AusBonsai

I've seen some reviews and advice on other tools, but after a search I couldn't find anything on Hanzo tools. These tools are sold through bonsaishop.com.au

I'm only interested in a few tools, a wire cutter, trimming scissors, branch cutter, rake and saw. They appear to be reasonably priced -- comparable to Osuka branded stainless steel tools. They're around the $50 price tag for each tool which I'm comfortable paying for at this stage with my limited skill set.

Any advice on tools and which brands to look out for would be greatly appreciated.



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quodlibet_ens wrote:I've seen some reviews and advice on other tools, but after a search I couldn't find anything on Hanzo tools. These tools are sold through bonsaishop.com.au

I'm only interested in a few tools, a wire cutter, trimming scissors, branch cutter, rake and saw. They appear to be reasonably priced -- comparable to Osuka branded stainless steel tools. They're around the $50 price tag for each tool which I'm comfortable paying for at this stage with my limited skill set.

Any advice on tools and which brands to look out for would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Nathan,
Just some thoughts mate. I don't know the tools you have mentioned. Please make sure these tools will hold their sharpness. I appreciate there is a reluctance of people starting into this hobby to not want to spend to much money on tools. If you buy cheap tools they can be very frustrating and damage your trees. When I started I, bite the bullet, and purchased good tools. I'm still using those same tools over 30 years later. In all those years I have only had to sharpen them a few times. These thoughts are only offered for you and other beginners to think about.

Regards Ray

To add to what Ray said:

Kaneshin tools direct from Japan are only $10 more (for high carbon steel) and they will last forever (if you take care of them). They take a lot of pride in their work, so if there are any faults they will replace the tool free of charge.

+1 for KANESHIN... Customer service and quality second to none IMO...

Ray M wrote:Please make sure these tools will hold their sharpnes. I appreciate there is a reluctance of people starting into this hobby to not want to spend to much money on tools. If you buy cheap tools they can be very frustrating and damage your trees. When I started I, bite the bullet, and purchased good tools. I'm still using those same tools over 30 years later. In all those years I have only had to sharpen them a few times. These thoughts are only offered for you and other beginners to think about.

Thanks for your response, Ray!

I completely understand what you're, saying with regards to quality tooling. I'm a cabinet maker by trade as well as a wood turner and I would offer the exact same advice. After thinking about it again this morning, what I will do is perhaps buy some shears and a branch cutter now and then perhaps purchase another tool each month until I'm comfortable with what I have.

If you don't mind me asking, what brand of tooling did you buy and what other would you recommend?

Cheers,
Nathan



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Raymond wrote:+1 for KANESHIN... Customer service and quality second to none IMO...

Cheers, Raymond!

Do they have an Australian retailer or did you purchase online from Japan?

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Jarad wrote:To add to what Ray said:

Kaneshin tools direct from Japan are only $10 more (for high carbon steel) and they will last forever (if you take care of them). They take a lot of pride in their work, so if there are any faults they will replace the tool free of charge.

Ah, I didn't see your message there, Jarad. I'll check them out online. How long did shipping take to get here? I remember buying a pull saw and chisels years ago from Japan and it took less than 3 weeks to arrive.

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Jarad wrote:Kaneshin tools direct from Japan are only $10 more (for high carbon steel) and they will last forever (if you take care of them). They take a lot of pride in their work, so if there are any faults they will replace the tool free of charge.

I've found an Australian stockist. Would you recommend the black high carbon or the stainless steel. My intuition says stainless steel, but if folks have been happy with high carbon, then I might consider those instead.

http://www.megumibennettbonsai.com/shopping/tools.asp



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The carbon steel will stay sharper for longer but requires regular cleaning and oiling so they don't rust.
Stainless needs sharpening more often and I think it's rather hard to sharpen too.

My personal preference is carbon.

As a cabinetmaker I would always recommend high carbon steel tools. SS may not rust but will not reliably hold an edge.

quodlibet_ens wrote:

Ray M wrote:Please make sure these tools will hold their sharpness. I appreciate there is a reluctance of people starting into this hobby to not want to spend to much money on tools. If you buy cheap tools they can be very frustrating and damage your trees. When I started I, bite the bullet, and purchased good tools. I'm still using those same tools over 30 years later. In all those years I have only had to sharpen them a few times. These thoughts are only offered for you and other beginners to think about.

Thanks for your response, Ray!

I completely understand what you're, saying with regards to quality tooling. I'm a cabinet maker by trade as well as a wood turner and I would offer the exact same advice. After thinking about it again this morning, what I will do is perhaps buy some shears and a branch cutter now and then perhaps purchase another tool each month until I'm comfortable with what I have.

If you don't mind me asking, what brand of tooling did you buy and what other would you recommend?

Cheers,
Nathan

Hi Mate,
I have Kikuwa tools. I had a talk to Ray Nesci about this subject and his response was, all of the Japanese manufactured tools should be quite good.

As a starter kit for those new to the hobby, I would suggest the following and then one can build up depending on what your needs are.

• Concave Branch Cutter
  Trimming Scissors 200mm
  Root Pruning Scissors
  A Four Pronged Rake with shovel

I have just read the posts from benbonsai and Ulf and completely agree with them.

Regards Ray

quodlibet_ens wrote: Ah, I didn't see your message there, Jarad. I'll check them out online. How long did shipping take to get here? I remember buying a pull saw and chisels years ago from Japan and it took less than 3 weeks to arrive.

Ordering straight from Kaneshin, it will take days. I placed my order on a Thursday or Friday and I was holding the tools on Tuesday or Wednesday the next week.

I would call Megumi and see what their prices are, but you'll find they will be quite a bit more expensive and buying direct from Kaneshin.

Carbon steel %100 although yes they rust if you don't take care of them. I would recommend also purchasing a Crean Mate (not a spelling mistake) to clean your tools after use. Kaneshin recommend using vegetable oil to clean tools, but the guys here on AusBonsai say it doesn't matter.

I would look at Ryuga stainless steel tools - Kingston at Bonsai Environment sells them and they are about the same as Japanese carbon steel prices. I have had a pair of scissors for about 5 years and have only ever had to rub them with a crean mate - never had to sharpen them. Very good quality and I would buy more except I have everything I need in carbon steel already.

Thanks for posting this question Nathan. I've been tossing between Hanzo or Kaneshin for a couple of months. I'm after a concave branch cutter first, so the advice here has been quite timely.


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FruitFly wrote:I've been tossing between Hanzo or Kaneshin for a couple of months. I'm after a concave branch cutter first, so the advice here has been quite timely.

It's been great advice from everyone who has posted.

I've gone ahead and bought myself some Kaneshin tools directly from Japan:

Large trimming scissors No.35
Wire cutter No.20D
Large concave (branch) cutter No.3A

Thanks again to everyone for their advice.

Nathan.

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