A basic yet essential tool in any garden is a quality set of secateurs. There are many to choose from. They are certainly my most often used garden tool and I have been through many over the years. After this experience, and with some additional research, I have established the leading options.
Selecting the wrong pruning secateurs will be frustrating and the results will not be what you need. We simplify the process by explaining how to choose the pair that is perfect for your needs. We will also detail 8 of the best choices and answer a few questions you might have.
Before we get into the details, we rate the Professional Bypass Secateurs – SK5 Japanese Secateurs as the best pruning shears for the average gardener.
Our TOP Picks
The Best Secateurs for Easy Garden Pruning
- Our TOP Picks
The Best Secateurs for Easy Garden PruningProfessional Bypass Secateurs – SK5 Japanese Secateurs
Gonicc 8" Professional Secateurs
WISCOLS Secateurs
TONMA Secateurs
Kimura 8” Pro Garden Secateurs
Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs
BLACK + DECKER 8.5" Bypass Pruner Secateur
The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Anvil Style ShearsDECERK Professional Bypass Secateurs
- Gonicc 8" Professional Secateurs Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
- Wolf-Garten RR4000 Bypass Secateurs
- Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Bypass and Anvil Secateur Set
- Kimura 8” Pro Garden Secateurs
- Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs
- Felco Model 6 Compact Secateurs
- The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Anvil Style Shears
DECERK Professional Bypass Secateurs
Key Features:
- Type: Bypass
- Cut capacity: up to 20mm
- Blade: Japanese SK5 steel, hardened to 60 HRC
- Handles: Anodised aluminium
- Warranty: Lifetime
For sharp, heavy duty bypass secateurs, the DECERK is our top pick. The DECERK Professional secateurs are heavy duty bypass pruners with a Japanese SK5 steel blade. DECERK says the blade stays sharp through 5,000 test cuts, and the lever design reduces the hand force needed for branches up to 20mm. The grip suits either hand. With over 2,300 Amazon ratings at 4.7 out of 5, they are one of the best reviewed secateurs in the UK.
Pros:
- Sharp SK5 steel blade
- Lifetime warranty
- Ambidextrous grip
Cons:
- Not a well-known brand
Gonicc 8″ Professional Secateurs Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
Key Features:
- Blade material -Titanium
- Design – Bypass
- Weight – 185g
The titanium build of the secateurs blades will ensure durability as well as accuracy and performance. Gonicc used Ultra-fine Polishing Technology for a super-sharp blade.
The handles and body are drop forged so also tough. The handles are ergonomically designed so are comfortable to use and will not tire you out. They have a non-slip coating.
An interesting feature is a sap groove. This helps the sap flow off as you work to prevent the shears from clogging up. The blade will arrive with a coating of anti-rust oil.
Depending on the tree you are cutting, these pruners can cut branches with a diameter of 1.9cm.
Pros:
- Extremely sharp
- Tough durable build
- Comfortable to use
- Sap groove
- Affordable
Cons:
- There were some complaints that the spring is not strong enough
- You might need larger pruners on thicker branches
Wolf-Garten RR4000 Bypass Secateurs
Key Features:
- Type: Bypass
- Head: Angled for comfort
- Handles: Two-component ergonomic
- Guarantee: 10 years
For comfortable everyday pruning, the Wolf-Garten RR4000 is hard to beat. The Wolf-Garten RR4000 are bypass secateurs for delicate, precise pruning of live stems. The angled head keeps your wrist in a natural position, and the two-component handles are comfortable in the hand. Wolf-Garten backs them with a 10 year guarantee. They are rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,800 Amazon ratings.
Pros:
- Comfortable angled head
- 10 year guarantee
- Very well reviewed
Cons:
- Not for thick, dead wood
Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Bypass and Anvil Secateur Set
Key Features:
- Set: One bypass and one anvil secateur
- Blades: High carbon steel, PTFE coated
- Cutting width: 2 settings for smaller hands
- Guarantee: 10 years
If you want bypass and anvil secateurs, the Kew Gardens set covers both. The Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens set gives you both types of secateurs in one pack. Bypass secateurs cut like scissors and suit living stems; anvil secateurs crush through thicker, dead wood. Both have two width settings, so they suit smaller hands. The set was developed with the horticultural team at Kew Gardens and has a 10 year guarantee.
