theguywithcrocs
Seedling
I've been using Bonsai Nut for awhile now, but I just caved and created an account to try and find answers to my dilemma.
I've been in the bonsai game for about two years now, and the trees that I collected locally, and some raw material I've purchased is beginning to mature. With this, I've come to realize that it's finally time to purchase some specific tools. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find tool kits that strike a balance between being affordable, and not being a complete rip off intended to ensnare unwary beginners. I don't have an issue piecing together my own tool collection from quality brands, bit by bit, but I need to know where to start.
I was gifted a pair of Wakashishi medium pruning scissors awhile back. They replaced the garden shears I had always used before that, and were certainly an upgrade at the time, but the rivet holding the blades doesn't allow any tightening, and they're about as loose as something that's very loose. Additionally, I've stabbed myself with the tip twice, being the fool I am, because even when it's closed, the two blades overlap at the end and the very tips are exposed.
Anyways, just this weekend, I ordered a tool kit from Amazon from what I believe was a brand called Yescom. It came with things I needed rather immediately, like branch and knob cutters, and also bells and whistles like a fiber brush, leaf cutters, and heavy wire cutters. I was astounded by how poor the quality was. It came with the basic three different sizes of scissors, and all were either too tight to even open, or too loose and with no way to correct it. The concave cutters were not flush, many of the blades were chipped, handles were not symmetrical on many of the tools, etc etc. I plan to return it this afternoon.
I've dug up horrible reviews for many of the tools I've found on Amazon. My question is this: What is your recommended brand for bonsai tools? If I could get a kit, great, but all I really need at the moment is branch and knob cutters, plus maybe a nicer pair of general pruning scissors. I can acquire additional items later. Where do I look to find such items? Is Tian Bonsai any good?
I've been in the bonsai game for about two years now, and the trees that I collected locally, and some raw material I've purchased is beginning to mature. With this, I've come to realize that it's finally time to purchase some specific tools. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find tool kits that strike a balance between being affordable, and not being a complete rip off intended to ensnare unwary beginners. I don't have an issue piecing together my own tool collection from quality brands, bit by bit, but I need to know where to start.
I was gifted a pair of Wakashishi medium pruning scissors awhile back. They replaced the garden shears I had always used before that, and were certainly an upgrade at the time, but the rivet holding the blades doesn't allow any tightening, and they're about as loose as something that's very loose. Additionally, I've stabbed myself with the tip twice, being the fool I am, because even when it's closed, the two blades overlap at the end and the very tips are exposed.
Anyways, just this weekend, I ordered a tool kit from Amazon from what I believe was a brand called Yescom. It came with things I needed rather immediately, like branch and knob cutters, and also bells and whistles like a fiber brush, leaf cutters, and heavy wire cutters. I was astounded by how poor the quality was. It came with the basic three different sizes of scissors, and all were either too tight to even open, or too loose and with no way to correct it. The concave cutters were not flush, many of the blades were chipped, handles were not symmetrical on many of the tools, etc etc. I plan to return it this afternoon.
I've dug up horrible reviews for many of the tools I've found on Amazon. My question is this: What is your recommended brand for bonsai tools? If I could get a kit, great, but all I really need at the moment is branch and knob cutters, plus maybe a nicer pair of general pruning scissors. I can acquire additional items later. Where do I look to find such items? Is Tian Bonsai any good?
