New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
- WMC
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New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Hi all
OK so i've been rerearching madly and come up with the following list of Carbon steel tools i intend to buy. Although it is time, it's a hefty investment so thought i would get feedback on my selection of tools based on the following.
I'm a traditionalist and also a name brand and quality kind of guy so wanted to stick with good Japanese Corbon Steel. I have an array of Bonsai from seedling to mature but majority would be medium in size (I have a couple larger ones). I'm looking for a set of tools that will stand the test of time (you can assume i will care for them), and will cover me for the majority of work i do. I do plenty of wiring and i'm not scared of cutting, however as my plants mature finer work will be needed.
I have selected the a couple of sizes in a number of tools based on ensuring i can work on my larger trees (approx 60-80cm) without the risk damaging tools, while also being able to do finer work and work on small to mid trees too.
I have predominately selected Kaneshin brand buying them direct from Japan. There is a Kikuwa "root hook" and "small hand saw" but these were chosen as i didnt see the point in paying international freight on those couple of items as they are not carbon steel anyway (buying these from bonsainet.com.au).
The only item i felt i had to defer to what i think is an inferior brand, was for my small wire cutter being Ryuga brand (also getting from bonsainet.com.au) . I really wanted a specific shape scissor style small wire cutter but couldn't find the same shape of scissor in any of the top brands.
So the list of tools is:
Pruning Shears -- Kaneshin No.35D -- Bonsai Trimming Scissors Large - Blue steel - (KANESHIN) " Length 180mm / Weight 300g" (39mm Blade)
Branch Cutter (Concave) -- Kaneshin No.1A -- Bonsai Concave (Branch) cutter Small (KANESHIN) " Length 170mm / Weight 255g" (20mm Blade)
Branch Cutter (Concave) -- Kaneshin No.5 -- Bonsai Concave (Branch) cutter Extra Large (KANESHIN) " Length 270mm / Weight 562g" (30mm Blade)
Knob Cutter (Medium) -- Kaneshin No.10 -- Bonsai Knob / Knuckle cutter Medium (KANESHIN) " Length 175mm / Weight 187g"
Knob Cutter (Large) -- Kaneshin No.11 -- Bonsai Knob / Knuckle cutter Large (KANESHIN) " Length 210mm / Weight 250g" (17mm)
Wire Cutters (Small) -- Ryuga RC-19 -- RYUGA 160mm Wire Cutter Carbon Steel
Wire Cutters (Large) -- Kaneshin No.511 -- Bonsai Wire cutter Large (KANESHIN) " Length 200mm / Weight 260g"
Root Sheers -- Kaneshin No.40F -- Bonsai Scissors large (Kaneshin) - Blue steel - “ length 180mm / Weight 330g” (50mm Blade)
Root Cutter -- Kaneshin No.13A -- Bonsai Root cutter Medium (KANESHIN) " Length 210mm / Weight 370g"
Root Hook -- Kikuwa 2341 -- KIKUWA Single Prong Root Hook 155mm
Rake (Small) -- Kaneshin No.55 -- Bonsai Rake – w/spatula – (KANESHIN) “Length 250mm / Weight 150g”
Pliers -- Kaneshin No.48A -- Bonsai Pliers (KANESHIN) " Length 180mm / Weight 215g"
Jin Chisel -- Kaneshin No.8719 -- Jin Chisel "Length 260mm / Weight 220g"
Tweezer Spatula -- Kaneshin No.59 -- Bonsai tweezers "angle point" (KANESHIN) "Length 215mm / Weight 105g"
Small Hand Saw -- Kikuwa 1452 -- KIKUWA Bonsai Folding Saw 120mm Stainless Steel
Once i receive all the tools i will be looking for a nice new tool roll for storage so any advice on good tool rolls would also be welcomed.
I look forward to peoples feedback, comments, suggestions and general banter.
Thanks in advance
OK so i've been rerearching madly and come up with the following list of Carbon steel tools i intend to buy. Although it is time, it's a hefty investment so thought i would get feedback on my selection of tools based on the following.
I'm a traditionalist and also a name brand and quality kind of guy so wanted to stick with good Japanese Corbon Steel. I have an array of Bonsai from seedling to mature but majority would be medium in size (I have a couple larger ones). I'm looking for a set of tools that will stand the test of time (you can assume i will care for them), and will cover me for the majority of work i do. I do plenty of wiring and i'm not scared of cutting, however as my plants mature finer work will be needed.
