If you want to know about the subtleties of a tool you need to talk to the people who use those tools everyday.
Jewand Ngau-Chun, an expert tree climbingarborist with Treescape Auckland uses a Silky Natanako 2000 pruning saw almost everyday. The 2000 is a later model of the original Natanoko 60. At facevalue both saws appear the same but the 2000 features a slight curve in the blade to make the sawing action easier and the cut more aggressive. When Jewandvisited Treetools earlier in the week, apart from talking tree climbing, we got to discussing the various attributes of these two saws. As far as Jewandwas concerned the original 60 was an easier saw to get started and the final cut was smoother.On closer investigation we found the 60 has a greater number of teeth, making the tooth pattern slightly finer and therefore easier to get started onthe cut and the finish is more precise - exactly as Jewand had stated. To make sure Treetools were on the right path we spoke with the NZ Silky Distributor,who in turn contacted Japan to clarify the situation. In short, Jewand is quite correct - there are subtle differences between the two saws. Apart fromthe number of teeth (and smoother cut) the original Natanoko 60 blade is re-sharpenable (the Natanoko 2000 has an Impulse Hardened blade - this means onlythe teeth area is hardened leaving the remainder of the blade with greater flexiblility).
