When practicing bonsai, using the right tools makes a lot of the task easier. The problem is that most people do not know what they are or how to use them. In this article, I am going to explain some of the more common tools and their uses. At the end of the article, I will tell you how to care for the tools.
Basic Bonsai Tools
Scissors
One of the most important tools you can have in your tool box is a pair of trimming scissors. Trimming scissors are used to trim your bonsai. You use them to cut small to medium branches, leaves, needles, and fine roots. The No. 827 Trimming Scissors from Kaneshin is a great all around pair.
Some trimming scissors are more appropriate than others for certain tasks.
The Kaneshi No. 32 Trimming Scissors are smaller, thinner and are ideal for those small trimming tasks. Some tasks that these are great for are cutting needles on Pines, thining Junipers, defoliating deciduous trees. Basically, these are great for getting into tight spaces to do the light trimming.
Along with the smaller bonsai trimming scissors, there are also bigger and heavier scissors as well. It’s best to pick the size of the tool for the task at hand.
Concave Cutters
Another tool that is a must have in your tool box is the Concave Cutter or the Branch Cutter as they are sometimes referred as.
The Concave Cutter is ideal for removing or shortening larger branches. The cut that is produced is, well, concave in appearance. This allows the wound to heal cleaner. Some people use the Concave Cutter to cut heavier roots.
Just like other bonsai tools, the Concave Cutter comes in different sizes for different tasks.