Niwaki Tool Roll

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:

• Clean properly by removing leaf resin, rust and gunk. Then 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.
• With a sharpening stone, sharpen Secateurs every couple of weeks and Shears every time you use. It makes such a difference.