The Okatsune 306 are professional thinning shears with rounded tip specially designed for cutting very soft stems. The extremely thin blades (2.3 mm) of these shears are the most delicate of all Okatsune thinning shears. The round tip prevents damage to fruit, flowers, and hands. The shears are also suitable for cuttings, thinning, and cutting of rope, and paper. The Okatsune 306 is not recommended for cutting hard (woody) stems. 

The blades of these Japanese thinning shears (Mekiri Basami) are uniquely forged from the finest IZUMO YASUGI steel.The blades stay sharp for a long time and they consistently give a clean and precise cut in the wood, without giving much effort. Furthermore, Okatsune combines the hardness with a special flexibility, so that the cutting blade always aligns with the counter blade.

The wider, single sided sharpened blades are stiffer than the pointed version, and provide a strong point. Due to the unique shape of the hollow ground blade the sap flows away from the blade, and the blades will not come apart. The V-shape of the spring ensures that the cutting load is distributed evenly over the length of the spring making for a soft closing action. 

Maintenance

The shears are constructed from a few components, so that there is hardly any maintenance required. It is recommended to clean the blades after use. After cleaning it is recommended to oil the shears, and store moisture free with the cutting blades closed. If you notice that the shears are cutting less well, you can grind them using a whetstone.

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Tsuneichi Okano, who began his career as a blacksmith apprentice in 1925, established the company Okatsune in Hiroshima, Japan. He derived the word Okatsune from his own name. In the beginning, Okano forged a limited supply of top quality shears. This was done in a traditional manner, and followed a unique process. Over the years, he gradually expanded the product range, always striving for perfection. He made the handles red / white, a combination that stands out, and is in Japan symbolizing happiness. Almost 70 years later, his shears are being used all over the world with much pleasure. The product range currently consists of pruning shears, cutting and harvesting shears, hedge shears, Bonsai scissors, and Ikebana scissors for  traditional Japanese floral arrangements.