Tobisho Barracuda Clippers

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).

• Sharpen Secateurs every couple of weeks
• Sharpen Shears and Topiary Clippers EVERY TIME you use them - the difference is amazing

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.