The History of Silky Saws

The History of Silky Saws

The History of the Saw
The development of civilization began on the day that humans started to utilize tools. At times, some tools were used as weapons. However, tools have brought unfathomable value to human beings over the centuries.

Saws are one of many tools that have been utilized to vastly improve living conditions in our daily existence. For example, saws have been used as primary tools to maintain and harvest trees, to build houses, make furniture, create musical instruments and perform many other functions too numerous to mention.

Mankind has, over the years, relied on wood as one of the mainstays of his culture. Several hundred years ago, when saws were first invented, mankind took a great stride forward. When man started to cut down trees, he was able to see in his mind's eye the many things that were possible to create with wood. Despite this, no significant changes were made to the design of saws until quite recently.

The History of Silky Saws
The clang of hammering resounded for the first time in the land of Kishi, Japan in 1919. Our founder Mr. Katsuji Miyawaki utilized his artisan spirit to create and produce the "TAMAKITSUNE" the original brand of SILKY. He put his heart, soul and unrelenting spirit into the development and manufacture of superior designed, high quality saws which continues to this day.

In 1970, the invention of the automatic saw setting machine created a significant revolution in the development of saws and SILKY was the first to adopt this process. In 1980, SILKY created and patented a proprietary saw setting process that provided a remarkable improvement in sharpness. The "4-RETSUME" and the "MIRAIME2" saws were created utilizing this advanced technology. In 1983, a unification of the company occurred and the SILKY name was applied to all products.

​In 1985, both the "GOMTARO" and the "GOMBOY" were introduced featuring the first rubber clad handle. This design was awarded the coveted Japanese Good-Design prize and created a sensation in the industry. The "GOMBOY" has become the industry standard for folding saws. Since then, many other superior saw designs have been introduced further enhancing SILKY's long standing reputation for excellence.

SILKY continues to lead the industry in the development of epoch-making designs. The company is now capably headed by Uichi Miyawaki who inherited our founders mind, wisdom, entrepreneurial spirit and passion to continue to create the best possible saws in the universe

It is critically important to human's survival that trees, forests and greenery are well maintained and cherished. SILKY's intent is to be eco-friendly and to continue with a strong passion for excellence in the design and manufacture of saws and related products that are superior and a pleasure to use everywhere in the world.

Manufactured by UM:KOGYO INC. (Silky Japan), the unique Silky technology and design have resulted in an extensive range of the finest quality hand saws with superb cutting ability available globally.



SILKY saws work on the pull stroke, minimising effort and providing a smooth clean cut, maximising tree health. They can rip-cut, cross-cut and slant-cut. The hard chrome plating produces an exceedingly hard, durable surface. The replaceable blades are resistant to rust and the effects of resin. They are finely or mirror polished and wipe clean easily.

Almost all Silky saws have rubber compound elastomer handles either inserted or vulcanized to ABS plastic or steel and are comfortable to hold, reduce vibration and offer superior grip when hands are wet or cold and when wearing gloves. The cutting performance of Silky Saws is unrivalled.

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Folding Saws
Sheath Saws
Extension Pole Saws
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