Too good to be true?

One quality I forgot to add to my list was familiarity - Since I've used high carbon tools (not for bonsai) for years I know how to get a really keen edge on them with little effort since it's all intuitive and muscle memory for me by now. I usually go by "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" so I guess I'm just going with what I know, and what I know I can do well.
 
berobinson82 said:
This was the advice I followed. Get a cheap set of tools. Much like the one you linked. Then, each year, buy one expensive tool until you have your set complete.

Just another strategy if budget is a concern.
Click to expand...

I'll second this recommendation, though maybe not with such a rigid 1-tool-per-year regimen. Upgrade as needed per your personal tool usage/needs. Different folks like different 'bonsai-related' activities (carving, collecting, shohin, tropicals, etc) and therefore appreciate different tools.

In the original bundle you'll probably have some things that you'll never use, some things that you'll use forever, some that you'll quickly realize need to be replaced, and some that you may eventually decide to replace if you stick with it.

You seem to know your tools, so I'm sure you'll be fine. Have fun.
 
tmpgh said:
Any thoughts on this site and the prices on the tools?

http://shadysidemd.tripod.com/id94.html
Click to expand...

Those look great! :eek:

I however went in and tried adding some to my cart and got pop-up for every item added (I have my pop-up blocker on at that). I am a bit leery even to use Paypal with them (and what is with that company name?). I checked around the site to see if I can contact them and it takes me to various ads, same with their shipping cost. I am afraid this is another too good to be true. It sends me all the wrong signals. Warning signs blaring.

If you are daring enough and willing to take the risk, they seem to have the best prices on Kiku I've seen. Good luck!
 
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Poink88 said:
Those look great! :eek:

I however went in and tried adding some to my cart and got pop-up for every item added (I have my pop-up blocker on at that). I am a bit leery even to use Paypal with them (and what is with that company name?). I checked around the site to see if I can contact them and it takes me to various ads, same with their shipping cost. I am afraid this is another too good to be true. It sends me all the wrong signals. Warning signs blaring.

If you are daring enough and willing to take the risk, they seem to have the best prices on Kiku I've seen. Good luck!
Click to expand...

tmpgh said:
Any thoughts on this site and the prices on the tools?

http://shadysidemd.tripod.com/id94.html
Click to expand...

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that Shadyside Bonsai is a defunct bonsai business, that was once owned by Tachigi who is a member here, real name Tom Brown, but hasn't been active in years. I suspect that webpage you have may be close to 10 years old...and as Dario pointed out, you can't buy anything through it anyways...sorry.
 
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Found this handy little graphic, helps to illustrate the differences between stainless and high carbon, and the difference between steel sources:

http://www.easternleaf.com/Bonsai_Tools_Explained_a/394.htm

Granted, pretty basic, but helpful as a quick overview for those wondering about the SS/HC argument...

Grain of salt/penny for your thoughts - the info does suggest that the good intermediate tools are the ones the site is selling.

hmmmmm....
 
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In another post I pointed out that I had been using the carbon tools and pleased while the Joshua Roth stainless just sits there as I see nothing wrong with the carbon set(s). That chart makes me no longer wonder why, thank you.

Grimmy
 
brewmeister83 said:
Found this handy little graphic, helps to illustrate the differences between stainless and high carbon, and the difference between steel sources:

http://www.easternleaf.com/Bonsai_Tools_Explained_a/394.htm

Granted, pretty basic, but helpful as a quick overview for those wondering about the SS/HC argument...

Grain of salt/penny for your thoughts - the info does suggest that the good intermediate tools are the ones the site is selling.

hmmmmm....
Click to expand...
LOL. You are sharp. ;)

They dazzle people with good basic/initial info then slide marketing in. LOL I wonder how they came up with; China CS, China SS, Japan CS, Japan SS in their recommendation. :confused:
 
thanks. Any thoughts on that Kiku site posted earlier?
 
tmpgh said:
thanks. Any thoughts on that Kiku site posted earlier?
Click to expand...

Great price too, both are great value IMHO but Kiku is not Kaneshin...if you know what I mean. ;) Go with your budget knowing that the more expensive of the two is a better tool.

Can't go wrong with either though.
 
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jcrossett said:
Was wonder what you guys though about this kit.
http://www.stonelantern.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=TKRC7-ZIP
Click to expand...

I didn't buy the set, but I did end up getting the same line of tools - so far I'm happy with them. As a beginner, they seem to get the job done - but I'm guessing as I gain more experience I may want a more expensive line.

I will say this though, Wayne over at Stone Lantern is a great guy to deal with - ships my order the same day he gets it and it's on my doorstep two days later - like clockwork. He also accidentally sent me two copies of the same book one time. I asked him how I should return it and he said "keep it, give it to a friend." I've been a repeat customer ever since.
 
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