“Pruning shears”' were originally used for cutting branches as thick as a thumb, and were imported from Europe and called “Bruner” in Japan at the end of the Meiji era. However, they were too large for the physique of Japanese people at the time. To make it easier for Japanese people to handle, Shinzaemon Shibata, the founder of Shibata Gardening Cutlery Co., Ltd., improved the shape based on the manufacturing method of garden shears and began selling them as “pruning shears”. This particular item is a faithful reproduction of the manufacturing method used at that time by swordsmith Yasuo Abukumakawa. Everything from manufacturing to boric acid treatment, quenching, and surface treatment is all done by hand using the intuition and skill of craftsmen using “pine ash”, which is the same material used to harden Japanese swords.
The finishing touch is done with a hand file used for preparing clock gears, and the surface remains rough.
For its roughness on the surface and rugged touch and use when holding it, this product is a true masterpiece that deserves the name of special selection.
