Best Secateurs (Top 10): Cutting-Edge Tools for Your Garden

Are you ready to cut through the nonsense and find the best tools for your garden?

Well, you’re in the right place! Our guide to the best secateurs for 2023 is more than just the ‘cutting’ edge – it’s the sharp, precise tool you need to transform your gardening game.

From durability to ease of use and precision pruning, we’ve pruned the excess and left only the top-tier choices. So, let’s not beat around the bush. Ready to leaf through the best secateurs on the market?”

Best Secateurs: By Category

How To Choose The Best Secateurs For You?

Choosing the best secateurs for your gardening needs is vital for efficiency, comfort, and durability. Here are some factors to consider, and options based on the information provided:

Type of Secateurs

Bypass Secateurs

These are akin to scissors, with two blades that pass by each other to make the cut. They’re ideal for precision pruning, offering a clean cut that helps to maintain plant health. They are often recommended for green, living stems as they provide a clean, precise cut that helps the plant heal quickly.

Anvil Secateurs

These have a single blade that closes onto a flat surface, the ‘anvil’. They are designed to handle thicker, woodier stems, where precision is less of an issue. While these tools can handle tougher jobs, they can also crush stems if the blade is not sharp enough. The Felco 2 Classic Pruning Shears are recommended for tasks requiring more power, such as pruning dead wood.

Ratchet Secateurs

These use a mechanism that makes the cutting in stages rather than in one go, making it easier on the hand and allowing the tool to cut through thicker larger branches than it otherwise could. This type is suitable for those with arthritis or weaker hands.

Comfort and Handling

Comfort is important, especially if you’ll be using the secateurs for prolonged periods. Factors influencing comfort include the design of the handles, the weight of the secateurs, and the fit in your hand. Some secateurs come with rotating handles to reduce strain, while others have shock absorbers to minimize impact. Alan Titchmarsh suggests considering buffer handles and cork handles for added comfort.

For elderly or disabled council tenants, it might be a better idea to contact your local council to see if they can provide garden maintenance.

Cutting Ability and Blade Quality

The sharpness of the blade will influence how clean a cut the secateurs can make. A cleaner cut is not only easier but also better for the plant. Look for quality steel blades that will maintain their edge for longer. Replaceable cutting blades can also be an advantage, as you can simply swap it out once it gets dull.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and continued performance of your secateurs, regular maintenance is essential. This may include cleaning the blades after use, regularly sharpening them to maintain a good cutting edge, and oiling the mechanism to keep it working smoothly.

Additional Features

Consider features like adjustable jaw widths for different hand sizes, left-handed options, replaceable parts, and safety locks. Some models come with sap grooves to reduce blade sticking, wire cutters for small wires, and oil sponges for self-lubrication

Durability

How robust and well-built are the secateurs? This is an important factor if you’ll be using them regularly or for heavier tasks. You want a good pair that can withstand the rigors of garden work without falling apart. Secateurs made from high-quality materials, like hardened steel, tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Spare Parts

Are spare parts available for the secateurs you’re considering? This can be an important consideration if you want a tool that will last for many years. Being able to replace parts like springs and blades can greatly extend the lifespan of your secateurs. Brands like Felco are known for their availability of replacement parts.

Size and Weight

Consider the size and weight of the secateurs. Smaller, lighter models might be suitable for people with smaller hands or less strength. Larger, heavier models might offer more power, but they could also be more tiring to use.

Warranty

Check what kind of warranty the secateurs come with. A good warranty can offer peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong with the tool, you’ll be covered. Warranty on secateurs are usually very high so ensure you check the length for piece of mind.

Once you’ve evaluated these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose a pair of secateurs that will serve your gardening needs well for many years to come.

Best Secateurs (Top 10)

1. FELCO Model 2 Secateurs (Large)

The FELCO Model 2 Secateurs are truly a high-quality, professional-grade choice for those serious about their gardening or horticultural pursuits. Designed with Swiss precision and attention to detail, the secateurs embody the meticulous manufacturing ethos that FELCO has been known for since 1945. Each unit is subject to over 100 quality control processes, which is evident in the solid build and efficiency of these secateurs.

A significant feature of the FELCO Model 2 is its high-quality hardened steel blades. They offer a clean and precise cut every time, a testament to FELCO’s dedication to producing fine tools. The addition of a sap groove on the anvil blade is thoughtful, reducing stickiness and making the secateurs easier to clean after pruning sappy plants.

2. Spear & Jackson 6060BS Razorsharp Advantage Large Bypass Secateurs

The Spear & Jackson 6060BS Razorsharp Advantage Large Bypass Secateurs have been thoughtfully designed and crafted with larger hands in mind, providing an optimal grip and handling experience that feels comfortable even after hours of use.

