Two curved Silky saws go head to head, silky big boy, zubat

[@Supernice65]

I reckon they’re horses for courses Rob. As an arborist, I often used my left arm to hold a position in a tree, then the Zubat can’t be beat. It doesn’t need two hands to open, that’s it’s design. It’s a tree surgeons saw first and foremost. Also prefer the secure belt sheath to put the saw in if I’m gathering up an armful of wood to carry back to camp rather than trying to stash the folder somewhere, or worse, putting it on the ground. I’ve got the BigBoy too, but the flat blade version. That’s the saw that comes out if we’re out for a couple of nights and need to bring some bigger logs in.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

The straight bigboy is my favourite, I should have really explained better that I wanted the zubat so I can steady the wood with the left hand just like you said, I think I should have got the straight blade.

[@daysofnoah1748]

I used to run all Silky folders, but now I really like the Pistol grips ! The Big Boy seems awkward and long, while the Zubat is more nimble and controlable. Of the last 8 saws I bought, all have been 13" pistol grips like the Zubat.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I bought another one with the pistol grip and they are so much better for bucking up firewood than the folders.

[@jongjoorhee931]

My arborist friend gave the zubat to me a few years ago, and I loved it. It's an arborist saw, so one end of whatever you are cutting is securely attatched firmly attached to the tree. That's where it exxels. If you have a single support sawhorse(where you had two support on each end-one end of log is resting on the grould) chest high, it would cut better. You can use two hands on the zubat. Hold it with one hand and wrap your other hand around applying slight downward pressure. That's how I roll anyway. Zubat's blade is a little thicker and it's a full tang blade. Therefore should be a bit more robust than folder. Bigboy

[@manabiker]

I use the Zumbat on my mountain bike, attached to a belt, and my leg, I clear trails easily, and safely, easy to carry/use, fast putting it back in the scabberd, to carry, and to keep it from cutting anything I don't want to cut (like my tires, carbon fiber bike, or me), stays put, doesn't get in the way when riding. Makes the job into a fun ride through the woods, it use to be work, now its fun. Thanx to the Zumbat, trailworkers dream saw !!! ;)

[@missourimongoose8858]

Id say the zubat is for trees while the big boy is for the woods

[@bubba7626]

Coming back here for this review. I have been using both over these years and I'll just say that for reliability the Zubat wins my vote. Best medium blade general use bushcraft saw for me. I have a katana Boy for camping and real big stuff. My small go to is the 170 pocketboy. In my pack or on my rig. You will always find me with the 170 pocketboy and the Zubat 330. The 2000 is great but I have just snapped to many blades in precarious situations. Just my .02 cents for what its worth. Thanks for your great reviews Rob!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I prefer the pistol grip saws for bucking up firewood, I really like the Natankonka. My katanaboy is really blunt now, I was going to buy a new blade but bought a file instead, shame I don't have the patience to use it! It's too big for my use anyway.

[@lloydjacobson1812]

Another great review!!! Thanks for sharing , and hello from Canada 🇨🇦

[@bigyin2794]

Cheers mate, saved me an impulse "new shiny thing" purchase. I bloody love the big boy I can't believe the size of trees it just melts through. One tip if I may, to reduce fatigue, lengthen your saw stroke, use slower longer cuts and use a pattern of angles when cutting, ie if you imagine a clock face, cut initially 9 to 3 and work round to 11 to 5 ISH, then back to 9 to 3 in order to always be cutting an acute angle of wood. Cheers.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That makes perfect sense, less friction, fatigue.👍

[@rolandklann6250]

Thanks Rob for this comparison. I had been looking at the Zubat saw. And did not think about the fatigue and inability to use both hands. We are overland explorers here in British Columbia. Our trees are huge electric chain saws make a lot of sense but weight cost and recharging capability are real challenges I will be going for one of their larger folding saws. Thanks. I really appreciate your experience and strait forward approach in you videos! We have a good online retailer here in BC. Bushcraft Canada. Paul Robinson is knowledgeable and very perceptive of his clients. Cheers. Stay safe and healthy!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

If you're in a vehicle I would use a silky katana boy for felling and a 24" bow saw for bucking.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

For woods work I will definitely take the folding saw! Your experiences mirror mine 100%. The Zubat is a good saw, but the folding saw design with the longer handle just outperforms it in the woods.

