Japanese Uekibasami Garden Shears – YOSHIOKA Hamono MASAMUNE brand, Aogami high carbon steel 90 mm

Traditional Japanese Uekibasami garden shears with 90 mm blades forged from Yasugi Aogami Blue Paper Steel.

Made in Japan by Yoshioka Hamono, these professional-quality Japanese garden shears are designed for precise pruning and detailed work on pines, shrubs and ornamental trees.

Their long, narrow blades make it easier to reach between closely spaced branches without damaging neighbouring shoots.

Traditional Japanese gardener's shears

The Uekibasami (植木鋏) is a traditional tool used by Japanese gardeners and arborists.

Unlike conventional Western pruning shears, Uekibasami feature two long blades combined with large loop handles. This characteristic shape provides excellent control and allows the gardener to work precisely between branches and shoots.

The Yoshioka Hamono No.203B features 90 mm blades, making it particularly versatile for maintaining ornamental trees and shrubs.

It is especially suitable for:

• precision pruning;
• working between closely spaced branches;
• pine pruning and maintenance;
• removing young shoots and small branches;
• shaping shrubs and ornamental trees;
• maintaining Japanese gardens.

Yasugi Aogami – Japanese Blue Paper Steel

The blades are made from Yasugi Aogami (青紙鋼), also known as Blue Paper Steel, a renowned Japanese high-carbon steel used for high-quality cutting tools.

Its hardness allows the blades to take an extremely sharp edge while providing excellent edge retention.

The result is a clean, precise cut particularly well suited to demanding pruning work.

Aogami is a high carbon steel and therefore not stainless. After use, we recommend cleaning the blades carefully, removing sap and plant residues, drying them thoroughly and applying a thin coat of protective oil.

Removable screw-mounted pivot

One of the particular features of the No.203B is its screw-mounted pivot with locking nut.

Unlike permanently riveted shears, the tool can be dismantled when necessary, making thorough cleaning, sharpening and maintenance considerably easier.

The inside of the blades also features the traditional Japanese urasuki hollow-ground surface, reducing the contact area between the blades and contributing to smooth cutting.

Niwashi advice

Uekibasami are precision cutting tools rather than heavy-duty pruning shears.

Their long, fine blades are designed for accurate work and access between branches. For cutting larger or harder branches, use a conventional Japanese pruning shear or pruning saw instead.

After use, clean off any sap, dry the blades and apply a very thin coat of Tsubaki camellia oil to protect the Aogami carbon steel from corrosion.

Specifications

Japanese name: Uekibasami – 植木鋏
Manufacturer: Yoshioka Hamono – 吉岡刃物製作所
Brand: MASAMUNE – 鋏正宗
Model: No.203B
Steel: Yasuki Aogami / Blue Paper Steel – 青紙鋼
Blade length: 90 mm
Pivot: removable screw with locking nut
Blade geometry: Urasuki

Made in Japan