Bonsai professionals use a lot of different tools to style their trees. While it can be overwhelming for the beginner, there is no need to panic.
You don’t have to get every tool out there. I would suggest starting with the basic tools and expanding your collection later.
Three Must-Have Bonsai Tools
There are three basic tools that you will need: Traditional Shears, Concave Cutter, and Wire Cutters. Each of these tools does a specific task that you will need to perform. With proper care, these tools will last you for years, so it is a great investment. All of them are high quality and are sold at reasonable prices.
Traditional Bonsai Shears – These bonsai scissors are great for beginners. They have short thick extremely sharp blades and big bowed handles. You can use them to cut small bonsai branches and leaves.
If you are just starting to bonsai and want to buy just one pair of scissors, traditional bonsai shears are a good choice. They don’t cost much and will last you for a long time. This tool is also a part of the beginner tool set.
Concave Branch Cutter – This is a very specific tool because it is designed specifically for cutting branches. It gets its name because of the type of cut that it makes. This razor-sharp tool is designed for cutting branches flush to the trunk.
The resulting wound can then heal quickly with very little scarring. The Concave Cutter is the single most important tool for bonsai use and for which there is no substitute. I think that this is another must-have tool. It is part of the beginner tool set.
Bonsai Wire Cutters – These wire cutters are designed specifically for removing bonsai wire. Although enthusiasts new to bonsai sometimes substitute standard wire cutters, these are designed with a rounded head to prevent damage to the trunk and branches when removing wires.
The jaws of the cutters cut the wire symmetrically and cleanly. You can probably argue and say that you don’t need this tool and you can cut the wire with a concave cutter or shears.
While it is true, you will damage the edges of your tools by using them to cut wires. Since it will seriously shorten the life of your other tools, I truly think you should invest in buying wire cutters.
Bonsai Beginner Tool Set – This basic set includes Satsuki Shears, Concave Branch Cutter, Bonsai Wire Cutters, Shears, Spherical Knob Cutter, and Single Point Root Rake. It has all three of the above tools that are must-haves.
It also has three other tools that you will probably end up buying down the road. I got this set for my best friend when she got into the bonsai and she absolutely loved it. It was her favorite Christmas gift.
Bonsai Pruning Tools
Professional Bonsai Shears – These professional quality bonsai shears, with their hand-forged, high carbon steel construction and laminated blades will give years of easy use and superior performance. A lifetime tool designed for pruning branches, cutting capillary roots, and general bonsai trimming. 7-1/4″ overall. Made in Japan.
Utility Shears – Small shears for pruning small branches and or foliage. Blades are very sharp and maintain their sharpness for many years, soft stainless steel blades; soft plastic handles. Made in China.
Satsuki Shears – Long narrow body which is great for trimming buds and reaching deep with minimum disturbance to the surrounding foliage. Its finger rings are also well suited for smaller hands. 3/4″ blades, 7″ overall.
If you have only one pair of general-purpose scissors, I would recommend getting these for more detailed work. Made in China.
Professional Concave Cutter – The high carbon steel of this concave cutter will keep a sharp edge indefinitely when properly used and cared for. This tool is designed for cutting branches flush to the trunk so that the resulting wound can heal quickly with little scarring.
The concave cutter is the single most important tool for bonsai use and for which there is no substitute. 8″ overall length (basic size).
Bonsai Wiring Tools
Professional Bonsai Wire Cutters – These wire cutters are designed specifically for removing bonsai wire. Although enthusiasts new to bonsai sometimes substitute standard wire cutters, these are designed with a rounded head to prevent damage to the trunk and branches when removing wires.
The jaws of the cutters cut the wire symmetrically and cleanly. Highly recommended for bonsai enthusiasts. 8.0″ overall.
Bonsai Wire Cutters – These wire cutters are designed specifically for removing bonsai wire. Although enthusiasts new to bonsai sometimes substitute standard wire cutters, these are designed with a rounded head to prevent damage to the trunk and branches when removing wires.
The jaws of the cutters cut the wire symmetrically and cleanly. Highly recommended for bonsai enthusiasts. 7-3/4″ overall.
Bonsai Potting Tools
Professional Single Point Root Rake – This tool is a must have. Used to separate small and medium sized capillary roots during transplanting and repotting. Has a single steel prong. Simple, yet a necessary tool for bonsai enthusiasts. Made in Japan. 8″ overall.
Hemp Brush – Used to smooth the top of the soil and is helpful with cleaning up a Penjing. Firm but not too stiff. I use it during bonsai repotting to smooth the soil. Then I water and add moss or another ground cover.
Stainless Steel 3-Piece Scoop Set With Screen – Stainless steel 3-piece scoop set with screen. Handy for mixing bonsai soil and for scooping bonsai soil into bonsai pots. These scoops have fine built-in screens (17 meshes per inch) which sift out dust as you scoop.