Tools 1

JAPANESE BONSAI TOOLS

Many bonsai tasks can be done with ordinary products commonly available in this country. Some bonsai jobs, however, can only be properly done with tools made for the purpose. These bonsai tools were designed and manufactured in Japan. Japanese manufacturers are still the best source for special purpose bonsai tools. Adams’ Bonsai has exclusively offered only Japanese bonsai tools for over 25 years. These are Yoshiaki or Kiku brand, are of good quality, and are reasonably priced. Yoshiaki tools are endorsed by Kimura, "The Magician". I use them in my own bonsai work because they do their intended job well but are not so expensive that one’s life is ruined when damage from misuse or carelessness occurs. I have never had a failure due to normal use. The economical price of these fine tools saves money for buying better bonsai stock and better pots. After all, the object of bonsai is to display a beautiful bonsai, not to own a very expensive set of tools. If used as intended and periodically cleaned and oiled, they will give many years of good service.

8” CONCAVE PRUNER C-11: The most used bonsai tool. Very sharp. Concave cut heals with minimal scar. Cuts wood up to ½” diameter. Very long life with proper use.

8” KNOB CUTTER: Vital for large bonsai work. Quick, controlled wood removal from large limb stubs. Much better than concaves for this job. A personal favorite!

7” WIRE/JIN PLIERS D-10: Very useful in applying and removal of training wire, especially in tight places. Special jaw alignment, gripping grooves, and jaw leverage gives this tool an unsurpassable advantage over any domestic pliers. Helps with wire placement and controlled limb bending. I often use a pair in each hand when wiring. Also great for jin work.

8” WIRE CUTTER D-5: Made for bonsai use. Short jaws give needed leverage for easy removal of training wire without damage to tree. Vastly superior to hardware store cutters.

8” WIRE CUTTER D-2: Less finished than D-5 but similar function. Short jaws give needed leverage for easy removal of training wire without damage to tree.

BONSAI TWEEZERS: Stainless steel, angled tip. Many uses in addition to traditional weed removal. Jaws scored for good grip. Head serves as small trowel.

7” TRIMMING SHEAR A-2: Excellent for detail pruning. Reaches interior nicely. Spaced handles avoid accidental crushing. Very long life with proper use.

6.5” SPHERICAL CONCAVE PRUNER C-7: Extraordinarily useful. My favorite tool! Trims like a concave, nibbles like a knob cutter. Blade configuration allows for easy finishing of hard to reach spots. Great for shohin work too.

BONSAI TWEEZERS: Stainless steel, straight tip. Perfect for needle plucking and many other uses. Scored jaws for good grip.

REPOTTING SCYTHE: Great help in repotting. Serrated blade cuts through most roots at pot edge. 4.25" blade. 6" wooden handle. Japanese made.