Japanese Secateurs

Japanese Secateurs & Pruning Shears

Hand-forged bypass pruning shears for clean cuts, comfort and long-term service.

Japanese secateurs and pruning shears are made for clean, controlled cuts on live wood, flowers, fruit trees and general garden growth. Choose the pair that suits your hand size, pruning style and the type of stems you cut most often.

Keep them cutting cleanly with Japanese tool care and sharpening, compare complete setups in Japanese tool kits and bundles, or move up to Japanese shears and loppers for hedges, shaping and heavier cuts.

Find the right pair

Which secateurs suit your work?

Most of these models handle general live-wood pruning well. The useful differences are hand fit, working time, construction, size and finish.

Start here

Choose SR-1 for frequent work, Type-B for value and size choice, or use the filters below for compact, ergonomic and premium options.

Showing all models

Tobisho SR-1
Best all-rounderSold out

200mm

Tobisho SR-1

Fully forged high-carbon steel

Choose it for: Regular pruning and prolonged working sessions.

$140.00
Tobisho Type-B
Best value & size choice

180 or 200mm

Tobisho Type-B

Fully forged B-pattern with rounded blades

Choose it for: General live-wood pruning with the broadest size and lock choice.

$120.00 – $130.00
Tobisho Classic Type-A
A-pattern value

185 or 200mm

Tobisho Classic Type-A

Fully forged A-pattern

Choose it for: The A-pattern shape with a choice of two lengths.

$145.00 – $150.00
Tobisho Brazed Type-A
Premium construction

200mm

Tobisho Brazed Type-A

Hand-brazed A-pattern; Yasugi Steel or Yasugi Blue Paper

Choose it for: Premium steel choice and brazed construction.

$179.00 – $215.00
Tobisho Hirei
Compact specialist

165mm

Tobisho Hirei

Compact blades with asari on both sides

Choose it for: Small hands, confined growth and precise pruning.

$250.00
Tobisho-gata
Natural wrist angle

195mm

Tobisho-gata

Asymmetrical handles with a tilted blade

Choose it for: A more natural wrist position during general pruning.

$250.00
Tobisho Damascus Type-A
Presentation model

200mm

Tobisho Damascus Type-A

16-layer steel with a thick Yasugi Blue Paper cutting layer

Choose it for: Premium finish, gifting or collection appeal.

$250.00
Tobisho Ikiru
Leather finishSold out

200mm

Tobisho Ikiru

Two-tone Italian vegetable-tanned leather

Choose it for: Home pruning, presentation and shorter daily sessions.

For prolonged professional use, choose the SR-1.

$250.00
Hon Norimitsu Type-B
Smallest option

150mm

Hon Norimitsu Type-B

Compact fully forged B-pattern

Choose it for: Very small hands, light carry and close work.

$110.00
Okatsune 200mm
Production-made optionSold out

200mm

Okatsune 200mm

Production-made Japanese bypass secateurs

Choose it for: Roses, citrus, fruit trees, shrubs and everyday garden pruning.

A simpler production-made alternative to the hand-forged models.

$100.00
Compare the model matrix
Model Size Construction / defining feature Best reason to choose it Price & status
Tobisho SR-1 200mm Fully forged high-carbon steel Frequent work and the clearest all-round choice $140.00Sold out
Tobisho Type-B 180 or 200mm Fully forged B-pattern; rounded blades Value, general pruning and size / lock choice $120.00 – $130.00In stock
Tobisho Classic Type-A 185 or 200mm Fully forged A-pattern A-pattern shape without the brazed-model price $145.00 – $150.00In stock
Tobisho Brazed Type-A 200mm Hand-brazed; Yasugi Steel or Yasugi Blue Paper Premium construction and steel choice $179.00 – $215.00In stock
Tobisho Hirei 165mm Compact; asari on both blades Small hands, tight growth and detail work $250.00In stock
Tobisho-gata 195mm Asymmetrical handles and tilted blade A more natural wrist angle $250.00In stock
Tobisho Damascus Type-A 200mm 16-layer steel; thick Yasugi Blue Paper cutting layer Premium finish, gifting and collection appeal $250.00In stock
Tobisho Ikiru 200mm Two-tone vegetable-tanned Italian leather Presentation and shorter home-pruning sessions $250.00Sold out
Hon Norimitsu Type-B 150mm Compact fully forged B-pattern Very small hands, light carry and close work $110.00In stock
Okatsune 200mm 200mm Production-made Japanese bypass secateurs Simple everyday pruning and a lower-cost comparison option $100.00Sold out

What the price step-up buys

More labour, construction and finish—not a simple multiplier in cutting power.

  • Forging & fittingSkilled handwork, blade alignment and finishing.
  • Construction & steelFully forged or brazed builds, plus different steel choices.
  • Fit & purposeCompact, ergonomic and specialist patterns for different hands and working styles.
  • Long-term careSharpenable tools with replaceable parts available for selected models.

Prices and availability update from the current product listings. Size is the best starting point for hand fit; construction and finish should decide between similarly sized models.

Choosing Japanese secateurs

Start with size and use. Smaller 180–190mm secateurs suit smaller hands and detailed pruning. Around 200mm is the most versatile size for roses, citrus, ornamentals and general garden work. Larger models give more leverage but can be tiring if the handle does not suit your hand.

What makes them different

  • High-carbon steel takes a keen edge and sharpens cleanly.
  • Forged bodies and tight pivots help the blades stay aligned under load.
  • Bypass geometry gives cleaner live-wood cuts than anvil-style cutters.
  • Regular wiping, oiling and light sharpening will extend tool life.

Best uses

Use Japanese secateurs for roses, fruit trees, citrus, vines, herbs, perennials and general pruning where a clean cut matters. Avoid twisting through cuts or forcing branches beyond the tool’s intended capacity.

Japanese Secateur FAQs

Which size secateurs should I choose?

Most Japanese secateurs come in 180 mm (small hands/light pruning), 200 mm (medium/most users), and 210 mm (large hands/heavier cuts). If you’re between sizes, choose the smaller for control and reduced fatigue. The tool should close comfortably in your palm without the handles pinching.

What can they cut, and when should I use something else?

Bypass secateurs are ideal for living stems up to about 15–20 mm(species and model dependent). For thicker or very hard, dead wood, switch to loppers or a pruning saw to protect the edge and your hands. Avoid cutting wire as this will damage the cutting edge.

Can I sharpen them myself?

Yes. Use a water stone (≈1000–3000 grit). With the blades open, hone only the outside bevel of the cutting blade, keeping the factory angle; then wipe and lightly de-burr the flat back. Don’t grind the inside faces, doing so can create gaps and cause the blades to bind.

Tools that sharpen, not replace

Built for longevity. Proper care reduces waste and improves performance over time.

Care guide

Crafted in Japan

Forged by skilled makers using time-honoured techniques. We buy direct from small workshops.

Fast dispatch from Perth

Orders placed before 12pm ship same day from Perth. Delivery times vary by location.

Shipping policy