Minamoto no Akitada Ikenobo Traditional Bonsai-Ikebana (Floral Shears) Pruning Shears Total Length & Blade: 165mm/53mm / Yasuki Blue Paper Steel [Ikenobo Style / Precision Ground Blade / Twisted Blade / Master Cutlery]

Description

Crafted under the prestigious Minamoto no Akitada brand in Japan, the Ikenobo Model 389 Shears (165mm overall length, 53mm blade) offer an ideal balance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, exceptional cutting performance, and accessible professional utility. Designed specifically for Ikebana floral arranging—particularly the classic Ikenobo school—while serving as an excellent precision tool for fine bonsai pruning, this lightweight (155g) shear is a versatile staple for floral artists and plant enthusiasts.

The blade features high-grade Yasuki Aogami (Blue Paper Steel)—a premier high-carbon cutlery steel alloyed with chromium and tungsten. Known for its remarkable hardness and wear resistance, Blue Paper Steel allows this shear to maintain a razor-sharp edge through extensive use on fibrous stems, tough flower stalks, and soft woody twigs. The clean slicing action preserves the delicate water-transporting tissue (xylem) of plant stems, helping cut flowers retain moisture longer and promoting healthy bonsai growth.

Built with traditional Japanese blade geometry, including hollow-ground back logic (Urasuki) and precise mechanical twist alignment (Hineri), the blades move together with minimal friction while allowing sap and moisture to clear naturally. The classic looped handles provide smooth control, comfortable grip balance, and high leverage, making this tool a superb entry into professional-grade Japanese floral cutlery.

Key Features & Craftsmanship:

 Classic Ikenobo Design: Purpose-built for traditional Japanese Ikebana flower arranging, engineered to deliver tissue-preserving, crisp cuts on various floral material.

 Top-Tier Yasuki Aogami (Blue Paper Steel): Premium alloy steel delivers razor sharpness and long-lasting edge retention, resisting dulling even when cutting tough stems.

 Dual-Purpose Versatility (Ikebana & Bonsai): Highly effective for intricate flower arranging as well as fine foliage shaping, bud pinching, and twig trimming in bonsai.

 Precision Geometry & Smooth Stroke: Features hollow-ground inner blade surfaces (Urasuki) and twist alignment (Hineri) to minimize friction and prevent sap buildup.

 Lightweight & Well-Balanced: Weighing just 155g with a 165mm frame, it provides precise control and comfortable handling for long arranging sessions.

Specifications

 Brand: Minamoto no Akitada

 Model: 389 Ikenobo Shears 165mm Class

 Tool Type: Traditional Ikenobo Floral & Bonsai Shears (Ikebana-basami)

 Total Length: 165 mm

 Blade Length (Pivot to Tip): 53 mm

 Weight: 155 g

 Blade Steel: Premium Japanese Yasuki Aogami Steel (Blue Paper Steel)

 Special Features: Classic Ikenobo Looped Handles / Hollow-Ground Back (Urasuki) / Mechanical Twist Alignment (Hineri)

 Country of Origin: Made in Japan