Camp Saws · #8
Pocketboy 170 mm
Silky
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The one you always have. 170 mm of impulse-hardened blade in a folder that lives in a jacket pocket or a fishing vest, with a hard case that keeps it from opening in the pack.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight, easy to carry anywhere
- Surprisingly efficient and aggressive cutting for its size
- Durable impulse-hardened blade stays sharp for a long time
- Ergonomic handle provides secure grip, even when wet
- Blade can be replaced, extending the tool's lifespan
Cons
- Not suitable for large logs or heavy-duty processing
- Impulse-hardened teeth are difficult to resharpen
- Higher price point compared to some other folding saws
Best uses
- Backpacking and day hiking
- Clearing light trail obstructions
- Processing kindling and small firewood
- Bushcrafting small projects
- Emergency shelter building
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Silky
- Model
- Pocketboy 170 mm
- Blade Length
- 170 mm (6.7 inches)
- Blade Type
- Curved, Taper Ground
- Teeth
- Medium (8.5 teeth per 30mm)
- Weight
- 195g (6.9 oz)
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Backpacking and day hiking, Clearing light trail obstructions, Processing kindling and small firewood, Bushcrafting small projects, Emergency shelter building
Where to buy the Pocketboy 170 mm
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Silky Pocketboy 170 mm earns its spot on our list not by being the biggest or the most aggressive, but by consistently being the saw you actually have with you when you need it. It's a testament to good design and the principle of 'the best tool is the one in your hand.' This folding saw isn't meant for felling large trees or bucking heavy firewood. Its strength lies in its portability and surprising capability for its size. For backpackers, day hikers, or anyone who frequently finds themselves needing to clear a trail, cut some small firewood, or prune a branch, the Pocketboy 170 mm is an invaluable companion. It's a tool that quietly disappears into a pack or pocket until called upon, then performs admirably within its intended scope. We've seen countless larger, heavier saws left behind due to bulk, while this little workhorse consistently makes the cut. Its compact footprint and relatively light weight mean there's little excuse not to bring it along, even on minimalist trips. The blade, though short, is exceptionally sharp and efficient on green or dry wood up to a few inches in diameter. We've used it to process kindling, clear shooting lanes, and even fashion basic shelters in a pinch. It’s a tool that fosters self-reliance without adding significant burden. While it won't replace a larger bow saw or axe for heavy-duty work, its consistent presence and reliable performance make it a cornerstone of many outdoor kits. The included hard plastic sheath, while adding a bit of bulk, ensures it stays secure and protected.
Materials & Build
Silky saws are renowned for their quality, and the Pocketboy is no exception. The blade is made from high-carbon steel, impulse-hardened for exceptional sharpness and durability. This hardening process means the teeth stay sharp for a very long time but are difficult to resharpen, a common trade-off with such robust blades. The handle is a comfortable, ergonomic rubberized grip that provides secure handling even in wet conditions. The folding mechanism is solid, locking the blade securely open for use and closed for transport. The overall construction feels robust, designed to withstand the rigors of regular outdoor use without unnecessary complexity or failure points.
Real-World Performance
For its size, the Pocketboy 170 mm punches well above its weight. The aggressive, impulse-hardened teeth make quick work of branches up to 3-4 inches in diameter with surprisingly little effort. The curved blade helps keep the saw in the kerf, improving cutting efficiency and reducing fatigue. We've found it excellent for clearing small downed trees from trails, processing firewood into manageable kindling, and preparing a shelter site. It’s not a speed demon for larger tasks, but it’s remarkably efficient for anything within its practical limits. The clean cuts it produces are also beneficial for pruning live branches, promoting healthier plant growth.
Durability & Longevity
The primary wear point on any saw is the blade, and the Pocketboy's impulse-hardened teeth are exceptionally tough. We've put these saws through years of intermittent use without noticeable dulling. The high-carbon steel is susceptible to rust if not cared for, so keeping it clean and dry, perhaps with a light oil coating, is recommended after use. The folding mechanism and handle are robust, showing little sign of wear even with consistent deployment. With basic care, this saw will likely outlast many other pieces of gear in your kit. The option to replace the blade if it ever does wear out further extends its lifespan.
Weight & Packability
This is where the Pocketboy truly shines. At around 6.9 ounces (195g), it's barely noticeable in a pack. Folded, it measures just over 8 inches, easily fitting into a cargo pocket, the side pocket of a backpack, or even a larger fishing vest pocket. The optional hard plastic sheath, while adding a bit of bulk, is a smart addition for carrying it securely on a belt or protecting other gear in a pack from accidental snags. Its compact nature means you're far more likely to bring it along than a heavier, bulkier saw, making it a truly useful tool in unexpected situations.
Comparable Options
At its price point, the Pocketboy 170 mm competes with other compact folding saws like the Bahco Laplander or various Fiskars models. While those are capable saws, the Silky often distinguishes itself with a slightly more aggressive tooth pattern and superior blade rigidity, which translates to smoother, faster cuts. The impulse-hardened teeth are also a significant differentiator in terms of longevity. While other brands might offer a slightly lower initial cost, the Silky's performance and blade life often make it a better long-term value, especially for those who prioritize cutting efficiency and durability.
How we chose
We started with a long list of camp saws that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Edge geometry and steel
- Grind, stock thickness, and how the steel behaves between sharpenings in real camp tasks.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Pocketboy 170 mm — frequently asked questions
- Is the Pocketboy 170 mm worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Camp Saws. The one you always have. 170 mm of impulse-hardened blade in a folder that lives in a jacket pocket or a fishing vest, with a hard case that keeps it from opening in the pack.
- What is the Pocketboy 170 mm best for?
- Best for backpacking and day hiking, clearing light trail obstructions, processing kindling and small firewood and bushcrafting small projects. Standouts: extremely compact and lightweight, easy to carry anywhere and surprisingly efficient and aggressive cutting for its size.
- What are the downsides of the Pocketboy 170 mm?
- Not suitable for large logs or heavy-duty processing, Impulse-hardened teeth are difficult to resharpen and Higher price point compared to some other folding saws.
- What are the key specs of the Pocketboy 170 mm?
- Manufacturer: Silky · Model: Pocketboy 170 mm · Blade Length: 170 mm (6.7 inches) · Blade Type: Curved, Taper Ground · Teeth: Medium (8.5 teeth per 30mm)
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Pocketboy 170 mm?
- Silky saws are renowned for their quality, and the Pocketboy is no exception. The blade is made from high-carbon steel, impulse-hardened for exceptional sharpness and durability.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Pocketboy 170 mm?
- For its size, the Pocketboy 170 mm punches well above its weight. The aggressive, impulse-hardened teeth make quick work of branches up to 3-4 inches in diameter with surprisingly little effort.
Compare side by side
Put the Pocketboy 170 mm against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.