Good price for beginner tools

tylerwdesign

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Hey guys,

Sorry if this should be posted in the tools section, but it seemed like it might be more appropriate here.

I was wondering what a good price range would be for some basic tools. I need to get some concave cutters, root cutters, shears, and any other tools you guys would consider essentials. Since I am just getting into bonsai and I also have a 3 month old, I'm not looking to spend a ton of money on these. Having said that, I also don't want sub-par tools that I will have to replace to quickly, or worse do damage to a tree. I would rather spend a little bit more to get something with decent quality. I have some shears that a friend gave me that were from a bonsai 101 kit. I assume these aren't the best quality, but they seem to work decent for now. Any thought on them would be appreciated.

I was looking into buying some basic kits on amazon (like the one at the link below), but I thought I would ask some advice from the pros. If they are terrible I would rather spend that money on one decent pair of concave cutters and buy the rest over time. Thanks in advance!

https://www.amazon.com/U-nitt-Premi...id=1519055824&sr=8-2&keywords=concave+cutters
 

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bonsaidave

Shohin
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There should be a number of tool posts on the forums. Try searching for some of them.

When I started I had "tools" from the dollar store. Scissors, pliers, wire cutters, and a sharp knife. It all depends on your budget.
My first good tool was a concave cutter and I think that was a good choice.

If you are not sure you want to do bonsai in a year, or two, you can go with some cheap black Chinese tools to start. Worst case you blew $25 or use them for root work.

If you want good tools look around for sales online. I know many BNuts like Japanese tools for for the quality and durability.

I have had good luck with Americanbonsai.com tools myself. Woot for black Friday sales! I will note, I don't have large tough trees so my tools don't have to work super hard.

Good luck.
 

River's Edge

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Hey guys,

Sorry if this should be posted in the tools section, but it seemed like it might be more appropriate here.

I was wondering what a good price range would be for some basic tools. I need to get some concave cutters, root cutters, shears, and any other tools you guys would consider essentials. Since I am just getting into bonsai and I also have a 3 month old, I'm not looking to spend a ton of money on these. Having said that, I also don't want sub-par tools that I will have to replace to quickly, or worse do damage to a tree. I would rather spend a little bit more to get something with decent quality. I have some shears that a friend gave me that were from a bonsai 101 kit. I assume these aren't the best quality, but they seem to work decent for now. Any thought on them would be appreciated.

I was looking into buying some basic kits on amazon (like the one at the link below), but I thought I would ask some advice from the pros. If they are terrible I would rather spend that money on one decent pair of concave cutters and buy the rest over time. Thanks in advance!

https://www.amazon.com/U-nitt-Premi...id=1519055824&sr=8-2&keywords=concave+cutters
I have appreciated the quality of the tools sold by Kaneshin online. They are also available through Bonsai Tonight. I would recommend buy better quality one at a time. Regardless of the quality keep them clean and sharp for best results.
 

Gsquared

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I'm a bit of a tool addict. Back when Masakuni tools were still affordable I got all the basics of those, which are still in great working condition more than 20 years on. It did help that I found a Japanese hardware store that sold them off of an old 1980s price list! I have tried some other brands too. Kaneshin are pretty good. I bought a couple of tools from Tinyroots and some from American Bonsai and both seem pretty good. I've not used them much yet, but they feel good in the hand and are sharp. They are very reasonably priced compared the better Japanese makers.

The first two tools to buy are the concave cutter (Masakuni #16) and a knob cutter. Next would be a good set of scissors. I think the longer, more slender ones are more useful. Look for scissors that the tips cross just a tiny bit when closed. You can get by with a regular pair, but purpose made ones really are better when you work with them. Next I would say wire cutter and Jin pliers. I did buy a great wire cutter from Germany. Called Knipex mini bolt cutter. Super strong cutting power but blunt on the end like bonsai wire cutters. Got one on Amazon for under $50 shipped from Germany. Took about a week to get here. Root cutters, trunk splitters etc. are nice to have but you can get by for a long time with 5 basic tools.

