One source of useful implements for bonsai is surgical tools.
Many of them are made very cheaply in the East, and can be had from specialty stores or on eBay for less, often far less, than $5 each.
Surgical scissors: Will not replace Bonsai shears, but are strong, sharp, and useful. Some are good for cutting smaller roots.
Clamps (Which I used to call forceps) etc. Look hard ar the tool. If the distance from the gripping area to the hinge is large, the grip may not be powerful enough for bonsai use. These are very useful for holding wiring in progress on small branches.
Another source is clay modeling tools. These are great for prying off bits of bark, extracting bugs, etc. Again very inexpensive. Can be found in hobby shops. I got mine from Dale Cochoy at a show. Cost me about $6 for a set of 4.
And then there are Chinese Scissors. Lee Valley Hardware sells a set of 4 for about $10. They are stong, sharp, and not rust resistant. A good alternative to real Bonsai Shears until you can afford them. Once they are out of your Bonsai Toolkit, they will disappear as members of your family "borrow" them. They are that useful!
I'm on my second set, and I have never used them on my bonsai!
