Best Garden Secateurs for Pruning 2024 | Judges Verdict

For the green-fingered enthusiast, a reliable pair of secateurs is worth its weight in gold. As we look towards the gardening trends of 2024, it is essential to have the right tools at hand to stay ahead of the curve. With the UK's burgeoning interest in home-grown produce and sustainable living, finding the best pair of secateurs has become a crucial task for both novice and seasoned gardeners alike. In this guide, we'll delve into the premier secateurs that promise durability, precision, and comfort, helping you to make an informed decision for your garden maintenance needs through all the seasons.

What are we looking for to find The Best Secateurs?

• When assessing the best options for pruning, several key features must be considered.
• A sharp blade is paramount, as it ensures clean cuts that promote plant health and regrowth.
• Effortless pruning is also a top priority, particularly for those who spend hours attending to their plants.
• Robust secateurs that can withstand both heavy-duty tasks and more delicate light pruning with ease. Anvil blades for thicker branches, Bypass secateurs for lighter pruning. Ratchet secateurs for easier pruning and less painful use.
• A reliable locking mechanism is another crucial aspect, as it ensures user safety and prevents accidental injury.
• Additionally, the cutting width must be suitable for the garden's specific needs, whether for fine trimming or tackling thicker branches.
• Established well-tested secateurs that are proven over time.

How Did I Choose These Options?

My selection process for the best secateurs is rooted in my extensive experience as a horticultural professional. Having worked hands-on in the trade for numerous years, I've learnt that practical testing trumps theoretical knowledge when it comes to gardening tools. I've personally researched these secateurs and reviews to understand their ergonomics, resilience through weather changes, and long-term durability. Moreover, I have engaged in discussions with fellow gardening professionals and enthusiasts, gathering their experiences and feedback. This holistic approach of personal trial and cross-referencing opinions with peers has culminated in a list that reflects both expertise and real-world application. We also looked chose brands with longevity and commitment to quality.

before we start a brief explanation of the types of best secateurs available

In the UK, gardeners have access to various secateurs tailored for various pruning tasks, each with its distinct advantages. The most common types are:

• Bypass Secateurs: These are the most widely used secateurs, ideal for making precise cuts on younger or living thinner stems. Their scissor-like action allows for a cleaner cut essential for the plant's recovery and growth.
• Anvil Secateurs: Featuring a single blade closing onto a flat surface, anvil Secateurs are best suited for cutting through dead wood or thicker stems and branches where a less delicate approach is needed. Like a knife on a chopping board.
• Ratchet Secateurs: Perfect for those who require a little extra help with cutting. Ratchet Pruners multiply the force applied, making them ideal for gardeners with weaker hands or for prolonged pruning tasks.
• Electric or Battery-Powered Secateurs: For an effortless cutting experience, these secateurs offer a powerful solution and are great for larger gardens or professional use, where efficiency and preserving user energy are key. I have not tested a pair of these as yet but will be looking to do so soon.

Gonicc 8" Professional Secateurs Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1002)

"where precision meets durability in every snip."

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Gonicc offers an excellent range of secateurs and is Amazon's no 1 best seller. The 8" Professional Secateurs, is an essential tool for the discerning gardener seeking performance and durability. The GPPS-1002 model boasts an impressive array of features:

• Drop-Forged Construction: The body and handles of these secateurs are drop-forged, ensuring robustness and longevity.
• High Carbon Steel Blade: Crafted with Ultra-fine Polishing Technology, the quality blade is built to make clean and precise cuts.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for deadheading, trimming, and shaping a variety of plants, including trees, roses, annuals, vegetable and flower gardens, as well as bonsai.
• Ergonomic Design: The non-slip handles are not only strong and lightweight but are also designed to be ergonomic, adding comfort to your gardening tasks.
• Sap Groove Design: Equipped with a sap groove to prevent the blades from sticking and to keep them clean, enhancing the tool's efficiency.
• Cutting Diameter: Capable of cutting tree branches up to 3/4" in diameter, though the actual cutting capability may vary depending on the species of the tree.
• Rust Protection: To protect the blade from rust, it is coated with Antirust Oil. It's normal to find some oil on the blade when the product is new.

