Nagaike-san was born in 1939 and has spent a lifetime as a third-generation blacksmith working in a tradition that was once widespread and is now rare. He makes these shears by hand using high-carbon steel at approximately C0.85 - a composition close to shirogami (white paper steel) but with vanadium added, which gives the steel good toughness alongside a hard, clean edge. At HRC60 these hold well through the sustained cutting work that bonsai maintenance requires, and sharpen readily when needed.
The bonsai shear format is compact and precise: the 50mm blades at 185mm total length are sized for close work on small branches and foliage, where a larger shear would be too blunt to navigate. The construction is simple and mechanical - no spring-loaded return, just two forged blades joined by a pivot, which gives the user complete tactile control over the cut. Professional bonsai artists prize this quality; cooks who have discovered them appreciate it equally. Packaged in a vinyl pouch.
What Customers Are Saying: The one review on these shears came from someone who bought them as a 70th birthday gift for a friend who enjoys Japanese things. The reaction was immediate and genuine - a quiet "they are beautiful" that says more than a longer review would.
Care Instructions: High-carbon steel will rust if left wet. Wipe and dry after every use. Apply camellia oil or mineral oil to the blades before storage. Keep clean and store dry.
The bonsai shear format is compact and precise: the 50mm blades at 185mm total length are sized for close work on small branches and foliage, where a larger shear would be too blunt to navigate. The construction is simple and mechanical - no spring-loaded return, just two forged blades joined by a pivot, which gives the user complete tactile control over the cut. Professional bonsai artists prize this quality; cooks who have discovered them appreciate it equally. Packaged in a vinyl pouch.
What Customers Are Saying: The one review on these shears came from someone who bought them as a 70th birthday gift for a friend who enjoys Japanese things. The reaction was immediate and genuine - a quiet "they are beautiful" that says more than a longer review would.
Care Instructions: High-carbon steel will rust if left wet. Wipe and dry after every use. Apply camellia oil or mineral oil to the blades before storage. Keep clean and store dry.
- Maker: Nagaike-san (Third Generation)
- Item: K-12
- Steel: High-Carbon Steel (C0.85)
- HRC: Approx. 60
- Weight: 7.1 oz (200 g)
- Blade Length: 50mm
- Total Length: 185mm
- Packaging: Vinyl Pouch
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Beautiful GiftPosted By: Pugs
41 people found this review helpful
I did want to say I bought them for a friend's 70th birthday present.
His look of awe and his quietly uttered "They're beautiful." said it
all. He's an artist, handyman, gardener, jack of all trades. Very much
into Japanese things.
41 people found this review helpful
I did want to say I bought them for a friend's 70th birthday present.
His look of awe and his quietly uttered "They're beautiful." said it
all. He's an artist, handyman, gardener, jack of all trades. Very much
into Japanese things.
