Starter tool set

Raidendex

Seedling
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Hello,

I'm just starting with the bonsai hobby and looking to acquire a decent set of tools (even though I will probably not need many of them any time soon).

I would like to get most of the basics covered without having multiple sizes of same tool etc. That can happen later if needed.

So far I just got a pair of bypass pruners. Looked serviceable and decent quality considering the price. I have few sharpening stones and diamond plates so I was able to sharpen the blade on this and it cuts paper pretty easily now.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/corona-classiccut-1-in-forged-steel-bypass-pruner

Aside from that I have a number of large and small pliers and wire cutters. They are not anything specifically bonsai, but should work fine. I've looked at ones sold by Kaneshin and do not feel that those would bring any more utility, but I'm open to experienced explanations as to why they might :)

Next, I have some wood saws that may be useful in this hobby.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G9ZEEQ
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CEF5HM
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M84GG8
First one would probably be the only one to work here as other two are a bit large, but I could likely use something a little finer on tooth count.

Got a number of water cans and sprayers, so this should be OK for now.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016ARXZI
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSN677H
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BXPK56W

Soil sifter
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008B0TJAI
Also made one myself with 1/4" hardware cloth which can be topped with some window screen material to make it much finer.

Root rake I've so far made myself out of 1/4" copper rood. Just hammered on end flat, split it in two, shaped the parts a bit to round them over and bent them to make a claw. Other end I hammered a little to make it thinner to help with pushing soil into roots/settling etc. Been watching a lot of https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWc7cn-M-22gie8oPslLcA he seem to do that a lot hehe. So I think it should be good for now, but I could get another one as they are not that expensive.

Fertilizer (not really a tool, but anyways ... :) )
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWYHXXQ

So finally to the what I would like to get now. I've looked around and I think I will go with Keneshin brand for the other cutting tools.
I've been looking at http://kaneshin.shop.multilingualcart.com/ to see what they have, but there are sure a lot of choices lol

List I've made so far is:
Branch cutter - 802 or 804 (this one would possibly remove the need for the knob cutter?)
Knob cutter - 810
Trimming scissors - 810

Maybe..
Root rake - 53s

As you can tell I've chosen to go with stainless steel ones for all of those, although if other types of steel are better I could switch to them as well. I do not really mind keeping tools in good shape as far as rust prevention (i.e. carbon steel), I'm only really concerned with them keeping their edge longer (which carbon steel supposed to do...?)

Tweezers are the last thing on my list, but I think these can come from any vendor as there is not much that can go wrong with them, but again they are not too expensive in most cases that I wouldn't mind going with ones from Kaneshin etc. as well.


Please let me know what you think about my tool choices so far (bought and wish listed) and if I am missing any that would be good to have aside from the ones mentioned above.



Thanks!
 

amcoffeegirl

Masterpiece
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Start with the basics and add as you go.
Wire cutters are not that expensive and work really well sniping wire is smooth and easy with the proper tools. Just get one and you’ll see.
Get some scissors and a concave cutter.
Don’t cut fat branches with concave cutters.
Pencil thickness only. Get a tool roll. Makes you feel more professional and keeps your tools in one spot.
Add in a chop stick set.
Add in some oil and alcohol for cleaning.
I like American bonsai tools.

https://www.americanbonsai.com/
Not too expensive if purchasing one or two pieces per month.
 

Raidendex

Seedling
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OK, thanks for the advice.

And they seem to be about an hour away from where I live, so I might go visit their store in person :)
 

eryk2kartman

Chumono
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I was in the same boat, doing bonsai for a while but never had pro tools.
So i started with concave cutter, root shears(the cheapest one as they wear a lot) and detail long scissors.
They will do me for the moment, ohh i had a root rake already:)
American Bonsai tools look really good, i wish they were available in Europe:)
 

Nanuk

Shohin
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Well I took you guys advice and checked out Americanbonsai.com.
Got some nice looking tools at a fair enough price.
I ordered my first pair of bonsai scissors.
I had been using plain old everyday scissors. They work but not that well
 
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