Niwaki loppers
£99.00
It may sound strange, but some garden tools are pure joy to use. These traditional Japanese lopping shears with big strong forged blades and stout oak handles have an unassailable power and simplicity about them. There's no messing about with squidgy shock absorbers - the oak takes care of that - adjustable ratchets or extending handles, just the very pleasing action of properly forged carbon steel at work.
- A fine example of Japanese craftsmanship
- Overall dimensions: 61cm x 19cm x 3cm
- Blade length: 8cm
- Made from SK steel with Japanese white oak handles
- Vinyl sheath included to protect the blades in transit and storage
- Suitable for cutting stems, twigs and branches up to 2.5 cm in diameter, although as some wood is harder, use your common sense to tell you when the job is too great and deploy a pruning saw instead.
- For ease cut thicker branches at a 45˚angle
I aim to pick and pack your order within 24 hours of receipt and you should expect your parcel to arrive within 3–5 working days under normal circumstances. Orders placed on a Friday may not be sent until the following Monday. All delivery charges are calculated and displayed at the checkout.
- If your order can safely be sent in an envelope or small packet, it will be sent by Royal Mail, usually via a tracked service. This doesn't require a signature but does let you know where your parcel is.
- Larger orders will be sent either with Royal Mail or FedEx depending on weight and contents. Tracking details will be sent via SMS and/or email, if these contacts are provided.
- Large or heavy items will be sent via FedEx or an equivalent courier with tracking provided.
- For deliveries to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and international addresses, please drop me a line at atyourservice@dancoopergarden.com letting me know where you are in the world and what you'd like to purchase. I will check the items are allowed to be shipped to your location and get a cost for your approval.
Should you need to return an item, drop me a line at atyourservice@dancoopergarden.com within 14 days of receiving your purchase, providing your name, order number and the reason for your return. I will let you know how to return your item.
Please visit my Delivery & Returns page for more detailed information.
Most Niwaki tools are made from carbon steel. Although wonderfully strong and resilient, the metal will stain, rust and eventually lose its super sharp cutting edge without proper care. Looking after them is easy and will prolong their life no end. Here's how to do it:
- Japanese steel is hard and sharp but it can be more brittle than some people are used to. It will dent and chip if abused. Hence, do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material. Bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially those with knots and burrs, can damage sharp edges
- Cut diagonally across branches, not straight across
- Do not twist or apply uneven pressure as this could damage the blades as well as your wrists and arms
- Pay attention to the maximum cut dimensions recommended. Use a pair of loppers or a pruning saw for more substantial branches
- Use the base of the blades (the parts nearest to the handles) for heavier cuts
- Never put tools away wet. Dry them with a cloth before retiring for the day
- Regularly remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate (like a pencil eraser for plant sap). Dry, then wipe with Camellia oil and store in a dry place
- 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 clipping box. Use a Niwaki sharpening stone 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 and you will notice the difference
Lastly, do put your own safety first and remember you are using a supremely sharp object. Always know where your cutting blades are in relation to your body and take no risks.
For lots more tips and advice on pruning and looking after your precious tools, read my guide: How to Prune Like a Pro.
