in this video says, some of it is technique. Even with the wrong Sllky, Will cut the wood better with it than the Bahco, but the Bahco packs WAYYY better in a small pack. I am not a big proponent of the 5-tool-rule (7 for me) but if you're packing for a length of time that will likely require all the 5-tools, then I'd pack the Silky 356. Hey P101, what would be your 5-tools?

[@JamieHitt]

In my experience, the Silky has the upper hand on certain woods ...and the same for the Laplander. In the Bahco line, I have the 396-HP (hard/dry) and 396-JS (green/soft) in addition to the 396-LAP (Laplander). The LAP is no competition for the HP or JS on the woods they are made for. It gets blown away by its brothers. But the LAP, at least, does both woods equally well. The same cannot be said for the HP and JS. I don't have a model of the Pocketboy but I have the Gomboy in 210mm med. teeth. I like it, it does great. But I always pack the Laplander when heading into the woods. I think, for some reason, I just "trust" the Laplander more.

[@myster.ejones1306]

If I said that there was a 'special technique' to using a panel or 'Jack' saw because it only cuts on the push stroke, you'd look at Me like I Was mad! Yet you don't moan that it doesn't cut on the back stroke! You Americans are funny, also your hand never rides up on a pull saw, unless you Push on it. Do you pull extra hard on the pull stroke when using a jack saw? No! So why push extra hard when using a 'pull' saw. The clue is in the name guys. Jesse gets it, Way Cuter and Way Smarter too! Greetings from England Young Lady, We're waiting on Your channel over here.☺

[@roberthosier1771]

If we are talking about calorie expenditure, logically a saw that cuts on both the push AND the pull is the better way to go. Otherwise, you are only cutting half as fast, by only cutting on the pull stroke, while burning the exact same amount of calories that you could've burned by cutting on the push and the pull strokes. Correct? Doesn't seem very efficient to me to only cut in one direction. With Silky, it really depends on what kind of job the blade will be used for performing specific types of cuts. I also agree with Will that Silky's blades are too flexible. I think one of SIlky's biggest problems is that they do their Impulse Hardening ONLY on the teeth, which allows them to hold and edge better, but at the same time, allows the rest of the blade to remain flexible. I think maybe TOO flexible? Why couldn't they do their impulse hardening on the entire blade? Surely, Silky could come up with some sort of happy medium? Maybe a folder designed specific to Bushcrafting that reduces the flexibility a bit (a little flexibility is OK), while using medium type of teeth that cut on both the push and the pull strokes?

[@daskraut]

simple for me: the bahco (22,90 €) costs 17 € less than the silky (39,96 €) and comes with a bonus knife (of unknown quality). the at best slightly better performance of the silky doesn't justify the price difference. but to each their own.

[@edwardmcbain5730]

Hi guys.We sell three brands All are Japenese steel.They work pretty much the same.The silky being double the price.All have repalaceable blades.the silky blade being as much as a new saw.For bush work you want the coarser teeth.I bought a silky medium tooth and got no use for it.alot of campers do not realise that driftwood full of sand will destroy a saw blade almost instantly.that goes for all saws.I use and prefer a komelon saw it may be 2 seconds slower but is only36.00 compared too 80.00.Areplacement blade 15.00 instead of 50.00.3 years and never replaced a blade.I keep it clean.The point I am trying to make is expensive does not make it better just like knives pretty hard to beat a 25.00 mora.Luck Mcbain.

[@Hutzjohn]

I agree with your conclusions about those two saws. Neither one is my choice, the Silky super Accel 21 is my choice. Do a comparison between bahco and the super accel and you "WILL" have a clear winner, it won't be about preference then. It will be about which processes wood faster and easier for your survival/camping needs. And if you want overkill for 6 or 8 inch diameter logs the Silky Big Boy.

[@stevelucier8346]

lol Easy peasy! Still getting the Bahco. Reasons? While the Silky in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing might be better I am putting together stuffs for someone with little knowledge of the saws. With smaller than normal hands! Weaker! I see choking up and accidental lock releases likely "will" be problematic plus the Bahco does have replacement blades HINT HINT! Also looking to get the shorter Silky Pocket with the blade about 5" for a second pack.

[@jameshill6872]

A newer Silky vs. a well used Bahco. Advantage Silky. I actually prefer a Silky but it's because I started with it. In Virginia, Silky saws are carried in the tractor and mower dealerships. A Bahco is almost exclusively an on line purchase. You go with what you know. Nice vid.

[@summoning111]

Being a landscaper I just karate chop all the wood; it's cheaper than buying a saw and no rust! (done the rust test by sticking my hands in a bucket of salty water, then rubbing them in fresh herbs,egg,breadcrumbs & baking for 20 minutes on 250°C -no rust, how about that!Ha)

[@n9oqu]

They should plant more trees...they are cutting them down for no purpose. Firewood? Build a shelter? clearing out dead wood? nope just hacking away on live trees to make a film.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Hi Chris & Billy & Jesse, Great video. Can you approach this issue from a more life and death point of view. I have been considering the Red Silky because that is the model with the coarse teeth. I am hoping in an emergency when you are exhausted, in theory it should take less strokes, ie less labor. Also Can you compare the red Silky to the Bahco. Silky

[@alangrumphutock4090]

The comment was made that using the Silky, particularly, is down to technique and that is correct, 100%. Like all Japanese saws it requires a pull action. the blades are thin which gives a finer cut but if the saw is pushed there is a tendency for the blade to buckle. I guess that I have become used to the technique required for the Silky as I use Japanese saws for carpentry. However, I use both the Bahco and Silky outdoors and find it hard to pick a favourite. The Silky gives a faster and finer cut but the Bahco is more durable. In the end it obviously comes down to personal preference; the argument about which one is better is somewhat academic. Ultimately one pays the money and makes one's choice.

