How to Care for Japanese Garden & Woodworking Tools

High-carbon steel tools are unmatched for sharpness, but without care they can rust quickly. Simple habits will keep your tools cutting clean and lasting for decades.

Cleaning

After each use, remove sap, soil, and moisture. These residues accelerate corrosion.

• Use sap cleaners, mild detergent, or eucalyptus tea tree oil to remove sticky buildup. 
• Dry tools thoroughly. Even brief dampness can start rust. 
• Disinfect tools used on diseased plants with alcohol or diluted bleach. 

Practical Tip: Keep a rag and camellia oil in your shed to wipe tools clean in under a minute.

Rust Prevention

Apply a thin coat of camellia oil, traditional, food-safe, and non-gumming, to protect steel from moisture. 

Australia note: Our humid summers and coastal air accelerate rust, always dry and oil tools before storage.

Sharpening

Sharp blades are safer and more effective.

• Use a 1000-grit waterstone for routine sharpening; progress to 3000–6000 grit for polishing.
• Maintain the original bevel angle for optimal performance.

Practical Tip: Five-minute touch-ups every few weeks save hours of work later.

Storage

Store in a dry, shaded place, preferably in a canvas roll or wooden box.

• Hang tools rather than leave them on cold concrete, which draws moisture. 
• Use silica packs in coastal storage to prevent humidity buildup.

Seasonal Maintenance

At the end of each season:

• Clean and oil all tools.
• Inspect handles, screws, and springs.

Use your gardening calendar (pruning or harvest) as a reminder to perform maintenance.

Comparison: Forged vs Cast Tools

• 
  Forged tools: better grain strength, edge retention, and serviceability.
• 
  Cast tools: cheaper, brittle, and often not repairable.

This explains why Japanese makers still prioritize forged methods for tool longevity.

Case Study: 40-Year-Old Shears in Perth

A Perth gardener inherited hand-forged shears from her late father, made in Miki, Japan, in the late 1970s. Cleaned and oiled each season, they’re still razor-sharp; only the spring was ever replaced. Well-maintained forged steel tools can endure generations.

Why It Matters in Australia

Our environment places extra demands on tools:

• Sap-heavy eucalyptus and acacia plants can erode blades.
• Coastal humidity accelerates rust.
• Sun-drying wooden handles prevents cracks, oil helps.

Proper care ensures your tools thrive here, offering performance and sustainability your grandchildren will appreciate.

Conclusion

Caring for Japanese tools doesn’t take long. A quick clean, wipe of oil, and occasional sharpening will keep them working beautifully for decades. East West Tools wants your tools to be life-long companions, not disposable.