A bit of care after each trip can keep your Silky slicing through hardwood like butter

There’s nothing fancy about Silky saw maintenance, just a few simple steps that keep your blade slicing through Aussie hardwood like butter. A bit of care after every trip keeps your saw sharp, smooth, and ready for the next adventure.

If you’ve ever picked up your Silky after a few weeks in the back of the ute and found it sticky, or starting to develop surface rust, you know the pain and disappointment in yourself. These saws are built beautifully, but they still need occasional love.
A bit of sap, dust, and moisture if left for long periods of time can degrade the blade.

I’ve been using mine for years on trips around WA  clearing fallen limbs, cutting firewood, trail work  and keeping it clean has made all the difference. Here’s exactly how I look after my Silky so it keeps performing trip after trip.

After a day’s use, your blade will be covered in sap and fine sawdust that stick like glue once dry. If you don’t clean it, you’ll feel the drag over time.

What you’ll need: - Nothing Fancy (Time - 2 minutes)
Water - A little water bottle with a little hole in the lid works well for spraying it down whilst not wasting your drinking water. 
A soft brush or old toothbrush
Mild detergent or methylated spirits (for sap) - or WD40 
Dry cloth or paper towel

How I do it:
Open the saw fully and rinse off any loose debris.
Spray it with a bit of the water & scrub the teeth gently.
If the blade’s gummed up with sap, switch to methylated spirits, it breaks it down fast.
Rinse again, then wipe it completely dry.
Don’t forget the hinge, grit hides there and can cause wear.

After cleaning, I leave the saw open to air dry, usually on the dash while packing up camp. Never fold it up while it’s damp, and definitely don’t put it straight back in the sheath.

Once it’s clean and dry, it’s time to protect that precision-ground Japanese steel. A tiny bit of oil goes a long way.

You can use:
WD-40 - I tend to have a tiny little spray bottle in the tool kit anyway so this is my go too. 
Silicone spray
Light machine oil

Spray or wipe a small amount along both sides of the blade and into the hinge. Wipe off the excess, it should feel slick, not greasy.

Why bother? It stops oxidation, keeps the teeth clean, and gives that smooth “Silky” feel every time you cut.

Store It Right:
When not in use, keep your saw dry, clean, and protected. I store mine (I have 7 lol) inside a canvas bag. 

Avoid humid sheds or damp canopies where moisture can sit for weeks. If you’ve been on a salty coastal trip, give it an extra wipe-down before storing.

A clean Silky saw cuts faster, feels better, and lasts yZAkars longer.
It only takes five minutes after a trip, but the payoff is huge, no rust, no drag, just clean cuts every time.

If your blade’s looking tired, grab a fresh one or check out the full range of Silky saws we stock here → Silky Saw Collection