[@tbrew8222]

Its just like knife blades.. Do you prefer ultra hard and may chip or snap, or do you prefer a softer metal with more give? I like both. Silky for speed, even though the other is a double cut, but silkys often snap when stuck. Bahco for reliability/ durability. Silky hardens the whole blade, Bahco tempers the toothed edge but not the rest.

[@Umber54]

One reason the heavyset guy cut through the wood "faster" using both saws is that he was cutting sections that were smaller in diameter than those PreparedMind was cutting. Might not be the only reason but was definitely a factor. Go back and look at the video where the heavyset guy is testing both saws. Count the strokes to get through the wood with each saw. The Bahco took 37 strokes, the Silky took 20 strokes... even though the second cut (using the Silky) was made through slightly larger diameter wood. And it appeared he was trying to cut on both the push and pull strokes with both saws instead of just the pull when using the Silky and that puts Silky way, way ahead. Seeing the young lady use both saws on the wood tells the story. Silky... 35 strokes. Bahco... 152 strokes. Silky by a mile. The "secret technique" to cutting with a Silky is not much of a secret. The Silky cuts on the pull stroke. Apply downward pressure on the pull, lighten up on the push. Why are Japanese saws set up this way? If a saw cuts on the push, the motion is powered by smaller muscles... triceps, frontal deltoid. If a saw cuts on the pull it uses the biceps and the large muscles of the upper back. In addition, the blade on the Silky is thinner than that on the Bahco. If a saw cuts when pulling, a PULL is never going to bind the blade and bend it, so the blade can be thin. A thicker blade is needed for a saw that cuts on the push, or push AND pull strokes, since the blade can easily bind on the push stroke and flex enough to remain bent. Keep in mind that a thinner blade removes much less wood in any given cut than a thicker blade, so once again saves effort. Just my opinion, of course, but it's an opinion based on observation.

[@robertryan7978]

With all due respect. Long time sub. Huge fan. Also I'm a arborist for over 30 yrs. The Silky is not a bushcraft saw. Some sites may advertise it as such . But its not designed with bushcrafting in mind. Hence the flexibility. The flexibility gives us tree climbers to make a proper finish cut , wihich is vital for the tree to heal quickly . Without repositioning ourselves in the tree to achieve the correct angle of said cut. Its also about production. Silky's stay sharp for years .

[@ei96byod]

Speaking about saws, Chris, I would like to know if you or Will have tried the Bob Dustrude Quick buck saw and if so, what you think about it.I have been thinking about buying one for a long time now, but since I live in Sweden, the shipping is a bit steep. I would buy it anyway if I could just get an opinion from someone I trust (like you and Will).

[@fastvinny6281]

when it comes to pack saws,Sven Saw is the way to go. very compact ,very song. Will likes the multipurpose use of the Bacho, but really any "bushcrafter" will have multiple knives and ferro rods ect.. because one is none and two is one. God vid though, I'm a longtime sub. ttyl

[@dilutedrep2864]

carry the bigger silkys like the bigboy

[@charlescollier7217]

I really do hope you do a review of the Corona 10" Razor Saw. I think it actually does perform better than either of these, and costs about the same as the Bahco.

[@galenlong937]

Either Saw is Good For me, Though the Bahco is more affordable, for those who haven't got allot of money lying around. Myself I would Go with the Bahco, Just because of the money factor. But at the same time, I would Buy will from his Wife and have him do all the Sawing........LOL. Just Kidding.

[@AndersErichsen-rr7vs]

Great tip on the one hand thing - how did he make it better for a striking rods and debark? Ouch - just keep you finger away from the saw when you close it if you do the one hand trick. I'm bleeding now 2 places from my finger! Just be aware!!! I was practicing opening and closing and adjusting the screw...

[@PSBeard]

Spent a long weekend volunteering with the Forestry Service clearing trails in the boundary Waters here in MN. They use only Silky Saws and old school 2 man crosscuts. I have not had the chance to use a Bahco, but hey I think the pros know. By and by the technique is not rocket science it's simply apply force on the back cut only.....

[@davesunhammer4218]

Yea... you all are doing it wrong. Hand the saw to the woman, tell her "girls cant cut wood like men"... have a large supply of flowers and such handy. Your wood will be cut and you will have got some fishing in. :] Still buying the Silky. Replaceable blades so you can have one handle and fine, med & large tooth blades... and it comes with the plastic case.

[@Peteru69]

Silky IS faster, silky IS less strain on you to use. I've had a Bahco for year, and it works really well but not as well as the Silky. New Silky blades tend to cost as much as a whole new Bahco, but you get what you pay for. I aaaalways use Bahco for smaller logs no thicker than my arm, so when I'm out camping I'll bring the Bahco if weight and space is an issue. But I'll bring the Silky if neither of those are a problem and I'm a hundred percent sure it'll save you energy in the long run to bring a Silky instead. It's a personal thing. I don't think the Bahco is a better tool for anything. But it's cheaper, smaller and lighter so that's advantages over a Silky.

[@susceptor3574]

Will!!!!!! sawing champ period!!!!!!!!!! Will is a sawing machine!! sorry Chris, Will was just smoother. as we all know smooth is fast! we big guys can also add a little more on the push stroke!! Hehehe. U guys r just so wrong, letting a lady use a worn saw, especially a lady who is known for her chopping skillz!! Whats up with that fellas!

[@scottsherman5947]

Will....I just looked up and saw you squatting with a log behind one of your knees while you sawed a chunk of it off backwards....did that just happen?? If so, that was very very awesome.