What's more important: concave cutter or spherical?

[Grant Bowie]

I'm glad thats cleared up as well. I have only ever called it a combination cutter as it is a combination of two tools, the branch cutter and the knob cutter but doesn't exactly do the work of either.

As to your choice or preference I could understand that, if you were to purchase only one tool, then the combo would be the way to go.

Otherwise I would always use the branch cutter first then tidy if necessary with the knob cutter.

Stainless is worth getting in my opinion. The combo cutter in the picture is about 20 years young! and gets moderate regular use.

Grant

[Orion]

Thanks for the answer guys but why can't I just buy a knob cutter and use it for cutting branches(as it's a finishing touch tool but can still do the same thing as a concave cutter)? Won't that be more affordable and convinient?

[Pup]

Thanks for the answer guys but why can't I just buy a knob cutter and use it for cutting branches(as it's a finishing touch tool but can still do the same thing as a concave cutter)? Won't that be more affordable and convinient?

You asked a question it was answered in a number of ways. If you choose to go with the knob cutter it is your choice. Then a few months or trees down the track you will get the answer again. Then go out and buy the branch cutter. Then you will have bought two tools. Where the combination, though more expensive at the start is cheaper than two tools. All tools need to be used for what they a designed for.

Cheers Pup

[bodhidharma]

Thanks for the answer guys but why can't I just buy a knob cutter and use it for cutting branches(as it's a finishing touch tool but can still do the same thing as a concave cutter)? Won't that be more affordable and convinient?

G'day Orion, O.K this question shows your inexperience so that makes it a good question. With branch cutters you attack the branch to be cut from the side and with a knob cutter you attack it front on. that is why they make two tools. With the concave branch cutters you can make the concave cut from the side. The problem of course arises that you can not apply the same pressure between the two tools. When i need a deeper concave cut i always use knob cutters. If you are fair dinkum about your Bonsai your tool kit will have both.

[Grant Bowie]

Also it is easy to overcut with the knob cutter and you have to use it carefully.

It is hard to accidentally cut too deep with the branch cutter.

Grant

[Orion]

Ok... Hmm I wonder where I should buy my tools... Dallas bonsai looks cheaper than other online stores....

[Glenda]

Ok... Hmm I wonder where I should buy my tools... Dallas bonsai looks cheaper than other online stores....

Buy from Leigh Taafe, since he is one of us. He has Ledanta Bonsai in Canberra, and will look after you as he looks after me (another newbie). Buy quality tools that will last a lifetime. You can PM him.

Glenda