The Journal

Jin Pliers: Stripping and Shaping Deadwood Without Losing the Edge
Buying Guide Core Series
Jin Pliers: Stripping and Shaping Deadwood Without Losing the Edge
Jin and shari work punishes a blade that slips or dulls mid-grip. Here's why a manganese-alloyed stainless jin plier holds up to it, season after season. Read more...
Wire Cutters: Keep a Dedicated Tool for Removing Wire
Buying Guide Core Series
Wire Cutters: Keep a Dedicated Tool for Removing Wire
Removing training wire with a branch cutter or scissors dulls an edge meant for live wood. Here's why a dedicated wire cutter belongs in every kit, wire gauge after wire... Read more...
Knob Cutters: Removing the Bump a Standard Cutter Leaves Behind
Buying Guide Core Series
Knob Cutters: Removing the Bump a Standard Cutter Leaves Behind
Even a concave cutter can leave a raised knob after a branch heals over. Here's what a dedicated knob cutter does that no other tool in the kit replicates. Read more...
Root Cutters: The Right Tool for Repotting Season
Buying Guide Core Series
Root Cutters: The Right Tool for Repotting Season
Root work asks for a straight, flat-ground blade instead of a concave jaw. Here's why a dedicated root cutter matters at repotting time, and how the alloy holds an edge... Read more...
Trunk Splitters: Creating Deadwood Features Without Splintering the Trunk
Buying Guide Core Series
Trunk Splitters: Creating Deadwood Features Without Splintering the Trunk
Splitting a trunk or thick branch for shari or a natural-looking deadwood feature takes controlled force, not brute force. Here's what a dedicated trunk splitter gets right that improvised tools... Read more...
Concave Cutters: Why the Hollow Cut Heals Flatter
Buying Guide Concave Cutter
Concave Cutters: Why the Hollow Cut Heals Flatter
A concave cutter carves a small hollow instead of leaving a flat stub — the reason mature bonsai heal flush instead of scarring. Here's why the shape matters and how... Read more...