I have selected the a couple of sizes in a number of tools based on ensuring i can work on my larger trees (approx 60-80cm) without the risk damaging tools, while also being able to do finer work and work on small to mid trees too.
I have predominately selected Kaneshin brand buying them direct from Japan. There is a Kikuwa "root hook" and "small hand saw" but these were chosen as i didnt see the point in paying international freight on those couple of items as they are not carbon steel anyway (buying these from bonsainet.com.au).
The only item i felt i had to defer to what i think is an inferior brand, was for my small wire cutter being Ryuga brand (also getting from bonsainet.com.au) . I really wanted a specific shape scissor style small wire cutter but couldn't find the same shape of scissor in any of the top brands.
So the list of tools is:
Pruning Shears -- Kaneshin No.35D -- Bonsai Trimming Scissors Large - Blue steel - (KANESHIN) " Length 180mm / Weight 300g" (39mm Blade)
Branch Cutter (Concave) -- Kaneshin No.1A -- Bonsai Concave (Branch) cutter Small (KANESHIN) " Length 170mm / Weight 255g" (20mm Blade)
Branch Cutter (Concave) -- Kaneshin No.5 -- Bonsai Concave (Branch) cutter Extra Large (KANESHIN) " Length 270mm / Weight 562g" (30mm Blade)
Knob Cutter (Medium) -- Kaneshin No.10 -- Bonsai Knob / Knuckle cutter Medium (KANESHIN) " Length 175mm / Weight 187g"
Knob Cutter (Large) -- Kaneshin No.11 -- Bonsai Knob / Knuckle cutter Large (KANESHIN) " Length 210mm / Weight 250g" (17mm)
Wire Cutters (Small) -- Ryuga RC-19 -- RYUGA 160mm Wire Cutter Carbon Steel
Wire Cutters (Large) -- Kaneshin No.511 -- Bonsai Wire cutter Large (KANESHIN) " Length 200mm / Weight 260g"
Root Sheers -- Kaneshin No.40F -- Bonsai Scissors large (Kaneshin) - Blue steel - “ length 180mm / Weight 330g” (50mm Blade)
Root Cutter -- Kaneshin No.13A -- Bonsai Root cutter Medium (KANESHIN) " Length 210mm / Weight 370g"
Root Hook -- Kikuwa 2341 -- KIKUWA Single Prong Root Hook 155mm
Rake (Small) -- Kaneshin No.55 -- Bonsai Rake – w/spatula – (KANESHIN) “Length 250mm / Weight 150g”
Pliers -- Kaneshin No.48A -- Bonsai Pliers (KANESHIN) " Length 180mm / Weight 215g"
Jin Chisel -- Kaneshin No.8719 -- Jin Chisel "Length 260mm / Weight 220g"
Tweezer Spatula -- Kaneshin No.59 -- Bonsai tweezers "angle point" (KANESHIN) "Length 215mm / Weight 105g"
Small Hand Saw -- Kikuwa 1452 -- KIKUWA Bonsai Folding Saw 120mm Stainless Steel
Once i receive all the tools i will be looking for a nice new tool roll for storage so any advice on good tool rolls would also be welcomed.
I look forward to peoples feedback, comments, suggestions and general banter.
Thanks in advance
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Go to a canvas worker and design what you need It worked for me.
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- WMC
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Seriously.... Cant' beleive i hadn't thought of that!!
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Gee that is one fancy tool kit,worth a fortune,hope you have the trees to suit it,but yes I agree better to buy good tools and you have certainly done that, no good for me with my crappy trees
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A. A. Milne
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Kaneshin is on my wish-list - a wee bit in the future, but I'll get them.
I have a few medium trees, and many shohin, so my selection won't be the same; the thing I have found is that not all tools suit everyone. I have a good selection of shears, side cutters, etc., of moderate price range [I won't name them as I'll be replacing them, bad sport to do that...!]; but I find I keep coming back to the 3 or 4 main tools for the bulk of work.
My point being, you seem to be investing a lot in these tools, just make sure you're getting ones you'll actucally use and not buying them just to look good in the toolkit
I have a few medium trees, and many shohin, so my selection won't be the same; the thing I have found is that not all tools suit everyone. I have a good selection of shears, side cutters, etc., of moderate price range [I won't name them as I'll be replacing them, bad sport to do that...!]; but I find I keep coming back to the 3 or 4 main tools for the bulk of work.
