The guide here shows cutting the wires and says to cut at every bend.

I know my limitations and there is no way I could do that without cutting little slices of bark at almost every bend. Is it easier than I think? After a couple of months the bark should be real close to the wire, and that cutting just looks incredibly optimistic.

Do you have a proper bonsai wire cutter? They make all the difference. The are shaped in such way that you do not need to go all the way to the end of the wire to cut it.

Wire cutters for bonsai don't cut the bark.

Hmm. Is there time to get bonsai wire cutters on the Christmas list?

Ok, I'll get one and see what I can do.

Those who have seen me in action with tools will tell you I can probably slice a tree in half while trying to avoid the bark, and I can likely slice a finger off at the same time. I'll get some bandages, too.

Thanks for both replies.

Oops. My bad.

I forgot the smiley face.