I am currently using my Mum's (Apparently 'mom' in the US) hair scissors instead of bonsai shears because I don't have them. The scissors are pretty sharp compared to normal scissors. I don't have bonsai stores around me and the closest one is 2 and a half hours away from me. The shears online are way too expensive so I don't know what do. I also need help with getting concave branch cutters too.

You can use Secateurs and also pliers for cutting wire. If there is a club near you or someone who also does bonsai you can always borrow when you need tools. Failing that Christmas and Birthdays you can ask for money or say what tools you need. Good luck. Where are you?

New Zealand

ok, well that is a bit more difficult. But you can get them sent to you. Kaizen Bonsai are good also York Bonsai. Remember that you get what you pay for, so th better quality you can afford the longer they will last.

Hi Mossy, I'm in Christchurch NZ, and yes it is hard to find anything bonsai, tools or otherwise. I buy all my tools from Ebay, the only thing is you'll have to wait 3 to 4 weeks for them to turn up. Just buy 1 or 2 tools as you need them.

I have the same problem, but as long as your tools are sharp and clean I don't see why you can't substitute tools.

In the long run, no. The tools really have special characteristics. It is not just marketing. If you have one or two small plants, you might be able to wing it without. However, as you progress tools are required, just as with any other hobby.

I wrote a bit in the past here www.growingbonsai.net/which-tools-do-i-need/

I've found that recently things called hybrid cutters have been coming up for sale.
They basically look like branch cutters but have a curve on one side that creates a concave cut.

That and a pair of general purpose scissors/shears would be pretty much everything that you would need to start off.

As Leatherback said, you will need them eventually. I suggest you at least get a concave cutter for now.

The shears are on top of LB's list and that's not without a reason. You'll need them far more often than concave cutters.