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  1. Taira Kibasami

Taira Kibasami
Garden Scissors

More Information

Taira San forges these minimalist pruning scissors in his tiny forge in Sanjo the way he always has, hand laminating Shirogami white paper steel blades to the softer jigane handles. They’re popular among younger gardeners keen to strip things down to the basics - hipster gardeners if you like. Whilst they may not be as user friendly as other options, they connect you closer to the tree than anything else out there, and demand a certain discipline and focus that some find appealing.

Tips

    If you’re really hardcore, you sling these over your belt, but we find they fit well in the Saw Holster.

    More about Taira

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    Taira san in his workshop in Sanjo. He’s been working here for 54 years, since he was 14, and has only recently taken on an apprentice, Junya Akiyama, who moved to Sanjo from near Tokyo for the experience. Taira san is one of the few scissor makers remaining who still hand-laminates his steel, working cross legged on the floor of his tiny forge.

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    Options
    $150.50
    exVAT

    Delivering to US (Paying in USD) Edit

    Taira KibasamiFree delivery for orders over $100.00 (excluding any surcharges if applicable, and any applicable customs taxes for non GB deliveries)Add to Wishlist / Save for later
    Taira Kibasami
    • 242g
    • 246 x 54 x 20mm
    • 57mm blades
    • Max cut Ø7mm
    • Shirogami White Paper Steel
    • Made in Sanjo, Japan
    • In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability
    Delivery

    UK: (excluding Tripod Ladders)

    • Free delivery for orders over £100*
    • £4.00: Standard service via Royal Mail Tracked 48; typically 2–5 working days.
    • £7.50: Priority service via Royal Mail Tracked 24, DHL, FedEx, or UPS; typically delivered next working day by 6pm (excluding Sat/Sun and UK Bank Holidays) for orders received before 12pm GMT Mon–Fri (excluding UK Bank Holidays).

    Global: (excluding Tripod Ladders)

    • Free delivery for orders over £/$/€100*
    • Price depends on location - adjust the COUNTRY tab in your basket to see the price.
    • We use DHL, FedEx, or UPS, and we’ll email you the tracking info.

    *Customs fees may apply and are estimated during checkout. Surcharges may apply to some larger or heavier items to some areas.
    * Please note Niwaki are not responsible for any import duty, taxes or fees incurred and these will be will be collected by our courier during customs clearance — For EU countries, when possible DHL will provide an estimate on the order confirmation page.

    Caring For Your Tools

    Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they may, 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

    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
    Taira Range
    Essentials