Toyama Hamono T103 Home & Garden Snips, Walnut Grip

Long, slim hand-forged snips that reach into tight spots, with a walnut-inlaid grip.

The T103 is hand-forged by Toyama Hamono in Sanjo, Japan, where the company has made shears since 1861. The blade has a sharp, knife-like edge for clean cuts on bonsai, flowers and indoor plants, plus thinning and detail cuts; its slim, pointed tips slip into tight spaces so you can cut exactly where you need to. The handle is Toyama Hamono’s own design, with natural walnut set into the steel for a warm, comfortable hold. Every pair is finished by hand, one at a time.

Specifications

• Brand: Toyama Hamono (Sanjo, Niigata, Japan; founded 1861)
• Model: T103
• Type: Home & garden snips
• Blade: Hand-forged high-carbon steel (JIS, Japanese Industrial Standards)
• Handle: Original Toyama Hamono symmetrical handle inlaid with natural walnut wood
• Overall length: 7.75″ (approx. 197 mm)
• Blade length: 2.75″ (approx. 70 mm)
• Weight: 6.25 oz (approx. 177 g)
• Cutting capacity: Tip: up to approx. 3 mm (1/8″); near the pivot: up to approx. 8 mm (5/16″); live wood and plant stems
• Best for: Bonsai, flowers and indoor plants, plus thinning and detail cuts
• Finish: Each pair finished and adjusted by hand
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): T103

Features

• Hand-forged high-carbon steel blade with a knife-like edge
• Original Toyama Hamono symmetrical handle inlaid with natural walnut wood
• Cuts up to approx. 8 mm (5/16″) near the pivot
• Blade contact, pivot and balance adjusted by hand
• Made in Japan

Best for

Gardeners who want one high-quality pair for bonsai, flowers and indoor plants, plus thinning and detail cuts. The slim tips make it a precise tool for houseplants and bonsai. Compare with the Toyama Hamono T102 Multi-Purpose Pruning Shears, Walnut.

Who this is not for

• Wire, plastic, artificial flowers, very dry wood, bamboo or frozen branches: it is made only for live plant material.
• Thick branches: it cuts up to about 8 mm; use loppers or a saw for heavier wood.
• Anyone who won’t wipe a tool dry after use: carbon steel needs drying and a little oil to stay rust-free (see the stainless T513, T526 and T527).

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and we look for tools that earn a place in the house as well as the garden. Toyama Hamono was founded in 1861 in Sanjo, Niigata, a city with a long tradition of metalworking, and still forges its shears by the traditional tanzo method. Its work has been recognized with the Good Design Award and as Sustainable Garden Product of the Show at the 2023 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

Buy once: durability and care

Store your shears indoors, away from moisture. After use, wipe the blades with a soft, dry cloth to remove soil and sap; if they get wet, dry them as soon as possible. A little light multipurpose or mineral oil on a cloth, wiped over the blades, prevents rust and keeps the action smooth. Toyama Hamono’s R3 rust eraser removes built-up dirt and rust, and the R2 slim whetstone keeps the edge sharp. Keep the edge sharp with the Toyama Hamono R2 Slim Shear Sharpening Stone, #320.

Frequently asked questions

How thick a stem can the T103 snips cut?

Up to approx. 3 mm (1/8″) at the tip and approx. 8 mm (5/16″) near the pivot, on live wood and plant stems.

Is the T103 snips carbon steel or stainless?

High-carbon steel. High-carbon steel holds a keen, knife-like edge and is easy to resharpen; like all carbon steel, it should be wiped dry after use and lightly oiled to prevent rust.

How do I keep the T103 snips from rusting?

Wipe it dry after every use, store it indoors and give the blades a light film of oil now and then (details under durability and care above).

What shouldn’t I cut with the T103 snips?

Anything other than live plants. Very dry wood, bamboo and frozen branches can damage the blades, and it should never be used on wire, plastic or artificial flowers.

How do I sharpen the T103 snips?

Use the R2 sharpening stone: it sharpens shears without taking them apart. Clean the blades first with the R3 rust eraser.

Is there a pouch for the T103 snips?

Yes. The R5N leather pouch fits Toyama Hamono pruning shears, snips, Koeda scissors and Warabi floral shears, and hangs from a belt, a fence or your shoulder.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior and garden designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Toyama Hamono and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Buying several pairs for a landscaping crew, a florist studio or client gifts? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.