Hedge Shears 550

For the gardener who views a shaggy hedge as a personal affront, we present the Kamaki Hedge Shears 550. This isn’t just a tool; it’s a precision instrument for those who consider topiary a competitive sport.

Crafted in Hyogo, Japan, by a manufacturer that’s been refining the art of the edge since 1876, these shears bring over a century of obsession to your garden. High-quality stainless steel blades are paired with sturdy wooden handles, offering that classic, balanced feel that modern plastic simply can’t replicate. At 740mm long, they provide the kind of leverage that makes you feel slightly more powerful than you probably are, while the 1,000g weight ensures you won’t be reaching for the ice pack after ten minutes of work.

Whether you’re sculpting a boxwood or reclaiming a perimeter, the 210mm blades offer the maneuverability needed for surgical accuracy. It’s strength, reach, and fatigue-free operation, all wrapped in a heritage package.

The Golden Rules of Japanese Steel:
Japanese steel is famously hard and incredibly sharp, which also means it doesn't suffer fools (or wire). To keep these shears in top form, treat them with the respect they deserve:

• No shortcuts: Never cut wire, metal, stone, or plastic. These are for greenery only.
• Mind your pressure: Avoid twisting the blades or applying uneven force.
• The Angle: Cut diagonally across branches rather than straight across to follow the fibres.
• Power Play: For heavier cuts, use the base of the blades where the leverage is strongest, not the tips.

The Maintenance Ritual:
If you love your tools, they’ll love you back. Keep the 550s performing like day one by cleaning them with a Clean Mate or Rust Eraser to banish sap and grit. Sharpen with a #1000 grit stone when the edge needs a lift, and always finish with a coat of Camellia Oil to protect the steel. Remember: as Japanese steel gets sharper, it can become more brittle—handle with care, and they'll last a lifetime.

The Specs:

• Product Number: No. 550
• Blade Length: 210 mm
• Total Length: 740 mm
• Weight: 1,000g
• Materials: Stainless steel blades, wooden handles
• Origin: Made in Japan