Mr. Shige: a Third Generation of Bonsai Scissors Artisan
The city of Tsubame Sanjo, in Niigata Prefecture, is known by many as the town with most CEO in Japan. This is due to the fact that is a very entepreneurial area with many small family-owned metalworking businesses. Here, the value of craftsmanship has been passed down to the next generation for many centuries, and one can see the passion for tradition and knowledge of their craft in each of the products they create.
Bonsai scissors are one of these products, an indispensable tools for taking care of bonsai trees. Mr. Shige, a third generation artisan, is the maker of the Yasugi Steel Scissors Series for Wazakura Japan in his workshop. This family business has existed for many years as a general metalworshop but since 1958 is exclusively dedicated to manufacturing gardening and bonsai tools. They are proud to be continue making bonsai tools appreciated and loved by both professional bonsai masters and those who have just started in the art of bonsai. Mr. Shige is committed to preserve the tradition in the design and manufacturing process but also to incorporate the feedback from customers and users to improve the tools. BUt this does not mean they compromises in materials, manufacturing methods, or equipment. On the contrary, by always aspiring to deliver the best possible quality in all aspects, this workshop creates products that are comfortable to use and last for a long time. "We're not just metalworkers, but a blade tool making specialty workshop," he says.
Bonsai scissors are one of these products, an indispensable tools for taking care of bonsai trees. Mr. Shige, a third generation artisan, is the maker of the Yasugi Steel Scissors Series for Wazakura Japan in his workshop. This family business has existed for many years as a general metalworshop but since 1958 is exclusively dedicated to manufacturing gardening and bonsai tools. They are proud to be continue making bonsai tools appreciated and loved by both professional bonsai masters and those who have just started in the art of bonsai. Mr. Shige is committed to preserve the tradition in the design and manufacturing process but also to incorporate the feedback from customers and users to improve the tools. BUt this does not mean they compromises in materials, manufacturing methods, or equipment. On the contrary, by always aspiring to deliver the best possible quality in all aspects, this workshop creates products that are comfortable to use and last for a long time. "We're not just metalworkers, but a blade tool making specialty workshop," he says.
When asked about the current situation of the bonsai tool manufacturing business, Mr. Shige replies that "We haven't been able to sell bonsai scissors for the past few years. I think it's because some price-based vendors and traders have appeared. We take our time creating each tool but the result of this ais tools with great sharpness. We are very particular about firmly and quenching the different tool parts, so until each of them do not have the correct shape and features we are not satisfied. That is why we have refused requests of creating low price-oriented items.” In the era of cost and time efficient production, Mr. Shige gives his total attention to each of the pieces he creates.
The secret behind the sharpness, comfort in use, and durability of the Yasugi Steel Scissors Series is the material. Also called "Yasuki hagane", it has a good reputation for its sharpness and blade resistance. The yasugi Steel is the result of a traditional way of metalwork that carefully selects raw materials and removes impurities such as phosphorus and sulfur that negatively affect the sharpness. Then, the resulted material is forged and rolled by hot processing. The characteristics of the bonsai scissors using this Yasukihagane are that they are extremely strong and hard to break. And because they are wear resistant, the sharpness lasts for a very long time.
Yasugi Steel it is forged by combining soft ground iron (jigane) with steel, so the resultant bonsai tools have the same sharpness as traditional Japanese katana sword. They have also less chance to have a broken blade, they are long-lasting and easy sharpening as well. The difference with other materials can be clearly seen just by looking at the blade. Yasugi Steel bonsai scissors have both functionality and beauty. While they have achieved automated improvements for a more efficient work, most of the processes such as forging, quenching, polishing, and strain removal are performed in-house and manually. The manufacturing process is partly a trade secret, but Mr. Shige humbly says" Those who know the art of blacksmithing and metalwork can understand it, specially when it comes down to ensure that the steel structure is maintained without deterioration. The uncompromising attitude is the reason why the durability of the bonsai shears can be achieved.
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