Okatsune Snips

We all need a good pair of snips, ones that can live in pockets without doing any harm, and wander round the garden with us for those unplanned moments. Handy to have a couple of pairs really… These ones from Okatsune are absolutely brilliant for flowers, fruit and veg, but aren’t nearly as tough as secateurs, obviously, and are for green growth only, not woody pruning. Pointy ends are great for getting right in for careful snipping, red and white handles show up when you (almost inevitably) leave them lying around somewhere. White glows in dimming light for visibility.

• 115g
• 192 x 49 x 19mm
• 45mm blades
• Hitachi Carbon steel
• Vinyl Grip handles
• Made in Onomichi, Japan
• Includes Spare SprinG

Most of Niwaki's sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they will, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…

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:

• Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water
• 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, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening).

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