Toyama Hamono T4-4 Koeda Bonsai Scissors

Traditional Japanese Koeda bonsai scissors: a short blade on long handles that slips between leaves and branches.

The T4-4 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 small branches on bonsai, indoor gardening and houseplant care. The long handles and short blade let you reach between leaves and branches and cut precisely where you aim. Every pair is finished by hand, one at a time.

Specifications

• Brand: Toyama Hamono (Sanjo, Niigata, Japan; founded 1861)
• Model: T4-4
• Type: Bonsai scissors (Koeda-kiri, small branch)
• Blade: Hand-forged high-carbon steel (JIS, Japanese Industrial Standards)
• Handle: Long traditional loop handles, blackened by a chemical-free baking process (no paint)
• Overall length: 8.25″ (approx. 210 mm)
• Blade length: 2.25″ (approx. 57 mm)
• Weight: 4.25 oz (approx. 120 g)
• Cutting capacity: Tip: up to approx. 3 mm (1/8″); live wood and plant stems
• Best for: Small branches on bonsai, indoor gardening and houseplant care
• Finish: Each pair finished and adjusted by hand
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): T4-4

Features

• Hand-forged high-carbon steel blade with a knife-like edge
• Long traditional loop handles, blackened by a chemical-free baking process (no paint)
• Cuts up to approx. 3 mm (1/8″) at the tip
• Blade contact, pivot and balance adjusted by hand
• Made in Japan

Best for

Gardeners who want one high-quality pair for small branches on bonsai, indoor gardening and houseplant care. A traditional Japanese form for gardeners and arrangers who value feel and control. Compare with the Toyama Hamono T1 Okubo Garden Scissors, Shirogami Steel.

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 3 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 T4-4 Koeda scissors cut?

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

Is the T4-4 Koeda scissors 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 T4-4 Koeda scissors 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 T4-4 Koeda scissors?

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 T4-4 Koeda scissors?

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 T4-4 Koeda scissors?

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.