Tools worth the money
- Kaneshin or Masakuni concave cutters — the one "fancy" tool that's worth the cost. Cheap ones crush instead of cut.
- A pair of sharp Japanese scissors — Kiku, Kaneshin, or similar. Worth it.
- Aluminum and copper training wire in assorted gauges. Buy rolls, not kits.
Tools from the hardware store
- Turn-table — a cheap lazy susan from the kitchen section works fine.
- Chopsticks for soil work.
- A plastic dish pan for soil sifting.
- A good pair of needle-nose pliers.
Books
- Bonsai by Peter Chan — a great, no-nonsense starter.
- Bonsai Techniques I & II by John Naka — the classics.
YouTube channels we rate
- Bjorn Bjorholm / Eisei-en
- Bonsai Mirai
- Herons Bonsai (Peter Chan)
- Nigel Saunders, the Bonsai Zone
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Old Guy Bonsai