Bonsai tools are specialized, and with careful care and maintenance should last a lifetime.  Bonsai tool care consists mainly of cleaning your tools carefully after each use.  Your tools should be stored dry, and in a dry place to avoid rust and corrosion from developing.  It is very helpful to keep your bonsai tools lightly oiled to prevent corrosion.  The lightly oiled tool will retain its full motion characteristics which will allow you to use them with precision and confidence.

If you use and maintain your tools carefully, you may be able to extend the life of the cutting edges for many years.  That said, bonsai tools are very difficult to sharpen once dulled during the course of usage.  You will inevitably nick the blade, hit a small stone when pruning, and/or see some rust or corrosion at the blade edge of your bonsai tool.  You will usually find that a sharpened bonsai tool will not perform as well as a new tool.  Replacement of the tool may be the best option in the long run.

Serious bonsai tool vendors generally will offer Japanese made tools as these are believed to be of the best quality.  You may find tools offered in a particular category such as "Professional Grade", "Master's Grade", "Hand Made", "Intermediate Grade" and basic grade tools.  You can also find stainless steel bonsai tools on the market, though the much higher price of stainless may not bring you a corresponding increase in tool quality.  And of course, prices will vary by vendor. 

Many bonsai experts will select their bonsai tools on the basis of current cost, with an eye toward replacement cost of the tool in the future.  Others would advise you to buy the most expensive bonsai tools since they will perform very well over time if not abused.

Take a look at the Bonsai tools available on our site at Bonsai Tools.  Shopping is easy, and your purchase will be delivered to your door for  your convenience.  Good luck!!!