I would add that you get the best you can afford of the specialty tools, and save on those that you can repurpose from somewhere else. A bent screwdriver can work as a root hook, but an expensive Japanese cutter is such a pleasure to use! And my (not so) guilty pleasure is a turntable. I don't use it routinely, but for the bigger plantings it makes pruning and wiring much easier!
The majority of “bonsai tools” are for very specific jobs such as splitting trunks, biting out the trunk, concave cutters etc or creating specific types of cuts. They are perfect for that specific job but you might only need them very occasionally (depending on the tool). For everyday bonsai work you need something for cutting/trimming, and if you are using wire, some tool to cut wire. The phone tip was a great bit of advice. 🙏
I think that your red handled "root hook" is actually a hoof pick that has been repurposed as a bonsai tool. At least it looks exactly like the hoof picks that I "retired" from the horse barn to the bonsai shelf! Love the Christmas list. I have pretty much indulged in the tools over the years and love them all!! I too have a Bobcat Bonsai Root Hook. Love that one as well. One that you didn't talk about is the rake/spatula or the pot knife. I got a Bobcat Bonsai scythe and grafting knife as well.
Best investments in my case of tools so far - I agree with your no 1 - a knob cutter, concave cutter and 3rd some Tie-pots for better root development. Probably pond baskets would have worked as well. But I like the little knobs to tie the branches down… 🙋♀️
I definatly agree with your choices. I bought one of those sets from amazon years ago. Most were never used. Ive slowly replaced them with good quality tools
im doing bonsai for over 10 years. Over the years I collected pretty much every Bonsai tool there is but my favourite is the felco 2. It can cut thin brnaches but also very thick ones and even wire!
Totally agree with that list. I would also say that the extended list should include some wire (but not totally necessary) and you can get wire for pretty cheap on sites like temu, ali express, etc. When I started, I stripped and annealed the copper wire that came out of my walls and used that! Great video.
Ive treated myself to some Kaneshin tools, they really are the business and a joy to use. Ryuga tools are also really good value for money. Sharp cuts mean better healing and better bonsai in the end, go on treat yourself! :)
There are many times pruning, I wish I had knob cutter! I'm using garden pruning tools, jewelry tools, regular scissors... Everything except real Bonsai tools. I have found some that work very well. Nothing that equals what a knob cutter would do though. I will get one eventually.
This upload seems to directly contradict your upload last year about the rounded edge cutter being a direct replacement for the knob cutter and the straight edge cutter... but now you're recommending 2 tools instead of the 1. I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just curious because this upload does directly contradict one of your earlier uploads. I have a couple of round edge cutters, but doesn't it do as good a job as the knob cutter and straight edge cutter can do, and for cheaper?
@@antiduckable Lol, I was waiting for this comment. Does it replace it? Somewhat. I like the rounded concave, but I feel it is weaker structurally than the knob cutter and regular concaves..
I would add a good back drop and lazy Susan to the list. Very helpful to have a good look. Great vid as always.
Good call!
For those of named Susan, ......."turntable" please
...... few of us are lazy!
I would add that you get the best you can afford of the specialty tools, and save on those that you can repurpose from somewhere else. A bent screwdriver can work as a root hook, but an expensive Japanese cutter is such a pleasure to use! And my (not so) guilty pleasure is a turntable. I don't use it routinely, but for the bigger plantings it makes pruning and wiring much easier!
very good approach!
The majority of “bonsai tools” are for very specific jobs such as splitting trunks, biting out the trunk, concave cutters etc or creating specific types of cuts. They are perfect for that specific job but you might only need them very occasionally (depending on the tool). For everyday bonsai work you need something for cutting/trimming, and if you are using wire, some tool to cut wire.
The phone tip was a great bit of advice. 🙏
Exactly. Pretty much why the first sentences are there. not much is really needed. Some however do make things a lot easier!
I had to check if I have the right tools. Great to see we both have the same Bobcat Root rake - it is priceless for repotting bonsai :)
And to top that, he is great guy!
I think that your red handled "root hook" is actually a hoof pick that has been repurposed as a bonsai tool. At least it looks exactly like the hoof picks that I "retired" from the horse barn to the bonsai shelf! Love the Christmas list. I have pretty much indulged in the tools over the years and love them all!! I too have a Bobcat Bonsai Root Hook. Love that one as well. One that you didn't talk about is the rake/spatula or the pot knife. I got a Bobcat Bonsai scythe and grafting knife as well.
Best investments in my case of tools so far - I agree with your no 1 - a knob cutter, concave cutter and 3rd some Tie-pots for better root development. Probably pond baskets would have worked as well. But I like the little knobs to tie the branches down… 🙋♀️
yeah.. Not sure. I am moving away from these root magic pots.
Right tool for the job makes all the difference!
Agreed!
I definatly agree with your choices. I bought one of those sets from amazon years ago. Most were never used. Ive slowly replaced them with good quality tools
Yeah, as we say in the Netherlands, buying cheap is expensive
im doing bonsai for over 10 years. Over the years I collected pretty much every Bonsai tool there is but my favourite is the felco 2. It can cut thin brnaches but also very thick ones and even wire!
:)
Nice sharing brother ❤❤❤
Thanks for visiting. A gift-deas video is about to arrive!
Great tips 👍
I bought the carbon steel Japanese Knob cutter. It’s a Joy to use 😄
:)
Totally agree with that list. I would also say that the extended list should include some wire (but not totally necessary) and you can get wire for pretty cheap on sites like temu, ali express, etc. When I started, I stripped and annealed the copper wire that came out of my walls and used that! Great video.
Cool! Wire is in my christmas wish-list video!
Ive treated myself to some Kaneshin tools, they really are the business and a joy to use. Ryuga tools are also really good value for money.
Sharp cuts mean better healing and better bonsai in the end, go on treat yourself! :)
exactly! Glad you agreed
I would add a black background. A board, black curtain, a black blanket.
Something to contrast the background for when you are working on your tree.
Yes!
There are many times pruning, I wish I had knob cutter! I'm using garden pruning tools, jewelry tools, regular scissors... Everything except real Bonsai tools. I have found some that work very well. Nothing that equals what a knob cutter would do though. I will get one eventually.
Do it, do it now :)
Do you still have/use the tool which combines concave and knob cutter, the rounded concave cutter?
Absolutely do!
I would add to your Christmas list some wire and soil.
Hahaha, keep your eyes peeled for my christmas wishlist video.
Im going to Amsterdam, any nurseries or sites that are a must visit/see?
Absolutely no idea.
@GrowingBonsai lodder was the only place I could find (european distributor of bonsai) but closed to early for me to get there.
Stainless steel chop sticks
Also a nice tool roll to keep all the tools we don't need. ;)
Ohw yeah!
This upload seems to directly contradict your upload last year about the rounded edge cutter being a direct replacement for the knob cutter and the straight edge cutter... but now you're recommending 2 tools instead of the 1. I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just curious because this upload does directly contradict one of your earlier uploads.
I have a couple of round edge cutters, but doesn't it do as good a job as the knob cutter and straight edge cutter can do, and for cheaper?
@@antiduckable Lol, I was waiting for this comment. Does it replace it? Somewhat. I like the rounded concave, but I feel it is weaker structurally than the knob cutter and regular concaves..
@GrowingBonsai Okay, fair enough. I think I'll have to go and get one 😎