S.S. Tools

[edprocoat]

Naw its not the name of my new ship. I am actually getting ready to buy some Bonsai specific tools, shears, concave cutters and a wire cutter and maybe a wire/jin pliers.

Somebody help Rob, Al and the others off the floor. Maybe some smelling salts are in order!

Does anyone have Stainless Steel tools ? Are they truly rust free ? CAN THEY BE SHARPENED ? It would seem worth twice the price alone if they did not rust.

I worry about sharpening them though. I think back to the old Barlow knives of my childhood, never rust, never ever sharp again once the edge has dulled .

ed

 

[jk_lewis]

Of course your non-stainless tools won't rust if you take proper care of them. I've had my smaller set of concave cutters for more than 30 years and there's no rust on them; ditto my larger set, tho I've had them a shorter time.

 

[edprocoat]

Of course your non-stainless tools won't rust if you take proper care of them. I've had my smaller set of concave cutters for more than 30 years and there's no rust on them; ditto my larger set, tho I've had them a shorter time.

True JKL, my problem is getting home from work at dark and trying to do some work on my plants. As you know a little dirt, sap or moisture missed when cleaning or just leave a tool setting by the pot overnight accidently and its rusted by morning.

Besides all that the S.S. tools look so much nicer, but can they be SHARPENED ?

ed

 

[Vin]

Maybe this may help:

http://www.inlandbonsai.com/articles/steel/steel.pdf

 

[edprocoat]

Maybe this may help:

http://www.inlandbonsai.com/articles/steel/steel.pdf

Thanks Vin, that article makes sense judging by my experience with S.S. tools and knives I have owned in the past. I guess I will keep my old concave cutter and scissors and get a few new pieces. I can sharpen those when needed.

ed

 

[KennedyMarx]

I seem to recall Dario sharpening some of his tools, can't remember if they were carbon or stainless though. I'm ready to get some stainless tools to replace some of my cheap tools and the carbon shears I have that have started to rust up a little.

 

[GrimLore]

Sharpening is an art of its own, most anything can be sharpened but I just sharpen the mediocre or simple stuff myself. I have a friend who does all the more expensive and harder stuff like concave cutters.

Grimmy

 

[jkd2572]

I have stainless tools from Joshua Roth and American bonsai. Both are great. No rust to ever have to clean off. I think the extra cost is worth it. I will only buy stainless going forward.

 

[Poink88]

Of course stainless can be sharpened. It has its advantages and disadvantages though.

Advantage, less maintenance.
Disadvantage, depending on the alloy, most does not retain cutting edge as well and as long as carbon steel.

There are great SS alloy already that can match carbon steel (used in high end knives) but they are expensive and not yet used in bonsai tools.

I have Chinese SS cutter I use for root work. I also have an older SS Masakuni set that I have not used yet but personally, I will stick w/ carbon steel if I can only have one.

 

[Adair M]

I have a pair of Masakuni carbon steel concave cutters that are only 30 years old. No rust.

I'm glad to see you're getting some proper tools!

 

[edprocoat]

I have a pair of Masakuni carbon steel concave cutters that are only 30 years old. No rust.

I'm glad to see you're getting some proper tools!

LOL, I have some old concave cutters and an old Bonsai shears too. I would like a good pair of Bonsai wire cutters and pliers too plus the rust-less nature of S.S. tools sounds attractive. I would not mind having them sharpened if they needed it.

ed

 

[Kodama16]

I don't like SS tools. To weak. Break and dull easier. I'm rough on tools. I use my carbon ones. Every year I dip them in phosphoric acid. This converts the rust to a protecting coat on the toal that stops it from rusting. It also hardens the metal to help maintain an edge.

 

[Skinnygoomba]

I chose carbon steel because it has more ideal properties for the cutting edge. Much like my woodworking tools the best edge is achieved in carbon steel, adding chromium makes for a slightly more brittle cutting edge.

The best japanese chef's knives are also made in carbon steel, again for the same reason.

Wipe with alcohol then wipe on camellia oil after use.

Most tools with a cutting edge can be sharpened, but I would find someone local to you who specialises in sharpening scissors, such as someone who sharpens fine scissors for salons/barbershops. Fine barber shears make most bonsai tools (even the top shelf of what masakuni makes) seem very reasonably priced, and there are people who travel around sharpening them.