Masamune 240mm Hedge Shears – Blue Paper Steel by Yoshioka Hamono
Pair of pruning shears inside an ornate gold frame on a white background Pair of gardening shears with wooden handles on a white background Masamune 240mm Hedge Shears – Blue Paper Steel by Yoshioka Hamono Close-up of a pair of pruning shears with wooden handles on a white background Close-up of a pair of shears with wooden handles on a white background

Masamune 240mm Hedge Shears – Blue Paper Steel by Yoshioka Hamono

$275.00

Hand-forged in Hyōyo by Yoshioka Hamono, the Masamune series blends precision, balance, and heritage steel for professional-grade performance.

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.

Hand-Forged Performance, Built to Last

Designed for the discerning gardener and professional landscaper, the Masamune 240mm Hedge Shears are the result of centuries-old blacksmithing tradition from Hyōgo, Japan. Forged by Yoshioka Hamono using Blue Paper No.2 steel, these shears offer precision, balance, and durability that far surpass mass-produced alternatives.

Carefully tuned and hand-assembled, they deliver a cutting experience that is clean, controlled, and deeply satisfying — whether you're sculpting hedges or pruning woody stems.


Why Choose the Masamune 240mm Shears?

  • Blade Material: Aogami #2 (Blue Paper Steel No.2), laminated in soft iron
  • Blade Finish: Kurouchi (black forged) finish with refined geometry
  • Blade Length: 150mm
  • Total Length: 550mm
  • Weight: Approx. 800g
  • Handle: Japanese white oak with raw lacquer finish
  • Use: Ideal for shaping topiary, light branches, and fine trimming work

Trusted Japanese Craftsmanship

Every pair is individually sharpened and adjusted by hand, marked with the Yoshioka Hamono family crest, and finished with forged brass ferrules for strength and aesthetic. These hedge shears reflect the heart of Japanese toolmaking — precision, purpose, and pride.


Tool Care and Maintenance

To ensure a lifetime of performance, clean your shears after use and store them dry. For full care instructions including sharpening and rust prevention.

What Sets Our Tools Apart

Mass Produced Shears

Mass-produced with low-grade materials and factory finishes, these shears offer poor edge retention, imprecise cuts, and a short usable lifespan. Designed for cost, not craftsmanship.

Hand-Forged by Yoshioka Hamono

Each pair is hand-forged in Hyōgo, Japan by Yoshioka Hamono using Blue Paper No.2 steel. Designed with balance, edge retention, and precision in mind, Masamune shears are made to serve for decades - not seasons.

Yasugi Blue Paper no. 2 Steel

Yasugi Blue Paper No. 2 premium Aogami #2 steel from Hitachi Metals, is used in Masamune shears for its exceptional balance of hardness, edge retention, and toughness. At around 62–63 HRC, it offers far better durability and wear resistance than White Paper steel thanks to small amounts of chromium and tungsten. While not quite as easy to sharpen as basic carbon steels, it still responds well to whetstones and rewards users with lasting sharpness when properly maintained.

Close-up of a metal forging process with sparks and glowing metal.

Introducing

Masamune — Forged with Purpose

Crafted in Hyōgo, Japan by the blacksmiths of Yoshioka Hamono, the Masamune series blends time-honoured forging techniques with modern toolmaking precision. Yoshioka’s legacy began in 1946, when founder Kihachi Yoshioka hand-forged a 9-inch tailor’s scissor in post-war Japan. From these humble beginnings, the company evolved into a respected name in professional gardening tools—producing loppers and shears trusted by generations of craftsmen.

Named after the legendary swordsmith, Masamune tools are built for serious gardeners and professionals who value performance and longevity. Guided by the motto “great tools attract users on their own,” Yoshioka Hamono designs each piece through close collaboration with expert users. With high-carbon steels, refined geometry, and unmatched edge retention, these tools deliver a cutting experience that feels effortless and exacting.

Explore Hedge Shears

Frequently Asked Questions

What can the Masamune 240mm hedge shears cut?

They are tuned for hedge growth, soft to medium foliage, and light woody tips. Use secateurs for thicker stems and loppers for hard, dead, or very woody material to protect the edge.

What are the benefits of Blue Paper No.2 steel?

Blue Paper No.2 holds a keen edge longer than common steels and takes a very fine finish. It is high carbon, so it needs basic care to prevent rust.

How should I maintain and sharpen these shears?

Wipe clean after use, dry fully, and oil the blades and joint lightly. Touch up the edge on a 1000–3000 grit whetstone, keep stones flat, and remove the burr before use.

Will they rust and is patina normal?

Yes, high carbon steel can rust if left wet. A grey patina is normal and protective. Dry after use and apply a thin oil film to prevent corrosion.

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