The handles are larger than standard and are contoured ergonomically for added comfort. The bi-material non-slip grips offer a firm grasp, enhancing control while reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. The ambidextrous locking catch is a considerate design feature that allows both left and right-handed individuals to use the tool without any difficulty. We consider this the best bypass secateurs on the UK market.

3. WOLF-Garten RS4000 Anvil Secateurs

WOLF-Garten has been synonymous with reliable gardening tools for many years and their RS4000 Anvil Secateurs are no exception. The brand is known for consistently aiming to make garden work easier and more enjoyable through innovative products. The RS4000 secateurs prove that they have lived up to this promise, and are sure to be a valuable addition to any gardening tool collection.

One of the standout features of the RS4000 Anvil Secateurs is their alloy steel blade. This material is known for its durability and sharpness, ensuring clean, smooth cuts every time. Ideal for tackling tougher, woodier stems, the secateurs cut softly and effortlessly, without any jarring, making your pruning tasks a breeze.

4. GRÜNTEK Secateurs, Professional Garden Pruning Shears Falke

The GRÜNTEK Secateurs are a high-quality pruning tool that delivers on its promise of power, precision, and comfort. As a gardening enthusiast, I found these secateurs to be incredibly efficient and comfortable to use.

It also protects the blade from rust, increasing its lifespan. I was able to work for extended periods without having to worry about the blade’s condition. The ergonomic design of the Falke secateurs deserves special mention. The two-component handles, made from aluminium with a PVC coating, provide a comfortable grip

5. Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs are a stellar blend of Japanese craftsmanship and functional design. Crafted from finest Izumo Yasugi steel, the razor-sharp blades, with a hardness of 60-61 Rockwell C-scale, provide long-lasting sharpness for clean and precise cuts.

Their unique flexibility ensures perfect alignment with the counter blade, even after rigorous use. The blade is specially ground in two angles for smooth cutting, minimizing plant damage, and a unique hollow design to prevent sap stickiness. Lightweight at just 202 grams and featuring a simple, robust design, these secateurs exemplify the essence of traditional Japanese pruners.

The one-hand operated locking system and the optional leather holster add to the user convenience, making Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs an excellent choice for both professional and home gardeners and a contender for best bypass secateurs.

6. Gardena Garden Secateurs

The Gardena 08905-20 B/S-Xl Garden Secateurs are versatile, ergonomic, and well-made. As an all-around tool, it comfortably handles tasks from cutting delicate flowers to trimming thick larger branches up to 24mm in diameter.

The bypass blade ensures clean, precise cuts that are gentle on the plants, which is essential for maintaining plant health. Manufactured in Germany by a trusted brand and backed by a 25-year warranty, this tool is built to last. The Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S XL is an excellent addition to any gardener’s toolkit.

7. Gonicc 8″ Professional Secateurs Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears

The Gonicc 8″ Professional Secateurs Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1003) are a truly standout tool for any gardening enthusiast. The titanium steel blades, enhanced by Ultra-fine Polishing Technology, deliver sharp, clean cuts.

The premium materials and thoughtful design definitely make this pruner a valuable addition to any garden tool kit. On the downside, the blades may require frequent oiling to prevent rust, which might not appeal to all users.

8. Kynup Secateurs Pruning Scissors

The Kynup Secateurs Pruning Scissors are a must-have for any gardener. Equipped with ultra-sharp, rust-resistant SK-5 steel blades, these shears provide a clean, effortless cut through larger and smaller branches of up to 1 inch in diameter, making pruning an easy task.

9. Colibri Pruner Flower Secateurs

The Colibri Pruner Flower Secateurs by GRÜNTEK are a lightweight, sturdy and precise tool for everyday gardening. Weighing just 6.1 ounces, they are easy to handle, reducing fatigue during extended use.

The rustproof stainless steel blades stay sharp and can cut plant material up to 7mm thick. An ergonomic design, featuring Soft-Touch plastic handles, ensures comfortable and non-slip use. Additionally, a one-hand safety closure enhances the safety of these secateurs.

10. Bosch Cordless secateurs EasyPrune

The Bosch EasyPrune Cordless Secateurs revolutionize garden maintenance with their innovative power-assisted cutting feature. Capable of cutting branches up to 25mm, they tackle both thin and thicker branches with ease, promoting healthier pruning.

The 3.6V battery offers impressive cordless mobility, allowing up to 450 cuts per charge, significantly boosting productivity. They are slightly heavier than some other models, but the weight is justified by the sheer power and functionality they provide.

The 3.5-hour charge time is quite reasonable for a tool offering this level of power. These secateurs exemplify Bosch’s commitment to combining comfort, mobility, and power in garden tools.