best place to buy tools?

[trident76]

Hi everyone,

I could do with a new pair of branch cutters,
I have heard that Japanese stainless steel are best, (my current tools are not s/s)
could anyone suggest where would be the best place to purchase such an item, either online or otherwise?
I am a South Australian bonsaist, and there dont seem to be too many quality tools for sale at local SA businesses.

[bodhidharma]

Hi Trident,
I would not go with the stainless but opt for a good Japanese steel. Kikawa are good, masakuni, there are good ones out there.

[Josh]

Hi Trident,
I would not go with the stainless but opt for a good Japanese steel. Kikawa are good, masakuni, there are good ones out there.

Why not s/s Bodhi Just because of price or is there some other reason

JOsh

[Luke308]

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Bonsai-Tools- ... 4340.l2563

This is an Australian seller on ebay that sells kikuwa tools. There are more Japanese tools to be found if your search.

Joshua Roth are good tools (I think they may be American though ) http://www.joshuaroth.com/4901.html or you can buy them on ebay from "maiban"

I have bought stuff from this seller (maiban bonsai) and he/she is easy to deal with. http://stores.ebay.com.au/Maiban-Bonsai?_rdc=1

Edit* I just looked at Joshua Roth website and there is a new range of tools which are made to Japanese quality standard but made in china with a 2 year warranty that are called "Ryunga" http://ryugabonsaitools.blogspot.com.au/ They sound like they may be worth a look??

[bodhidharma]

Why not s/s Bodhi Just because of price or is there some other reason

The quality of the non stainless are as good as the stainless at half the price and one of the selling points of stainless is less sharpening and better edge. I have found it to be the opposite..More sharpening. My favourite is a Kikawa which is hardly out of my hands. I like stainless bud cutters though.

[Josh]

Why not s/s Bodhi Just because of price or is there some other reason

The quality of the non stainless are as good as the stainless at half the price and one of the selling points of stainless is less sharpening and better edge. I have found it to be the opposite..More sharpening. My favourite is a Kikawa which is hardly out of my hands. I like stainless bud cutters though.

Thanks for the reply, very interesting. Have often wondered if s/s really was worth the extra money

[harry]

Like all things man made, the quality differs.
Some stainless steel tools are very good, and they do as they say. Others I have seen do not last like they should.

Some carbon steel tools are very good, some are absolute shari.

Keeping tools clean and sharp is most important, never let them rust, or let the sap build up on any tool it will lessen the life.

I use both and have had them a long time, I wipe them every time I finish using a crean mate, which is available though most Clubs and Bonsai nurseries.
And a light oil.

harry