Tobisho Secateurs

Tobisho Secateurs, Hand-Forged in Yamagata

Premium Japanese pruning shears for clean cuts, smooth action and long service life.

Browse Tobisho secateurs and pruning tools hand-forged in Yamagata, Japan. Tobisho tools are built for clean, controlled cuts, smooth action and long service life in roses, fruit trees, citrus and general garden pruning.

Start with the SR-1 or Type-B for everyday pruning, choose Type-A patterns for precise bypass cuts, or compare premium finishes such as Yasugi brazed and Damascus models. For cleaning, oiling and sharpening, see Japanese tool care and sharpening.

Find the right Tobisho tool

Which Tobisho tool suits your work?

Compare eight Tobisho secateur models plus the 270mm one-hand hedge shears. Choose by hand fit, working time, construction, size and the type of cutting you need.

Start here

Choose SR-1 for frequent pruning, Type-B for value and size choice, or the 270mm one-hand hedge shears for light shaping and topiary.

Showing all models

Tobisho SR-1
Best all-rounder

200mm

Tobisho SR-1

Fully forged high-carbon steel

Choose it for: Regular pruning and prolonged working sessions.

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.

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.

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.

Tobisho Hirei
Compact specialist

165mm

Tobisho Hirei

Compact blades with asari on both sides

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

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.

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.

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.

Tobisho 270mm One-Hand Hedge Shears
Hedge & topiarySold out

270mm

Tobisho 270mm One-Hand Hedge Shears

Straight or curved one-hand hedge shears

Choose it for: Light hedge shaping, leaf trimming and topiary finishing.

For soft growth only; use secateurs or loppers for woody branches.

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 $140.00In stock
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
Tobisho 270mm One-Hand Hedge Shears 270mm Straight or curved specialist one-hand hedge shears Leaf trimming, hedge shaping and topiary finishing $179.00 – $210.00Sold 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. Choose secateurs by hand fit, construction and finish; choose the 270mm hedge shears for light shaping, leaves and topiary.

Tobisho secateurs in Australia

Tobisho is a Yamagata workshop known for high-end Japanese pruning shears and hand-forged secateurs. This collection brings together the Tobisho tools stocked by East West Tools so the range can be compared in one place.

For the maker story, see Tobisho. For broader model comparisons, browse Japanese secateurs and pruning shears or read the Japanese secateurs guide.

How to choose

  • Choose SR-1 or Type-B models for everyday garden pruning, roses, citrus and fruit trees.
  • Choose Type-A patterns when you want a precise bypass cut and good control.
  • Choose Yasugi brazed or Damascus models if you want a premium steel or special maker finish.
  • Choose topiary clippers when shaping, trimming and detailed hedge work matter more than branch diameter.
  • Clean sap, dry the blades and oil the joint after use to protect carbon steel.

Why buy Tobisho from East West Tools

Stock is held in Perth and checked before dispatch. We focus on useful Japanese pruning tools, tool care products, replacement support and practical advice for Australian gardeners.

Tobisho FAQs

What makes Tobisho secateurs different?

Tobisho secateurs are made for clean, controlled pruning rather than disposable convenience. The important details are the blade geometry, smooth joint, hand finishing and serviceable construction. They suit gardeners who want a sharper tool and are prepared to clean, dry and oil carbon steel after use.

Which Tobisho model should I choose?

Choose SR-1 or Type-B for general garden pruning. Choose Type-A patterns when you want precise bypass cuts and good control. Choose Yasugi brazed or Damascus models if you want a premium steel or special maker finish. If you mostly prune roses, citrus or fruit trees, Type-B is usually the safest starting point.

How should I maintain Tobisho pruning tools?

Wipe sap and moisture from the blades after use, dry the tool before storage and add a light coat of camellia oil or mineral oil. Add a drop of oil to the pivot when the action feels dry. Use a fine sharpening stone for light touch-ups before the edge becomes fully dull.

What does brazed construction mean?

On Tobisho brazed models, a hard cutting steel is joined to a tougher body. This gives the blade strong edge performance while keeping the tool practical for repeated pruning work. It is one of the reasons the premium Tobisho models feel different from standard stamped secateurs.

Tools that sharpen, not replace

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

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.