Tobisho Type-A Brazed Damascus Pruning Shears

Tobisho Type-A Brazed Damascus Pruning Shears

$250.00

Tobisho’s Type-A Damascus pruners are hand-forged in Yamagata, Japan, using Yasugi Blue steel with Damascus cladding. The brazed construction delivers strength, balance and resilience, while the patterned layers add durability and striking character. A 200 mm size offers precise, low-crush cuts with lasting sharpness.

EAST WEST TOOLS QUALITY GUARANTEE

We stand behind the quality of our tools with a 30-day return policy
and support for exchanges or repairs when needed. Read the full policy here.

SHIPPING

We dispatch every weekday from Perth.
Orders over $250 ship FREE over $100 for our local legends.
Regular: $12.50 Express: $19.00 Read the full shipping policy here.

PRODUCT CARE

Proper care keeps your tools performing for decades. Read the full guide.

 

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Description

Type-A Damascus Brazed Yasugi Blue Steel: Sharpness, Strength & Heritage

Crafted in Yamagata, Japan, then stocked here in Australia, this Type-A pruning pair is brazed for strength and detailed using Yasugi Blue “Aogami / Blue Paper” steel, prized for its ability to hold a fine edge while offering excellent cutting performance. The brazed construction bonds forged blades to solid, durable cast handles, optimising weight, balance, and feel in the hand. Perth dispatch with local sharpening and setup support.

Many Tobisho A-Type models use this brazed build: a hard blade steel is joined to a tough body with brass. The joint is made at lower temperatures than welding and must be controlled with care to avoid softening the cutting steel. It’s slow, exacting work and only a few makers still practise it because it takes time and skill. The benefit is a keen cutting edge on a strong, resilient body that tracks true through hardwoods and leaves a neat, plant-safe cut.

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. This pair combines the brazed method with Damascus cladding, offering both heritage construction and striking appearance.

Designed for slicing rather than crushing, each cut is made easier by a serviceable centre joint that aligns blades cleanly under tension. At ~200 mm, this pair offers a balance of reach and precision around fruit spurs and branch collars. The Yasugi Blue edge delivers hard sharpness, while the brazed handle adds rugged resilience, ideal for repeated use in garden care.

Tip: keep the blade faces clean and flat. Avoid twisting motions; preserving the meeting line between the blades helps maintain crisp slicing with less effort.

Specifications
  • Steel: Yasugi Blue (Aogami / Blue Paper) core with Damascus cladding for strength and visual depth
  • Construction: Brazed pair, forged blades affixed to steel / iron handle via brass (or similar) brazing process
  • Size: 200 mm length, balanced reach and control
  • Handles: Traditional moulded steel / cast structure with secure catch
  • Joint & Finish: Precision centre joint tuned for minimal play; blade faces polished to shed sap and maintain smooth action
Maintenance

After use, wipe sap and dirt from the blades, dry the tool properly and apply a small amount of camellia oil to the blade and pivot. Clean heavy sap with YaniPika Sap Cleaner before oiling.

For sharpening and ongoing care, use the Japanese tool care and sharpening range. Browse related tools in Japanese secateurs and pruning shears.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Damascus finish do?

It is a patterned cladding that adds visual character. It does not change performance. Care is the same as any quality pruner blade.

Is 200 mm right for everyday pruning?

Yes. It balances reach and control around spurs and collars. If you want more leverage, ask about larger Tobisho patterns.

What steel is used?

The cutting edge is Aogami, Yasugi Blue Paper steel. The edge is brazed to the body, a traditional construction that allows a hard edge with a tough spine. The Damascus pattern is in the cladding, not the edge steel.

How should I maintain the edge and finish?

Wipe sap after use, dry fully, and oil the pivot. Touch the bevel on a fine whetstone. Do not scour the patterned faces. Keep the inside faces flat to preserve the meeting line.

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Introducing

Tobisho

Tobisho is a Yamagata maker known for hardworking pruning tools shaped by real garden and orchard use. This Type-A brazed pair uses Yasugi Blue steel for a crisp, lasting edge and adds a Damascus type blade finish for a refined look without fussy upkeep. We stock Tobisho in Australia and dispatch from Perth, with practical advice on setup, care, and sharpening so your shears keep cutting cleanly.

Consistency is the hallmark across the range. Blades meet cleanly, the joint is serviceable and smooth, and finishes help resist sap build up. In hand feels predictable and controlled, which makes repeated cuts less tiring and leaves branches neat. Keep a fine stone handy and the edge stays lively with quick touch ups between sessions.

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What Sets Our Tools Apart

Type-A geometry, Damascus detail

Made with Yasugi Blue steel, it keeps the trusted Type-A slicing feel and adds a Damascus type blade finish that looks great without complicating maintenance. The joint is precise and serviceable so the blades meet evenly and the action stays smooth under routine care. At 200 mm it feels compact and controlled, which helps with accurate placement around spurs and collars. If you like a pruner that works hard but also has a refined look, this model delivers both. We back it in Australia with Perth dispatch and practical advice so it keeps cutting cleanly across the season.

Clean cuts with easy control

The appeal of Type-A is the way it slices through live wood. The blade path and pivot alignment keep the cut moving instead of wedging, which leaves neater collars and reduces effort. holds that feel and pairs it with tidy finishing so sap wipes away quickly. Spring and catch feel positive without being harsh in hand. Pair the shear with a small fine stone from our Sharpening collection and you can refresh the edge in seconds between tasks, keeping productivity high without long maintenance stops.

Care that protects edge and pattern

Treat the like any quality pruner with a little extra care for the patterned faces. Wipe sap after use, dry the tool and add a tiny drop of oil at the pivot. Keep the inside faces flat when cleaning to preserve the meeting line, and avoid abrasive scouring that could dull the pattern. Touch the bevel lightly before the edge feels dull to delay heavy regrinds. Store locked and dry.