Silky PocketBoy 170 (346-17, Large Teeth)
Published · Researched 2026-09-21
2026 lineup note: Current. This dossier covers the standard PocketBoy 170 Large Tooth (MPN 346-17, UPC 4903585346173) — 170 mm blade, ~200 g tool-only. Street $53.99–$60.99 (observed 2026-09-20). The Outback Edition (750-17) is a separate variant — black-coated blade, arbor-composite handle, 248 g, $70.99 — documented as a version note, not silently substituted.
Version lineage (2023–2026)
- 2000s–2022: PocketBoy established — Silky's compact folding saw in 130 mm and 170 mm, multiple tooth configs (fine 20 TPI, medium, large 7 TPI). The 170 Large Tooth (346-17) became the camp/bushcraft pick.
- 2023–2026: current — 346-17 continued; the Outback Edition (750-17) joined as the ruggedized sibling (thicker black-coated blade, rubberized arbor-composite handle, 8.5 TPI). No redesign of the standard 346-17 as of Sept 2026.
Overview
The PocketBoy 170 is the folding saw that made "Silky" a verb in camp: a 170-mm Japanese pull-saw blade with impulse-hardened teeth that cuts on the pull stroke — faster, straighter, and safer than any Western push saw of the size. The Large Tooth (7 TPI) version is the camp-wood choice; it folds into its handle, locks straight or at an angle, and weighs ~200 g. Forestry-suppliers reviews: "This is the best saw I've ever used. It's sharp, strong and lasts... so sharp, it'll nick you as you're wiping off the blade." Advnture's camping-saw guide tested the Outback Edition and praised the triple-ground toothing that "rips through wood quickly, without bouncing or jumping out of the cut."
Key Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | PocketBoy 170 Large Tooth, MPN 346-17 |
| Blade length | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Teeth | Large, 7 TPI (teeth per inch); impulse-hardened |
| Weight | ~200 g / 7.1 oz tool-only; ~280 g with case |
| Closed length | ~218 mm (varies slightly by source) |
| Handle | Rubberized grip; blade locks straight or angled; clear plastic case with belt hook included |
| Cut | Pull-stroke (Japanese style) |
| Country of origin | Japan |
Pricing
- MSRP: Silky's US list ~$65–70; street $53.99–$60.99 observed 2026-09-20. Outback Edition 750-17: $70.99 street. Date: 2026-09-20.
In the Box
PocketBoy 170 saw, clear plastic carry case with belt hook/loop. Replacement blades sold separately.
Warranty
Silky limited warranty against manufacturing defects (handled via Silky US / distributors). Blades are consumables — teeth damaged by misuse (nails, dirt, twisting) are not covered.
Support & Parts
Replacement blades for the 170 (large, medium, fine teeth) are widely available — this is a major ownership advantage: a dull saw becomes new for the price of a blade. Silky US (via distributors) supports the line.
Community Verdict
The PocketBoy is the default "which folding saw" answer in camping and bushcraft communities — Rokslide hunters: "A silky pocket boy is small and lightweight... They have by far the best pocket saw blades I've used, cuts through wood better than my [Gerber]." Forestry-suppliers owners report leaving it in the woods for two weeks in rain and dirt and finding it "still good as new." The recurring cautions: the teeth are dangerously sharp (handle with respect), and some owners report handle play developing in the open-lock position on newer production. Advnture's guide notes the finer-tooth variants can clog — the Large Tooth is the camp pick. No fabricated scores.
Images
images/silky-pocketboy-170-1.jpg(640x640; PocketBoy 170 red handle, chrome blade (TreeStuff)) — source: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-byhk2npena/images/stencil/640w/products/33166/6258353/b1d416270b41fe03bf5c43e2ac87c9c4e564bca423387957695ad0c5b34d48aa__84473.1780609569.jpg?c=2 (page: https://www.treestuff.com/silky-pocketboy-170mm-folding-saw/) — HTTP final 200 (verified 2026-09-20)images/silky-pocketboy-170-2.jpg(386x386; PocketBoy 170 red handle, alternate angle (SilkySaws)) — source: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-e9zw9x37v5/products/121/images/792615/b1d416270b41fe03bf5c43e2ac87c9c4e564bca423387957695ad0c5b34d48aa__08964.1779317724.386.513.jpg?c=2 (page: https://silkysaws.com/silky-pocketboy-170mm-folding-saw/?searchid=623921&search_query=pocketboy) — HTTP final 200 (verified 2026-09-20)images/silky-pocketboy-170-3.jpg— retained from prior round; see[internal image manifest — not shipped]images/silky-pocketboy-170-4.jpg(500x500; PocketBoy 170 standard (346-17), red handle, chrome blade, studio (replaced black-handle -4 2026-09-20)) — source: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-53r83b14/products/23710/images/115583/Silky_Pocketboy_170MM_Folding_Compact_Saw-min__84588.1686071926.500.750.jpg?c=2 (page: https://armynavyoutdoors.com/silky-pocketboy-170mm-folding-compact-saw/) — HTTP final 200 (verified 2026-09-20)images/silky-pocketboy-170-5.jpg— retained from prior round; see[internal image manifest — not shipped]- Provenance: see
[internal image manifest — not shipped](replaced 2026-09-20; culled originals inwork/r3repair-scratch/)
Research date: 2026-09-20. Price/specs: see the comparison row in tables/repair-r3-notes.md.
