每日吃瓜

Greetings all,

As a novice, I am seeking advice on the minimal tools I need to try my hand at jin and shari.? I do have jin pliers, but some videos I have seen show folks just using the pliers and their fingers and others show using pliers and tools.? Any suggestions as to decent brands would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

David

I have been doing this hobby for 8 years now. So far I have not found any use for special Jin and shari tools. A pair of polygrip plyers and an utility knife works just as good.

Sure, if you need to show of with good looking fancy tools, please go ahead. I proboably will do it as well in the future. But when you do, invest in hand crafted japanese tools, not some cheap copy stuff. There are families in Japan that have crafted these tools for centuries. Give them the support to continue the legacy. Until you really want them and can afford them. Use poligrip and utility knife and spend your money on trees instead.

Thats my 10 cents.?

I agree with Tropfrog,? mostly. Anything will work for jin, etc., but there a two specific tools you need for bonsai. My usual rule for almost anything is don't get cheapest, don't get most expensive, start at about median and go up or down a little. If that turns out to work poorly, next time go up. That works for cars, bonsai tools, computers, restaurants,? etc.

You need a pair of wire cutters specifically made for cutting wire off bonsais. Nothing else gets wire off without cutting into the bark.

You need a pair of concave pruners specifically for bonsai to take branches off leaving a hollow that will heal faster.

I don't use that rule for musical instruments, but for almost anything else.

My two must have tools is good scissors and concave cutters. Wire cutters, I do not use. I unwire carefully and reuse the wires instead. A normal side cutter is good enough to cut wire to right leangth when wiering.

Hi all,

My question wasn't about tools in general, but about shari and jin tools.? I have seen many videos where they show someone using couple of carving tools and a carving hook.? I've even seen videos where very fancy tools are being used.? ?

Just wasn't sure what basics I might need.

Thanks,

David

The basics you need for creating jin and shari has been answered already. Polygrip plyers and an utility knife.

What you want is another question that none of us can answer.

If you want to know what tools is used in that particular youtube video. Just drop a coment with that question.

Hi David! You don’t need much to get started — your jin pliers are already the main tool. A sharp knife or small chisel can help clean or shape the wood after peeling the bark. Some people also use a small wire brush for texture. For brands, Kaneshin and Ryuga make good-quality bonsai tools that last. Start simple and upgrade as you go!