Fantastic sharpening stones specially designed for Secateurs, but also great for Shears, Topiary Clippers and other sharp stuff. The concave edge follows the curve of the blade perfectly, and they’re small enough to get into tight spots. 
 
#1000: fine, for regular sharpening - the most useful stone for every day sharpening
 
The golden rule is to soak thoroughly each time before use. Avoid dropping them, too!
Use the #1000 grit for a few minutes every week to keep your secateurs in top condition
 
 
 
Most of Niwaki's sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they will, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…
 
1. Correct Use:
Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
Pay attention to Niwaki's maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts
 
2. Keeping Them Clean:
Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and water
Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place
 
3. Keeping Them Sharp:
New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). 
Sharpen Secateurs every couple of weeks
Sharpen Shears and Topiary Clippers EVERY TIME you use them - the difference is amazing