I dont actually cut through the needles, it can be done to produce new needle growth but overall with JBP plucking the needles at the corrent time is better then cutting through them. I dont know how it would affect the tree over there. but like i said if you can get your hands on the bonsai Boon dvd's they are well worth it!
JWP and other 5 needle pines are different set of techniques, so dont use the JBP techniques on other 5 needle pine. generally 2 needle or 3 needle pine should be fine with the JBP techniques. best thing to do though if you are unsure is to ask, forums are great for this sort of thing as everyone learns something, if you are still unsure about everything and you are a member of a club take a tree down to the next meeting and have a chat with someone who is experienced in JBP. watch what they do and even write notes, that way you will have some info written down that you understand.
Jamie
