KAKURI Japanese Pruning Shears Review:

*Affiliate partnership

Hand-Forged Precision Worth the Investment?

When it comes to precision pruning tools, Japanese craftsmanship has earned a legendary reputation for excellence.

The KAKURI Japanese Pruning Shears continue this tradition, offering professional-grade cutting performance for amateur and experienced gardeners.

After extensive testing and research, here’s our comprehensive review of these hand-forged pruning shears.

Product Overview

Model: KAKURI Japanese Pruning Shears (8-inch Heavy Duty)
Made In: Sanjo, Japan
Price Range: $45-65 USD
Best For: General pruning, bonsai trimming, garden maintenance
Weight: 7.7 oz (10.2 oz with leather sheath)

What Makes KAKURI Special

Authentic Japanese Craftsmanship

KAKURI Corporation was founded in 1946 in Sanjo, the leading production area of cutlery in Japan. From a professional standpoint, we have designed and made high-quality Japanese products for over 70 years.

Unlike many manufacturers who have moved production overseas, all Kakuri tools are manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen using high-grade domestic materials.

Hand-Forged Carbon Steel Blades

The standout feature of these pruning shears is their exceptional blade quality. The blade is made of Japanese quality steel, which is hand forged by Japanese skilled craftsmen and blacksmiths. It features that excellent sharpness, durability.

This traditional forging process creates a blade that maintains its razor-sharp edge far longer than mass-produced alternatives.

Key Features & Specifications

Key Features & Specifications

Design & Build Quality

The KAKURI pruning shears feature an all-metal construction that feels substantial in hand. The bypass design ensures clean cuts that don’t crush plant stems, making them ideal for delicate work like flower gardening and bonsai care.

Performance Testing

Cutting Performance: Excellent (5/5)

The outstanding sharpness of the blades means you won’t need to exert excessive force to trim plants or prune branches. During our testing, these shears effortlessly cut through:

• Green softwood branches up to ½ inch diameter
• Rose canes and thorny stems
• Delicate flower stems without crushing
• Thick herbaceous perennials

Durability: Very Good (4/5)

The hand-forged carbon steel construction shows excellent wear resistance. However, like all carbon steel tools, they require proper maintenance to prevent rust and maintain sharpness.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Good (4/5)

The spring-loaded action reduces hand fatigue during extended use. However, some users may find the 7.7 oz weight heavier than expected for detailed work.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Exceptional sharpness from hand-forged Japanese steel
• Clean bypass cuts that don’t damage plant tissue
• Durable construction built to last decades with proper care
• Premium leather sheath included for protection and storage
• Authentic Japanese craftsmanship from Sanjo region
• Spring-loaded action reduces hand fatigue
• Safety lock prevents accidental opening

❌ Cons:

• Higher price point compared to mass-market pruners
• Heavier weight may not suit users preferring lightweight tools
• Carbon steel requires maintenance – needs oiling to prevent rust
• Limited cutting capacity – best for branches under ½ inch
• Safety lock can be touchy – some users report it engaging unintentionally

Real User Experiences

Positive Feedback:

Many praise their outstanding sharpness and durability, highlighting how these shears have made their gardening tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Professional users particularly appreciate the build quality, with one certified arborist noting their superior cutting performance.

Common Complaints:

Some users experienced issues with the spring-loaded safety lock engaging too easily during use. When you cut a branch sometimes there is enough energy in the cut it snaps the latch closed on the handle. This is very annoying if you are trying to prune quickly. However, many users found workarounds for this design quirk.

Maintenance Requirements

Essential Care:

• Clean after each use to remove sap and debris
• Oil carbon steel blades monthly to prevent rust
• Sharpen as needed with whetstones (blades are sharpenable)
• Store in leather sheath to protect cutting edge

Long-term Maintenance: Yes, the blades can be sharpened if needed, ensuring that the shears maintain their exceptional cutting performance over time. Professional sharpening services can restore these shears to like-new condition.

Best Uses & Applications

Ideal For:

• Precision pruning of roses, fruit trees, and ornamental plants
• Bonsai work requiring delicate, clean cuts
• Flower garden maintenance and deadheading
• Professional landscaping and horticulture work
• General garden cleanup and plant care

Not Recommended For:

• Heavy-duty branch cutting (use loppers instead)
• Wet/muddy conditions without immediate cleaning
• Users seeking ultra-lightweight tools
• Budget-conscious gardeners

Comparison with Competitors

BrandPriceOriginSteel TypeWeightKAKURI$45-65JapanCarbon Steel7.7 ozOkatsune 103$40-55JapanCarbon Steel6.8 ozFelco #2$55-70SwitzerlandHardened Steel8.5 ozFiskars Bypass$15-25FinlandStainless Steel8.2 oz

The KAKURI shears offer excellent value in the premium pruning tool category, with traditional Japanese craftsmanship at a more accessible price point than some elite brands.

Who Should Buy These Shears?

Perfect For:

• Serious gardeners who appreciate quality tools
• Professional landscapers needing reliable cutting performance
• Bonsai enthusiasts requiring precision cuts
• Rose gardeners dealing with thorny stems regularly
• Tool collectors interested in authentic Japanese craftsmanship

Consider Alternatives If:

• You need ultra-lightweight tools for arthritic hands
• Your budget is under $30
• You primarily cut thick branches over ½ inch
• You prefer low-maintenance stainless steel tools

Final Verdict

The KAKURI Japanese Pruning Shears represent excellent value for gardeners seeking professional-quality tools without the premium price tag of elite brands. Whether you’re a professional gardener or a hobbyist, these shears offer the quality and performance you need to maintain and enhance your garden.

While they require more maintenance than stainless steel alternatives and may feel heavy for some users, the exceptional cutting performance and authentic Japanese craftsmanship make these shears a worthwhile investment for serious gardeners.

Bottom Line: If you value traditional craftsmanship, superior cutting performance, and don’t mind the extra maintenance requirements, the KAKURI Japanese Pruning Shears are an excellent choice that will serve you well for decades.