Bonsai scissors

A 15 centimetre bonsai scissor in Japanese stainless steel, noticeably light in the hand. The shape differs from an ordinary cutting shear, and that shape decides what it is good at.

Large loops, short jaw

Look at the proportions: two roomy round loops and behind them a short, straight blade section. On an ordinary scissor your hand sits close to the tip. On this one there is distance between them, and that is deliberate. You can push the tip in between branches and cut somewhere your hand could not reach, without having to push the rest of the plant aside.

That makes it suited to work on a plant that is still standing: taking off leaf, shaping, shortening a branch growing too far inward. On a trim table, where the material is already cut and lying in front of you, that reach is unnecessary and a smaller shear works faster.

Why the loops are so wide

The loops are large enough for several fingers or for a gloved hand. That gives control on a slow, deliberate cut. A bonsai scissor is not built to make hundreds of fast cuts, it is built to place one cut well. If you have a whole harvest to get through, a sprung shear serves you better; if you are working on a standing plant, this is the one to pick up.

Maintenance

Japanese stainless steel keeps its looks, but resin and plant sap leave marks and make the blades stiff. Wipe it after use and store it dry. Not in the dishwasher: heat, salt and staying wet for a long time is bad for the cutting edge and for the pivot.

Technical Specifications:

• Length: 15 cm
• Material: Japanese stainless steel
• Weight: ultra-light
• Blade shape: straight, short
• Handle: two wide loops
• Use: shaping, leaf removal, fine stems

Frequently asked questions

Why are the loops so large? So several fingers or a gloved hand will fit. That gives control on a deliberate cut.

Can I do a whole harvest with it? You can, but there is no spring, so your hand has to open it each time. For long cutting sessions a sprung shear is less tiring.

Will it cut thick branches? No. Short, fine blades are for green material and thin stems.

Is it dishwasher safe? Better not. Wiping and dry storage keeps the edge in good shape for longer.