Hedge Shears 201

For those who treat topiary like high art and a shaggy hedge like a personal affront, meet the Kamaki 201.

These are the shears for the precision-obsessed. With short wooden handles and a compact, lightweight 500g build, they offer the kind of maneuverability that makes shaping boxwood feel less like a chore and more like a surgical procedure. Whether you're tidying the lawn edges or finessing a feature tree, these give you the control that longer, clunkier shears simply can’t match.

Crafted in Hyogo, Japan, by a manufacturer that’s been perfecting the art since 1876, the 201s carry over a century of steel-working heritage. They’re light enough for a marathon trimming session without the arm fatigue, but don’t let the weight fool you—the cutting power is serious.

The Specifications:

• Product Number: No.201
• Blade Length: 150 mm
• Total Length: 485 mm
• Weight: A nimble 500g
• Construction: High-quality stainless steel blades with classic wooden handles
• Origin: Made in Japan

Rules of Engagement:
Japanese steel is famously hard and incredibly sharp, which means it demands a certain level of respect. To keep that edge pristine, avoid wire, metal, stone, or plastic. When tackling branches, cut diagonally to work with the fibres, and always use the base of the blades for the heavier stuff. No twisting, please—it’s a precision tool, not a crowbar.

The Maintenance Ritual:
To keep these performing at their peak, treat them to a regular clean with a Clean Mate or Rust Eraser. A quick sharpen with a #1000 grit stone and a light coat of Camellia Oil will keep the steel happy and the rust at bay. Remember: as Japanese steel gets sharper, it can become more brittle. Treat them well, and they’ll return the favour for decades.