Choji Oil: Protect Your Tools from Damage

Protect Your Bonsai Tools The Traditional Way With Japanese Choji Oil

Even the best-made Bonsai tools need proper care!

The tools you use to care for your Bonsai tree have to put up with a lot of abuse. They’ll frequently become damp – encouraging corrosion – as well as being exposed to fertilizers and a variety of organic material such as sticky sap from the tree. It’s easy for them to start becoming worn down, or develop rust, and that’s bad for the tools and for your Bonsai!

Whenever trimming or working on your Bonsai, you want your tools to be as sharp and clean as possible. That reduces any trauma to the Bonsai when trimming and shaping it, while making cuts that heal quickly and cleanly. Plus they’ll be safer for you to work with, as well.

So how do you protect your Bonsai tools from damage? Do it the traditional way with Japanese choji oil!

Choji Oil: The Traditional Way To Protect A Blade

For centuries, choji oil has been the go-to solution for protecting Japanese blades from the elements. Choji oil was first developed for the protection of katana and other bladed weapons. It’s an extremely light oil, allowing it to coat a blade without congealing on the blade or harming the saya (scabbard). It forms a protective barrier around the blade, preventing moisture and other elements from harming the metal.

Choji oil comes in a number of formulations. Typically, it is a combination of a small amount of clove oil, suspended in a more neutral oil. Other herbal oils might also be added, for a pleasant scent. Older versions of choji oil likely used fish oil or pressed vegetable oil as the base, while modern blends typically use mineral oils because they won’t go rancid over time.

Choji oil has also been long used in the preservation of Bonsai knives and other tools, for exactly the same reasons. When you use choji oil on your Bonsai tools, you’ll be giving them a layer of protection against any elements that can harm them!

Using Choji Oil To Protect Your Bonsai Tools

Choji oil is simple to use.

After working on your Bonsai tree, you should first wipe down the blade with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or anything else that’s become stuck to the tool. Then simply apply a small amount of choji oil. If your bottle has a sprayer, just a couple spritzes are fine. If you’re using a bottle with a dropper, use a separate soft cloth (or just a paper towel) to rub the oil onto all exposed metal surfaces.

Then, the next time you’re going to use the tools, wipe the oil off before starting work.

With proper care, your Bonsai tools should last for years – and choji oil helps make it happen!

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