‘Yoshioka’ Curved Topiary Shears – Yasugi White Paper Steel

Pair of curved topiary shears inside an ornate gold frame on a white background

Pair of garden shears with wooden handles on a white background

Pair of gardening shears with a beige cover on a white background

'Yoshioka' Curved Topiary shears - Yasugi White paper Steel East-West Tools

‘Yoshioka’ Curved Topiary Shears – Yasugi White Paper Steel

$250.00

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Hand-forged in Ono, Hyōgo by Yoshioka Hamono, these 170 mm bypass loppers feature a knurled Yasuki White Paper Steel blade and 450 mm handles. Built for controlled, high-leverage cuts up to 15 mm.

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

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We dispatch every weekday from Perth.

Orders over $250 ship FREE — over $100 for our local legends.

Regular: $12.50 | Express: $19.00

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Proper care keeps your tools performing for decades.
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Precision-Crafted Curved Shears for Fine Topiary Work

Hand-forged in Ono, Hyōgo by the renowned Yoshioka Hamono blacksmiths, these 225mm curved topiary shears are ideal for bonsai shaping, hedge detailing, and refined sculpting. Crafted with Yasugi White Paper Steel (Shirogami #2), they deliver exceptional sharpness and effortless control for delicate foliage work.

The distinctive warping blade, hollow-ground with a slight curve, allows for cleaner, uninterrupted cuts. This traditional design naturally channels sap and debris away from the cutting edge, reducing friction and improving long-term performance. Despite being featherlight in the hand, these shears are forged for serious use.

Blade steel: Yasugi White Paper Steel (Shirogami #2)
Blade style: Curved, hollow-ground with sap-clearing channel
Length: 225mm
Handle: Natural oak
Finish: Hand-burnished, traditional forging marks

Also known internationally as Kihachi Curved Topiary Shears, this model represents the finest in Japanese garden tool craftsmanship. While newer versions are now offered in Aogami Blue Steel, this Shirogami edition remains a favorite for those who prioritize razor-sharp precision and the light handling feel of traditional white steel.

Combine with our Garden Tool Maintenance Kit to clean, oil, and protect your shears after every use.

Let customers speak for us

from 5 reviews

Daniel

08/20/2025

Awesome knife

Awesome knife. Great quality. Keen edge and folds away nice and small to fitcomfortably in the pocket.

Higonokami Aogami,(blue paper steel) Pocket Knife

Doug

07/24/2025

Cutting Edge

Top quality product which does the work with ease.

Okatsune Pruning Shears 200mm

Doug

07/24/2025

Cutting Edge

Traditional quality and service, does the job extremely well.

Yamaman 210mm Folding Pruning Saw

Ryah Wright

07/15/2025

Good for weeding

Great taking the top off weeds that I could chuck straight into my compost bin. I like that the handle size is a little long, does the job well.

Banshu Weeding Sickle 180mm Blade

Ryah Wright

07/15/2025

Great quality, versatile tool

The perfect tool for every job, and the first ever Hori Hori knife I've owned. As soon as it arrived I was able to remove stubborn weeds, replant seedlings and dig through dirt with such ease. Well balanced and feels nice in the hands. The sheath it comes with attached to my belt securely and holds the knife well.

'Bonsai' brand Hori Hori Gardening Knife

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

Designed for delicate shaping, these 225mm topiary shears feature hollow-ground, curved blades forged from Yasugi White Paper Steel. Light in the hand and razor-sharp, they excel in detailed trimming and fine garden work.

Yasugi Blue Paper no. 2 Steel

Yoshioka shears are forged from Yasugi White Paper Steel (Shirogami #2), a refined carbon steel prized for its purity and sharpenability.
With ~1.05‑1.15 % carbon and exceptionally low impurities, it can be honed to an incredibly fine, precise edge—ideal for bonsai shaping and hedge detail work.
Though it softens sooner than blue paper steel, Shirogami is easier to touch up with whetstones and delivers a clean, controllable cut when maintained regularly.

Its fine-grained structure also reflects centuries of Japanese metalwork tradition: each blade must be heat-treated by an expert smith, ensuring tight tolerances and balanced hardness. The result is a tool built for artisans—not for shortcuts.

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

Introducing

Yoshioka - Forged for Topiary Precision

Forged in Hyōgo, Japan by the blacksmiths of Yoshioka Hamono, these curved topiary shears reflect a lineage of fine-edge toolmaking dating back to 1946. The company’s founder, Kihachi Yoshioka, began his craft post-war with hand-forged tailoring scissors—laying the foundation for a family workshop now renowned for precision garden tools. Today, Yoshioka Hamono’s shears are trusted by professional landscapers, bonsai specialists, and gardeners alike for their balance, control, and enduring sharpness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the curved, hollow-ground blade do?

It keeps contact smooth through a cut and helps shed sap and debris, which reduces friction and preserves a clean edge on delicate foliage.

What material can these shears handle?

They excel on soft growth, hedging tips, and fine bonsai work. For thicker or very woody stems, use secateurs or loppers to avoid edge damage.

How do I maintain White Paper Steel blades?

Wipe dry after use, remove sap, and apply a light oil film. Touch up on a fine whetstone as needed and keep stones flat for consistent results.

Will the blades rust?

Yes if left wet. White Paper Steel is high carbon, so expect a patina. Dry thoroughly and oil lightly to prevent rust and staining.

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