Back in the day, the absolute best saw a manufacturer could offer had a taper-ground blade with no-set teeth. Simply put, the steel got progressively thinner behind the teeth so that the teeth didn't need to be pushed over to avoid binding during the cut. Although, these saws were more expensive and difficult to make, they made a dramatic difference in productivity during an era of sweat-powered work.

Silky is the first to produce this type of extraordinary saw in a ryoba format, a double-sided, pull-cut, Japanese saw. The crosscut side features 19tpi for a fast yet smooth cut. The rip side has 11tpi at the heel for easy starts and 7tpi at the toe for efficient rips. This variable-tooth pattern is another rediscovered trait found on premium saws from a bygone era.

Silky impulse-hardens the teeth on both sides of the blade, so they'll stay sharp considerably longer than conventional blades. Like all Silky saws, the Hibiki is built for real world use, so it comes with a contoured, rubberized handle and a snap-lock, protective sheath that can hang on your belt or mount to a wall. Replacement blade changes are so easy that you could probably do it wearing gloves. The Hibiki makes an excellent companion to the Silky Folding Dozuki (126435) in outfitting a first class handsaw kit. Overall length 19-3/8".