Jintian tools...cheap bonsai tools

[Poink88]

I saw these Jintian stainless tools on eBay which resembles the Ryuga and since I need more cutters badly I bought this 8" knob cutter for $38.00 shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251347573329?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

First quality impression is good and initial cuts, even on dry wood is decent. I didn't like that they beveled the inner cutter but understood why also. It works and I am actually inclined now to endorse this to those who are new and looking for bonsai tools on the budget.

Here is a current listing for a 7" concave cutter for $32.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-JINTIAN...629969?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item3a86521711

Note that shipping took almost 25 days since it came from China.

Hope this helps.

I will update this thread as I get to run this through its phases and report both good and bad experience with it.

 

[Wee]

I need some real tools....Been making due with some pruning shears from Lowe's so far..But I did get the best they had...Still only about $25. They work well but if my trees live till spring I'm gonna buy them some better tools.

Brian

 

[berobinson82]

I need some real tools....Been making due with some pruning shears from Lowe's so far..But I did get the best they had...Still only about $25. They work well but if my trees live till spring I'm gonna buy them some better tools.

Brian

If your trees die you're going to give up?

 

[Wee]

Nope....I'm gonna keep digging up more trees/shrubs that folks have decided they don't want anymore in their yards....I figure that way no harm no foul....? I'm working on 4 months at this Bonsai thing and so far only 1 kill....That was a boxwood that I needed to get rid of almost a year ago....I had to cut it back all the way to the ground so I could pressure wash the house.....The wife wanted it gone anyway.....I left no green at all...Many months later it put out some new growth so I dug it up and put it in a training box in pure potting soil without enough drainage holes. RIP, it didn't make it.

Brian

 

[Ris]

I saw these Jintian stainless tools on eBay which resembles the Ryuga and since I need more cutters badly I bought this 8" knob cutter for $38.00 shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251347573329?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

First quality impression is good and initial cuts, even on dry wood is decent. I didn't like that they beveled the inner cutter but understood why also. It works and I am actually inclined now to endorse this to those who are new and looking for bonsai tools on the budget.

Here is a current listing for a 7" concave cutter for $32.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-JINTIAN...629969?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item3a86521711

Note that shipping took almost 25 days since it came from China.

Hope this helps.

I will update this thread as I get to run this through its phases and report both good and bad experience with it.

The guy whom selling those says he owns the factory and will guaranty best price,
I want to get the trunk splitter 15" but he haven't listed yet...

 

[Poink88]

I want to get the trunk splitter 15" but he haven't listed yet...

Like this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/JinTian-bon...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

It ended last week and I believe it didn't sell. You can always send them a message for what you want/need.

 

[lordy]

As with bonsai, time will tell if cheap tools are worthy of credible endorsement. My first concave cutter didnt cost all that much, but one blade broke after about 3 years. Since then I have a Kaneshin and Masakuni which, like Timex, take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. With tools, I believe you get what you pay for. There is no mystery as to why. Sound manufacturing standards and techniques, quality materials, solid workmanship.

 

[daygan]

Poink! if you were really after a low price, you should have asked me to find something for you and then ship it Like THIS knob cutter for about $16.50.

I saw these Jintian stainless tools on eBay which resembles the Ryuga and since I need more cutters badly I bought this 8" knob cutter for $38.00 shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251347573329?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

First quality impression is good and initial cuts, even on dry wood is decent. I didn't like that they beveled the inner cutter but understood why also. It works and I am actually inclined now to endorse this to those who are new and looking for bonsai tools on the budget.

Here is a current listing for a 7" concave cutter for $32.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-JINTIAN...629969?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item3a86521711

Note that shipping took almost 25 days since it came from China.

Hope this helps.

I will update this thread as I get to run this through its phases and report both good and bad experience with it.

 

[Ris]

Poink! if you were really after a low price, you should have asked me to find something for you and then ship it Like THIS knob cutter for about $16.50.

Hello Dayan,
Would it be from the same guy? Being stainless steel I find the price is super cheep.

Poink thanks for the link I just sent the message hope to get it...

 

[Poink88]

As with bonsai, time will tell if cheap tools are worthy of credible endorsement. My first concave cutter didnt cost all that much, but one blade broke after about 3 years. Since then I have a Kaneshin and Masakuni which, like Timex, take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. With tools, I believe you get what you pay for. There is no mystery as to why. Sound manufacturing standards and techniques, quality materials, solid workmanship.

True. The workmanship is apparent and checked out. The design is good as well as the blade profile/grind (being a tool guy, this is something I understand well).

Steel quality is the wild card and as I mentioned, I will report as I have more experience with it. IMHO, this is a better alternative than the other cheap (but junk) Chinese tools for those who are on the market for lower end but proper bonsai tools. You may not agree but that is my reason.

If people want and can afford to start with Masakuni, by all means buy it.

 

[daygan]

Hello Dayan,
Would it be from the same guy? Being stainless steel I find the price is super cheep.

Poink thanks for the link I just sent the message hope to get it...

Ris, probably not the same guy. Not even the same brand. Just an example of the low prices that I can find here in a quick search. Honestly, while I noticed that it was steel, it might not have actually been stainless steel - I didn't read thoroughly enough.

 

[Poink88]

Poink! if you were really after a low price, you should have asked me to find something for you and then ship it Like THIS knob cutter for about $16.50.

Thanks, I really appreciate the gesture but I actually have enough tools. I bought this just to try for the very reason I posted this thread...to find a good starter tool for newbies that won't break the bank.

For the record, I have more than a dozen (concave and knob) cutters already.

 

[Poink88]

So far so good.

I worked on some trees using this cutter since and I like it. Edge is still very sharp and it went through several green and dry boxwood already. Some really old & up to 4" diameter trunks.

Only gripe I have is the beveled outer edge of one of the cutters. I plan on eventually re-profiling it as time goes by and slowly reduce the bevel each sharpening.

I bought a cheap Chinese concave cutter (from eBay before) to be abused and for root work. That is pure junk. This is head and shoulders better. If not for that beveled edge, I'd say it is comparable to mid-range Japanese made bonsai tools!

For $38, this stainless 8" knob cutter is a good entry bonsai tool and offers very good value in my book.

 

[red]

If you don't want to wait for an eBay listing from jintianbonsai, they have a store setup with Alibaba here: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/1013114

 

[Ris]

If you don't want to wait for an eBay listing from jintianbonsai, they have a store setup with Alibaba here: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/1013114

Thanks red, just checked the link to their site. I have a few of these tools now and have been getting crazy with them (testing) seams to take some abuse, couple years back I bought the 14pc set and most of them broke or blades are bent... These may be cheap but I honestly think it's a good deal for beginners/work shops if kept clean after use I see no reason that these won't last couple years. That works for me as I have intention to get the great masakuni little at a time...

Best regards,

 

[Gaitano]

Update

Dario, how are these tools holding up after about 8 months of use?

 

[Poink88]

Dario, how are these tools holding up after about 8 months of use?

After the repotting season, this got some mileage. Working great for my intended use (abuse) which is mostly root work (and some top as well)...BUT admittedly, the blades do not hold fine edge as long as my high carbon steel does. If you are getting one for purely top work, they also have the carbon steel version...cheaper too.

 

[sikadelic]

I picked some up as well. I got the 8" concave cutters, wire cutters, pruning shears, root cutter, and knob cutter.
I think they are great in the time that I have used them.