Advice from Niwaki

‘Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they will, 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