AusBonsai

Hi have just got the bug and have bought myself my first tree
Question is it is necessary to buy Japanese tools ?
I'm not gonna buy rubbish as I intend on doing this for a while,
but not sure if the 5 piece tool kits around the $160
Mark are going to last/stay sharp etc etc

Any help would be fantastic !

Thanks in advance

Ross

Hi Ross and welcome. I think the old adage that you get what you pay for rings true. Depends what the kit contains - some items you just don't use. I have a $10 pair of Chinese branch cutters that I still favour over a japanese pair that cost $70. First up I jusy think you need a pair of branch cutters and a pair of root shears to use a general purpose scissors.

Hi Ross,
If you are going to make this a long term hobby I would suggest you get good Japanese tools. When I started, (25 years ago), I purchased a branch cutter and trimming scissors. I am still using the same tools today. Occasional they get a touch up with a honing stone, but, they are still as good as when I bought them. Hope you enjoy your hobby.

Regards Ray

Japanese. And you don't have to spend a mint. Kikuwa and Kaneshin are both fine.

Cheers,
Mojo

I have been using Kaneshin for 28 years never had a problem. One piece of advice it seems, is always missing in getting the bare essentials.

We always have a branch cutter a pair of pruning scissors. Never a pair of WIRE cutters, pliers work well for cutting it while you are putting on, but what about getting it off. Plus they do cut the wire easier than pliers.

Cheers Pup

Pup is dead right Japanese and wire cutters a must.

Hi Guys
where is the best to buy Japanese tools from?
Ebay I noticed has a range of "japanese made" tools but im not sure they are the same quality.

Hi D
Contact this guy
Wonderfulhobby@hotmail.com
He sells on eBay I paid 12.00 with postage for a par of branch cutters small and fit nicely in hand
Razor sharp unsure for how long but always can give it a quick sharpen with a sharpening stone

But stay away from the knob cutters too small I find . But may work ok on my shohins
This guy is owner of a huge nursery in Victoria and has super fast postage .

The other option is ryuga tools, available online at bonsai environment. Reasonably priced and shipping available. They come in a nice leather pouch also.

You could also import your own as aus dollar is very strong ATM

Thanks everyone for your reply's !!!
Ended up buying a kikuwa 7 piece tool kit
Off eBay.
Just wont tell my beautiful wife what they cost me or she might use them on me !

Good for you mate it will be a nice set

Great buy. Now start saving and ultimately buy yourself stainless steel tools. I have both in my tool roll, but reach for the stainless ones more often than the steel. I have broken stainless tools, but that applies for the black steel ones as well. I love my stainless tools, but them I am lazy when it comes to cleaning my tools