Considerations
When Buying
Tools
Stainless Steel
Pros
Low Maintenance.
Durable.
Resistant to Rust.
Nice Appearance.
​
Cons
Higher Price.
Needs More Sharpening with Use.
Newer alloys are getting harder in order to hold edges better. Especially Tian brand. Kaneshin laminate a harder steel onto the front edge of some of their scissors.
Carbon Steel
Pros
Affordability.
Holds Very Sharp Edge Longer.
​Available in every price range.
Available in different types and grades of steel alloy.
Cons
Not Rustproof.
Will need cleaning storing properly after use.
Made in Japan Vs Made in China
Professional High Quality.
Recommended For All Levels.
Will Tolerate Continuous Use.
Japanese Carbon Steels Are High Quality Steels and considered some of the best in the world. Some are very hard and take a super sharp edge. Kaneshin make a tungsten steel scissor for example.
Generally Higher Priced But Well Worth The Investment.
Less Expensive Overall.
Suitable For Beginners Especially Cheaper Carbon Steels.
Stainless Steel Tools are Reasonably Priced.
Quality Control Can Vary although it has become less of an issue with more expensive brands.
Tian bonsai tools are made from superior harder stainless steel and finished to a very high standard.