Minamoto no Akitada Ikenobo Traditional Bonsai-Ikebana (Floral Shears) Pruning Shears Total Length & Blade: 170mm/55mm / Yasuki Blue Paper Steel [Traditional Hand Forged / Ikenobo Style / Hollow Ground Blade / Twisted Blade / Master Artisan Tool]w

Hand-forged by master blacksmiths using traditional Sakai forge techniques, the Minamoto no Akitada Ikenobo Shears (170mm overall length, 55mm blade) represents the gold standard of classic Japanese floral cutlery. Purpose-built for Ikebana floral arranging—specifically the traditional Ikenobo school—while excelling at fine bonsai pruning and stem trimming, this lightweight (158g) master tool combines heritage craftsmanship with high-precision cutting.

Forged from premium Yasuki Aogami (Blue Paper Steel)—a high-carbon steel alloyed with chromium and tungsten—this shear possesses extreme hardness and exceptional wear resistance. The razor-sharp edge bites cleanly through fibrous plant stems, woody branches, and delicate flower stems without crushing plant tissue, preserving the vital water-conducting vessels (xylem) to significantly extend the life of cut flowers and promote quick bonsai recovery.

Each shear is crafted with traditional Urasuki (hollow-ground inner blade) and hand-tuned mechanical twist alignment (Hineri). This creates smooth point-to-point edge contact along the blade while allowing plant resin and sap to escape freely. The iconic looped handles provide comfortable balance and leverage, making it a lifetime instrument for Ikebana practitioners and bonsai enthusiasts alike.

Key Features & Craftsmanship:

 Traditional Sakai Hand-Forged Heritage: Hand-hammered by skilled blacksmiths under the prestigious Minamoto no Akitada brand, ensuring a dense steel structure and superior balance.

 Premium Yasuki Aogami (Blue Paper Steel): Delivers extraordinary edge retention and razor sharpness that resists dulling, even when repeatedly cutting hard, woody branches.

 Classic Ikenobo Style Geometry: Purpose-built for traditional Japanese Ikebana arrangements, providing crisp, clean cuts that keep flower stems fresh and healthy.

 Dual-Purpose Versatility (Ikebana & Bonsai): Highly effective for delicate flower arranging as well as precise foliage shaping, twig trimming, and pine maintenance in bonsai.

 Precision Urasuki & Twist Alignment: Hollow-ground interior and hand-calibrated blade twist reduce friction and sap buildup, ensuring fluid cutting action.

Specifications

 Brand: Minamoto no Akitada

 Model: 388 Ikenobo Shears 165mm Class

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

 Total Length: 170 mm

 Blade Length (Pivot to Tip): 55 mm

 Weight: 158 g

 Blade Steel: Yasugi Aogami Steel (Blue Paper Steel / High-Carbon Alloy)

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

 Country of Origin: Made in Japan