History
ARS Corporation was founded in 1876 in Sakai, Japan — a city renowned for over 600 years of master bladesmithing and recognized as one of Japan's three great cutlery centers. Founder Torakichi Takigawa began by forging tobacco-cutting knives before turning the family craft to the pruning tools that would define it. In 1951, the company started producing pruning shears with a pioneering spot-welding process — joining blade and handle for a tool far sharper, lighter, and easier to handle than anything pressed from a single billet of steel.
That pursuit of the perfect cut carried through every milestone — from forging Japan's first hard-chrome-plated pruning shears in 1954, to adopting its now-iconic crocodile mark in 1965, to taking the name ARS Corporation in 1992. Now led by Shigetaka Takigawa, the fourth generation of the founding family, ARS still forges the majority of its line in Sakai — true to a single philosophy: to keep challenging, with originality and creativity, in pursuit of the highest cutting quality.
Our Products
Our tools are forged in Japan, and we take pride in manufacturing the sharpest, longest-lasting cutting tools available to the professional horticulture industry. We use only premium high-carbon steel, and replacement blades and parts are readily available to extend the working life of every tool.
This uncompromising approach to materials and edge geometry is why ARS tools hold their cut season after season. We believe a quality blade is an investment in your work — not a disposable item to be replaced each year.
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Forged in Japan
Crafted in Sakai, the heart of Japan's centuries-old bladesmithing tradition.
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Hard-Chromed Blades
Rust-resistant, friction-free, and engineered to hold a precise edge.
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Serviceable Design
Replacement blades and spare parts available for every tool we make.
Global Distribution
ARS tools are sold through authorized dealers across the world's leading growing regions. Our tools serve professional orchardists, vineyard crews, nurseries, and landscapers throughout Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
We do not mass-produce lower-quality tools to compete in the discount arena. Because of this, ARS products are available only through dealers who share our standard for precision and offer the finest merchandise to the discerning professional.
Product lines:
- Pruning Shears
- Pruning Saws
- Loppers
- Telescopic Pruners
- Cordless Pruners
- Hedge Shears
Our Customers
Our reputation for precision and durability in the professional pruning trade is unmatched. From commercial orchards to fine bonsai work, growers worldwide reach for ARS when the cut has to be clean — and our dealer network keeps expert support only one conversation away.
