Niwaki Garden Shears • Standard

Our default choice for all rounders. Simple, hard-wearing & sharp - great garden shears for hedges, shrubs and topiary.

More Information

The very best option for an all-round pair of garden shears - ideal for hedges, shrubs, box clipping and topiary. Hard wearing SK steel holds its edge and puts up with a bit of mistreatment here and there, while the white oak handles are the perfect length for everyday use, and have subtle but satisfying bulges half way down, offering a subliminal hotspot for where best to hold them for optimal balance.

NB. the Long Pair are not stronger than the Standard size. If anything they are weaker, with the longer handles under more stress. They are not loppers and should not be used for hard woody cuts, especially when fully stretched. What they are, of course, is 8.5" longer, which is great when you need a bit more reach.

Specifications

• 716g
• 560 x 150 x 30mm
• 230mm blades
• SK Steel
• FSC Oak handles
• Made in Sanjo, Japan
• Includes Vinyl Sheath

Tips

Keep them clean, and keep them sharp. We say that about everything, but it’s never truer than with shears.

• Clean with a Niwaki Crean Mate rust and sap eraser
• Sharpen with a Niwaki #1000 grit stone
• Protect with Niwaki Camellia Oil

Caring For Your Tools

Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they may, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…

1. Correct Use:

• Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
• Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
• Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
• Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
• Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
• Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts

2. Keeping Them Clean:

• Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water
• Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place

3. Keeping Them Sharp:

New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening).

• Sharpen Secateurs every couple of weeks
• Sharpen Shears and Topiary Clippers EVERY TIME you use them - the difference is amazing