AusBonsai

Just after some opinions on pruning scissors. I was planning on getting some pruning scissors, but not sure about the sizes. I though id get stainless steel ones. What size do people find most useful? The ones o have seen on the Internet are 180, 200 of 210 mm. I'm only getting one so wanted the most versatile. I was thinking 200 mm.

Also, has anyone had any experience with http://www.bonsaiwarehouse.com.au?

Thanks in advance

Personally I use the root pruning scissors for just about everything. I do have Trimming scissors for the Maples because the handle is longer but I find I do the bulk of my work with the root pruning ones. I think from memory they were Roshi carbon steel had them 20 years. I oil and clean them and they are good to go. Old favorites, to me the're comfortable to use. Sorry can't help you with the site, never used or heard of them before looks pricey.
Cheers
Kirky

Thanks

I though they were a little expensive but I saw that it says at the top that if you get one tool you can get another one free.

By the way, what are the pros/cons of stainless vs carbon steel?

Buy good quality tools, and will be glad you did.

I use Kaneshin No.40 (180mm) for general use - these are excellent quality Japanese scissors and will last 20+ years. They can be had for around $25, which is an absolute steal:
If you want 200mm, then buy No. 41.
Once you start refining with good ramification, you will find something like Kaneshin No.37 or No.38 extremely useful - I can't do without them now. Around $45:
Carbon steel hold a better, sharper cutting edge for longer, but need oiling to prevent rust.
Stainless don't rust, but also don't have the edge of the carbon steel tools.

Regards

Hey wrcmad,

Where do you buy your tools from?

Jarad wrote:Hey wrcmad,

Where do you buy your tools from?

Direct.

wrcmad wrote:Buy good quality tools, and will be glad you did.

Carbon steel hold a better, sharper cutting edge for longer, but need oiling to prevent rust.
Stainless don't rust, but also don't have the edge of the carbon steel tools.

I agree with wrcmad I agree buy good quality

Thanks all

So it sounds like carbon steel is the way to go. From the advice so far the more versatile 180mm scissors would be best I think.

wrcmad wrote:Buy good quality tools, and will be glad you did.
Once you start refining with good ramification, you will find something like Kaneshin No.37 or No.38 extremely useful - I can't do without them now. Around $45:
Regards

I can vouch for the no.37's & Kaneshin in general. Also bought direct. Great price, great service!

Sorry guys what is Direct?

From Kaneshin

Doh!
Obviously a blonde moment. Thought there was a new site I hadn't heard of.
cheers

Hi Mate , I purchase a branch cutter close to 20 years ago . Kaneshin is a very good quality item . Mine have been used to do all tasks associated with bonsai , all root pruning , branch cutting , carving , trimming and cutting aluminum and copper wire as I was too lazy to change tools .I actually never own any other bonsai tools to be honest , kitchen scissors , surgical scissors and a pair or concave branch cutters was my tool kit and I hacked a chopped 1000,s of plants and made a few bonsai as well in those 20 odd years .

I have just replaced the original cutters with Kaneshin from Bonsai Warehouse along with trimming scissors x2 , knob cutters and branch cutters x2 . I still find myself cutting wire with the branch cutters but hey , it took 20 years to wear the others out so by this time in another 20 years I'll be worn out . From memory I sharpened them away over time and they didn't rust as in corrode being left in the garden , on benches , buried , Yes I lost them quite a few times . The handles actually bend the other way now but I still use them . Carbon does hold a keener edge longer and stainless is more difficult to get a sharper long lasting edge

Bonsai warehouse offered a 10% discount on your first order so I went all out and purchased my first rolls of bonsai wire . I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them or for service of supplies .

Cheers . Alpineart

Thanks for all the replies. Lots to think about. Assuming the buy one get one free is still applicable, would I be better off getting a couple of different trimming scissors - one larger/heavier one and a finer one (I have none currently...just using some cheap secateurs). Or should I get something else perhaps? I have a good branch cutter and a set of wire cutters. Do people find knob cutters useful or are these more specialised?

Why do surgeons and doctors use stainless ?because they stay sharp and are easy to clean and steralise. I use both stain less and carbon ,keeping them clean and sharp has been the way of still using ,a pair of scissors and branch cutters after 30 plus years.