I just returned home from the World Bonsai Convention in San Juan, PR where I was privileged to be one of the first to use Marco's ICHIBAN tool for a major demonstration. It worked GREAT!
I especially liked the fact that I did not need to put down my trimming scissors to pick up a wire cutter to cut wire while shaping. Very good and time saving. This saved me time, which is probably not important for hobbyists, but for professional bonsai artists, like myself, time is very important and this is curtail while teaching during a demonstration with limited time.
ICHIBAN tool was a bit awkward to use at first, but with Marco's instruction the learning curve was not too difficult. But, I'm still perfecting its use. When I started my demo I was using it UPSIDE DOWN, but only one person (Marco) out of 300 attendees knew it...
For my demonstration on an Australian pine I had to use a "Ninja" power tool (yes, I used a power tool) and the chisel built into the scissors came in handy at the end for final touch ups. I'm not certain how to sharpen it, but there is a cleaning tool included in the fancy wooden box lined with red silk, very nice.
Masakuni Kawasumi III, the third generation tool maker traveled to the World Bonsai Convention to talk on bonsai tools and spoke about Marco's ICHIBAN tool which he manufactured and helped design. I've know Mr. Masakuni for 39 years and have been using his tools for over 45 years and have been very pleased with the high quality, although I wish the prices were lower. So, I'm certain ICHIBAN tool will last a long time, but I'll find out during my use of this handy new ergonomic shaped tool.
I'm going to continue using ICHIBAN tool and will see how I can perfect my use and improve my shaping skills.
William N. Valavanis
