There is an extremely wide selection of tools available for those who wish to practice the art of Bonsai.  Tools vary greatly in price, so it will definitely be to your advantage to shop for the best value when purchasing bonsai tools.  There are many claims being made by various vendors of bonsai tools, and the claims can appear at times to be contradictory with regard to quality and function of a specific bonsai tool.

In addition to the specific bonsai tools mentioned below there are others that you may find use for from time to time.  Needle nosed pliers, saws, a tweezer type tool, and miscellaneous woodworking tools may be needed in some circumstances.  You will likely be acquiring these special bonsai tools as the need arises. 

For beginners in the art of bonsai, there are perhaps 3 or 4 basic bonsai tools needed for developing your bonsai collection.  We say collection because once you are hooked, you will probably have a number of bonsai that you are developing and maintaining.  It is not unusual for an individual bonsai collection to number in the dozens or more.

Aluminum or copper wire is the most commonly used to "train" a bonsai to the desired shape.  Your bonsai tool for cutting the wire is extremely important when it comes to removing the wire from the bonsai once it is trained.  The wire will need to be removed by cutting it away from the bonsai, and the wire will be in very close contact with the bonsai.  A bonsai wire cutter with a fine tip must be used to avoid damage to the limb or trunk of the bonsai.

An extremely important bonsai tool is a scissors.  Bonsai scissors come in many different shapes and sizes.  You should choose a bonsai scissors that fits your hand well, while allowing you to reach all parts of the bonsai.  Your scissors will be the main tool used for precision trimming of your bonsai.

For the function of removing branches from your bonsai, you will need a bonsai tool called a pruner.  The pruner should be a concave pruner, as this tool will allow the pruned bonsai to heal, or callous, in a healthy manner when used properly.  You should use a pruner unless the thickness of the limb is too thick, in which case you would use a saw, or a larger pruner.  The concave pruner is often also used as a root cutter when completing the initial potting of a yet untrained bonsai.

Many bonsai experts also recommend a bonsai tool called a knob cutter.  This bonsai tool can be used when removing excess amounts of root material, and also when removing callous or knobs from the bonsai.  With this bonsai tool you can "nibble" away undesired material, yet complete the task with precision.

In today's marketplace you will also find a wide variety of bonsai took kits.  When considering a bonsai tool kit check carefully to insure that it will have the tools that you need.  Are the tools made in Japan or elsewhere?  Are they forged or hand made?  Carbon steel or stainless steel?  Always check the kit carefully to know what you are paying for.