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Bonsai Tools

Bonsai tools are created with shapes and sharpness to do specific jobs and do them well.

Hundreds of different designs and sizes can be found on-line, in shops and catalogs.

Tools come both individually and in sets.

In many ways, they are no different from other gardening equipment. They need to be kept clean, dry and sharp.

What to Buy

If you're just getting started, go easy.

Bonsai Tools, bonsai,

In the beginning, you need very few. Don't be tempted by the exotic selection available. In time, you will know which ones are important for your particular needs.

Especially if budget is a concern, consider purchasing two quality bonsai tools. Most hobbyists begin with the two most important:
a pair of shears and a

concave cutter.

Before You Buy

There are many grades of bonsai tools.

The least expensive equipment is often very poor quality. They may break and/or lose their cutting edge quickly. Shop around, if they seem too cheap, it's probably for a reason. Be cautious.

Bonsai tools, tool kit, bonsai pictures

Before buying a tool kit, make sure the set includes only tools you will use!

Otherwise, it may be better to purchase them individually.

Fit and Feel

Whenever possible, buy in person. This way you can see if the tool fits your hand. You can also see and feel how they open and close.

Tool Care

Cleaning - Bonsai tools are no different from other garden tools. They need to be clean, sharp and disinfected. After use, wash in detergent and water, dry and oil them. Many people now use Camellia oil (available through many bonsai dealers.)

Disinfecting - Early on, I recommended cleaning tools with alcohol. Then a friend of mine, Jairo Betancourt (a lab specialist at the University of Miami) suggested a bleach solution, opposed to alcohol for resolving pathogen problems.

"Although soaking tools in alcohol for up to 30 minutes does serve as a disinfectant, a quick douse does very little. Dipping your tools in a bleach solution (such as 10% laundry bleach/ 90% water) for a minute or so between cuts is a quicker, more effective method to avoid transferring pathogens as you move from one plant - or even one part of the same plant - to another."

The Blade Sharpener

Keep the cutting edges sharp. A dull blade may damage a branch or stem instead of making a clean cut.

I was never very good at the traditional method of using sharpening stones and oil. When I discovered this tool sharpener, my problem was solved. Very easy to use!

No bigger than a pencil, it can go in any type of tool wrap or case. Many bonsai suppliers carry it.

Just ask for the "orange handle blade sharpener".