Celebrating 150 Years
of Japanese Craftsmanship
In 2026, ARS proudly celebrates 150 years of manufacturing excellence, a milestone few brands ever achieve.
The ARS story began in 1876 in Sakai City, Osaka, a region renowned for producing some of Japan's finest blades for centuries. Founded by Torakichi Takigawa, the company originally manufactured tobacco knives, building a reputation for precision craftsmanship and uncompromising quality that continues today.
As horticulture expanded throughout Japan, ARS evolved alongside it. During the 1950s, the company shifted its focus toward pruning tools, introducing innovations that would redefine the industry. ARS developed lightweight pruning shears using spot-welded construction, became the first manufacturer in Japan to apply hard chrome plating to pruning shears, and pioneered precision manufacturing techniques that produced cleaner cuts, longer-lasting edges and more reliable performance.
The Iconic Croc
The iconic crocodile logo, introduced in 1965, quickly became recognised around the world as a symbol of quality. Throughout the decades that followed, ARS continued investing in advanced manufacturing, developing proprietary grinding technology, impulse hardening processes and innovative saw tooth designs that remain benchmarks for professional cutting tools today.
Now, 150 years after its beginnings, ARS remains family-owned and continues to manufacture its world-renowned cutting tools in Japan. From fruit growers and vineyard managers to arborists, landscapers, horticulturalists and passionate gardeners, professionals across the globe rely on ARS for exceptional cutting performance and durability. Today, ARS products are sold throughout Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and many other international markets, earning a reputation as one of the world's premier pruning tool manufacturers.
Here's to 150 years of innovation
At ARS Tools Australia, we're proud to represent a brand whose commitment to craftsmanship has remained unchanged for a century and a half. While manufacturing techniques have evolved dramatically since 1876, the philosophy behind every ARS tool is the same: create the sharpest, most reliable cutting tools possible.
Here's to 150 years of precision and Japanese craftsmanship, and to the next generation of professionals who continue to trust ARS every day.