This article is really good about various tool makers.

https://www.practicalbonsai.com/who-makes-best-bonsai-tools/
 

tylerwdesign

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Thanks guys! All great advice I will take into consideration. Maybe I will start out with a nicer concave cutter and knob cutter(hopefully), and build from there as I have the funds. I will most likely purchase some stuff this weekend, so I will let you guys know what I decided on.
 

atlarsenal

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There is a 12 piece carbon steel tool set on FB 99 cent auction now.
 

DrBonsai

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I like this set at Amazon, a little better quality but doesn't break the bank.
https://www.amazon.com/Beginner-Bon...merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1519093372&sr=1-30

I also like these scissors usually on sale at Stone Lantern:
http://www.stonelantern.com/All_purpose_Bonsai_tree_Garden_Household_p/tcs.htm

If buying tools individually, I would recommend Stainless steel for jin pliers, wire cutters, etc. Tools that don't need to be sharpened and don't rust.
For cutting tools, I would recommend Carbon Steel because they are easier to sharpen. However, the tradeoff is that you have to keep them clean and oil them to prevent rust.

I find that a small vice grips comes in handy for twisting or pulling wire. Also a regular slip joint pliers comes in handy too.
For stripping bark, I saw someone using these and they work great.

Handle: https://www.amazon.com/TradeUnderlay-Router-Holder-Exacto-Flooring/dp/B00A048WYC/ref=pd_bxgy_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00A048WYC&pd_rd_r=60A8TCFNF8D049K2EXKE&pd_rd_w=Dx1Fs&pd_rd_wg=21uE6&psc=1&refRID=60A8TCFNF8D049K2EXKE

Blades: https://www.amazon.com/Sheffield-st...1519094191&sr=8-3&keywords=exacto+round+blade
I will even sharpen the round blades and they last a long time.

I often go to Harbor Freight Tools and look for things that can take the place of expensive Bonsai Tools.
For example, little picks, chisels, box cutters, etc. As your skills develop, so will your tools !

My best advice to give you is don't abuse your cutting tools. IE Don't cut an oversize branch. If you find that you are gravitating to larger trees, you may need to invest in a larger branch cutter or use
By-Pass Garden Shears or a small hand saw.
Also do a search on Forum for Tool recommendations, there must be a ton of threads you can read !
 

GailC

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I bought this kit when I first started, still use them regular. I found the two bigger scissors to be worthless for me due to how big the handles are, I can't physically use them. Besides that, I like them ok and they do the job.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005HEIAJC?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

I shelled out $ last year and bought a better set from American bonsai. They are nice but I kinda wish I would have used the $ for a nice tree. Also got sharpening tools from American bonsai, those I really like.
 

Potawatomi13

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Had trees several years before regular Bonsai tools. Got by OK. First bought inexpensive sharp point twig cutter still have after maybe 15 year+. Joshua Roth concave cutter 8" kind of expensive 10+ years past $63. Two years past got 8" wire cutter, 8" knob cutter by Roshi for better price. All are medium grade. Not novice or professional. Size matters for personal tree choices. These used on 6"-32" trees work fine. Small trees could use smaller. Suggest not getting novice grade if planning to stay in hobby for some while. If doing small diameter sawing of about 3" or less Silky Pocket Boy folding saw(Medium or fine teeth)is wonderful jewel. Mail order often gets better price than most nurseries.
 

Giga

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I think roshi are good starter tools - the bread and butter for me are, very fine sharp scissors, knob and concave cutters and a good pair of wire cutters. I have a ton other but these are the bread and butter
 

Gsquared

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Some of the tools in your kit can easily be replaced with some tools from the hardware store. Others really are specialty tools that are purpose-built and there are no great replacements that I've found at the hardware store.

These are some suggestions:

Wire cutter - Knipex Ryan recommends these in one of his Mirai videos. I just used mine this weekend for the first time. They rival my best Masakuni cutters and work way better on larger gauges.

