Lara_Ericacious
Mame
Thought I would share some thoughts and experience with the company Niwaki, based in the uk, as I've not seen so many others talk about them.
Hopefully this thread can start a discussion regarding other people's experience and thoughts on this company, and guide others who are curious about their products.
They stock their own tools, manufactured in Japan. But also generic tools (like folding saws) which seem to be mass produced with their branding.
They also stock okatsune and kaneshin tools.
I've purchased a handful of tools from them over the past 2 years, my first experience was seemingly disappointing. I bought some hand shears, a folding saw (mentioned above) a leather belt and larger sheath.
The leather is manufactured in China and honestly seems fine. I've worn the belt every day since, casually and for work. The large sheath used for my work tools.
The hand shears, I was greatly disappointed with. These are manufactured for Niwaki in Japan, and I now feel that they didn't function predominantly as I'm left handed. Other than that they were seemingly built well ans razor sharp, I gifted them to my mum.
The saw lasted me a while but I felt the build quality was cheap, and eventually kinked, becoming unusable. I've since replaced with a silky.
I bought a small pair of niwaki bonsai scissors to replace a pair of kaneshin scissors as a gift to my partner, who lost the kaneshin scissors in a farmers field when flower picking.
The build seemed very simular to other kaneshin products I have, maybe with a smoother finish.
I've also bought kaneshin tools from them. Though I opt to purchase kaneshin from bonsai specific companies in the UK.
My main conclusion is:
Niwaki seem like a trendy company, they sell japanese inspired work clothes and home items for alot of money. Their brand name more of a fashion accessory than a tool company.
The tools they have manufactured in Japan seem to be of a similar quality to the likes of kaneshin. But I would be cautious of their other tools.
I worry that they will out compete small yet long
existing bonsai companies in the UK who have been importing tools for years, and are a pillar of our community.
Though i wouldn't be suprised if their bonsai tools become a staple in the UK in a few years time.
Hopefully this thread can start a discussion regarding other people's experience and thoughts on this company, and guide others who are curious about their products.
They stock their own tools, manufactured in Japan. But also generic tools (like folding saws) which seem to be mass produced with their branding.
They also stock okatsune and kaneshin tools.
I've purchased a handful of tools from them over the past 2 years, my first experience was seemingly disappointing. I bought some hand shears, a folding saw (mentioned above) a leather belt and larger sheath.
The leather is manufactured in China and honestly seems fine. I've worn the belt every day since, casually and for work. The large sheath used for my work tools.
The hand shears, I was greatly disappointed with. These are manufactured for Niwaki in Japan, and I now feel that they didn't function predominantly as I'm left handed. Other than that they were seemingly built well ans razor sharp, I gifted them to my mum.
The saw lasted me a while but I felt the build quality was cheap, and eventually kinked, becoming unusable. I've since replaced with a silky.
I bought a small pair of niwaki bonsai scissors to replace a pair of kaneshin scissors as a gift to my partner, who lost the kaneshin scissors in a farmers field when flower picking.
The build seemed very simular to other kaneshin products I have, maybe with a smoother finish.
I've also bought kaneshin tools from them. Though I opt to purchase kaneshin from bonsai specific companies in the UK.
My main conclusion is:
Niwaki seem like a trendy company, they sell japanese inspired work clothes and home items for alot of money. Their brand name more of a fashion accessory than a tool company.
The tools they have manufactured in Japan seem to be of a similar quality to the likes of kaneshin. But I would be cautious of their other tools.
I worry that they will out compete small yet long
existing bonsai companies in the UK who have been importing tools for years, and are a pillar of our community.
Though i wouldn't be suprised if their bonsai tools become a staple in the UK in a few years time.
