What are the essential bare minimum tools necessary to start beekeeping?
There are only two essential beekeeping tools. The first, and most indispensable, is the smoker. The smoker should provide dense white smoke when used. There are many styles of smoker and many types of smoker fuel. They all can work. As a new beekeeper, the most important things to consider are finding a smoker fuel that you can easily light and refill that also does not irritate you. As a beekeeper, you will often need to be in a position where you will be sticking your face into and breathing this smoke. Do yourself a favor and spend some time to find a smoker fuel whose smoke you like or at least can tolerate. As well, keep a long grill lighter with you to light your smoker.
The other essential tool is the hive tool. The hive tool is used for prying and scraping. It should be kept sharp. You would be surprised at how hard it can be to lift boxes or frames that have been glued together with honeycomb and propolis. Your hive tool will help you slice through the sticky and pry apart the stuck. Like smokers, there are numerous styles, but the most important thing is getting used to using it.
Next down on the rung of beekeeping tools are the frame grabber, pocket knife, and bee brush. I use a frame grabber most of the time, because it helps keep my fingers from getting sore.