Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Product Information

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) The Model 2 secateurs are solid pruning shears. The razor sharp, strengthened carbon steel blades give a crisp, effortless, clean cut through stems, roses, shrubbery and light branches. It’s all in the title that this product is made for people with small hands. With a maximum cutting capacity of 2cm, this one is also suitable for smaller twigs and fragile foliage. The tool is remarkably well-built, with forged aluminium handles and hardened steel blade. In addition, it’s quite on the smaller side and lightweight for ease of use. Overall, the quality of the Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs is second to none. Perhaps the only negative is that they may not be the best choice for larger hands and in this case, the 104 Model may be a better choice. These 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.

The Okatsune 101 has an overall length of 180mm and is the most compact pruner of the 3 models, they are particularly suitable for a small hand. The blades of this razor-sharp pruner are forged from the finest Japanese steel (the same steel from which the Katana sword of the Samurai are made), and enable you to effortlessly cut through branches up to 25mm, such as shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and creepers. The A/M is designed for the medium to large handed gardener and my first impressions this would suit medium to heavy use.

Despite its low price, and as like the models above this secateur is made with the user in mind and from quality components. With anvil secateurs, the blade comes down and meets the anvil to create the cut. Think of a crushing action. The stainless steel handles mean they’re markedly resistant to rust. “I have been known to abandon my tools in the garden as I rush off to do something else, leaving them at the mercy of the elements,” explains Conran. They’re 20cm long, and are presented in a pretty eau de nil gift box.

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. Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused By ensuring you have a manufacturer’s warranty of at least one year, you’ll gain peace of mind and reassurance as you invest your hard-earned money in a quality set of secateurs. If you’re left-handed you probably already know that not all secateurs are suitable for left-handed people, some can be more difficult with the catches in less than ideal places, however, some models are specially designed for left-handed people such as the Felco Model 10 and maybe a better choice. Do you need rotating handles?The P961 is perfect for those who struggle with the aches and pains that pruning can cause with regular secateurs.

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. 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. 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.They really are the last pair of secateurs you should ever need to buy and with a lifetime warranty, they certainly offer value as well as quality when taking everything into consideration.

There is a good reason the handles are different colours. So they are easy to spot in low light & sunny conditions. Very clever! Don’t be fooled by the look of this secateurs simplicity. Often the best designs are of simplicity. These bypass secateurs are certainly is one of the best. One common problem we come across with models that have exposed springs is that the springs can get dislodged and fall out. Most standard-looking secateurs have these types of springs, including all Felco models, it’s not a bad thing but something to be aware of. You can buy spare springs for some models including Felco, but unfortunately, with some models, you cannot get spare springs so if you lose the spring, then they are only fit for the bin. This is usually true for the cheaper models where the springs are not as well-fitted. The thing you need to pay close attention to is what the blade is made blade. Some blades are made from quality hardened stainless steel and will last a lifetime, staying razor sharp even after lots of pruning. They can also be sharpened using a tungsten carbide blade or ceramic stone when needed and this should be done as soon as they start to feel less effective and take a little more effort to use. Look for hardened steel, most cheap secateurs often break at the blade. How your hand size effects which model to considerSimple, sharp and strong, with a direct action, resulting in a very clean, efficient cut. The big chunky catch at the bottom has a crisp action that’s easy to use, even with cold wet hands or muddy gloves, and the spring is well secured and never accidentally pops out. Red and white handles? Red shows up in daylight, white at night, for all you nocturnal gardeners. Standard size fits most, while the small model is great for those with smaller hands or as a second pair and for flowers in the house etc. Large size have longer handles giving you more leverage. Tips The blade has been grinded in two angles, so it will also smoothly cut through wood, and will not unnecessarily damage the plant. Due to the unique shape of the hollow ground blade the sap flows away from the blade, and the blades will not come apart. The V-shape of the spring ensures that the cutting load is distributed evenly over the length of the spring which guarantees a smooth closing.