Marco Invernizzi's new tool - "Ichiban"
- Thread starter amkhalid
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Attila Soos
Omono
Update...
I received the tool from Marco a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful design, I've got to tell you...
Anyway, I have a lot of trees in training pots, as well as in bonsai pots, that needs a serious haircut, this time of the year. So, I started using it, and as time goes by, I am using it more and more, every day.
The best thing I like about it, is that it makes it so easy to reach inside the crown of the tree, or work between the foliage pads. You don't need to disturb the branches that stay in your way. No need to contort your body into various positions, to find the best angle for pruning. So, the tool has a very smart design. My hats off to Marco, for making our work so much easier. I can sit in front of the tree in a relaxed and natural position, and work on the most difficult parts with the least difficulty.
I am quickly getting addicted to it.
Time will tell how durable the tool is, I should not comment on that, since I am a new user.
I have one wish though. This is not a shortcoming of the tool, but rather a suggestion: I wish that the tool was made in two sizes. The current size, and a larger size, as well. The reason for a larger size is to be able to cut larger branches. If that size was available, then I would use the tool even more. As it is right now, there is a point where I need to put it down, and get a larger shear, just because branches at a certain size become difficult to cut. But I don't know ho much more would that add to the cost of manufacturing, so I don't know whether or not that size is economical to make.
For instance, I know that the spherical cutter has a size limit because it is very difficult to manufacture a larger size. I don't know if this would be the case with Ichiban as well.
My recommendation is that this tool is very useful for those bonsaists who have a number of trees that are already highly developed, or finished. If that is the case, this tool will be very valuable to you, because of its versatility and ease of use. On the other hand, if your trees are still in the early stages of development, and most of your work is to develop trunks and cut large branches, then the tool is not something that you will miss.
I am very glad that I own it, and I would not return it even if Marco offered me $450 for it.
(P.S.: I love the box as well, and very proud to have Mr. Masakuni's signature on it)
Thanks, Marco!
I received the tool from Marco a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful design, I've got to tell you...
Anyway, I have a lot of trees in training pots, as well as in bonsai pots, that needs a serious haircut, this time of the year. So, I started using it, and as time goes by, I am using it more and more, every day.
The best thing I like about it, is that it makes it so easy to reach inside the crown of the tree, or work between the foliage pads. You don't need to disturb the branches that stay in your way. No need to contort your body into various positions, to find the best angle for pruning. So, the tool has a very smart design. My hats off to Marco, for making our work so much easier. I can sit in front of the tree in a relaxed and natural position, and work on the most difficult parts with the least difficulty.
I am quickly getting addicted to it.
Time will tell how durable the tool is, I should not comment on that, since I am a new user.
I have one wish though. This is not a shortcoming of the tool, but rather a suggestion: I wish that the tool was made in two sizes. The current size, and a larger size, as well. The reason for a larger size is to be able to cut larger branches. If that size was available, then I would use the tool even more. As it is right now, there is a point where I need to put it down, and get a larger shear, just because branches at a certain size become difficult to cut. But I don't know ho much more would that add to the cost of manufacturing, so I don't know whether or not that size is economical to make.
For instance, I know that the spherical cutter has a size limit because it is very difficult to manufacture a larger size. I don't know if this would be the case with Ichiban as well.
My recommendation is that this tool is very useful for those bonsaists who have a number of trees that are already highly developed, or finished. If that is the case, this tool will be very valuable to you, because of its versatility and ease of use. On the other hand, if your trees are still in the early stages of development, and most of your work is to develop trunks and cut large branches, then the tool is not something that you will miss.
I am very glad that I own it, and I would not return it even if Marco offered me $450 for it.
(P.S.: I love the box as well, and very proud to have Mr. Masakuni's signature on it)
Thanks, Marco!
Klytus
Omono
I'm waiting on Bonsai Garden for the Wii,this remarkable new tool could be unlocked in the later levels.
Is there a website somewhere that can decipher your encrypted posts ?
keep it green,
Harry
Klytus
Omono
Have to make do with the Bahco grape snips as an interim measure.
Surprisingly enough Klytus actually made a funny that also made sense all in one sentence!
He's talking about a hypothetical video game for the Nintendo Wii Game System. "Unlocking" the tool in the game would mean you had reached a level in the game that you had "earned" the tool. So I imagine you'd have to go from "bonsai wanker" level to "European Master" level to get the tool.Klytus
Omono
This 'European Master' is waiting for his humble Grape Snips,Pradines France.
Also some Ars shears for a Japanese feel.
Various manufacturers of Secateurs are gradually adopting the rakish angle which the Ichiban utilizes in extremis.
Also some Ars shears for a Japanese feel.
Various manufacturers of Secateurs are gradually adopting the rakish angle which the Ichiban utilizes in extremis.
treebeard55
Chumono
Attila, thanks for your update. Clear and informative!
Attila Soos
Omono
My pleasure.
Bonsai Basho
Yamadori
Bonsai Basho Review of Ichiban
This was our review of Ichiban:
http://www.bonsaibasho.com/micromarket/?url=/library/library/a220
In Europe it has had mixed reception. People have loved it and people have mocked it, they have even deliberately broken them in exhibition to try to make a point. However, Marco has tried to do something new and something good always comes of innovation.