These features underscore the Gonicc Secateurs as a premium choice for gardeners who are serious about their pruning needs.

FELCO Model 2 Secateurs (Large)

"Experience the Precision of FELCO Model 2 Secateurs: Your Partner in Professional Grade Pruning."

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5 star top rating on AMAZON

• Swiss-Made Precision: Ever since 1945, Felco has been manufacturing classic secateurs with Swiss precision and attention to detail, leading to their global recognition amongst horticulturalists and professional growers. One of the best secateurs on the market.
• Unparalleled Quality Control: Subjected to over 100 quality control processes, Felco's commitment to excellence ensures that each pair of stylish secateurs meets the highest standards before reaching the consumer.
• Legacy Design: The Model Number 2, also known as The Original Felco, is revered for its reliable strength and has become a staple tool for professional pruning work.
• Highly Recommended: Endorsed by professional gardeners worldwide, the Felco Model Number 2 secateurs are recommended for their superior performance and durability.
• Premium Materials and Build: Constructed with solid forged metal alloy handles, a hardened replaceable cutting blade, and an anvil blade equipped with a sap groove for optimal efficiency.
• Precision Cutting and Adjustment: Features a hardened steel centre bolt and nut for precise adjustment of both the cutting and anvil blades, ensuring clean and exact cuts.
• Comfort and Shock Absorption: Designed with a rubber cushion and shock absorber, these secateurs guarantee a smooth operation and soft closure, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.
• Replaceable Parts: Reliable durability with its comfortable, light, and sturdy forged aluminium handles, high-quality hardened steel blade, and riveted anvil blade—all parts are replaceable, prolonging the tool's lifespan.
• Efficiency-Enhancing Features: Easy cutting adjustment, wire cutting notch, and a useful sap groove all contribute to a smooth and efficient pruning experience.
• Ergonomic Design: The secateurs ensure hand protection with their cushion-shock absorber and are fitted with a non-slip coating for a secure grip during use.

Kimura® 8" Pro Bypass Garden Secateurs, Heavy Duty Premium SK5 Japanese Steel Blades

"Slice with Precision, Crafted to Last with Premium Japanese SK5 Steel."

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• Versatile Utility: The Kimura® 8" Pro Bypass are adept at pruning an array of plant life. With the cutting capacity to cut through stems as thick as 25mm, they are perfect for maintaining plants, branches, hedges, and flowers of nearly any size.
• Sharpness and Precision: Forged in Japan, the SK5 steel blades are extraordinarily sharp and heat-treated to a hardness of 60 HRC, promising unparalleled longevity of edge retention and reducing the frequency of sharpening.
• Ergonomic Comfort: Designed with the user in mind, these secateurs feature lightweight aluminium handles coated with non-slip PVC, enhancing comfort and manoeuvrability—particularly valuable for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Built to Last: Combining a tough aluminium structure with anti-rust elements and sturdy riveted handles, these secateurs are crafted to endure over time, embodying quality.
• Low-Friction Operation: The PTFE-coated blades afford a seamless pruning experience, mitigating sap accumulation and preventing blade rust, ensuring smooth cuts with minimal maintenance.
• Safety Assured: A user-friendly safety lock is incorporated, which can be swiftly operated with a light squeeze to unlock and a simple thumb action to lock, offering a secure, reliable pruning tool.
• Convenience for All: These secateurs are thoughtfully designed to accommodate both right and left-handed users, delivering a snug, efficient grip that caters to all garden enthusiasts.
• Confidence in Quality: With the inclusion of a lifetime warranty, your investment is protected, underscoring the manufacturer's trust in the enduring quality of Kimura® secateurs. Should any dissatisfaction arise, a responsive support team is committed to resolving your concerns.

Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

"Experience precision with every cut – where tradition meets unrivalled sharpness."

