A good craftsman uses the right tools. There are a lot of bonsai tools out there, but you only need a few to get started.
I spent a lot of time initially looking for the right tools to take care of my first bonsai, I was too obsessed with how delicate Mr. Miyagi was with his trees in The Karate Kid. I really only needed a few well-chosen tools.
I would say that ten tools are initially enough to practice the art of bonsai. Of course you can use less but you will see that each tool has a very specific use and that pruning shears are not enough to take good care of your bonsai.
Here is my list of the 10 best bonsai tools and where to find them.
Best toolkit for bonsai trees
The concave pruner
Concave pliers are essential tools for bonsai enthusiasts. These pliers have a unique concave shape that allows for precise and clean cuts when working with bonsai trees.
The curved design of the pliers allows users to remove branches or prune the tree without leaving a noticeable scar.
This is important for maintaining the aesthetics of the tree and ensuring its overall health.
The concave shape of the pliers also helps in preventing the likelihood of the cut branch regrowing, which can be detrimental to the desired shape and size of the bonsai.
These pliers must be made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for the delicate work of bonsai tree shaping and maintenance.
The spherical pruner
This unique pruner is designed in the shape of a sphere to easily trim and shape the branches of bonsai trees without causing damage.
Its spherical shape allows users to work around the tree from various angles, making it easier to reach and prune hard-to-reach areas.
The sharp, curved blades of the pruner cut cleanly and precisely, promoting healthy growth and preventing the branches from becoming too dense.
With its ergonomic design, the spherical pruner provides a comfortable grip and easy control, reducing hand fatigue during extensive pruning sessions.
The branch splitter
A branch splitter for bonsai is a tool designed specifically for the art of bonsai tree shaping.
It is used to create intentional splits in the branches or the trunc, allowing the bonsai artist to manipulate the shape and direction of the tree, and create some dead wood.
The branch splitter has a sharp, wedge-shaped head that is driven into the branch, creating a controlled split.
This tool is ideal for thick and sturdy branches that cannot be bent or shaped using wires alone.
By creating splits in strategic locations, the bonsai artist can guide the branches to grow in a desired direction, giving the tree a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
Additionally, the splits also promote the natural appearance of age and weathering, enhancing the overall beauty of the bonsai tree.
When using a branch splitter, it is important to carefully select the branches and make conservative splits, as excessive splitting can weaken the tree.
Large handle scissors
Large handle scissors for bonsai are a crucial tool for maintaining and shaping bonsai trees effectively.
These scissors are specifically designed with longer handles to provide better leverage and control when trimming the smallest branches and foliage of bonsai plants.
The extended handles allow for a more comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue and ensuring precise cuts.
Straight scissors
Designed with a straight blade, these scissors allow precision pruning and trimming of branches and leaves in a bonsai tree.
Straight scissors allow you to get into the foliage to cut the fine branches. The straight blade is perfect for reaching tight spots and making clean, accurate cuts without damaging the surrounding areas.
The wire pliers
Wire pliers are specifically designed to be used in the delicate art of shaping and training bonsai trees.
The wire pliers aee used to hold and shape the branches of the bonsai tree when installing ligature wire. They also have a comfortable handle, which makes it easy to hold and maneuver while working on the delicate but essential act of wiring a bonsai.
The spatula claw
The spatula claw for bonsai is specifically designed to gently untangle the roots of the bonsai.
The claw end of the spatula is shaped like a small fork, with two or three prongs that are spaced evenly apart.
The coumpound wire cutter
This specialized cutter is designed with a sharp blade that is perfect for cutting and removing wire from bonsai trees without causing any damage.
The compound action of the cutter provides a lot of cutting power with minimal effort. This makes it easier to work with thick or hard wire, allowing for precise and clean cuts.
The long handles of the cutter also provide extra leverage, making it easier to apply pressure and cut through the wire.
This tool is especially useful when it comes to shaping bonsai trees, as it allows for precise wire removal without disturbing the delicate branches or causing unnecessary stress to the tree.
The soil sieve or strainer
The bonsai sieve, also known as a bonsai strainer, is an essential tool for maintaining the health and beauty of bonsai trees.
Bonsai trees require meticulous care, and an important aspect of their care is proper repotting. The bonsai sieve comes in handy during this process as it helps to separate fine particles from the soil.
The fine saw
Designed with a narrow, delicate blade, this saw allows for precise trunc and bigger branches pruning.
With a fine saw, you can easily cut through the biggest branches which would be difficult to clear pruning with scissors or pruner.
Wrought iron vs steel for bonsai tools
When it comes to choosing bonsai tools, the choice between wrought iron and steel is a common dilemma for enthusiasts.
Both materials have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Wrought iron tools are known for their durability and strength. They can withstand heavy use and are less susceptible to breaking or bending compared to steel. This makes them ideal for working with dense, hard woods and for removing stubborn roots.
Wrought iron tools are also easier to sharpen and maintain.
However, wrought iron tools are often heavier and bulkier than their steel counterparts, which can make them more difficult to handle and maneuver.
On the other hand, steel bonsai tools are known for their lightness and ease of use.
They are typically more compact and maneuverable, making them great for precision work and shaping delicate branches.
Steel tools are more expensive than iron tools. However, they may not be as durable, and constant use can lead to them dulling or losing their sharpness over time.
Bonsai tools for beginners
If you had to buy only 3 tools for taking care of your bonsai, I would recommend:
- Straight scissors
- Shears
- Root claw
When you start wiring your bonsai, I would also recommend the following tools:
- Concave pruner
- Wire plier
- Wire and compound wire cutter
