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As a natural material, rattan should be treated a step more carefully than our regular secateurs - not bashed about, not left out in the rain overnight (not a good idea, for any tools, incidentally…) and generally looked after. In particular, don’t fold the secateur lock catch inside the handle, or use with it half out, as this can wear and snag the rattan.
Most of Niwaki’s sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they will, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…
1. Correct Use:
Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts
2. Keeping Them Clean:
Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water
Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place
3. Keeping Them Sharp:
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 box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones 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 - the difference is amazing