Overseas Tool purchase

[Grizz]

In a quest for quality and affordability, I'm contemplating purchasing a few tools from

Kaneshin Cutlery Mfg. Co., Ltd. This purchase would be approximately $155 at the current

exchange. In reading a few posts here on Bonsai Nut, it was explained that these tools are

manufactured by Suwada , a reputable bonsai tool manufacturer.


Does anyone: Have any experience with overseas purchases?

Have experience purchasing tools from Kaneshin Cutlery Mfg. Co., Ltd?

Think it is better to find a US distributer for tools?


Any advice/suggestion is greatly welcomed.


Thank you,

Griswold
Northern California

 

[Grizz]

What about the Kikuwa brand?

 

[Grizz]

A local Bonsai nursery deals with the Kikuwa brand. Therefore, I will be putting my order on

hold with the Kaneshin brand tool order. I will visit the local nursery to see what they have

to offer.

I would like to note that for selling bonsai tools over the internet, the Kaneshin Cutlery

Mfg. Co., Ltd has an easy to follow website. If the local nursery does not does not

compair well I will likely order from Kaneshin.

 

[yenling83]

I have four Kaneshin Bonsai tools. I like them and think they are very good for the price. I purchased all of them from from this Ebay seller:

Member id kei1974819

I would highly recommend going with this seller because he speaks English, is very good at getting back to you, communicates clearly, you don't have to mess with the current exchange rate and has great feedback. Another thing you might try is by contacting Owen Reich who is currently works at Fujikawa Bonsai Nursery in Japan. I know they sell Kaneshin-PM me if your interested in going that route. I have not used Kikuwa brand.

Masakuni is defiantly the best quality I have used, however more pricey. I have found the best prices on Masakuni at http://www.californiabonsai.com/ Good luck!

 

[Grizz]

Thank you for your reply. That is the kind of feedback I was hoping to read.


I recently visited Matsuda nursery in Newcastle, He had mentioned to

make the drive to San Francisco. There is a hardware store across from the

Japanese cultural center that sells bonsai tools. There I might be able to

feel the tools in my hand.

 

[Ron Dennis]

"Masakuni is defiantly the best quality I have used, however more pricey. I have found the best prices on Masakuni at http://www.californiabonsai.com/ Good luck!"

Agree totally. Travis Goldstein maintains an excellent inventory and frequently runs sales on the Masakuni. He ships very quickly and his freight charges are very reasonable.