My point being, you seem to be investing a lot in these tools, just make sure you're getting ones you'll actucally use and not buying them just to look good in the toolkit
Gordon - Thames, New Zealand
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Fill ya boots WMC; no half measures in your list!
Do you grow azaleas? If so, here's one from left field - and before I go on - I do not have this tool myself but I was reflecting on some advice I received from an experienced azalea grower when I first started in this hobby and he noted that I should take care with concave cutters on azalea (actually he said avoid at all costs or words to that effect ) due to the fine cambium on azaleas, a flush or even convex cut is better. I think he had a Masakuni tool - perhaps it was no.61 crescent blade branch cutter. I can't be sure and hey, it's a pretty specialist tool but given your extensive list, I thought I would point it out.
Also - my favourite tool is Kaneshin 63A Drop Forge Tweezers - yeah what? Weird choice for a favourite tool but it's so versatile (and tough/sturdy)... much heavier than the (59) - which my step-dad has. I pick weeds, I scratch the surface soil of nursery pots to check potential nebari (shhh), I poke soil between roots when repotting, I use the flat end to pat down moss .... I have probably stirred my coffee with it... I just feel 10% better when it's in my pocket wondering around the garden.
Anyway - enjoy the tools when you get 'em and send picks when you've got 'em to make us all envious. Even the Kaneshin packaging is lovely.
Do you grow azaleas? If so, here's one from left field - and before I go on - I do not have this tool myself but I was reflecting on some advice I received from an experienced azalea grower when I first started in this hobby and he noted that I should take care with concave cutters on azalea (actually he said avoid at all costs or words to that effect ) due to the fine cambium on azaleas, a flush or even convex cut is better. I think he had a Masakuni tool - perhaps it was no.61 crescent blade branch cutter. I can't be sure and hey, it's a pretty specialist tool but given your extensive list, I thought I would point it out.
Also - my favourite tool is Kaneshin 63A Drop Forge Tweezers - yeah what? Weird choice for a favourite tool but it's so versatile (and tough/sturdy)... much heavier than the (59) - which my step-dad has. I pick weeds, I scratch the surface soil of nursery pots to check potential nebari (shhh), I poke soil between roots when repotting, I use the flat end to pat down moss .... I have probably stirred my coffee with it... I just feel 10% better when it's in my pocket wondering around the garden.
Anyway - enjoy the tools when you get 'em and send picks when you've got 'em to make us all envious. Even the Kaneshin packaging is lovely.
Tending bonsai teaches me patience.
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Yeah, it’s certainly a wish list Paul. I have come to the conclusion that if I’m investing enough time (which I do) thinking about, looking at, and caring for bonsai.... it only makes sense to have the right tools rather than just make do.
It’s time to have the tool I need rather than need a tool and not have it as I have done.
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Very extensive list... hard to go wrong with Kaneshin.
No branch splitter?
Also, you should be sure to get a CreanMate block from them too (if you don’t already have). Very handy/essential for cleaning off the blades of your cutters etc...
Wanna see pics when the eagle lands!
No branch splitter?
Also, you should be sure to get a CreanMate block from them too (if you don’t already have). Very handy/essential for cleaning off the blades of your cutters etc...
Wanna see pics when the eagle lands!
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
I have a few odd Kaneshin tools, certainly nothing like this list, but there is no doubting the quality.
I mostly use Osuka from a price point of view but the quality doesn’t hold a candle to Kaneshin. Still, the only tool i’ve had yo replace was the narrow shears from trying to cut a too thick branch and bending the blades.
My pockets are a little too nervous to stump up to a tool kit like that!
I mostly use Osuka from a price point of view but the quality doesn’t hold a candle to Kaneshin. Still, the only tool i’ve had yo replace was the narrow shears from trying to cut a too thick branch and bending the blades.
My pockets are a little too nervous to stump up to a tool kit like that!
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
I hear you Gordon. I will no doubt predominately use a hand full of the tools. Unfortunately I have damaged a couple of tools in the past due to not having the correct tool to use, so i decided i'm not going to let that happen again. Also, I figured as we spend so much time on our trees that ii makes sense to invest. I have a hedge trimmer i use 2 times a year and didn't blink at buying that. We have a TV in another room we dont even turn on. The amount of and length of use i figure its worth the investment. Time to anti up i reckon.gordonb wrote: ↑September 30th, 2019, 6:45 pm Kaneshin is on my wish-list - a wee bit in the future, but I'll get them.
