Okatsune secateurs were once described as ‘Life-Changing’ by Bunny Guinness at The Telegraph and we couldn’t agree more. They are available in different versions and are the only secateurs we think truly compare to Felco’s quality and cutting performance. Okatsune models include model 101, model 104, model 108 and model 109, but it is the Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs that really caught our attention. Leading pruning specialist Jake Hobson learnt the craft of tree training, pruning and rootballing in rural Osaka, and founded Niwaki (it means “garden tree”) to bring Japanese techniques to Western gardens. “A good pair of secateurs is the single most important bit of kit for any gardener,” he explains. His range of secateurs doesn’t disappoint. The bypass designs have a simple, chunky catch at the bottom, just like the Okatsune. An impressive 26mm cutting capacity means roses, shrubs and small branches can be pruned with ease. Shopping for pruners can get overwhelming, but really all you need are clippers that cut cleanly without hurting your hands. We really like the lifetime warranty on this product because it means total peace of mind and, even so, parts are readily replaceable if necessary which is more than you can say for most other models. You definitely want a tool that won’t cause hand blisters and ligament strain, and this one is ergonomically designed to use comfortably all day long making it perfect for professionals who really do need nothing but the best tools.

The ratchet system makes pruning branches much easier and they make pruning branches possible for gardeners who thought they would no longer be able to prune branches and have previously struggled with regular secateurs. And what’s more, being of such high quality steel you will be impressed at just how long you can go before the need to sharpen. With its ingenious rotating handle the P961 takes up to 3x less effort when pruning. This is due to the load being spread across all joints. According to Telegraph gardening expert Helen Yemm, secateurs usually jam because of a build-up of dried sap and general garden grot on the blades. A good clean, followed by a wipe with an oily rag, sorts the problem out. Presumably you have tried that.

The cutting performance is excellent and it always gives a nice clean, straight cut. The blades are made to last and can handle being sharpened dozens of times. Spare parts that are worn outare widely available and theparts are veryeasy to change and replace if needed. This is one of the main advantages they have over other models because many do not have changeable parts. You will also benefit from precise cutting no matter the plants or foliage you’ll be trimming. The SK5 carbon steel blades are sure to offer long-term service without losing their cutting edge, whilst the finger protection guard will ensure there are no accidental injuries. If you are a gardener by trade or wanting to invest in the ‘best secateurs’, then these Felco model 2are what you’re looking for. They also come with a lifetime guarantee, that no other company comes close to. A question asked frequently is what is the difference between anvil and bypass secateurs. The difference between these garden tools, bypass pruners and anvil versions is as follows. Many people literally have secateurs for a whole lifetime. If you buy a decent pair then there is no reason you won’t have yours to pass on to future generations.

Consider the catches that hold the handles together when not in use, it may not seem like an essential feature but some get in the way when pruning and slip open which can be frustrating. This problem is usually associated with cheaper models that have not been well thought out or use inferior parts where the screws become loose. Buy spare springs and consider models with concealed springs The most important part of any bypass secateurs is the blade. Precise cutting, sharp blades will cut cleanly through stems and branches which reduces the chance of disease and infection spreading into the the pruned cut. Less effort will also be needed as a super sharp blade should the like cutting through cucumber on a chopping board. Felco secateurs are probably the best secateurs money can buy, and the Felco Model 2 is, without doubt, the most popular secateurs used by professional gardeners and the trade. According to gardening writer Anna Pavord, he approaches the subject “with the eye of an artist”, and as a result, his loppers – in particular these limited edition S-Type secateurs – are a work of art in themselves. The only reason the Okatsune pruners pipped them to the post here is because of the price: but really, I’d highly recommend both – it just comes down to aesthetics. This can also vary more than you expect, a pair of secateurs can weigh anywhere from under 100g up to 400g. A lighter weight is ideal for continued use and fine pruning, but heavier models can feel more robust. Replaceable blades and springsThese secateurs are of the optimum quality, crafted with top quality metal and are made from just two pieces of steel which makes them incredibly strong. Cuts are super clean and finished with a satisfying snip, that being said, we don’t think they have quite as much grip as the Felco models, however, other people might think differently. What makes this pair of secateurs exceptional are the cutting blades. Made from the finest Japanese steel (the same as used to make Samurai swords) they are sharp, incredibly sharp and being crafted from the finest steel, stay sharp!

Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges) Topiary expert Lerigo devoutly describes his chosen make of Japanese secateurs, Okatsune, as a bit of kit that Marie Kondo would approve of: simple, effective, and capable of sparking joy, time and time again. The Hitachi Yasugi high carbon steel of these Okatsune secateurs stands out, producing a clean, precise, efficient cut. Apparently, they’re made with “Izumo” iron sand, which was used in the manufacturing of ancient Japanese swords.Felco secateurs are regarded as the ‘finest in the world’. They really are the cream of the crop when it comes to secateurs. They may look like cheaper pruners, but that is because many cheap brands have copied the design but none have come close to the quality. Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused Sharpen with a whetstone. Leave the whetstone in water for about five minutes until soaked through, then gently rub a blade against it to sharpen. What do I do if the blades of my secateurs jam and the stems get caught between them? However, topiary expert Lerigo says he found the latch used to open them involved too much fumbling around on ladders for his liking, a situation not helped by cold, numb or gloved hands. As much as I wanted to love them, and despite the superior, precise blade, Lerigo was right: the catch mechanism used to open and close them is fiddly compared with its smoother competitors, and nigh impossible with gardening gloves on or one-handed, up a ladder, because the clasp requires a thumb to be operated. I also found that my own hands were slightly too small for them.