Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Product Information

When it comes to purchasing new secateurs, it’s crucial to seek out models that come with a warranty lasting at least one year, rather than settling for the standard “30-day” warranty typically provided with inexpensive secateurs. Opting for anything less than a year could potentially lead to trouble. Search for best secateurs any where on the web and these are probably 3 names that will come up, Okatsune is one of them. Simple, 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

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 I tested each pair if secateurs in my garden, rating them on the quality of the blade, how easy they were to use and how comfortable the handle is to hold. Read on to see how they compared. If you’re interested in more gardening equipment, we also have guides to the best lawnmowers and best leaf blowers.The P961 is perfect for those who struggle with the aches and pains that pruning can cause with regular secateurs.

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 consider As a professional gardener, for over 20 years, I need a decent pair of bypass secateurs that will stay sharp and be able to withstand daily use without failing. 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 springsThe top mounted safety catch is great for when working up ladders etc as it can be operated with the cutting hand. Despite its low price, and as like the models above this secateur is made with the user in mind and from quality components.

Another thing to consider with pruners is where the catch is located. Safety catches can be located on the top or sides. It is really a matter of preference however top located catches can be easier to work with when up a ladder for example. These are perfect for beginners and avid gardeners but probably not the best choice for professionals or anyone who does lots of pruning regularly. If you tend to experience fatigue and aching hands from continuous pruning but don’t prune on a weekly basis, these secateurs are life-saving and probably the most affordable pair. The rotating handle is a brilliant feature on these winning secateurs, as it rotates with your hand as you cut, giving added comfort and a more natural squeezing action. It also offers added protection for your fingers against thorns and bristles. These pruners performed consistently in our tests, whether trimming fresh prunings or chopping through deadwood. The grip can also be adjusted using the safety catch, like our other joint winner.Cushioning: Some secateurs have soft and cushioned handles so they’re more comfortable to use over long periods. New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening). Bypass secateurs are for cutting living, green growth, for example live stems, branches and plant material . Anvil secateurs are used for cutting tough, old, dead wood. As you may expect from this German gardening tools manufacturer, the Gardena A/M is a well designed, functional and comfortable secateur.

Another innovative feature of the Davoen Pro Bypass Secateurs is the finger protection guard located on the lower handle which we think is brilliant and very useful, especially if you are pruning spiky plants. This protects your fingers and hands against painful scratches from thorns and rough branches whilst pruning. Additionally, you can use it to push branches out of the way when trimming into hidden places. 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. 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 difference being on bypass secateurs is the cutting blade passes the anvil to make the cut, a bit like similar to ordinary scissors, blades passing each other. 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.

With anvil secateurs, the blade comes down and meets the anvil to create the cut. Think of a crushing action.