Bonsai shears

[oldscrimmer]

I found a pair of Bonsai shears in an antique store a while back, and from the research I've done, I can't tell if they're old or not. They have large loops which are forged from the ends of the blades and bent around to form the loops, and Chinese or Japanese kanji characters engraved down one blade. Other than that there is no indication who made them, marketed them, or even a company name. They appear to have been blued and brass/copper pivot pin bushings. They're dull and need a sharp job, but I'm afraid to work on the edges until I know I'm not messing up some heritage. Anyone have any idea or suggestions for research to determine the origin?

 

[Dr. Mudd]

While yours may be old, they sound much like some currently available ones. See www.leevalley.com and search for scissors. The Chinese scissors they sell for very little money may be like those you described.

 

[oldscrimmer]

OK, that's what I thought, THANKS Dr. Mudd!!! I had found a place in Dallas (Google) who is advertising these Bonsai shears and was taken aback to find they sold so cheap. I've got a buddy in Depew New York who said they could be old, but more than likely they aren't. He told of Japanese family forges, traditional blacksmithing, etc. and got my hockies hot thinking I might have something. Appears I can go ahead and sharpen them. Dad always said, "an item has no value if you aren't willing to sell it". I'll just use 'em!

 

[roughedges]

Unless it says Masakuni on them I would not concern myself with their heritage. and I agree with Dr. Mudd, if the kanji are engraved down the length of the blade they are almost certainly not any of the valuable brands that I am familiar with.

I have some old hand-forged Masikuni tools that I've been wanting to make a thread about once I get some good photos. http://www.masakuni.com/ very expensive tools!

The place in Dallas would be Dallas Bonsai? Good folks, I just bought a soil sieve set and one of the two highest regarded bonsai books from there.