Tool brand question

[FruitFly]

A few months back, there was a question about quality of Hanzo tools.

The general option out there was that its would be better to spend that little bit more on Kaneshin tools.

I was wondering what the thoughts were out there on Ryuga and Kikuwa tools.

As I don't have any proper "Bonsai" tools yet, I'm looking to buy - Branch cutter, Knob cutter and Wire cutter, but budget is my restriction. The aim will be to go with Kaneshin eventually, but for the here and now, which brand would be the better to go with.

Thanks in advance

FruitFly

[Bougy Fan]

Well I love Ryuga - you can buy stainless for the same price as carbon steel. No problems with the quality and they keep a great sharp edge.

[baldtwitlion]

hi
I only have a cheap pair of wire cutters that do a great job
spent a bit more on the branch cutters instead

[robc]

I have a stainless Ryuga knob cutter, and half a dozen Kikuwa Carbon Steel tools.

The stainless cutters are really good, but cant quite hold the super-sharp edge which my carbon steel tools can. the trade-off is carbon steel is more brittle so dont drop them!

Personally, if i ever buy tools in the future it will definitely be carbon steel.

From what i have heard, Kikuwa and Kaneshin are of comparable quality, but i'm sure there are many different opinions regarding this. Having never used Kaneshin, i cannot comment with any real certainty.

With regards to going with "Kaneshin eventually", Based on my experience as a beginner i recommend biting the bullet and getting the best tools from the start - even if you're not 100% certain you'll stick with bonsai for the long-term. High Quality Bonsai tools are a "buy it for life" purchase so you'll save money by buying a few high quality tools and adding to your arsenal over the years as required. If you find your interest in bonsai fades you can always sell the tools. i was uncertain if bonsai was a passing phase or a genuine, long-term hobby when i invested in my 3-piece set of Kikuwa Carbon tools and i have never regretted it!

Finally, it has been my experience that buying from an aussie retailer is on-par with buying online from overseas (price wise) but you have the benefit of faster delivery, better service and sales support etc. Also it worthwhile supporting the local businesses which support you, the bonsai enthusiast.

Hope this helps!

[Pearcy001]

Go hard FruitFly, buy the good stuff now. I did and as long as I look after them I'll get another 30 years out of them.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Hi Fruitfly,

hi
I only have a cheap pair of wire cutters that do a great job
spent a bit more on the branch cutters instead

You mentioned that budget is a restriction - I can understand. Purchasing good quality specialist "Bonsai" branch & knob cutters, are 2x tools really essential in the ever continuing styling & upkeep of your trees . But the expensive "Bonsai" wire cutters I would leave [till later?] Save your $$$.

[melbrackstone]

You can pick up a cheap pair of side cutters that'll cut your wire close to the branches, and they should do the job til you can afford the better ones. Agree with KCAR, get the branch and knob cutters first.

Edit: a safer option might be memory wire cutters....they're not so sharp at the tip, but still great for most thicknesses of wire.

[robc]

You can pick up a cheap pair of side cutters that'll cut your wire close to the branches, and they should do the job til you can afford the better ones. Agree with KCAR, get the branch and knob cutters first.

Edit: a safer option might be memory wire cutters....they're not so sharp at the tip, but still great for most thicknesses of wire.

I second this point. i use my concave branch cutters more than all my other tools combined - definitely a good idea to purchase this first!

[FruitFly]

Thanks for your insights everyone. Really appreciate your input.

As KCAR & melbrackstone advised, I'll look at the better branch & knob cutters pricing compared to all three of the cheaper brand & see how that compares.

I can buy all 3 for Under $100 atm (carbon steel). I'll let know how I go.

Cheers
FF


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[robc]

Thanks for your insights everyone. Really appreciate your input.

As KCAR & melbrackstone advised, I'll look at the better branch & knob cutters pricing compared to all three of the cheaper brand & see how that compares.

I can buy all 3 for Under $100 atm (carbon steel). I'll let know how I go.

Cheers
FF


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its probably worth noting the carbon steel tools will loose their edge very quickly if you let the tools succumb to corrosion. Carbon tools must be diligently maintained!

[Jarad]

If you don't want to get the Ferrari tools just yet, I would recommend getting regular garden tools for the time being, that's what I did. Side cutters for the wire, needle nose pliers, regular pruning scissors and cheap bonsai branch cutters. You should be able to get all that for $50.

I've got Kaneshin, Kikuwa and Roshi tools. The first two are excellent and the Roshi were cheap but got the job done.

Also an $8 toolbox to store and transport everything. Once you get the good tools, maybe make little fabric pouches for your individual tools to protect them from each other.

[pjames]

I've got Ryuga, Kaneshin, Kikuwa and Roshi. At one point I left all my tools outside and it was raining. Kaneshin and Kikuwa rusted first but it can easily be cleaned with creanmate. Ryuga and Roshi did well, no rust noted. Overall, i will recommend Ryuga as they come cheaper and very good quality. IF you have the $$ to spend, go for Kaneshin.