This was our review of Ichiban:
http://www.bonsaibasho.com/micromarket/?url=/library/library/a220
In Europe it has had mixed reception. People have loved it and people have mocked it, they have even deliberately broken them in exhibition to try to make a point. However, Marco has tried to do something new and something good always comes of innovation.
Last edited:
Attila Soos
Omono
Very thorough review, great job overall.
I did not see any criticism of it though, which would make it much more useful. Particularly, what are the issues that make it a mixed reception, beside the price that may not sit well with some people?
Bonsai Basho
Yamadori
Hi Atilla
To be honest there isn't that much negative to say about Ichiban that can't be said about other tools. Masakuni manufactured tools have a reputation for shattering or loosing tips, that is because of the type of steel - its a compromise. Hard steel - very sharp long lasting edges. The Ichiban is made by Masakuni so it has the same issues - force it too hard and you can get it to snap. However that is true of any shear of that type. I know of one European Bonsai person when given a pair to try immediately tried to cut through the presentation box with it and snapped them - what did that prove?
The tool is smart, its well designed but it is over designed for the broad market. On the other hand it isn't intended for everyone and has a limited edition feel to it. Do I have a pair - yes, do I use them, not all the time, do bonsai pro's mock yes. I try to detach the tool from the hype. It works, its a good quality tool but its very niche.
This tool is great in the summer to walk around your collection doing all of those jobs, snip, cut wire and with one tool. You can do thsi without walking around with a bag of tools. Get into a heavy wiring session and its out with the wire scissors, If a branch has to go its ot with the saw or the cutters. This tool will never replace all of the others but its nice to use and to have if you can afford it.
To be honest there isn't that much negative to say about Ichiban that can't be said about other tools. Masakuni manufactured tools have a reputation for shattering or loosing tips, that is because of the type of steel - its a compromise. Hard steel - very sharp long lasting edges. The Ichiban is made by Masakuni so it has the same issues - force it too hard and you can get it to snap. However that is true of any shear of that type. I know of one European Bonsai person when given a pair to try immediately tried to cut through the presentation box with it and snapped them - what did that prove?
The tool is smart, its well designed but it is over designed for the broad market. On the other hand it isn't intended for everyone and has a limited edition feel to it. Do I have a pair - yes, do I use them, not all the time, do bonsai pro's mock yes. I try to detach the tool from the hype. It works, its a good quality tool but its very niche.
This tool is great in the summer to walk around your collection doing all of those jobs, snip, cut wire and with one tool. You can do thsi without walking around with a bag of tools. Get into a heavy wiring session and its out with the wire scissors, If a branch has to go its ot with the saw or the cutters. This tool will never replace all of the others but its nice to use and to have if you can afford it.
Attila Soos
Omono
Thanks, I agree with your assessment entirely.
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
So I read this thread the other night. A few differing opinions about this tool were fielded. After reading this I looked the Ichiban up and see they are still making them and they dropped down to $195.00 at stone lantern without the fancy box.
How many people here have this tool?
And if you do,does it perform for you like the testimonials say it will?
I'm genuinely curious. When someone asks about tools I never see it mentioned.
It's still a bit pricey but the prices some people pay for the Masakuni tools like jin pliers and wire cutters shouldn't bother them.
I don't have one and probably never will. I'm so cheap I squeak when I bend over.
How many people here have this tool?
And if you do,does it perform for you like the testimonials say it will?
I'm genuinely curious. When someone asks about tools I never see it mentioned.
It's still a bit pricey but the prices some people pay for the Masakuni tools like jin pliers and wire cutters shouldn't bother them.
I don't have one and probably never will. I'm so cheap I squeak when I bend over.
Kodama16
Shohin
I have the tool. Never use it. To small for my hands... But I do like it but I rather regular shears even if it was big enough for my hands.
Smoke
Ignore-Amus
Me too....but its a pretty low register.
For me, This is the greatest after market tool I've even owned.
jomawa
Shohin
That's quite a discount from the manufacturer's/seller's original pricing. Does that say anything about customer feedback, even though most if not all those customers were potential, and simply complaining about the price, not judging the price after giving the actual tool a serious on the job test?
I don't own one, but I have seen and held one in my hands. I did not actually try to use it.
It seemed rather awkward, and flimsy. I'm used to using tools made with more substantial metal. Since I didn't actually use it, I can't speak to how well it works, but when holding it there was nothing about it that "spoke to me".
It seemed rather awkward, and flimsy. I'm used to using tools made with more substantial metal. Since I didn't actually use it, I can't speak to how well it works, but when holding it there was nothing about it that "spoke to me".
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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My impression of the Ichiban as well. I just purchased 5 Kaneshin tools for much less then this single tool originally cost. These tools are well built and will do their intended job for decades to come.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
I heard it comes with a Mario costume.
Originally, it came with Luigi too, hence the higher price.
But like the tool won't fit your giant ass paw....the costume sure ain't gonna for!
Be a Net Bonsai Wanker!
Sorce
Originally, it came with Luigi too, hence the higher price.
But like the tool won't fit your giant ass paw....the costume sure ain't gonna for!
Be a Net Bonsai Wanker!
Sorce