[@bobbieschke599]

Most curved blades are used as pruning saws for overhead branches, trim work . Size and width of teeth, as well as, length of blade come into play when cutting larger logs. I have the Silky Gomboy with large teeth and about 12-14 inch blade which takes care of most of my needs ! Grizz 🐻

[@farquharwilson2523]

Good video, still haven't decided on what type of saw I want to replace the bahco. Need to see your next saw video and watch Scott's one again. Loved the 90s photos. Neil will love you for that one. 😁

[@redcanoe14]

Thanks Rob, a great review, I almost bought the Zubat and hadn't thought about one handed cutting. I will invest in the Silky Bigboy Outback Edition, Best Wishes from BC, Canada.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I wouldn't mind the straight blade Zubat.

[@ClintK.]

Exactly what I was needing to know. Big boy it is. Thank you!

[@rolandklann6250]

Thanks Rob for this video. We have an excellent online retailer here in BC. Bushcraft Canada. He sells the silky saws among others. We are overland explorers but drive a modest 3 gen Ford Ranger with a pop up camper. Space and weight are at a premium. Forestry Service Roads in remote areas are what we do travel often. I like the silky ‘a for their efficiency and space saving layout. I was looking at the zubat. As you point out fatigue and the ability to use two hands comes into play. Our other option of course is an electric chain saw. Far to much money and weight not to mention charging of batteries etc etc.

[@j1p3z35]

Thanks bro, been lookin at getn the folding one but some people said it's difficult to use one handed. But glad to hear your opinion on it and will probably get one with all the evidence saying there the best lightweight, good and longlasting saw

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I would prefer the pistol grip silky for bucking up firewood but the folders can cut high and are more packable.

[@j1p3z35]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I'm kinda looking for an all round saw, one that could if needed cut trees down, cut wood up for a little base kinda thing, also cut firewood. And I need it to be lightweight also cuz I'm building a survival loadout kinda thing lol so need something lightweight but also long lasting and kinda good all round.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@j1p3z35 can't beat a bigboy for that, I don't see any difference in the upgraded blued blade if you were thinking of the more expensive bigboy, personally I prefer the straight blade with the black handle, I have a comparison video of the two saws.

[@a-gnosis]

great video, thank you for sharing the info! very helpful.

[@chillindave1357]

I suppose if you're going to bushcraft with more time building in between cuts... it'll be way different then processing wood for a multi-day, sub-zero (°F!) outing. I'd still go w/21" bow saw for that. So many toys/ so little time! Great vid, thx!

[@hillbill79]

Looks a good cutter, but seems the big boy with its 2nd blade position has the win when cutting near the ground. (not watched the whole thing yet)

[@hillbill79]

Curved edge gives more contact with wood, more effort to cut it, makes sense.

[@andrewauman40]

TPI makes all the diffrence. Big boy has 6.5 and is made to cut thru bigger logs.the zobat that you purchased has the 7.5 on it. Made for smoother cuts.

[@jakobperkin7417]

im about to buy my first silky boy. thanks for the info

[@lynella6073]

Thanks for the demo! Can you give more lessons on feather stick making? In south Louisiana, not sure what best woods to make them! :)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Corniferous trees , cut between any knots, start at the sharp edge, grind plays a big part. Mora companion is a great knife to use when starting off, I have a feather stick tutorial video.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLWnnmZhK2Crtk

[@lynella6073]

@@RobEvansWoodsman thanks! I love your accent too! :)

[@ChrisSurrey]

Good stuff mate, was looking at that curved zubat but think ill just go big boy! Fking epic pics at the end too 👌

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

If you're going to cut stuff 4" and over the bigboy rules, under 4" and one handed the Zubat is great, straight blade would probably be better.

