Tool kit recommendations

[bwaynef]

Jin pliers are transformative in your ability to wire/bend. After the 3 Shibui mentioned, that'd be my next purchase. I went w/ stainless ...because how often do you need sharp jin pliers.

 

[rockm]

Does anyone have any recommendations for an affordable tool kit for beginners? Ideally, I am looking for a 6 or 7 piece set. I was originally thinking stainless steel, but am open to carbon steel, too. Admittedly, while I am experienced with growing plants, I am quite the novice at bonsai and could use any advice you would be willing to provide. I would prefer to buy a set that will last me at least a few years while I dive deeper and learn more. Thank you all in advance.

 

[crea7or]

Hmm…. Everyone has their own preference of supplier here. Personally I don’t care as long as my scissors are sharp, oiled, not sloppy at the pivot, can get to where I need to cut and fit my hand properly.

The scissors shown in your image look just like a pair root pruning scissors we have. These Tian are ok for general trimming, harder to use in normal, inside and in close trimming. We usually the sleeker scissors design in these cases..

Here’s a photo of some of the scissors we use for everyday work (4 on the left) and root pruning (2 on the right). Top pair shown is for delicate tight in work.

Tian does have models similar, if that‘s your choice of supplier. You may prefer longer depending on hand size. Ours are 180mm to 210mm

cheers
DSD sends

btw, it looks like @bonsaiboy60077 actually has a pair of these type scissors in his kit that I missed.

View attachment 435655

Thank you for your response! Much appreciated!

 

[geargarcon]

Hmm…. Everyone has their own preference of supplier here. Personally I don’t care as long as my scissors are sharp, oiled, not sloppy at the pivot, can get to where I need to cut and fit my hand properly.

The scissors shown in your image look just like a pair root pruning scissors we have. These Tian are ok for general trimming, harder to use in normal, inside and in close trimming. We usually the sleeker scissors design in these cases..

Here’s a photo of some of the scissors we use for everyday work (4 on the left) and root pruning (2 on the right). Top pair shown is for delicate tight in work.

Tian does have models similar, if that‘s your choice of supplier. You may prefer longer depending on hand size. Ours are 180mm to 210mm

cheers
DSD sends

btw, it looks like @bonsaiboy60077 actually has a pair of these type scissors in his kit that I missed.

View attachment 435655

I’ve enjoyed the 38 style pictured here after the recommendation of several forum members. They really have been a great all around pair for most things.

Despite how good they are I’m tempted again to get the 827s and the 35 style pictured here as well… partly because I’d like something a little smaller to use on occasion and partly because I like new toys…

 

[2015CorvetteZ06]

My choice would be:
#1 Branch cutter. You'll use this regularly right through bonsai so quality is worth investing in.
#2 Trimming scissors. Lots of use and all growers use them regularly so worth spending on quality.
#3 Wire cutters. Bonsai design works better than any other wire cutters when you need to cut wires close to the bark. I still use the wire cutters from 30 years ago. They don't wear out.

I now have lots of other specialist tools but those above are the big 3 I use all the time and still use regularly after 30 years of bonsai.

After that tools depend what trees you grow and what techniques you use so purchase as and when you need them.
IMHO the little rakes, brush and tweezers included in the tool kits are useless waste of space. If you can get the kit for the same price as buying the big 3 separately then go for the kit (maybe you'll find a use for the other tools included), otherwise just buy those 3 for a start.
Many other tools can be improvised or adapted.

Stainless is harder than carbon steel. Tools retain a sharp edge for longer but very difficult to sharpen when they do get blunt. Stays clean better than carbon tools.
Quality carbon steel will get rusty if you leave tools out. Can be sharpened even sharper than stainless and much easier to re sharpen when edges get dull.
For most users there's not much difference between stainless and carbon tools.

no stainless steel is not harder than carbon steel - Stainless is corrosion resistant but it’s not harder than carbon / I found that out - when filing stainless vs carbon steel footpegs for trail bikes ! And carbon will hold edge longer - you have to take better Care of carbon due to rusting