Okatsune
Okatsune
Okatsune Japanese Pruning Tools | Authorised UK Dealer Sevenoaks
Master the art of pruning with Okatsune, the choice for professional gardeners and enthusiasts. At Godfreys of Sevenoaks, we supply the full range of Okatsune secateurs, hedge shears, and snips—all forged from legendary Izumo Yasugi steel. Renowned for their ‘deceptively simple’ design and razor-sharp performance, Okatsune tools are built to stay sharper for longer. Explore our in-stock collection below or visit our Sevenoaks showroom for expert advice.
Okatsune
Okatsune
The Okatsune Advantage: Why It Outperforms the Rest
Izumo Yasugi Steel: Unlike mass-produced western tools, Okatsune uses the same carbon steel traditionally used for Katana swords. This results in a Rockwell hardness of 60-61, allowing for a thinner, sharper blade that slices rather than crushes.
The Signature “Red and White” Handles: Designed for visibility and safety. The red handle is easy to spot in daylight, while the white handle stands out in low light, ensuring you never lose your professional kit in a hedge or on a lawn.
Low-Maintenance V-Spring: The iconic brass-colored V-spring is engineered for a crisp, percussive action. It’s secured so firmly it won’t “pop out” in thick brush, a common frustration with cheaper alternatives.
Simple locking mechanism: The unique leather-and-metal locking catch at the base of the handle can be flicked open with one hand—even while wearing thick gardening gloves—making it the most efficient tool for repetitive site work
Why Buy Okatsune from Godfreys of Sevenoaks?
When you purchase Okatsune tools from Godfreys, you aren’t just getting a premium Japanese tool—you are getting 90 years of horticultural expertise and the support of a local Kent institution.
1. Authorised UK Stockist & Authenticity Guaranteed
The market is currently flooded with counterfeit Japanese tools. As an authorised Okatsune dealer, Godfreys guarantees that every pair of secateurs and shears we sell is 100% genuine, forged from authentic Izumo Yasugi steel, and backed by the full manufacturer’s warranty.
2. Expert Sizing & “Hands-On” Showroom
Okatsune tools are deceptively simple, but getting the right size is essential for long-term comfort.
The Showroom Experience: Visit our Otford Road Superstore to hold the 101, 103, and 104 models in your hand. Our expert team will help you find the size that matches your hand span, reducing the risk of strain during long pruning sessions.
Okatsune: Your Questions Answered
Q: How do I choose the right size Okatsune secateurs?
Okatsune offers three main sizes to ensure ergonomic comfort:
Okatsune 101 (Small): Best for smaller hands or delicate floral work (180mm length).
Okatsune 103 (Medium): The most popular general-purpose model for average-sized hands (200mm length).
Okatsune 104 (Large): Designed for larger hands or heavy-duty pruning (210mm length)
Q: How do I maintain my Okatsune tools?
Because they are made of high-carbon steel, they can rust if left damp. We recommend:
Cleaning: Wipe sap and moisture off after every use.
Oiling: Apply a thin layer of Camellia Oil (or light machine oil) to protect the steel.
Sharpening: Only use an Okatsune 412 Whetstone. Avoid pull-through sharpeners, which can damage the specialized Japanese edge angle.
Q: How do I replace the spring on my Okatsune shears?
One of the benefits of Okatsune is the simplicity of the V-spring. Unlike coil springs that can trap dirt and “pop” out, the V-spring is held by tension between two lugs. To replace it, simply compress the spring with pliers and slot it into the designated holes. We stock genuine replacement springs at our Sevenoaks store to ensure your tools last a lifetime.
Q: What is "Izumo Yasugi" steel?
Yasugi steel is a high-carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals in Japan, using iron sand as a base—the same material used for traditional Samurai swords. It is prized in the horticultural world because it can be hardened to a much higher degree than the stainless steel used in cheaper tools. This allows the blade to hold a razor edge through thousands of cuts before needing a sharpen.
Q: Is there a left-handed version of Okatsune secateurs?
Currently, Okatsune does not produce a specific left-handed model of the 103 series. However, due to the simple locking catch and ergonomic handle shape, many left-handed professionals find them easier to use than “universal” Western-style shears. We invite you to visit Godfreys in Sevenoaks to try the 103 in your hand before purchasing.
Q: Are Okatsune tools rust-proof?
No. Because they are high-carbon steel (which provides the superior edge), they can rust if left damp. To prevent this, always wipe the blades after use—especially after cutting “sappy” plants like evergreens—and apply a light coating of Camellia Oil.