Bonsai Leaf Trimmers

[Fred]

Hi folks

I would value your advice on the size, make and best value source of these. Are Japanese makes any better than Chinese. Also they seem to be made of various metals; stainless, spring steel, coated spring steel etc. Presumably spring steel would be preferable as the name suggests, they would spring back.

They range in price from $4US for 4" up to in excess of $50US for 7".

All my other tools are Japanese.

Fred

[Japh]

The only information I can really contribute, is that as a general rule, Japanese-made tools are superior to Chinese-made tools. So as your current toolset is already Japanese, I would imagine you'd want to stick with that too

[Bretts]

I thought you where talking about those little spring leaf cutters that you get for free if you sign up to bonsai focus. Or do you mean those sheep shear looking things that I have never used?

[Fred]

I do mean the mini sheep shears.

[Pup]

Fred if you go to the sewing machine shops where they sell all the stuff for the sewing enthusiasts.
You will find they have some very good examples of them at a good price too. I have been using them for years ordinary steel and stainless steel.
My stainless got swiped at a work shop along with other members knob cutters and side cutter's. I think the Bastard made up a kit that arvo.

Pup

[Bretts]

I would only add that some of the chinese tools are getting very good quality. I have considerd the benifit of stainless over black and asked a few who should know and they state a slight preference to black(but not much) as they do not chip as easy when dropped. Stainless is harder but more brittle.
It is a good point that you may pay a little more over the counter than the internet but it is best to be able to try before you buy to get the feel of them.

[Jamie]

what i use is a pair of hair dressers scissors. there is an extensive range to choose from. but i get them of my wifes grandmother, she has a huge amount of them as she used to be a hairdresser by trade. so that might be an option for you to.

[Pup]

G,day again Fred I have just been using mine to trim a couple of Elm's. So I thought I would take some pics and show you what I meant.

The ones on the left are the ones from a sewing machine shop. The ones on the right I got at Peter Chan's when we were there earlier this year.
As you can see the sheep shear type open up for ease of sharpening and cleaning.

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[Japh]

I know this is slightly off topic... but I absolutely LOVE that Elm you're pruning in the photos, Pup!!

[Fred]

Hi Folks

Thank you to one and all for your helpful advice.

Pup I will try some local Sewing shops and see what I can find. As a matter of interest how long are your pair of mini shears (~100mm?) and how long is the blade (~35mm?).

Fred

[Pup]

Hi Folks

Thank you to one and all for your helpful advice.

Pup I will try some local Sewing shops and see what I can find. As a matter of interest how long are your pair of mini shears (~100mm?) and how long is the blade (~35mm?).

Fred

Not bad Fred they are (150 mm ) and the blades are( 45 mm ) they are very good with Mame and Shohin.

The large ones are ( 200 mm ) by ( 60 mm ) they are also good for them.
Glad to be of help even though you walloped us Pup

[john tapner]

Pup, I have been using the ones in the middle. Purchased from Bunnings (shareholder)and made by Fiskars. I find they fit in the hand well and are very robust. I use them nearly all the time when leaf pruning or on small twigs. Cost I hear you ask? $9.00 last time I looked..................

John T

[Deadwood]

Looks like a tool I do not own....soon fix that.

Ad.

[BoNZai]

Mr Pup,
I am amazed with your photographic ability!
I have seen a number of them now in various threads and I like them very much

or is it Mrs Pup that is the genius behind the lens whilst you demonstrate?

Either way, great stuff

BoNZai

[Pup]

Mr Pup,
I am amazed with your photographic ability!
I have seen a number of them now in various threads and I like them very much

or is it Mrs Pup that is the genius behind the lens whilst you demonstrate?

Either way, great stuff

BoNZai

Thanks BoNZai its me . Some times I use the tripod and timer. These ones I held the tool in one hand and pressed the button with other.
If they had not worked which some did not I was going to get the tripod.
Mrs pup cuts off heads and ears cheers Pup