Kaneshin Bonsai Spatula Tweezers
No.58

Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they will, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…

1. Correct Use:

• Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
• Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
• Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
• Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
• Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
• Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts

2. Keeping Them Clean:

• Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water
• Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place

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  Camellia Oil

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  Crean Mate

3. Keeping Them Sharp:

New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening).

• Sharpen Secateurs every couple of weeks
• Sharpen Shears and Topiary Clippers EVERY TIME you use them - the difference is amazing

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  Niwaki Sharpening Stone • #1000 (best for general sharpening)

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  Twin Diamond File (for coarse sharpening and re-setting old blades)