It's most likely a concave cutter - if you Google Makasuni bonsai tools (or c...) you should find other examples. They're made for cutting branches of small trees (e.g. bonsai).

Agreed

Copy/paste to your browser:

http://www.masakuni.com/f01.htm

Al

Thank You !
OK, the cutting jaws are very similar, but the "curved back to the handle" section is very, very small compared to the Trimmimg Shears #201. That section is just a little larger than the rivet or pin that is displayed for #201.

I hope to have some tech support tomorrow to allow me to post a link to a pic.

Thanks again, Brian

I'm not following you. The link was supposed to take you to the concave cutters, but I see it doesn't, for some reason. Cruise around the site and click on the link to concave cutters & tell us if we're getting close. You can also email me a picture. I'm sure I'll be able to identify what you have.

If the cutting blades are not curved, they could be an old pair of ikebana shears, similar to the ones here by another manufacturer: http://www.stonelantern.com/Koyo_Ikenobo_Ikebana_Shears_p/tik17102-tkoy604.htm

Al

Pics, we've got pics now !
Please take a look at these,(paste in browser) and let me know what you think these things are !
You can blow up the pics to see the markings.

Apolgies to those that already know this stuff, but I myself have never used Flicker before.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51793782@N02/#photo4768341319

Thanks Brian

They ARE ikebana shears.

Al

I apologise for asking for clarification, but this is not my field. The shear type is ikebana, made by Masakuni ?

Thanks Brian

Ikebana applies minimalism (and some of the artistic concepts) of bonsai to the Japanese art of flower/plant arranging. The shears are specifically designed for those who practice that art.

Al

Here is a link that might be useful: If you click me, I'll tell you more .....

Im trying to figure out if my knives are masakuni and if they arent then whos makers mark are these? any help would be greatly appreciated!

Image, please? Masakuni (several makers by that name) knives start at the low price of several hundred dollars each, and it's not uncommon for some of the knives to cost upwards of 30 thousand dollars. Not something you'd see clashing against a fork while carving the Thanksgiving turkey.

Unfortunately, there are thousands of Japanese knife makers. Best of luck to you.

Al

I have a set of 9 with that makers mark on each one.

It might have been helpful to see the remainder of the set. My best guess is they are a set of high carbon steel grafting/ budding knives/ chisels, but they could turn out to be wood carving tools or something similar. Not much help from this quarter, I'm afraid.

Al