Long-term durability & warranty-claim reality (enrichment — Sept 2026)
The PocketBoy's durability story is the impulse-hardened teeth: they stay sharp far longer than conventional saw teeth but can't be re-sharpened with a file — when dull, you replace the blade. Owners report years of camp use per blade. The pivot screw is adjustable — tighten it if handle play develops (the reported newer-production issue). The clear case's belt hook is the breakage point; the saw itself outlasts several cases. Warranty-claim reality: Silky's warranty covers defects, not worn teeth — budget for replacement blades as the real long-term cost.
Version history — year by year (enrichment — Sept 2026)
- 2023: 346-17 continued; Outback Edition (750-17) available as the ruggedized sibling.
- 2024: Continued; some owners report handle play on newer production (isolated reports, not a recall).
- 2025: Continued.
- 2026: Continued at $53.99–$60.99 street; no redesign as of Sept 2026.
Head-to-head vs closest rivals (enrichment — Sept 2026)
- vs Silky GomBoy 240 (
/library/gear/repair-tools/silky-gomboy-240/): the GomBoy 240 is the bigger 240-mm Silky for serious wood processing; the PocketBoy 170 is the packable camp saw. Own the GomBoy for basecamp, the PocketBoy for the backpack. - vs Bahco 396-LAP Laplander (
/library/gear/repair-tools/bahco-396-lap-laplander/— new this round): the Laplander is the Swedish bushcraft-classic folder at ~$29; the PocketBoy cuts faster with its Japanese tooth geometry but costs twice as much. - vs Sven Saw 21 (
/library/gear/repair-tools/sven-saw-21/— new this round): the Sven is the 21-in folding bow saw for big firewood; the PocketBoy is the packable precision saw.
Care & maintenance (enrichment — Sept 2026)
Wipe pitch off the blade with oil or alcohol — pitch buildup is the #1 cause of "my Silky got dull." Don't cut dirt, nails, or bone (teeth chip on hard inclusions). Dry before closing into the case. Adjust the pivot screw if play develops. Replace — don't try to sharpen — impulse-hardened teeth.
Buying traps (enrichment — Sept 2026)
- Tooth-config confusion: the 170 comes in fine, medium, and large teeth — for camp firewood, Large Tooth (346-17) is the pick; fine teeth clog in green wood.
- Outback vs standard: the Outback Edition (750-17, 248 g, $70.99) is a different SKU — don't pay Outback money for the standard saw or vice versa.
- Counterfeits: fake Silkys exist — check the Silky etching on the blade and buy from authorized dealers; replacement-blade availability is the authenticity tell (fakes don't have a blade ecosystem).
Community Verdict — additional voices (enrichment — Sept 2026)
Additional sourced voices (Sept 2026): Advnture's camping-saw guide (Outback Edition tested) — "compact and versatile... the blade can be locked in two positions, which gives you some useful extra clearance when working in tight spaces." Rokslide's hunting community treats the PocketBoy as dual-use: stove wood and (in a pinch) skull-capping — "They have by far the best pocket saw blades I've used." The sharpness warning is universal and worth repeating: owners get nicked wiping the blade. No fabricated scores.
Key Specs gap-fill (enrichment — Sept 2026)
200 g = 7.05 oz tool-only; 280 g = 9.88 oz with case; blade 170 mm = 6.7 in; 7 TPI large teeth. Street $53.99–$60.99 (2026-09-20). MPN 346-17, UPC 4903585346173.
Sources
- cdn11.bigcommerce.com — retrieval date not recorded
- www.treestuff.com — retrieval date not recorded
- cdn11.bigcommerce.com — retrieval date not recorded
- silkysaws.com — retrieval date not recorded
- cdn11.bigcommerce.com — retrieval date not recorded
- armynavyoutdoors.com — retrieval date not recorded