Silky's new saws offer more than a cosmetic difference from other Japanese saws (though the chrome-on-black scheme will appeal to the biker in you). Drawn-aluminum, rubber-gripped handles give these saws much greater heft than the typical rattan-wrapped wood handles. Replaceable blades are removed and reinstalled with a quick flick of the Tsubasa's reassuringly stout locking lever; Kenzo blades are changed by loosening a large screw. More importantly, Tsubasa blades are taper-ground, and thickest along the cutting edge. The resulting clearance within the kerf eliminates the need to set the teeth, while giving better-than-usual "steer ability" during the cut. All the advantages of Japanese saws remain: fine kerfs thanks to the pull-cut teeth; precise, controlled cutting; and durability from impulse hardening.

Tsubasa saws are in single-edge crosscut format (Kataba); Kenzo saws are double-edged, one rip, one crosscut, and are not taper-ground.