Pros:
- Bypass and anvil in one set
- Adjustable for smaller hands
- Developed with Kew Gardens
Cons:
- Two tools to carry
Kimura 8” Pro Garden Secateurs
Key Features
- Blade – Japanese SK5 Steel
- Design – Bypass
- Weight – 230g
Another great Japanese set of secateurs is the Kimura 8” Pro Garden Secateurs, also with SK5 Steel blades. They can do fine work or cut branches up to 1 inch thick.
As you would expect from the blady quality you get a sharp cut with minimal effort. They are heat treated to 60 HRC which toughens them up and they require less frequent sharpening than regular blades.
The blades are also coated with PTFE for added protection and less friction as you cut.
The handles are lightweight and comfortable. They have a PVC coating for extra comfort and this also prevents them from slipping. The build is aluminium and they are built to last and are rust resistant.
The lock is easy to use and reliable.
Kimura also offers a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Pros:
- Impressive SK5 Steel Blades
- PTFE coating
- Durable
- Low friction design
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- A tad more expensive than some other models
Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs
Key Features
- Blade – Carbon Steel
- Design – Bypass
- Weight – 208g
These are a popular option with good ratings and feedback. While they are not ideal for dead wood they will cut most of your plants and shrubs with ease. They are ideal for a diameter of 10mm. Many find them a great option as secateurs for roses.
These elegant shears have vibrant yellow handles so they will be easy to find. The safety catch works well.
They sport quality SK5 carbon steel blades that are sharp and durable. While they are not heavy-duty secateurs they are perfect for most work around the garden and a good choice for the best secateurs for small hands.
The few downsides are that the handles tend to get slippery when wet and they cost a bit more than the average secateurs.
Pros:
- Quality SK5 carbon steel blades
- Elegant design
- Comfortable grip
- Light compact build
Cons:
- Some people found parts hard to come by
- On the expensive side
- Some users might want greater cutting power
- Handles can get a bit slippery
Felco Model 6 Compact Secateurs
Key Features:
- Handles: Compact aluminium alloy
- Blades: Hardened steel
- Features: Sap groove, rubber shock absorbers
- Guarantee: Lifetime, all parts replaceable
For secateurs that will last a lifetime, choose the Felco. The Felco Model 6 is the compact version of Felco’s classic Swiss secateurs, sized for smaller hands. Every part of a Felco can be replaced, so a good pair lasts for decades. The hardened steel blade stays sharp, a sap groove stops the blades sticking, and rubber shock absorbers soften each cut. Felco secateurs are the choice of many professional gardeners.
Pros:
- Built to last decades
- Every part replaceable
- Sized for smaller hands
Cons:
- Expensive
The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Anvil Style Shears
Key features:
- Blade – Manganese steel blade
- Design – Ratchet Anvil Style
- Weight – 220g
If you want to cut larger branches or simply do not have the strength to cut too many medium stems, these should make life easier. The ratchet design means a bit less effort is needed to get the power you need.
These are well-rated and popular ratchet anvil shears and are affordable. Let the design and mechanics do the hard work so you can enjoy the experience without the strain.
They have rugged manganese steel blades that can handle heavy-duty cutting up to 1 inch in diameter. The body is aluminium so is light and will not rust.
Pros:
- Lightweight for ratchet shears
- Good value for money
- Rust resistant
- Easy grip non-slip handles
Cons:
- Can be tricky to open at times
How to Buy the Best Secateurs
When selecting the best professional secateurs for your needs, here are a few pointers. These will help you to make the best investment.
Blade Material
This is critical. You want strength and durability. Quality materials such as Japanese SK5 Steel will last you well and remain sharp for longer than many other options.
Grip
What you want is a comfortable grip and preferably one that is non-slip. Even if you use gloves, some grips can become slippery or uncomfortable after time.
Size
This depends on the user and the type of work you want to do. Larger shears will generally have more cutting power but tend to be heavier and might not suit smaller hands.
If you want to reach higher stems or branches you should look at long reach secateurs or telescopic secateurs.
Weight
Naturally, as you prune or cut plants the weight of the secateurs will be a factor. While the stronger more powerful secateurs tend to be slightly heavier, many great ones are lightweight.
