Bonsai tools and materials

Using the right equipment to train and care for Bonsai trees is very important. Although many specialized tools exist, start with buying at least a few basic tools, like a good concave cutter and twig shears.

Japanese Bonsai tools are famous for their high quality (and for their high prices as well, unfortunately), whereas tools from China offer increasingly good value for money.

A selection of Bonsai tools and materials, and their purposes:

1. Leaf cutter, with al long handle. For pruning small branches.
2. Long shear, for pruning small and medium sized branches.
3. Butterfly shear, for pruning small branches and roots.
4. Small shear, for cutting of leaves (defoliation tool).
5. Small knob cutter, for making deep, hollow wounds
6. Large knob cutter, for making deep, hollow wounds
7. Small concave cutter, for pruning medium sized branches. Leaves a hollow wound.
8. Large Bonsai concave cutter, for pruning large branches.
9. Wire cutter.
10. Jin tool.
11. Rake.
12. Root-hook, tool for repotting a tree.
13. Copper brush, for cleaning trunks.
14. Coco brush, for cleaning the ground surface.
15. Trunk benders.

Watering-can with a long neck and a fine nozzle.

Bonsai turn table.

Annealed bonsai wire, the standard wire for bonsai purposes. It bends smoothly, but lasts strong.

More information
Go to the Bonsai tools forum.
Check the Bonsai tools video.