Niwaki Avis 26

My review centres on one of the workshops they sell. I selected the Ikebana intro at their showroom in Dorset.

It is definitely a really interesting subject and I would have loved to learn more but the experience was marred by a very inexperienced teacher who didn’t engage with me throughout the workshop. I did mention it to one of the staff in the store, who I have to say was totally charming and friendly. It was even noticed by two of the others attending the workshop and one of them said something. Unfortunately it made the workshop totally useless and definitely not worth the hour’s drive to get there. I was going to buy some items from the store but felt I couldn’t after that and just left. I wish I had watched a tutorial on YouTube on the subject as it would have been more helpful and far less unpleasant. To end on a positive, the guy working in Niwaki’s warehouse was a superstar as I initially went there and he walked me over to the unit. It was freezing and he only had a t-shirt on so huge gratitude for taking me to the showroom.

I’ve bought loads of top quality tools from Niwaki.
Just received a Hori Hori and holster today.
I’m very pleased with both items. You get what you pay for.

I've bought a number of things recently and am always very happy with the quality of everything I buy. Recently I bought a leaf bag, which is waterproof, large and finished off beautifully. I also bought the Lucano 4-step ladders, which turned out to be much bigger than I thought, but they are sleek and practical.

Just received my niwaki secateurs and the quality of the finish is terrible compared to a pair I bought 12 years ago. Sharp edges on the handle, wobbly edges. Just awful.

I'd love to say something positive about this brand but it is nothing more than overpriced light gardening tools NOT built to last. I had their loppers twice, the first set broke inside a year, Niwaki sent me a new pair and the same thing happened again. The rivets that fix the wooden handle to the cutting head either snap or the wooden handle splits. They are simply not fit for purpose and Niwaki don't sell spare parts so I couldn't repair them. They look nice, but that is about it. I went and paid £200 for Felco 22 aluminium loppers and they are built like a tank and Felco parts are replaceable. Niwaki are a poncy lifestyle brand. Avoid.

My son bought me a lovely gardening kneeler pad and apron for me as a gift, unfortunately they developed a fault but the customers service support was excellent. They even offered to replace them without having to notify my son. I highly recommend this company, excellent products and top class support who respond very quickly.

Just received a hat, bento box and a very sharp face razor….ouch!
Niwaki design and make quality products, not cheap but you get what you pay for. Beautifully wrapped and packaged with care and attention to detail.
I’m saving up for a shirt…

My recently replaced NIWAKI tools are made with cheaper and lighter materials and not finished with the same neat detailing.

Nice products - just make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for though. A lot of the tools are proper Japanese carbon steels and thus will need some attention - if you are willing to go along with that, this is very enjoyable stuff

Fantastic gardening knife came in a lovely bag.

I’ve just bought a hand held hoe as a gift because I’ve had one for two years and it’s been the best gardening tool I’ve ever had, but was so disappointed when it arrived to find the quality has changed completely. My original hoe even came in a little canvas bag but alas, no more! The wood used now is lighter and the finish is really rough. You couldn’t use it without wearing gloves due to its rough edges that would definitely cause blisters or splinters. After telling everyone on my allotment site how wonderful the tool is and letting them try it, I won’t be buying another one. Such a shame as the original version was amazing.

Great products and customer service. Good quality and well crafted products.

Bought a 10ft Ladder at RHS wisley event. Impressed with the customer service representative at the show when ordering. The ladder came as scheduled despite some hiccups with the chosen delivery firm that made me initially worried but their excellent customer service staff over the phone put me at ease. Happy so far with the product.

Niwaki make excellent products and they're real people too, rather than some faceless, soul-less company spewing out tat. I know they're real people because whenever I've had any intereactions with them, they have responded in a very human way. You can't say that about many companies these days. Their customer service is great - I emailed them recently and it was the best customer service I'd had in a long time.

Just taken delivery of a selection of essentials from Niwaki. Be warned! They are very sharp, as my usual cloth for wiping off will vouch for with its holes! The Okatsune shears are perfect for all-round work. The Niwaki loppers are fearsome things. Imogen @ Niwaki was very helpful from the start, and even signed me up for notifications for Crean Mate which was sadly out of stock at the time.

Beautiful tools, to be handled with skill and care, but worth every penny.

I bought a Niwaki tripod ladder at the Chelsea flower show and it was delivered the next day. Amazing service and the 6 foot one is perfect for the hedge and guttering. Thank you

Was sent a packet of Nasu ‘Millionaire’ small Japanese aubergine (5 seeds per pack) seeds as a gift.
One seed of the five germinated and it was a green capsicum. Well done Niwaki. On the basis of this I would never buy anything from them and would certainly never recommend them.
PS. I reviewed this one star as a star rating is necessary to write a review.

I would like to highlight the exceptional service provided by this small company. After a delivery problem I contacted them directly and they provided a speedy solution with a real personal touch. On inspecting the secateurs they do appear to be top quality and I would have no hesitation in buying from them myself (this was a gift)

Over the past four years, I’ve been acquiring tools from Niwaki, and I regularly utilise them in my daily work. Not once have I been disappointed by any of the items I possess, and I accumulated quite a collection. Take, for instance, my Tobisho A-type secateurs, it’s remained as sharp as the day I acquired it. While these tools do require regular maintenance, I find the process enjoyable, akin to caring for a cherished possession.

Really poor experience. Secateurs started rusting in multiple spots upon first go around the garden. Friendly people at customer service, but no real solution (replacement / money back) is being offered. Defo not worth the money, which is a pity, because the tools look and feel great.