Branch Lopper N-152

The lopper that finally cuts the strings. Literally.

We’ve all been there: halfway through a delicate pruning session, caught in a literal web of dangling and snagged branches. It’s a rite of passage we’d all like to skip. Enter the Nishigaki Futomaru N-152, a long-reach lopper designed for the gardener who values precision over gymnastics.

The genius here is the internal steel rod mechanism. Because it runs neatly through the centre of the pole, there’s nothing on the outside to catch, snag, or ruin your flow. Even better? The blade cuts cleanly from the top down, eliminating the "pulling up" motion that leads to the inevitable (and infuriating) jamming found in lesser, string-pulled models.

Despite its lightweight aluminium build and elegant Japanese wooden handles, this is a heavy hitter. Thanks to a clever geared mechanism, you can slice through branches up to 40mm thick with a smooth handle action that feels suspiciously like showing off. The cutting head also rotates 110° horizontally, allowing you to navigate awkward angles and vertical growth without having to contort your body into a pretzel.

The Details:

• No Strings Attached: Internal rod mechanism for snag-free pruning.
• Serious Power: Geared action handles branches up to 40mm.
• Precision Head: Rotates 110° to get into the tightest spots.
• Japanese Craftsmanship: Made in Japan with high-carbon SK steel and traditional wooden handles.
• Specs: 0.8m total length, weighing in at a balanced 1.1kg.

Care & Maintenance (The Ritual): Japanese steel is a commitment. To keep that edge surgical, avoid cutting wire, stone, or plastic—it’s a tool, not a multi-tool. Always cut diagonally across the branch to respect the fibres, and use the base of the blades for the heavy lifting.

After your session, treat your N-152 to a quick clean with a Crean Mate to remove resin, a wipe-down with Camellia Oil, and a dry place to rest. Sharpen regularly; a dull tool is beneath you.