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-71022...d=1519178284&sr=8-2&keywords=knipex+mini+bolt

Jin pliers - a regular needle nose pair will get you by. I prefer the Masakuni WIRE pliers (note NOT their Jin pliers) for 99% of my Jin and wiring needs. This is the type I used before getting my bonsai version.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-84-1...519178760&sr=1-11&keywords=needle+nose+pliers

I would look into American Bonsai brand tools and Tiny Roots. I have a skinny concave cutter from AB and. Spherical rounded concave that I got from TR. they have great hand feel, and seem to work quite well. Both were on eBay direct from the manufacturer and very reasonably priced. I can't vouch for them like I can my 20 year old Japanese tools, but so far I'm happy with them and they seem very good for the price. Here is a link to the eBay page for AB. Tiny Roots seems to have disappeared on eBay. Try Amazon below.

http://stores.ebay.com/americanbonsai?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Lastly, if you are really trying to save money, on tool that sort of combines the concave cutter and the knob cutter is the spherical concave cutter. Here is Tiny Roots version which I have and like. They have a version they sell without the fancy bamboo box and it is a few bucks less. Might free up $$ to get a good pair of scissors.

https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Tinyr...&keywords=Bonsai+Rounded+concave+cutter&psc=1
 

sorce

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FTBS and order straight from Japan!

http://kaneshin.shop.multilingualcart.com

Surely don't buy them U-nitt ones!
We don't nitt we CUT!

It's quite simple to order direct, and with any luck you get some Japanese newspaper!

The few bucks you may save buying these tools elsewhere simply isn't worth NOT dealing with Mr. Nishimura directly.

He supports us!
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/fall-2016-contest-sponsors-prizes.24696/post-388177

Also, if shopping in the US...
Our good friend @bonsaibp is one of the coolest, most supportive guys who could deserve our business.

https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/fall-2016-contest-sponsors-prizes.24696/post-385942

Keep it NUT!

Sorce
 

tylerwdesign

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Wow thanks everyone! I really was not expecting this volume of response. So I've decided that for the time being I will go with a pair of concave cutters from either Roshi or Mu Tian, and save up for something nicer in the future, possibly American Bonsai. While I would like to get something a little nicer right now, I think maxing out my current budged for something mediocre isn't a great long term plan. Plus just starting out I'm not going to be working on to many trees this year.

So what are you guys opinions on the Roshi vs Mu Tian? Here are the links to the ones I was looking at. Feel free to throw in any other contenders in the $30 price range.

Roshi
https://www.stonelantern.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TMC7&CartID=1

Mu Tian
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075LSTKHD/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3STDD98C2TAZB&colid=2GSF6SUGJQUF1&psc=0

Thanks again guys. Your advice has been really helpful.
 

augustine

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Kiku Classic is a line of tools made in China, decent quality and relatively inexpensive. Can be bought at Meco Bonsai online, the proprietor Roger is a good guy.

You can spend a bit more and buy Japanese made tools at Stone Lantern - always excellent prices and good service.

Take care of your tools, clean with alcohol and wipe with oily cloth. Get the concave cutters at least and you'll need very sharp shears.
 

bonsaibp

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I would suggest not buying a bunch of tools- get a branch cutter (concave Cutter) and a pair of shears to start. Spend your money on trees so that you have something to work on as you learn. If you only have a couple of trees its likely you'll do to much to soon to them which can be disastrous to them. Japanese tools will be better but cost more and there are decent Chinese made tools like American Bonsai and Ryuga
 

milehigh_7

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I would suggest not buying a bunch of tools- get a branch cutter (concave Cutter) and a pair of shears to start. Spend your money on trees so that you have something to work on as you learn. If you only have a couple of trees its likely you'll do to much to soon to them which can be disastrous to them. Japanese tools will be better but cost more and there are decent Chinese made tools like American Bonsai and Ryuga

+1 on Bob's advice! If you have never used them, a good concave cutter and nice shears will change your life anyhow. Master how, when, and why to make cuts before you have too many tools to cut with. LOL
 
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