Bonsai Scissors  

Sectional view of the cutting blade

Scissor parts

Guidelines shown below are for Bevel Angles (β).

The general assumption is that this tool has the same bevels on both blades of the scissors.

Some scissors have differing angles for the Thumb Blade (shown in red) vs. the Fingers Blade (shown in blue). In those cases, separate angles are shown in the table below.

Bonsai is not just about growing trees, it's about growing yourself.

John Naka

Honing Note: Honing the scissors with a very fine grindstone (4,000 grit +) is needed to ensure the scissors cut very cleanly.

General Guidelines
Type βThumb βFingers Notes
Bud Scissors 120°

 

Pruning Scissors 120°

 

Trimming Scissors 120°

 

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

Tormek SVS-150 Scissors Jig

Tormek Notes

When sharpening the scissor’s blades, the Tormek SVX-150 Scissors Jig works well.

Diamond Grinding Wheels

Use of diamond wheels is not recommended unless the scissors are made from a very hard steel. The sharpness of the angle for sharpening can damage the wheel. (And the SG grindstone works quite well.)

Grindstone Rotation

When sharpening scissors, use the vertical position with the grindstone rotating towards the blade. This keeps the SVX-150 properly aligned to the grindstone. (If you use the horizontal position, the grindstone will pull the scissors away from the jig.)

However, if you are sharpening left-handed scissors and they cannot be disassembled into the two pieces, you will need to sharpen from the horizontal position as the piece not being sharpened would interfere with the process otherwise (it would hit the Tormek machine).

Grind Shape & Experience

The shape of the grind used is a call best made by the tool's use, based on your own experience. Additional notes are available on separate web pages for Grind Profiles, and Micro / Secondary Bevels.

Shaping the edge

New bonsai schssors should not needed to be reshaped. However, they may need work if a nick is incurred in the blade.

The Tormek SG-250 grindstone works well for this. Alternatively, handheld diamond honing tools (such as those made by DMT) or small machinist’s hand files are often sufficient for reshaping the tool's cutting edge, especially as most bonsai cutting tools are made from high carbon steel. If your tools are stainless steel, a more aggressive hand file may be necessary.

Sharpening the edge

The Tormek SG-250 grindstone, graded finely, works well for this.

Finer grit, handheld diamond honing tools (such as those made by DMT) or small machinist’s hand files are sufficient.

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