Starting with bonsai tools.

[klaery]

Hi guys.
This post is part celebration of my starting with actual bonsai tools as opposed to the secateurs and scissors combo, and part vendor review.

I decided I wanted to get a few actual bonsai tools but would just get one to begin with to see how the postage process went down. Having broken plenty of cheap tools in my time (not bonsai, car/steel/wood work related) I appreciate quality tools and as these would no doubt be with me for life I decided to pay for quality. I ordered a pair of Nobuichi bonsai shears from Bonsai Network Japan.

BNJ offered a range of postage options and made the process quick and easy. The shears arrived within a working week and were in perfect condition on arrival.



I am very impressed with the quality of the shears. As these are my first tools though take that with a grain of salt Next on the list are a pair each of branch, knob and wire cutters. I will do more shopping around for my next purchase but would not be afraid of buying from Bonsai Network Japan again. It will be a slow process though Saving for the house comes first.

[time8theuniverse]

Wire cutter tend to be wire cutters. So I would suggest just getting a dedicated pair from the local hardware (not the B word). Although I got mine from a medical supply place just to be different. When cutting soft aluminium you don't need mammoth tough cutters just ones that won't damage the plant as you work.

That's a really nice photo of the scissors too.

[Beano]

I got a set of bonsai tools off ebay for relatively cheap (compared to the nice proper ones), the listing advertised them as "rust-free bonsai tools, chrome". Anyway, they are rusting. I was a little suspicious when I got them and pulled out the scissors, the blades had been oiled. I thought rust free meant rust "proof" but I think in this case it just meant that the tools had no rust on them at the time the transaction went through...

[klaery]

Thank you for the replies

Know the feeling Beano. Sorry to hear of your experience.

time8theuniverse I was wondering if there was something about bonsai wire cutters that made it easier to not mark the tree? At the moment I am using sidecutters and they do an ok job but this would be my only complaint.

What tools do people recommend as being very useful? Aquiring them will be a slow process and I would like to start with the most useful tools

[Andrew Legg]

Thank you for the replies

Know the feeling Beano. Sorry to hear of your experience.

time8theuniverse I was wondering if there was something about bonsai wire cutters that made it easier to not mark the tree? At the moment I am using sidecutters and they do an ok job but this would be my only complaint.

What tools do people recommend as being very useful? Aquiring them will be a slow process and I would like to start with the most useful tools

Poor old Beano! That's a bummer!

The theory behind snub-nosed wire cutters made for bonsai is two-fold. A.) they are supposed to not mark the tree by giving a clean cut, and B.) they are typically ong handled making it easier to get into a tight spot. If you work with thorn trees like our South African Vachellias (nee Acacias) you'll REALLY appreciate that aspect to them! If I had 3 bonsai tools they would be a good pair of fine scissors with long handles, and medium size pair of rounded concave cutters and a chopstick! I'd then begrudgingly get myself a pair of those cheep and cheerfull root scissors.

Admittedly I have many more than that, and the tools I have a Kaneshin and are a dream to use!

Oh, and don't forget to get a rag and a bottle of WD40. Most important two items you'll buy if you want to keep them rust free!

Cheers,

Andrew

[Beano]

Should have known! The better quality carbon steel ones cost more than mine. Oh well, they work for now.

[time8theuniverse]

Branch cutters then knob cutters. A medium size although it depends how medium the medium is.
And good fine and super fine diamond files for sharpening the tools you have.

I got a ebay $80 set that was ok and I gave up using the scissors in it in favour of a good pair of Japaness gardening shears that are close to being scissors anyway.

If I didn't have an obsession with a car that would actually worked I would be shopping for steel European designed. Stainless doesn't keep its edge as well as steel and Japanese is just more expensive than I am willing to go for at the moment.

The bonsai wire cutter I have seen tend to have a smaller cutting mouth that is like two V's meeting in the middle, not the side (hence they are side cutters). They have a broad round point with few areas to crush plant material accidently and long thin handles.

[cre8ivbonsai]

Proper bonsai wire cutters are a must as they are designed to cause the least damage when removing wire from branches, and because you only use them for bonsai, they will last years. Second most important bonsai tool, first would be the 'shears' you have just purchased

[NathanM]

Branch cutters, knob cutters, scissors and a*good* pair of pliers. They are the most important IMO. A good pair of bonsai specific wire cutters are definitely worthwhile too, although I don’t have any
I wish I did, as that was all I used in Japan and now I have to use lesser ones -_-

[k2bonsai]

I used to use normal wire cutters but when you cut the wire off, it does tend to kink the wire, leave a sharp edge which then cuts into the branch as it moves through the cut. I also have accidently gone too far into the branch when cutting with them. In my opionion i second the fact that proper bonsai wire cutters are worth every cent!!

[time8theuniverse]

Like you've said Klaery you will appreciate good quality tools.
If you are growing trees for the next generation then you may want to pass on your tools as well.

But this is what I use. They both do the job but I use the surgical cutters with care to get the wire off.

ABwirecutters.jpg

Add a tool box, or roll, or robot assistant (what ever you feel is adequate to keep your bonsai tools together while being clean and dry) to the list as well.

[Damian Bee]

And nice cosy undercover work area within cooee of the kettle, toaster and fridge

[klaery]

Thanks for all the advice I think I have my list for the foreseeable future! WIll definately be making a wooden box too keep tools safe/dry too. Might have to skimp on the robot assistant though

[bamboos]

hi all
the best thing is mini shears from the dressmakers shop.Cheap --- i usually buy 3 or 4 at once 'cause I lose them all the time $4 or $5 each They are hollow ground so I can sharpen them easily --fits in your pocket so when I am watering can give the occasional snip and they are super sharp also a cleaning block is invaluable.I just defoliated a large fig with them ( took most of the day ) and I only rarely used any thing heavier

[Pup]

Wire cutter tend to be wire cutters. So I would suggest just getting a dedicated pair from the local hardware (not the B word). Although I got mine from a medical supply place just to be different. When cutting soft aluminium you don't need mammoth tough cutters just ones that won't damage the plant as you work.

That's a really nice photo of the scissors too.

Can you cut the wire of the Branches and trunk without doing damage. I used to be the same, but find that one of the most important tools in the kit are dedicated wire cutters, made specificaly for the job so you can press against the trunk/ branch and will not damage either.

Cheers Pup