More Training Leads to Recommendations on Tools

[Godschick]

So I’ve been training the last couple days with Todd Schlafer, a bonsai Master who trained under Ryan Neil. They brought him in at the Bonsai Collection here at Shinzen Garden. The pictures below with Todd are of a Sierra juniper collected on the western side of the Sierras about 20 years ago. It was owned by Bjorn and just acquired by the garden in the last few weeks. It is thought to be well over 200 years old and Todd spent quite a few hours today working on it.

In saying that, I’ve decided I’m now at the place where I need to buy a few tools since I’m going to be doing curator/tree tending work at the bonsai collection and of course for my own stuff. Do you guys have any recommendation on tools and where I can buy them online that are middle of the road? Not too expensive and definitely not cheap ones that will fall apart and not last. Or any other advice about acquiring decent tools. Thank you !!

 

[sorce]

I'd shop Kaneshin direct to get some Japanese newspaper.

Plus they have excellent customer service, product, shipping, prices, etc.

It's as much an awesome experience as it is good product!

Sorce

 

[Gary McCarthy]

Ryan sells tool on his web site as does Bjorn and Jonas @ Bonsai Tonight. They are all different brands of tools but of high quality. Take your pick

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

buy them online that are middle of the road? Not too expensive and definitely not cheap ones that will fall apart and not las

Kaneshin and Kiku fit the bill:

[KANESHIN of bonsai tool]

Kiku tools

Superfly Bonsai

www.superflybonsai.com

 

[rockm]

I second both of these suggestions. Another post here put another suggestion in mind. J-Bonsai has a list of Japanese toolmakers from medium grade to high end and extreme high end--custom-made $1,000 Masakuni shears anyone? Makers there include kikuwa, masakuni, nobuichi, yoshi, Kawabe, but ordering from that site could have delays, etc. since anything you get is shipped from Japan and will probably involve import taxes etc.

Bonsai tools, Pots, Display stand | Bonsai Network Japan

As far as bonsai is concerned, we provide all kinds of products and services. We also sell bonsai tools, bonsai pots, display stand, and other bonsai related products.

www.j-bonsai.com

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

FWIW, the Kaneshin website is easy to order from (easier than it looked) and my experience was they shipped quickly.

 

[Gary McCarthy]

FWIW, the Kaneshin website is easy to order from (easier than it looked) and my experience was they shipped quickly.

Jonas @ BonsaiTonight.com carries the Kaneshin tools. And his customer service is great.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Jonas @ BonsaiTonight.com carries the Kaneshin tools. And his customer service is great.

Even better, Jonas is a good guy.

 

[Godschick]

Cool guys, thanks for all of the recommendations! I will check out a few this weekend and then head to Home Depot for a tool bag I’m beginning to understand this is not an inexpensive lifestyle/addiction