ARS Pruning Folding Turbocut Saw with 6-1/2-Inch Curved Blade SA-GR17

Got this pull-hand saw to compare with Silky F180 7.5 Professional. I paid $24 for the ARS and $38 for the Silky (I bought both on my own from Amazon). Despite the 170mm designation on the ARS and 180mm on the Silky, the actual cutting bladed area is the same on both blades (both have 160mm worth of teeth or about 6 3/8 inch). Both have red hard plastic handles with rubber over-molded grip areas and both have a lock mechanism to keep the blade open--the ARS also locks shut, the Silky doesn't. The handle on the ARS has a better designed end which provides a positive stop for the fingers to provide more positive grip when on the pull- or power-stroke. Also the handle on this saw is slightly rounded towards the middle of where the palm would be when cutting (far better than the straight grip on the Silky) offering a more comfortable, natural pistol grip. The blade on this ARS Turbocut GR-17 also has a slight curve which increases its bite on branches and allows for a more effective pull-cut--especially with standing cuts or cuts where gravity can affect the downward pull stroke.I have compared the two saws side-by-side and the ARS wins in all categories: Lock mechanism, handle ergonomics, blade effectiveness, price. While the Silky F180 is equally sharp, it cannot compete with the ARS in all other categories. ARS GR-17 wins this match-up.

I have used many other brands and models of folding prunings saws but the ARS GR-17 is the best of the best! Why? The ergonomic design features a curved handle with a rubberized grip that fits my hand like it was molded into it. There is even a perfectly contoured stop at the base of the handle that prevents my hand from slipping back on the power (pull) stroke. The blade is also curved to the same radius as the handle. This confers a great advantage over a straight blade, because the curve allows the teeth to contact the wood surface at the same angle throughout the entire cut, resulting in an easier, faster, cleaner cut. The blade is razor-sharp and is sharpenable with a special file sold by ARS. It is also replaceable; however, the replacement blades are most of the cost of the saw. But don't worry: with nearly daily use as a landscaper a blade easily lasts me 5 years with proper care.If you are going to have only one pruning saw, this is the one to buy.

This is the first pruning saw that I have owned, but I am quite happy with it. It seems to be well designed and easy to use. It is sharp as the dickens and it made quick work of trimming small (less than 5 cm diam.) branches from roses and lorapetalum.

I can't say enough good things about this saw. Initially, I had to loosen the bolt on the blade so I could open it more easily, but after that, it was a delight to work with. Like most good saws, it cuts as you pull it back to you, so the blade is thinner than some, but it's not a bad thing at all. The grip is comfortable both for me, and my instructor, and our hands are very different sizes. The blade locks closed, so it won't open by accident in the bottom of your gear bag, which is wonderful considering how sharp it is.I spent several months cutting bamboo (brutal on sawblades) with this guy, and I'm still the envy of my classmates. It's a great little tool.

Small but mighty. I got this to saw up dead palm fronds. Unfortunately, our city trash program refuses to accept palm fronds as green waste (fibers mess with the machinery, I'm told).We have to put our Queen palm fronds into the trash. Boo.This saw is a real asset for the home gardener. Highly recommend.

This pruning saw is sharp and makes the pruning job easy! The folding handle protects the blades as well as my hands. Great tool!

Use this tool in the yard for various tasks. Small enough to carry in work belt but strong enough to use for many branch trimming jobs. Husband already had larger version and wanted something a little smaller and lighter for carrying around.

I got an ASR 8" pruner, rotating handle and I couldn't keep my hands off it! Amazed at the Japanese quality, and the sound it makes when closing the blades - amazing...a "whoosh". So I had to buy more, like the hedge trimmer, the long handle trimmer and now this.This saw cuts amazing, and is compact, light...perfect. Thanks ASR!