There are three tools that are essential to even beginning the process of shaping a tree for bonsai.

SHEARS: you need a pair of scissors, which will allow you to do the fine work of trimming in a small space. These scissors should be sharp and you should only use them for bonsai work. You may want to try a small set of pruning shears to start with. Eventually, you will want a pair of shears made especially for bonsai work.

CONCAVE CUTTERS: this is probably the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. Concave cutters allow you to cut branches off of the tree and leave behind a concave wound. The wound will heal much faster than a straight cut, and will callous over in such a way as to make it very difficult to tell a cut has been made at all. These cutters are an essential part of your collection.

WIRE CUTTERS: while you will not need them immediately, I suggest purchasing a pair of bonsai wire cutters. If you put wire on, you will eventually have to take it off. These wire cutters allow you to cut the wire right up to the tree's bark, without harming the tree.

WIRE: you will want to get several different thickness of annealed copper wire. It is very flexible until it is bent, then it sets and holds its position. You will use it to position and train branches. Aluminium wire can also be used, which is easier to bend.

KNOB CUTTERS: these are very similar to the concave cutters listed above, except that have a spherical head, which allows you to cut branches and leave a small hollowed out scar. Very useful, but not as important as a good set of concave cutters.

FOLDING SAW: this is a useful tool for cutting through branches larger than the diameter of either concave or knob cutters. Particularly important for working with big trees.