Hounen Kihan / Hon Norimitsu — Japanese pruning tools from Miki
Hounen Kihan is the Miki, Hyōgo workshop behind the Hon Norimitsu secateurs stocked by East West Tools. The range is practical rather than decorative: forged carbon steel pruning shears built for garden use, clean cutting and ongoing maintenance.
Hon Norimitsu is especially useful as a bridge between everyday Japanese secateurs and higher-end specialist pruning tools. The 200mm Type B model gives a strong general garden cut for roses, citrus, fruit trees and woody pruning. The 150mm Type B is better for smaller hands, bonsai, floristry and detailed cuts. The Type A pattern is finer, while the budding shears give pointed-tip control for shoot thinning and flower work.
Type A and Type B secateurs
Type A and Type B patterns are not simply good or bad versions of the same tool. Type A is the finer choice for lighter, precise work and access around smaller stems. Type B has a stronger clamshell-style blade profile for supported cuts through woody garden growth. For most gardeners, Type B is the safer starting point.
Where the Kazakari sickle fits
The Hounen Kazakari sickle belongs on the same maker path because it expands the range beyond pruning. It is a longer-handled round-blade sickle for controlled pull cuts through weeds, grass and light garden growth. It is not a heavy brush-clearing tool, and it should not be used as a hoe or digging tool.
How to choose
- Choose Hon Norimitsu 200mm Type B secateurs for roses, citrus, fruit trees and stronger woody garden pruning.
- Choose Hon Norimitsu 150mm Type B secateurs for smaller hands, bonsai, floristry and compact detailed pruning.
- Choose Hon Norimitsu Type A secateurs for lighter, finer green cuts and access around smaller stems.
- Choose Hon Norimitsu budding shears for shoot thinning, bud selection, flowers and precise tip work.
- Choose the Hounen Kazakari sickle for controlled weeding, grass cutting and light garden growth.
Care and maintenance
These are working carbon steel garden tools. Wipe sap, soil and moisture from the blade after use, dry the tool before storage and apply a light coat of oil where needed. Keep pivots lightly oiled, sharpen before the edge becomes fully dull and avoid wire, gritty stems, soil and dry deadwood that can damage a fine edge.
Browse the Hounen Kihan / Hon Norimitsu collection, compare broader Japanese secateurs and pruning shears or see Japanese tool care and sharpening for oil, stones and cleaning products.
