Hot take: Spending $200 on a fancy pruning saw was a total waste

I bought a top-of-the-line Silky saw last spring, thinking it would make my cuts faster and cleaner. After a season of use, it dulls just as quick as my old $40 Corona and the handle started cracking in cold weather. Anyone else feel like high-end gear is just marketing hype for most tree work?

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the_beth3mo ago

I had the exact same issue with a Silky saw last year. The Zubat model with the red handle started showing stress cracks after two months of cutting hard maple and oak. The teeth went dull way faster than I expected too, even though I was careful to avoid hitting dirt or rocks. What finally worked for me was switching to a Corona 3-step sharpening tool instead of trying to file it freehand. It takes 5 minutes once a week and keeps the cut aggressive. But honestly for the money, I'd grab a $50 Bahco Laplander next time. The blades are replaceable and the curve cuts just as fast. High end gear has its place but for most of us it's just paying for hype and a fancy name.

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willow_ellis3mo ago

Have you tried sharpening the Silky saw yourself? I've had mine for three years now and a quick file touch-up every few weeks keeps it cutting like new. The handle cracking is a bummer though, mine held up fine in single digit temps last winter. I think a lot depends on how much you're cutting and what kind of wood.

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