Tool Care

Majority of the tools we carry are carbon steel. With regular use carbon steel will rust, stain, and loose it's edge. All garden tools should be regularly cared for to increase their efficiency and ensure that you are not spreading any illnesses your plant may have between plants in the garden.

Carbon steel has superior cutting qualities because of the metals hardness & toughness, resistance to corrosion caused by moisture is low as a result. It is important to keep your carbon steel blades away from moist or damp environments.

How to use your Japanese tools-

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 fibers 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 fibers
Pay attention to the maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts

Keep them clean-

Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a towel and Sap Remover
Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil or use the Camellia Oil Applicator and store in a dry place

Keep them sharp-

New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice they gradually lose their edge. Use a Sharpening Stone or Twin Diamond File.

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