Reddit reviews CUTPASTER Bonsai Cut Paste/Bonsai Pruning Compound 160g (GLAY)

I actually recommend the clay-type paste for larger cuts.

This stuff is useful too, but I use it for smaller cuts when I really want to prevent die back, and occasionally to seal over wire damage if I think a branch is at risk. Other than that, I use the clay paste for most everything else.

I used to use this a lot more, but I've found that for many applications, you want to be able to remove it after awhile, and the clay type makes that much easier.

A cheaper alternative to the clay type is duct seal, which you can get at Home Depot and online. i've not tried it yet, but lots of people swear it's the functional equivalent of the clay type paste.

This is a good start, and should keep you busy for a while. The main things I would add are long tweezers:
http://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Tweezer-and-Blade-Tool/dp/B000O560FK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368835403&sr=8-1&keywords=bonsai+tweezers

I use mine all the time. The other thing you'll need is cut paste. These are the two kinds I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Roth-6044-Bonsai-Paste/dp/B000X36W7O/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1368835488&sr=1-3&keywords=bonsai+cut+paste

http://www.amazon.com/Joebonsai-Bonsai-Pruning-Compound-Kiyonal/dp/B000NJFLHA/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1368835488&sr=1-1&keywords=bonsai+cut+paste

I use both kinds regularly, and wouldn't start a project without having both handy.

These and what you've already listed makes up most of my kit. FYI - 3.0mm wire and 3.5mm wire can be pretty useful too. If you're on a limited budget, maybe swap out the 1.0mm for 3.0 and call it a day.

A root hook is useful too, but if you're getting a tree that's already potted, you can get away without one for awhile.

Here's a free item to add to your kit - a long wooden chopstick. Super-useful for potting, helps tamp down soil into hard to reach places.

Also, if you're not planning on doing major pruning, you can easily get by with just concave cutters and some nice shears. Knob cutters are amazing, but unless you're cutting back major branches, they can be an expensive "nice shiny tool" in your toolbox.

A note on tools. You absolutely get what you pay for. I've had a set of imported japanese tools for close to 20 years that was pretty expensive at the time, but they still work almost like new. Cheaper tools generally won't last nearly that long.

EDIT: Oh yeah, you'll need a wire cutter.

Anyone have a suggestion for cut paste? Like a good price for the amount you get. The only real option I can find myself is this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000X36W7O/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

Not sure if it has good value for what you pay. Thanks in advance

I think it would depend on the ingredients of the particular brand. Bonsai cut paste isn't all that expensive though.

https://www.amazon.com/CUTPASTER-Bonsai-Paste-Pruning-Compound/dp/B000X36W7O/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=bonsai+paste&qid=1554661770&s=gateway&sr=8-4