[@oldpisces49]

Heyyyyy Rob!! Good to know we need a two handed handle for over 6-7" rounds!! I might have already messed up tho.... I picked up a Corona 13" arborist's saw used and replaced the blade new but havent got to try it yet! Wonderful old photos U shared! Just watched Neil do his review of the Mora Classic #1 knife few hours ago!! He was young in that photo!!! Hope he gets to see it again!!! Great stuff as always!! Stay Safe Please...

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I emailed Neil the photo, he remembers what truck I had at that time, guys got a good memory. I'm going to watch his video now.

[@Bushprowler]

Great! You saved me some bucks.. would've tried this Zubat and compared it to my 2000 otherwise.

[@Zenmastersean]

Fun video. I guess we know the next give away lol. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy brother

[@keepthefaith35]

Rob, although I don't own a silky of any kind I have to agree that my belief was that the folding saw would end up being the winner. Nice demo and vid, Atvb Malcolm 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@gutierrezmoreno8974]

HI Rob, whats is the jacket you are wearing?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Helikon tex pilgrim smock.

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

Thanks for the vid, think you've just made my decision to buy the bigboy 2000 slot easier, cheers pal, much appreciated.👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I like the straight blade bigboy the most.

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

@@RobEvansWoodsman what can I say Rob, some men just like curvier models, haha🤟

[@RobertsBulgaria]

I wish I had seen this a week or so ago BEFORE I ordered my ZUBAT. I guess I will just have to use it for Pruning which I think is its purpose, mainly for Arborists up a tree and needing to cut off a branch with the ZUBAT strapped to their leg for easy deployment. Bloody expensive for a Pruning Saw mind you, but what to do, you only live once. Now, just before I push the comment button, I can see Richard 14 (an Arborist) reply below.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I used it again on small wood (2-4") holding it in my left hand and it was bloody great, it's one handed saw and it works very well.

[@bigsi661]

They now make very portable affordable electric chainsaws Rob, with my shoulders not working as well as they used to I've actually been looking at one of these for around camp to save myself pain.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Fair enough mate. I'm not quite there yet! When I can't saw a decent log I'll burn it through.

[@darryleverette357]

Appreciate the comparison. But I would say the one hand two hand comparison depends on usage. Used the way you demonstrated it, then yes, the two hands are better. But if you're trying to cut limbs in a tree, you want to hold the limb with one hand and the saw with the other. At least your comparison helps me see why I might prefer one saw over the other.

[@victorvek5227]

Respectfully, the big boy can easily be used single-handedly overhead.

[@owenmorse3136]

The new pistol grip saw is more to do with accurate cutting on smaller branches and logs than bigger wood items , the pistol grip is more about control.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I've used it again on smaller diameter wood and it's excellent.

[@reddeercanoe]

Wales may not be a world power but it sure has the coolest flag ! I love the red dragon! Keep up your good videos.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It certainly dose my friend, shame it's not on the union jack flag, that's what the English gentry thought of us back when it was made.

[@jongjoorhee931]

Wow, it's 1:30 in the morning. Good night, Rob.

[@poisonousbadge126]

U pumping out vids like mad thanks :)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Getting them out before I get back to the day job!

[@HollywoodTacticool]

what's the size and length comparison on these tow. at first the folding big boy looked much bigger, then later they seemed about the same. and the portability? and does that person that you spoke with also have a channel?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

He's Welshwoodsman Outdoors. Sorry I should have checked the blade length, I think that the Zubat is longer but because of the larger curve in the blade I seem to be using less blade when I cut.

[@philleath-dawson2113]

Folding all the way, its got to be pocket, gomboy, bigboy and then the ultimate katanaboy...... anything else is a chainsaw job........ Great ancient photos........ There are a lot of people out there that think Bushcraft only started since lockdown.....

