These are traditional A-Type style secateurs, with a very pronounced shoulder that fits snugly and very comfortably into the palm of your hand. The 'Standard' size is a bit larger and heavier than the Tobisho SR-1s, and the 'Large' size fits extra large hands comfortably.
Unusually, these secateurs are hand-forged from exceptionally high quality Aogami #2 Hitachi Blue Paper Steel, which is laminated to the wax cast steel handles - look carefully for a thin gold band between the two steels, this is the sign of authenticity.
Pruning with a sharp tool that fits your hand well and is a comfortable weight will lessen repetitive strain for gardeners who use their secateurs frequently and/or for long periods of time.
The locking mechanism on Japanese secateurs is the feature that sets them apart for me - the clasp at the bottom of the handles is very deliberate and easy to use, even with gloves on. The lock never accidentally engages, and unlike Felcos, and you can lock them with one hand by pushing them against your hip. Brilliant!
The red and yellow handles are easy to find if you put them down in the garden. But don't! You'll want to keep this special tool safe and sound in your holster.
Tobisho recommends sharpening with the Niwaki sharpening stones. Blue steel in secateurs is unusual because blue steel is harder and more brittle than other steels - but it will take and hold an edge like nothing else. Not recommended if you're rough with your tools - these should not be used for heavy hacking, cutting wire or opening paint cans! Handle them with care, and clean and sharpen regularly and they should last you a lifetime!
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Product Details
- Aogami #2 Hitachi Blue Paper Steel cutting edge
- S45-C steel body cast in the lost wax technique
- traditional yamagata style of production
- total tool length
- standard: 8" (20cm)
- large: 9" (23cm)
- total tool weight
- standard: 0.55lbs (250g)
- large: 0.8lbs (380g)
- max cut: Ø15mm
- made in Japan
- comes with spare spring
- removable red and yellow vinyl grips (if you want a more traditional look)
- for large to XL sized hands