Masakuni Bonsai Tools

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi to all,

I am considering dealing in the Masakuni range of bonsai tools (they also do awesome chef's knives). Masakuni are renowned as one of the world's best bonsai tool manufacturer's. The make a couple of level's of standard tools at varying quantities, but they also make custom made tools and sets (which I dont see alot of Aussies buying at this stage).

The tools in the more affordable range, whilst being at the higher end of the Aussie bonsai tool market, are of brilliant quality.

I guess I am just wondering whether there is a market for these tools here in Australia. They may be suited to the beginner who knows that they are in the hobby for the long haul. They would definately be suited to the hobbyist that has progressed past the beginner stage and wants a top quality tool to see them through.

What are people's thought on tools and paying for tools at the higher end of the market.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Bretts]

I have had two branch cutters. the first were as cheap as you can get. (ebay I think) the second was Kiku wich I believe is meant to be decent quality. The first pair lasted a decent time till I used them to cut a bigger branch than I should have then they worked pretty good again after I got the hammer out on them. The Kiku I have been a bit disapionted in right from the start they were a little out of alingment and now they are pretty useless on small branches.
I would like a nice set but not if they can be ruined by my rough treatment.
Are the better ones resistent to warping from stressfull use?

[Hector Johnson]

Deleted by author

[Bretts]

I would like to see prices up here if possible Liegh.
Walter pall used a plastic bag to carry his tools around in. I guess we get our pride from elswere.
I should clarify that I am intrested I just wonder what sought of treatment they take.

[PeterW]

I do and will always look for better quality tools.
Peter

[Jon Chown]

I do and will always look for better quality tools.

and

They instil a sense of pride and purpose in the user at every step.

When I did my apprenticeship my boss instilled these beliefs in me, hence I have a very good collection of Snap on Tools. They do feel good in the hand and rarely slip.

I have Kane Shin stainless tools but would love to shout myself a set of Masakuni.

Jon

[PeterW]

You definately know when youve got a good tool in your hands, they just feel different.
Peter

[Bretts]

When I did my apprenticeship my boss instilled these beliefs in me, hence I have a very good collection of Snap on Tools. They do feel good in the hand and rarely slip.

I can agree Jon the snap on tools will repay you in a long life, are great to work with and will not break when you attack a very stubborn bolt. I do not mind paying for quality. But often the cheaper tool will do as good a job and your not scared of loosing or getting stolen or damaging. What I am unsure of is what you are getting for the extra money on these tools. I must take it into consideration whether I will get a long hard used life out of them or whether I will get much the same out of spending less on a few cheaper ones over the same time. The best quality is not always the best policy. Unless you need it for your pride

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi Leigh,

I am not familiar with the brand you mentioned. All my tools are Kikuwa:



(The knife is from Safeway, and is for air layering.)

For me personally, I would save up to buy an expensive and good quality tools.
They are much cheaper on the long run.

(My boss, who is in his 50s, some of the tools that he has are from his teen
years! He is absolutely not happy with the cheap tools that are available in
Bunnings and Super Cheaps Auto.)

My dad also uses Kikuwa -- some he has for 20 years now. And look like they
will last another 20.

[Bretts]

I can only guess that Kikuwa is not the same as Kiku that I have.

[Bretts]

My thoughts are after many years in the Engineering Fabrication industry I have found many good quality tools not all of them expensive and some that I prefer as what could be thought of as less quality. I like the precision of the good tools and the usefulness of some very basic ones. These discoveries only come with much use and experience. It has seemed that most get good use out of good quality cutters I am just researching more.

[PeterH]

Hi Leigh,

Do they have wire cutters that are good for 6 - 8mm Wire


Peter

[Jon Chown]

Do they have wire cutters that are good for 6 - 8mm Wire

Yes side cutters just don't cut it when you are removing this thickness of wire do they.

Jon

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback.

PeterH - the #8209 would do the trick with ease for you.

Hector - I will PM some indicative pricing.

Brett - They do have some heavy weighted and robust tools in their range. I guess, each tool has its purpose, and you wouldn't use a satuski shear on a pencil thick hornbeam branch. I can PM you some indicative pricing Brett, but I dont think I will post them on the forum, as they are subject to so many factors I dont want to be held to.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[63pmp]

The only masukuni tool I thought about getting was the convex cutters, but they have a very hefty price tag, roughly $300 after exchange rates and postage.

It would be nice to try before you buy, if they feel and cut nice than I would certainly buy a pair.

A good tool is worth every penny spent on it, it just has to be a good tool.

Paul