The story behind Wakazura
In his workshop, Mr Shige, a third-generation artisan, is the maker of the Yasugi Steel Scissors Series for Wazakura, Japan. Since 1958, been exclusively dedicated to manufacturing gardening and bonsai tools. They are proud to 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 does not compromise on materials, manufacturing methods, or equipment. He is committed to preserving the tradition in the design and manufacturing process and incorporating feedback from customers and users to improve the tools. Mr Shige aspires to deliver the best possible quality in all aspects. “We’re not just metalworkers, but a blade tool-making specialty workshop,” he says. We take our time creating each tool, resulting in great sharp instruments. We are very particular about firmly and quenching the different tool parts, so we are not satisfied until each of them does not have the correct shape and features. That is why we have refused requests of creating low price-oriented items.” In the era of cost and time-efficient production, Mr Shige pays total attention to each piece he creates.
The material is the secret behind the sharpness, comfort in use, and durability of the Yasugi Steel Scissors Series. Also called “Yasuki hagane”, it has a 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 sulphur that negatively affect the sharpness. Then, the resulting material is forged and rolled by hot processing. The characteristics of the bonsai scissors using this Yasukihagane are that they are durable, wear-resistant and hold sharpness.
Yasugi Steel is forged by combining soft ground iron (jigane) with steel, so the resultant bonsai tools have the same sharpness as the traditional Japanese katana sword. Processes, such as forging, quenching, and polishing, are performed in-house and manually. The manufacturing process is partly a trade secret. Still, Mr Shige humbly says,” Those who know the art of blacksmithing and metalwork can understand it, especially regarding ensuring that the steel structure is maintained without deterioration. Mr Shige’s uncompromising attitude is evident in the beauty and durability of his tools.