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

First time is heard the term Bushcraft was probably early 2000's up until then it was called survival, then survival skills. I personally prefer wilderness living skills, good old Mors' name for it after Ray stole Bushcraft!!😜

[@conorjones2401]

Very informative as always Rob. I had a question for you (if you don't mind) any recommendations for entry mid level bushcraft knives? I dont think I'm at the level or could justice to one of your beauts.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Can't beat a Mora mate, for me it's the robust, helps if you can grind the spine sharp and sharpen the micro bevel out. Spending a bit more, Enzo knives (now Brisa) are good value , so are TBS knives from The Bushcraft Store.

[@dannyleung9448]

is there a difference between the yellow and the orange big boy?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

As far as I know they are the same . Silky have three colours, orange/yellow curved and course, black straight medium and red straight fine teeth.

[@mikelychock0310]

Well done vid, Rob, thanks for the valuable info! I have several smaller Pocket Boys and a Gomboy 240. Also have a Sugoi 360 which is brilliant. Gonna pick up a Big Boy now! What size tooth do you recommend?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Honestly Mike my favourite saw is the medium tooth straight big boy. I think that the zubat will be far better at cutting wrist thick wood with one handed operation.

[@bubba7626]

zubat better for one hand use, Bigboy better overall plus more reach

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Agreed!👍

[@taffdavies35]

Going off the subject for a moment, what is that jacket your wearing.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Helikon Tex pilgrim smock.

[@jongjoorhee931]

is a good saw, no doubt, but my vote is for the zubat. And I do not mean to fault you technique in anyway but kinds noticed that you are not using zubat's full length. That hook in the nose of the blade keeps you from pulling out the saw so you can pull it with a little more authority. Enjoyed your video, Rob.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I noticed that while editing, must be the big curve putting me off a bit.

[@Nofixedabode859]

Is the blade thicker more heavy duty on the zubat?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I didn't notice, I'll have a look

[@Supernice65]

Just did a compare, by eye as the callipers are in the garage. The Zubat is thicker by only a tiny bit. It is a more solid blade as it’s often used by Ivy irate tree surgeons to bash frith and crap out of the way, the full tang helps. The longer these blades are, the less thickness they need as they cut on the pull like a bandsaw. I have snapped a BigBoy blade as my dead stander pinched it, so it’s definitely best used on stable wood on the ground or supported. They’re very different beasts, it’s identifying the needs. Silky make some extremely specialised furniture and marquetry saws.

[@henrymoreland8719]

yis are at this a while then.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Started going to the woods in '89.

[@waynejones9500]

Ha ha, see you next time.

[@klausheisler5014]

Big boy is better if you can actually do two handed cutting, used my big boy like 2 times in the last few years. Zubat is far better for what I process, i don't use a saw horse & the stuff I cut is generally wrist & forearm size so need to hold it with one hand while cutting & the Bigboy is pretty terrible at one handed cutting. (obviously because its more of a two handed saw) Worth noting that my zubat is the "arbourist" model, has larger teeth. 5.5 tpi vs the 7.5 of the one you're using. Might as well go full retard & get the sugowaza, hands down their best fixed blade saw & it looks awesome as well. You should give the agawa canyon folding bow saw a try (if you like bow saws of course) I've got the 21" blade version & love it, they recently came out with the larger 24" model as well. Bahco 21" drywood blades are my favourite & they're only £5 a blade, considerably cheaper than any silky blade. I'd like to see silky make a bowsaw blade for it, that would be the bees knees. Comfort of a bow saw with the cutting performance of a silky.......

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Someone didn't stay past the credits! Boreal 21 is next.

[@klausheisler5014]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Ahhhh nice.

[@klausheisler5014]

@@RobEvansWoodsman If you've used it I'm guessing you already know but the multi purpose blade it comes with is terrible, definitely need a drywood blade for processing firewood. Their own drywood blades are exactly the same as the bahco drywood blades but 3x the price.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I just found that out! Been up the woods this morning filming it, I expected the blade to be shit. I always put a bacho dry wood blade in. 👍👍