Comments on: Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

By: Owen Wightman

Owen Wightman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:19 +0000

I use something similar to cut roots when I repot – stainless steel suture scissors that only cost me $16 at the medical supply store. I’ve been using the same pair of scissors for over 10 years and they are as efficient as ever. I think if you price it closer to $200 people will more likely buy a pair. It’s like buying a Honda Accord for 30K+ or a Porsche Cayenne for 90K+ (both will get you to your destination) – is the price differential justified? Most things in a box like the Ichiban’s are kept like silverware (put away, but never used). Merry Christmas!

By: wayne

wayne — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:55 +0000

The 13 reasons are from Marco. I guess you could say that he’s a little enthusiastic about the Ichiban.

By: Al

Al — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:41:58 +0000

If you fellow Americans think it is expensive, think about 325 Euros for the old continent, a.k.a. $487 US !!

By: Terry Crump

Terry Crump — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:46:52 +0000

I am mechanic for a living and i know that a good tool is invaluable.
A good tool makes the job at hand easier to do, saves time, easy on the person using the tool. I have bought at lot of tools in my career and some very expensive, but i can justify that cause that is how i make my living. All of the tools i buy i can hold, test out before i purchase. This tool looks very interesting, I can see the benefits of this tool and iam sure the quality is very good but for the bonsai hobbyist it is just not in the budget.

By: Lee Squires

Lee Squires — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:31:45 +0000

Ya’ll have done everything you can in print to sell the Ichiban (your 13 reasons listed above). N0. 10 – the cowboy pistol reference is a stretch. I think I’ll use what tools I have. Personally, I like steelwooling the rust off of my tools occasionally- it’s like a rite of passage !
Good luck in the sales department for this Christmas.

By: Bill Burrow

Bill Burrow — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:25:28 +0000

I have watched this item from the time it was introduced in the beginning, and at that time there was no price on this tool at the time. It looked like a very good and useful tool, however, the price is some what of a setback, and as alan(s) have said I will just the tools I have in my case. I have some stainless tools as well and will keep using them. Looks good but, to much money.

By: Alan Jabs

Alan Jabs — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:05:35 +0000

Like the previous Alan, I too have been interested in this item and would have been keen to look at making a purchase but at the posted price (plus shipping AND allowing for any conversion rate between the USA and Australia)it makes it far too expensive for what you get. For that price I can get several stainless tools that will last me for well over 10 years or more.

The other difficulty I see is I would like to actually try before I buy thus really making sure it is a tool I can use and given there are not too many on the ground here in Australia at the moment means I make use of what I have in my tool roll.

Great idea – looks good but too pricy.

Alan Jabs

By: Alan Walker

Alan Walker — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:59:58 +0000

Marco’s tool looks very intriguing, and as a tool junkie, I really want one. I’ve been waiting ever since he first started talking about it about a year ago. However, at $350, I think he has priced this one out of the market.