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  1. Tobisho Pro Snips

Tobisho Pro Snips
Mekiribasami

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Bud shears, pine snips, mekiribasami - call them what you want, these are the very best. Exceptionally fine quality hand forged steel, spring action and a chunky catch at the bottom. Red and yellow handles of Tobisho (remove the vinyl grips if you prefer the old fashioned look, but we prefer the funky colours). Used in Japan for pine pruning (some gardeners prefer the round handled garden scissors- it’s up to you) they are ideal for detailed pruning work where strength is not the issue.

Tips

    Don’t over do it - these are great for detailed, snippy work, but they are not secateurs…

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    Tobisho Japan

    Tobisho Japan

    Tobisho Japan

    Tobisho Japan

    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, clean the separate parts - a great opportunity to sharpen 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.

    Delivering to US (Paying in USD) Edit

    Tobisho Pro SnipsFree delivery for orders over $100.00 (excluding any surcharges if applicable, and any applicable customs taxes for non GB deliveries)Add to Wishlist / Save for later
    Tobisho Pro Snips + Single Leather HolsterFree delivery for orders over $100.00 (excluding any surcharges if applicable, and any applicable customs taxes for non GB deliveries)Add to Wishlist / Save for later
    Single Holster • Standard
    • 94g
    • 236 x 85 x 26mm
    • 3mm Leather
    • Made in China
    • In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability
    Tobisho Pro Snips
    • 202g
    • 200 x 50 x 20mm
    • 65mm blades
    • KA-70 Carbon Steel
    • Vinyl Grip handles
    • Made in Japan
    • Includes Spare Spring
    • In Stock - Available to dispatch worldwide, contact us for showroom stock availability
    Delivery

    UK: (excluding Tripod Ladders)

    • Free delivery for orders over £100*
    • £4.00: Standard service via Royal Mail Tracked 48; typically 2–5 working days.
    • £7.50: Priority service via Royal Mail Tracked 24, DHL, FedEx, or UPS; typically delivered next working day by 6pm (excluding Sat/Sun and UK Bank Holidays) for orders received before 12pm GMT Mon–Fri (excluding UK Bank Holidays).

    Global: (excluding Tripod Ladders)

    • 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 Crean 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
    Great for pine pruning and other detailed pruning jobs
    Essentials