Tobisho Secateurs, Hand-Forged in Yamagata

Premium bypass secateurs built for clean cuts, low friction, and long service life.

Founded in Yamagata, Tobisho makes high end pruning tools in small batches, finished and tuned by hand for smooth action. These Tobisho secateurs are hot forged, heat treated, and built for crisp, controlled cuts in the garden and orchard. Stock is held in Perth and shipped Australia wide with local support.

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Tobisho secateurs in Australia

Tobisho (飛塚製鋏所) is a long running smith in Yamagata, Japan. The workshop produces Tobisho pruning shears and bypass secateurs in small batches, finishing each piece by hand for keen edges and durable joints. East West Tools imports Tobisho tools into Australia and ships from Perth with local support.

New to secateurs? Our in depth guide covers how to choose, use, and maintain them.

What sets Tobisho apart

• A Type geometry for crisp bypass cuts and good control in garden and orchard work. Common sizes are 200 to 225 mm for everyday pruning.
• Steel options from workhorse tool steels to special runs in Aogami (Blue Paper) steel for higher hardness and edge retention when maintained well.

Brazed construction

Many Tobisho A Type models use a brazed build. A hard blade steel is joined to a tough body with brass at lower temperatures than welding, so the cutting steel keeps its hardness. It is slow, exacting work, but it produces a keen edge on a resilient body that tracks true through harder cuts and leaves a clean finish.

Damascus and special steels

Tobisho also produces Damascus A Type models in limited runs, layering steels around a hard cutting core. The pattern welded cladding adds strength and visual depth while the core provides wear resistance and a crisp bite on the stone.

Care and service

Carbon steel edges are easy to keep sharp. Wipe sap, dry after use, and oil the joint and blades lightly. Touch up on a fine stone following the factory bevel, and avoid twisting through cuts. For full instructions, see our Japanese tool care guide for Australian conditions.

At a glance

• Traditional A Type pattern with a precise, serviceable joint.
• Brass brazed blade to body, still practiced at Tobisho even though it is time intensive.
• Steel choices from workhorse tool steels to Aogami specials, so you can match your sharpening routine and workload.

Want to compare across makers? Browse the full secateurs collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tobisho different?

Each tool is built through an intensive multi-stage process. Forge, heat-treat, hollow-grind (ura-suki) and convex edge (hamaguri), then hand-fit and inspected. The result is a smooth, low-resistance cut and an edge that’s easy to maintain.

Which model should I choose (A-type, SR, or Hiryū)?

A-type (brazed): the traditional Japanese method of attaching a high-carbon cutting edge (often Blue Paper steel) to a tough body by brazing, excellent wear resistance and edge life. Very few makers still do this; Tobisho notes only one or two workshops in Japan (including themselves) continue the method.

SR: fully forged high-carbon steel. Balanced, durable, and a great all-rounder.

Hiryū: an ultra-low-friction design with a cushioned spring for high-volume pruning and clean finishes.

Pick A-type for maximum edge retention, SR for general use, and Hiryū for long sessions and super-clean cuts.

How should I maintain my Tobisho tools?

Clean sap after every use with Yani Pika sap remover. Regular use prevents dried resin, the main driver of rust and keeps the cut smooth. Dry the blades, then apply a thin coat of camellia oil (or light mineral oil) and add a drop to the pivot. If resin has already dried, soften with Yani Pika or gently scrape with hard plastic (not a whetstone), then re-oil. Avoid vegetable oils and store the tool dry.

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

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