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• Superior Steel Quality: The Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs are expertly crafted with Izumo Yasugi steel, renowned for its long-lasting sharpness and robustness, ensuring your pruning is always precise. Stored properly they will last a lifetime.
• Unmatched Sharpness: With a blade hardness of 60-61 HRD, these secateurs maintain an exceptional edge, reducing the need for frequent sharpening and making clean cuts through wood effortlessly.
• Efficient Design: The simple yet effective design of the Okatsune 103 highlights its pure functionality, providing gardeners with a tool that's both remarkably robust and deceptively lightweight at just 202 grams.
• User Comfort: The inclusion of a V-shaped spring distributes the cutting load evenly, creating a smooth closing action that, together with the secure locking system operable with one hand, makes pruning tasks more comfortable and safer.
• Optimized Blade Geometry: A dual-angled blade ensures not just a sharp cut but also safeguards the plant from unnecessary harm, while the hollow ground blade prevents sap stickiness and keeps the blades from jamming.
• Accessory Ready: Pair your Okatsune 103 Secateurs with the optional leather holster, complete with a convenient belt loop, to protect your tool and keep it within arm's reach as you move through your garden.
• Professional Pruning: At 200 mm in length with a maximum cutting width of 25 mm and a 55 mm cutting blade length, these secateurs are designed for both general-purpose garden maintenance and professional-grade use.

GRÜNTEK Falke Secateurs, , Bypass, 48mm SK5 blades.

"Precision Meets Durability for Enduring Garden Mastery."

• Grûnket is a German company that has been producing quality Garden tools since 2005 in a unique style.
• Bypass Cutting Technique: GRÜNTEK's Secateurs feature a bypass cutting system that’s ideal for live plants and green wood, promoting clean and precise cuts, making them a go-to choice for gardeners focused on the health of their plants.
• SK5 Carbon Steel Blade: The secateurs come equipped with a razor-sharp, 48 mm SK5 carbon steel blade that can effortlessly slice through branches up to 20 mm in diameter, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. Cutting width 20mm.
• Teflon Coating: The upper blade is Teflon-coated to minimize friction and prevent sap and debris build-up, which allows for smooth cutting and easy cleaning, safeguarding the blade against rust and corrosion.
• Ergonomically Shaped Handles: Designed with ergonomics in mind, these secateurs feature high-quality, two-component handles made from lightweight aluminium and coated with PVC for a comfortable, non-slip grip, significantly reducing hand strain even during extended periods of use.
• Robust Construction: The lower blade is crafted from high-strength carbon steel and chrome-plated to combine robustness with finesse, making the GRÜNTEK Pruning Shears reliable for both casual and intensive pruning tasks.
• Designed for Comfort: The thoughtful design of the secateurs aims to decrease user fatigue, with a shape that naturally fits the hand, ensuring gardeners can work longer without discomfort.

Spear & Jackson 6758GS Razorsharp Geared Anvil Secateurs

"Experience effortless pruning with Spear & Jackson 6758GS Razorsharp Geared Anvil Secateurs – where precision meets durability."

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• Spear and Jackson have been producing garden tools since 1760, so they must be doing something good to last this long.
• Geared Action: The 6758GS features a geared action, significantly reducing the effort required for cutting through thicker or dead branches.
• PTFE Coated SK5 Steel Blade: Ensuring smooth cuts, the blade is crafted from SK5 steel and given a PTFE coating, enhancing its sharpness and providing resistance against rust.
• Designed for Tough Tasks: With an anvil cutting action, these secateurs are particularly suited for handling tougher, woody material that would challenge other pruners.
• Lightweight Aluminium Body: The construction of the secateurs integrates cast aluminium, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy tool that can be managed with ease throughout extended gardening sessions.
• Comfortable Ergonomic Grip: An ergonomic design paired with a comfortable grip means these secateurs are a joy to use, minimizing hand strain and fatigue.
• Ambidextrous Locking Catch: Catering to both left and right-handed users, the locking catch is designed for ambidextrous use, enhancing safety and convenience.
• Razorsharp Range: As part of Spear & Jackson's Razorsharp Garden Cutting range, these secateurs promise the high performance and quality that the entire line is renowned for, meeting the demands of both professional and hobbyist gardeners.
• Quality Assurance: Spear & Jackson products are backed by rigorous quality inspection and testing, providing assurance against manufacturing defects and ensuring customer satisfaction with a commitment to address any issue through our customer services.

WOLF-Garten RSEN Anvil Secateurs

"Experience Precision Cutting with WOLF-Garten RSEN Anvil Secateurs - Tough on Branches, Gentle on Hands."

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If you have not heard of Wolf-Garten it a widely recognized across Germany, with over 85% of the population familiar with the brand, WOLF-Garten has become synonymous with enjoyment and the love for gardening across many European countries.

• They may not look like conventional secateurs but do not be put off as they are equally effective and well-priced.
• Made in Germany since 1922.
• 1.9 cm Cutting Diameter: Built to tackle tough, woody pruning tasks with a generous cutting diameter of 19mm, these secateurs are engineered for strength and precision.
• Suitable for Left and Right-Handed Use: Designed with versatility in mind, these secateurs accommodate both left and right-handed gardeners, ensuring comfort and efficiency for all users.
• Ideal for Tough Woody Pruning: With robust construction, these are the go-to tools for handling challenging pruning jobs, seamlessly slicing through woody stems.
• Coated Blades for Non-Stick Pruning and Easy Cleaning: The blades are treated with a special coating, ensuring a non-stick pruning experience and swift, simple cleaning.
• Soft and Effortless Cut Without Jarring: Even on smaller cutting work, these secateurs provide a soft cut that’s free from jarring, maintaining the health of your plants and your hands which is a big plus.
• 10-Yeartools Guarantee: Confidence in the quality and durability is backed by an impressive 10-year guarantee, a testament to WOLF-Garten's commitment to superior garden tools.

Darlac DP744 Super Classic Ratchet Garden Anvil Secateurs

Your trusty companion for effortless, pain-free pruning all season long!"

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Darlac DP744 Super Classic Ratchet Garden Anvil Secateurs

"Darlac DP744 Super Classic Ratchet Garden Secateurs - Your trusty companion for effortless, pain-free pruning all season long!"

• Established in 1963, Darlac Tool Company is a UK company that has carved a niche for delivering quality, service, and value. We like Darlac as the company owes much of its innovative product range to suggestions made by consumers at nationwide garden shows. Today, Darlac boasts one of the most extensive collections of cutting tools, hand tools, and watering equipment for gardeners, all underpinned by a strong commitment to quality.
• Suitable for all gardeners but are especially beneficial for individuals who need that extra help and cut through those thick branches without the strain and pain
• Operating these rachet secateurs is a breeze. To unlock the safety catch, squeeze the handles together. When you're ready to close them, squeeze the handles together again and locate the locking button to secure them in place.
• High-quality carbon steel blades that boast a sharp blade and, knife-like edge. The blade is coated with Teflon, which reduces friction and provides exceptional rust resistance.
• Cutting diameter of around 25mm is excellent for most pruning tasks.

• Spear and Jackson have been producing garden tools since 1760, so they must be doing something good to last this long.
• These pruners are designed for people with small and medium-sized hands.
• Comfortable to use. The ratchet system makes pruning easy and only requires four simple steps to make a pruning cut through thick branches and gives 110% mechanical advantage when cutting thicker branches or larger branches.
• Suited to dead or thicker woody stems, easily copes with 20mm cutting diameter
• high-carbon steel blades, ensuring it will stay sharp for a long time. It is also coated with PTFE for smoother cutting and resistance to rust. Despite being lightweight, the pruners have a strong cast aluminium body.
• "Great British Growing Award "for their outstanding performance in 2022
• Lightweight cast aluminium body with a metal locking catch, loop handle and non-slip grip for safer use

GRÜNTEK Secateurs Condor 200 mm Anvil Ratchet Secateurs

"Experience Power and Precision in Your Hands for Effortless Pruning!"

• Grunket is a German company that has been producing quality Garden tools since 2005. They say they pride themselves on the ease of use which they have and a modern look which in some ways they are, though I will let you decide on that.
• Automatic ratchet mechanism that makes cutting harder, thicker, and drier materials much easier with less effort.
• 25mm cutting diameter is sufficient for pruning your roses for example.
• These secateurs are designed to be used comfortably with both left and right hands, ensuring a comfortable hand position regardless of your preference.
• Sharp SK5 steel blades with sturdy aluminium handles with PVC coating for hand protection, these secateurs offer a long lifetime and safe use during gardening.
• As a bonus, the secateurs come with an oil sponge and a sharpener, allowing you to easily maintain and keep the blades sharp, promoting sustainability and prolonging the lifespan of the tool.

Draper 34478 Pattern Ratchet Action Anvil Secateurs

"Experience the Power and precision in your hands for effortless pruning at a cost-effective price."

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• Draper is a well-known quality English first established in 1919. This inexpensive pair of ratchet secateurs will do the job and if looked after will give you enough years to give you value for money. They are lightweight, easy to use and clean. The handles are comfortable to use and like all ratchet secateurs are great for arthritic hands.
• You get what you pay for and you do with a pair of this pair of Draper secateurs and a bit more. If you are on a budget then you are getting good value for your money.
• Sharp High tempered carbon steel blades making good clean cuts with a 20mm cutting diameter.

Spear & Jackson 6258KEW Kew Gardens Compact Ratchet Anvil Secateurs - Silver

"Compact, efficient, and reliable, your perfect partner for effortless and pain-free Autumn pruning!"

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Spear & Jackson 6258KEW Kew Gardens Compact Ratchet Anvil Secateurs - Silver

"Embrace the Spear & Jackson 6258KEW: Compact, efficient, and reliable, your perfect partner for effortless and pain-free Autumn pruning!"

• Ideal for small and medium-sized hands - Compact and designed with the comfort of your hands in mind. No more struggling with oversized gardening tools, these are perfectly sized for easy use.
• Ratchet action for easy pruning - With just four simple steps, you can easily prune your plants and bushes to perfection. The ratchet system makes it effortless, so you can spend more time enjoying your garden.
• High carbon steel blade - Say goodbye to constantly sharpening your blades! Our high-quality blade is made from durable carbon steel that stays sharp cut after cut. Say hello to effortless gardening.
• PTFE coated non-stick coating for smoother cutting - Tired of blades getting stuck? The PTFE coating reduces friction, making each cut smooth and clean. Less effort, less frustration, and a job well done every time.
• Lightweight yet strong - The cast aluminium body may be lightweight, but it's also incredibly strong. No need to sacrifice durability for convenience. Get the best of both worlds with Spear & Jackson 6258KEW Kew Gardens Compact Ratchet Anvil Secateurs.
• Award-winning quality - Trust the experts in gardening tools since 1760! These secateurs were awarded the Grow Your Own 2022 Great British Growing Award. That's quality you can count on year after year.

SPEAR & JACKSON Kew Gardens Set 3K, Bypass and Anvil Secateurs.

"Experience precision with every cut – Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens set of Secateurs, where innovation meets tradition."

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• Spear and Jackson have been producing gardening equipment since 1760 and continue to produce quality tools
• Set of anvil and bypass secateurs from their KEW range of tools. Whether you are snipping delicate stems or tackling tougher branches, this set includes both bypass and anvil blades to suit various gardening tasks.
• Ergonomically designed handles - Ensuring maximum comfort, the Spear & Jackson Set 3K secateurs feature ergonomically designed handles that sit comfortably in the hand, reducing strain during extended use.
• SK5 carbon steel construction - The blades are constructed from high-quality SK5 carbon steel, making them hard-wearing and providing long-lasting sharpness for more efficient cutting.
• Safety locking catch - To provide peace of mind, these secateurs come equipped with a safety locking catch, ensuring the blades remain closed when not in use, and reducing the risk of accidents.
• Grow your own with confidence - Developed in conjunction with Kew's horticultural team, these tools stand up to the rigorous quality and performance standards that the prestigious gardens are known for worldwide.
• 10-year guarantee - Spear & Jackson are so confident in the quality and durability of the Set 3K that they offer a 10-year guarantee, a testament to the long-term reliability of these gardening assets.

Judges Verdict

In summing up the reviews for the best garden secateurs for pruning in 2024, it's clear that the right pair of secateurs can transform the pruning experience from a chore into a pleasure. Across all products reviewed, we've seen how advancements in blade technology, handle design, and safety features contribute to more efficient and comfortable gardening. From the novice gardener to the experienced horticulturist, there is an option suited for every need and hand. As we tend to our beloved plants, these tools not only aid in maintaining the health of our gardens but also enrich our interaction with the natural world. Whichever model you choose, ensure it aligns with your gardening style and needs, for a well-tended garden is a source of immeasurable joy.

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