I have a few medium trees, and many shohin, so my selection won't be the same; the thing I have found is that not all tools suit everyone. I have a good selection of shears, side cutters, etc., of moderate price range [I won't name them as I'll be replacing them, bad sport to do that...!]; but I find I keep coming back to the 3 or 4 main tools for the bulk of work.
My point being, you seem to be investing a lot in these tools, just make sure you're getting ones you'll actucally use and not buying them just to look good in the toolkit
- WMC
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
I don’t do Azaleas but will remember that for the future.MJL wrote: ↑September 30th, 2019, 10:20 pm Fill ya boots WMC; no half measures in your list!
Do you grow azaleas? If so, here's one from left field - and before I go on - I do not have this tool myself but I was reflecting on some advice I received from an experienced azalea grower when I first started in this hobby and he noted that I should take care with concave cutters on azalea (actually he said avoid at all costs or words to that effect ) due to the fine cambium on azaleas, a flush or even convex cut is better. I think he had a Masakuni tool - perhaps it was no.61 crescent blade branch cutter. I can't be sure and hey, it's a pretty specialist tool but given your extensive list, I thought I would point it out.
Also - my favourite tool is Kaneshin 63A Drop Forge Tweezers - yeah what? Weird choice for a favourite tool but it's so versatile (and tough/sturdy)... much heavier than the (59) - which my step-dad has. I pick weeds, I scratch the surface soil of nursery pots to check potential nebari (shhh), I poke soil between roots when repotting, I use the flat end to pat down moss .... I have probably stirred my coffee with it... I just feel 10% better when it's in my pocket wondering around the garden.
Anyway - enjoy the tools when you get 'em and send picks when you've got 'em to make us all envious. Even the Kaneshin packaging is lovely.
Thanks for the heads up in the tweezers.... will check it out.
- WMC
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Yeah, I usually have crean mate on hand. I haven’t had a need for a branch splitter to date. I guess I can always add it later if I find I start wanting it.Ryceman3 wrote: ↑October 1st, 2019, 7:08 am Very extensive list... hard to go wrong with Kaneshin.
No branch splitter?
Also, you should be sure to get a CreanMate block from them too (if you don’t already have). Very handy/essential for cleaning off the blades of your cutters etc...
Wanna see pics when the eagle lands!
- WMC
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
I know what you mean Tim. I figured if they last me 20years (assuming I look after them) then it works out to be roughly $50 a year... well worth it I think.TimS wrote: ↑October 1st, 2019, 1:02 pm I have a few odd Kaneshin tools, certainly nothing like this list, but there is no doubting the quality.
I mostly use Osuka from a price point of view but the quality doesn’t hold a candle to Kaneshin. Still, the only tool i’ve had yo replace was the narrow shears from trying to cut a too thick branch and bending the blades.
My pockets are a little too nervous to stump up to a tool kit like that!
- WMC
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
Apologies for the delay.......
I had forgotten all about posting pics of the tool kit as a few people requested. I got the boxes out for the pics (which i love nearly as much as the tools), and took a couple of pics of the tool set i ended up purchasing after the above discussion and plenty of homework.
I primarily went Kaneshin tools.
(The small hand saw, single root hook and wire brush are Kikuwa, and the small wire cutter is Ryuga)
I am still feeling as happy, blessed and excited (like a little boy at Christmas) as the day i got them.
Worth every penny in my opinion.
I had forgotten all about posting pics of the tool kit as a few people requested. I got the boxes out for the pics (which i love nearly as much as the tools), and took a couple of pics of the tool set i ended up purchasing after the above discussion and plenty of homework.
I primarily went Kaneshin tools.
(The small hand saw, single root hook and wire brush are Kikuwa, and the small wire cutter is Ryuga)
I am still feeling as happy, blessed and excited (like a little boy at Christmas) as the day i got them.
Worth every penny in my opinion.
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Re: New Full Tool Kit - Detailed list of tools for feedback/comments
A fine selection, may you get many years of pleasure out of them.
Check out my blog at http://www.ausbonsai.com.au/blog/Watto" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;