Karikichi Japanese Short Hedge Shears

Japanese gold series hedge shears

The Nishigaki Karikichi Short Hedge Shears are top-of-the-range Japanese shears built for precise, controlled shaping work. Part of Nishigaki's Gold Series, these shears combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern steel technology. At 535mm total length they are compact enough for detailed work and well suited to the fine shaping that Australian native hedges, topiaries and bonsai require.

Cutlery-grade high carbon steel blades

The blades are forged from cutlery-grade high carbon steel, heat-treated for exceptional hardness and differentially tempered. The mirror-polished finish reduces friction and helps prevent sap and resin from building up on the cutting surface.

The blades taper to a sharp point which enables precise cutting in narrow, tight areas. For Australian gardeners shaping native hedges this precision makes a meaningful difference to the quality and cleanliness of the finished cut.

Japanese white oak handles

The Japanese white oak handles are tough, lightweight and well balanced. This material is chosen specifically for its combination of strength and low weight. The heavy-duty centre bolt is adjustable to compensate for wear over time, with a keeper that prevents the pivot from loosening during use.

Why you'll love them

• Gold Series cutlery-grade high carbon steel — harder and longer-lasting than standard hedge shears
• Mirror-polished blades reduce friction and resist sap and resin build-up
• Tapered blade tips for precise cutting in narrow and tight spaces
• Straight blade design with minimal friction — less tiring to use than curved alternatives
• Japanese white oak handles — tough, lightweight and well balanced
• Adjustable centre bolt with keeper for long-term blade tension maintenance
• Blades can be re-sharpened for a lifetime of use
  

Uses in the garden

• Shaping and trimming native hedges and screening plants
• Topiary and formal shaping work
• Bonsai and detailed ornamental pruning
• Trimming lomandras, westringias and compact native shrubs
• Fine shaping in tight spaces where larger shears cannot reach

Details

• Total length: 535mm
• Blade length: 200mm
• Blade material: cutlery-grade heat-treated high carbon steel
• Handle material: Japanese white oak
• Place of origin: Made in Japan by Nishigaki

Care

• Wipe blades clean with a cotton cloth after each use
• Apply a light coat of camellia oil to protect the carbon steel blades from rust
• Re-sharpen with a sharpening stone or diamond file as needed
• Adjust the centre bolt if blade tension loosens over time
• Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any hard non-plant material

Shop all our Japanese garden tools.

About Nishigaki

Nishigaki was founded in 1974 in Miki, Hyogo, a city with a long tradition of blade and tool manufacturing in Japan. Their tools are widely trusted and are known for outstanding functionality, precision engineering.