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  1. Taira Shears
  1. Taira Shears
  2. Taira Shears
  1. Taira Shears
  2. Taira Shears

Taira Shears
Knuckle Dusters

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again.

More Information

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. Traditionally, Japanese gardeners don’t bother with cushioning or stoppers on their shears - just one more thing to interfere with the beauty and simplicity of the cut. The downside? Bruised knuckles, unless you’re really in the groove. Taira san makes these extraordinarily no-nonsense shears the way he always has, hand laminating the shirogami white paper steel blades, and riveting them to white oak handles. Nothing fancy, but very, very good.

Comes with a heavy duty leather sheath.

Tips
    • Go slow - they’re not called Knuckle Dusters for nothing
    • Clean with a Niwaki Crean Mate rust and sap eraser
    • Sharpen with a Niwaki #1000 grit stone
    • Protect with Niwaki Camellia Oil
    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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    Delivering to US (Paying in USD) Edit

    Taira Shears + Short Leather SheathFree delivery for orders over $100.00 (excluding any surcharges if applicable, and any applicable customs taxes for non GB deliveries)⚠ Sorry. Taira Shears + Short Leather Sheath is not available at the moment.Availability Alert Email Sign‑upAdd to Wishlist / Save for later
    Shear Sheath • Standard
    • 123g
    • 280 x 72mm
    • 3mm Leather
    • Made in China
    • In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability
    Taira Shears
    • 1.1kg
    • 200mm blades
    • Shirogami White Paper Steel
    • Japanese White Oak handles
    • Made in Sanjo, Japan
    • Includes Leather Sheath
    • Stock Unavailable (estimated dispatch from 21 Nov)
    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
    Taira Shears
    Essentials