Tool Sets?

candywhitevdub

So im looking to build up a tool set. I know that I want them to be Carbon Steel.

Here is a list of the tools I would like atleast start with (sizes are aproximate):
8" Concave Cutters
7 1/4" Shears (Traditional, Butterfly, or Ashinaga im not sure. I dont really know what the best styles are for these for an all around shear)
8 1/4" Spherical Knob Cutters
8" Wire Cutters (I have some automotive ones but they are pretty hefty)
Root Hook and/or Rake
Bonsai tweezers with blade
Maybe a Hori-Hori (i've heard many positive thoughts on these)

I would like for them to be made in Japan (I hear that the ones from China leave a little to be desired). My brother is a reseller for Joshua Roth and he can get me some good prices but im thinking that I should try to find a more affordable set. I'm leaning more towards this set from Dallas Bonsai http://www.bonsaitalk.com/shop/Tool...nsai_Tools.html

Does anyone know of any other good sets or places to get a custom set for a nice price?

much thanks
Matt

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irene_b

Matt all you need for now is the concave cutters and maybe a pair of scissors.
Mom

As you need then you buy..

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rockm

"8" Concave Cutters"

This is really the only specialized bonsai tool you absolutely need. The tool kit you list is nice, but not necessary and twice the price of what you can get away with for now. I'd invest the $80 in two nice tools, like a medium price range concave cutter and twig shear.

All the tools you list, except the concave cutter, can be approximated with other less expensive, more available things. Shears--scissors, tweezers, well tweezers, etc. I used an old tire iron for a root hook for years, until I got a specialized one...Forget the Hori hori. You don't need it, an old bread knife will do the same thing. I have a Hori Hori (it was a gift). Don't use it. Too bulky for many practical uses.

I beleive that tools shouldn't be bought all at once for several reasons. The first is cost--an entire set of good bonsai tools, concave cutters, wire cutters, shears, etc. can total well over $100. Buying cheap tools is counterproductive as they are cheap for a reason--which can come at the expense of your tree. For instance, inexpensive knob cutters (like under $25) can have incorrect blade alignment, or blades that are easily misaligned. The misaligned blades will not cut cleanly and can even strip bark because the bark is pinched between the blades and not cut. That's bad and can easily destroy several years' work on a tree. Same for shears.

Cheap tools also don't last very long. You will wind up paying as much or more buying new cheap tools.

You will also find that cheaper tools are harder to use. This can vary from tool to tool, but once you have used a properly balanced, extremely sharp, precision fit cutter, you will wonder how you used a cheaper example.

The rule of thumb for bonsai tools--buy the very best individual tools you can afford. The good stuff is expensive. A good pair of concave cutters will run over $40 and can go into the $100 range depending on make and size. No, you don't need the stainless variety, they're nice, but have no real advantages--other than they shatter more easily if dropped on their edges.

candywhitevdub

ok well looks like ill see what my brother can do for prices on some joshua roths and go from there depending on price