Tobisho A-Type Secateurs
Japanese Pruners

Over spec’d, and over here.

More Information

Traditional A-Type style pruners from Tobisho, hand-forged from exceptionally high quality Aogami #2 Hitachi Blue Paper Steel brazed to the S45-C handles. Divine. Blue steel in secateurs is unusual - Tobisho’s standard A-types use a YCS Hitachi Steel, but we couldn’t resist ordering a special batch. They need to be treated rather more carefully - blue steel is harder and more brittle than other steels - but it will take and hold an edge like nothing else. We couldn’t resist them - nor will you. Come with Tobisho red & yellow vinyl grips - these can be removed if you prefer the more traditional look. Check carefully when buying A-Types, as the authentic, Yamagata style uses a cast handle laminated to a finer quality steel blade, rather than the easier single piece method - you’ll see a thin gold band between the two steels, which is the sign of authenticity.

Due to the hand forged nature of these secateurs, individual pieces vary in finish, and you might notice irregularities (messy bits) around the brazing on the blade. Don’t fret - consider it part of the charm of working with Japanese blacksmiths, and enjoy owning a pair of these remarkable, and hard to come by secateurs.

Tips

Clean with a Niwaki Clean Mate rust and sap eraser
Sharpen with a Niwaki #1000 grit stone
Protect with Niwaki Camellia Oil
Watch out with these - as Japanese steels get better, and sharper, so they get more brittle.

More about Tobisho

Tightening Your Secateurs

Through regular use, Secateurs and Topiary Clippers can work a bit loose. Tightening them is straightforward but there’s a knack…

Loosen the hexagonal nut (it’s a locking nut, so you don’t tighten it to tighten the play of the secateurs)
Undo the bolt, and clean the separate parts - a great opportunity to sharpen them really well
Rescrew the bolt, and tighten to what feels right. This is how you adjust the play, with the bolt, not the nut
Put the locking nut back on

In theory it’s easy but in practice quite tricky, as the nut can seize up - be sure not to slip and scuff it (or your knuckles) with the spanner. If it seems too daunting, select the Sharpening Service and we’ll sort them out for you.

Sharpening Service

Std 8"	$150.50
Large 9"	$172.50
No Holster	+ $0.00
+ Single Leather Holster	+ $26.00
	exVAT

Delivering to US (Paying in USD) Edit

Please note: By law, we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18. By placing an order for one of these items you are declaring that you are 18 years of age or over. These items must be used responsibly and appropriately.

Single Holster • Large

3.4oz
9.2 x 4.1 x 1.2"
3mm Leather
Made in China
Stock Unavailable (estimated dispatch from 17 Mar 2025)

Single Holster • Standard

3.3oz
9.3 x 3.3 x 1"
3mm Leather
Made in China
In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability

Tobisho A-Type Secateurs • Large 9"

13.9oz
8.9 x 2.2 x 0.7"
2.8" blades
Max cut Ø0.6"
Aogami Blue Paper Steel
Vinyl Grip handles
Made in Japan
Includes Spare Spring
In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability

Tobisho A-Type Secateurs • Std 8"

9oz
8.3 x 2.1 x 0.7"
2.6" blades
Max cut Ø0.6"
Aogami Blue Paper Steel
Vinyl Grip handles
Made in Japan
Includes Spare Spring
In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability

Global Delivery

Free delivery for orders over £/$/€100*
Price depends on location - adjust the COUNTRY tab in your basket to see the price.
We use DHL, FedEx, or UPS, and we’ll email you the tracking info.

*Customs fees may apply and are estimated during checkout. Surcharges may apply to some larger or heavier items to some areas.
* Please note Niwaki are not responsible for any import duty, taxes or fees incurred and these will be will be collected by our courier during customs clearance — For EU countries, when possible DHL will provide an estimate on the order confirmation page.

Caring For Your Tools

Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they may, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…

1. Correct Use:

Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts

2. Keeping Them Clean:

Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Clean Mate and water
Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place

3. Keeping Them Sharp:

New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening).