Concave Branch Cutter

One of the First Tools for Bonsai

When I first began creating bonsai, "real" bonsai tools were not that accessible. I would cut a branch off with heavy garden shears, and then scrape the nub down with an Exacto knife!

My first concave branch cutter seemed like a miracle. It did exactly what its name says. It took less time and did a much better job.

The unsightly stubs along branches and trunk lines were quickly eliminated, no "shaving" needed.

It comes in at least four sizes.

Don't buy the two smallest, unless you intend to work with very small plants. The largest size takes most people two hands to manipulate.

The medium size is good for most pruning, unless you are working with very large branches. In that case you may even consider a saw first.

In the beginning you may not know which size you need. Most often, a medium size is best for starters.

If the wood of a branch is especially hard, take a few "bites" at a time. Even though they are overall very sturdy, bonsai tools can break.

Never force any tool! Be sure you have the correct size to do the job. Forcing it can cause damage to the equipment, your tree and sometimes yourself.

When NOT to Use It

Some plant examples (but not the only ones) are Portulacaria afra (small leaf jade, sometimes called elephant grass) and Arboricola (dwarf schefflera). The reason ... these segments will often die back if partially cut. The branch you intended to keep may die.

ALSO, any trees that tend to have ‘die-back’ should be flat cut. Pitchecellobium tortum also known as Chloroleucon tortum (Brazilian raintree) is one good example.

Remember the precautions.

Select Tools Carefully

If you are only going to buy one "real" bonsai tool, a concave branch cutter is the one!

Have you seen the bonsai shears page?

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