Warranty
Some secateurs come with a lifetime guarantee which shows that the company has faith in the materials and the workmanship. You might pay a bit more but this will give you peace of mind in your investment. Some models, normally the budget options, come with a 1 or 2 year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the process of evaluating the very best secateurs and the best pruning shears, certain questions came up quite often. Let’s take a look at some of the FAQs around the products:
Anvil vs Bypass Secateurs
There are several secateurs’ designs. Each one has unique features and advantages. Let’s take a closer look at what is available. This will guide you to invest in the one that is best suited to your needs.
•Bypass Secateurs
These are the most common. Generally pointed, these are utility secateurs that work well for stems and branches around 10 to 15mm in thickness.
The two blades work much like scissors, only with a bit more power and punch. When kept sharp they give a neat clean cut. They are better for green growth but can be used on slightly larger branches.
•Anvil secateurs
As the name suggests, these are a bit more heavy-duty. Thicker and harder branches are no match for these tough shears. They are effective on dead wood, harder wood as well as thicker wood.
They generally have a single sharp blade.
•Ratchet Secateurs
Here you get the best of the above. They are easy to use and make use of ratchets to increase cutting power. This makes them ideal for tough stems and branches. Once you get used to the cut, release, and repeat action, they are a pleasure to operate, even on tough branches.
What is the Difference Between Pruners and Secateurs?
They are essentially the same thing. In the UK, we tend to say secateurs while in the US and other areas, most people refer to them as pruners. While there are various designs the terms secateurs and pruners can be used interchangeably.
How to Look After Secateurs
The main thing you want to do is keep them clean and sharp. More on those topics are below. Correct storage in a clean dry area is also important.
How to Clean Secateurs
If you want your secateurs to perform well and last you many years you must keep them clean at all times. This is an easy process.
You can use dishwashing liquid in warm water. Soak them for a few minutes and then scrub them with a brush or scouring pad. If they are really dirty, you can use steel wool but do not be too rough.
Use an abrasive pad or cloth to scour the blades if necessary. Again, do not be too aggressive. Rinse them off and open them up. Dry them thoroughly. Ensure that they are dry before you close and store them.
You can use a small amount of oil, vegetable oil, or purpose-designed tool oil to prevent rust and damage. Wipe off any excess oil.
Do I Need to Disinfect my Secateurs?
Viruses and fungi can be transferred to other plants if the secateurs have been used on infected plants. Simply disinfect with a household bleach such as sodium hypochlorite, a 2% solution is all that is needed. Again, ensure they are completely dry before you store them.
Do you get left handed secateurs?
You certainly do but you might have to do a bit of homework to find them. Many of the leading brands offer left handed options but they are a bit harder to find. Many lefties adapt to using them right handed.
How to Sharpen Secateurs
The importance of using sharp secateurs can not be overstated. Even the very best secateurs will perform poorly when blunt. The process is the same as any cutting blade but the design does make it a bit more of a challenge. Some can be dismantled making the process easier.
The secateurs must be clean before you start to sharpen them. See above.
A sharpening stone is the most popular method. There are wet stones, oil stones, and diamond honing stones.
You need to rub the blade on the stone. Most only have a sharp edge on one side. If not, you want to turn regularly to sharpen all sides. Getting the angle correct is important.
You want to achieve the same bevel on both sides of the blade. This video will give you some insight into the entire process.
What Secateurs do Professionals Use?
Budget is not a major concern for the professionals. Many get sponsored and are given endorsements, so their choice is not always the best. Most will go for the best quality they can get, tough, sharp, and effective. Their choice will vary and will also depend on the type of work they need to do. Most gardening pros will have a range of quality secateurs.
What Secateurs Does Monty Don Use?
As the host of Gardeners World, a prolific and successful author on all things gardening, and the man we know from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Monty Don clearly knows a thing or two about the best secateurs. His choice is the Niwaki Tobisho secateurs.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal secateurs for your needs could be a challenge but we have given you the most important things to look out for when making your decision. We also give you an honest lowdown of some of the very best options available.
There are few things more frustrating in the garden than poor secateurs or those that fall apart after a few months. Depending on your needs, you cannot go wrong with any of the above options.
Look for blade quality, durability, a good grip, and comfort. Power is also important if you want to cut larger branches.
If you have any questions or experience with these or other secateurs, we would love to hear from you in the comments below.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
